Heater, glass article manufacturing apparatus, and glass article manufacturing method

Abstract

A heater has: a heat-generating member that radiates heat rays when a power source is turned on and is electrically conductive; and a cylindrical member made of metal that houses the heat-generating member, the heat-generating member is made of a material containing 80% by mass or more of carbon, the cylindrical member is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum, and no insulating material is disposed between the heat-generating member and the cylindrical member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to heaters, apparatus for manufacturing glass articles, and methods for manufacturing glass articles. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, heaters were used as heat sources in molten furnaces that melt metals such as aluminum.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a heater in which a coil-shaped heating element and an insulating powder material are introduced into a ceramic protective tube. Patent Document 2 describes a heater in which a coil-shaped resistive element and a heat-resistant material are introduced into a metal sheath. Patent Document 3 describes an electrical device that supplies heat to molten glass by energizing a platinum annular tube.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-124477

[0005] Patent Document 2: US Patent No. 4,319,127

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 59-19893

[0007] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-529087

[0008] However, the existing heaters described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are designed for use primarily by immersion in molten metals such as aluminum, making it difficult to heat the heater to temperatures above 1200°C. Patent Document 4 discloses a heater comprising a rod-shaped heating element supported by a ceramic disc housed within a ceramic tube. However, this heater also struggles to heat to temperatures above 1200°C. Patent Document 3 describes a heater designed for immersion in molten glass, but requires a large current to be supplied, resulting in the need for a large-scale power supply system. Representative voltage-current values ​​are described as 5-6V and 5000A. Therefore, there remains a strong need for heaters capable of heating to higher temperatures without requiring a large-scale power supply system with a current exceeding 1000A. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the following background, and the object of the present invention is to provide a heater capable of heating to 1200°C or higher without requiring a large-scale power supply. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing glass articles equipped with such a heater, and a method for manufacturing glass articles using such a heater.

[0010] This invention provides a heater having:

[0011] A conductive heating element that emits heat rays when the power is turned on; and

[0012] A cylindrical metal component housing the aforementioned heating element.

[0013] The aforementioned heating element is made of a material containing more than 80% by mass of carbon.

[0014] The aforementioned cylindrical component is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum.

[0015] No insulating material is placed between the heating element and the cylindrical component.

[0016] In addition, the present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing glass articles, which includes:

[0017] The molten portion of the glass is formed by melting the glass raw material to create molten glass; and

[0018] The forming section that forms the shaped glass from the aforementioned molten glass.

[0019] The manufacturing apparatus described above may further optionally include a conveying section that connects the molten section to the molding section.

[0020] A heater is provided in at least one of the portions between the aforementioned melting section and the aforementioned forming section, excluding the forming section.

[0021] The above-mentioned heater has:

[0022] A conductive heating element that emits heat rays when the power is turned on; and

[0023] A cylindrical metal component housing the aforementioned heating element.

[0024] The aforementioned heating element is made of a material containing more than 80% by mass of carbon.

[0025] The aforementioned cylindrical component is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum.

[0026] No insulating material is placed between the heating element and the cylindrical component.

[0027] In addition, the present invention provides a manufacturing method for glass articles, which includes:

[0028] The melting process that melts glass raw materials to form molten glass; and

[0029] The forming process of shaping the molten glass described above to form glass articles.

[0030] In the process between the above-mentioned melting process and the above-mentioned forming process, excluding the forming process, the molten glass comes into contact with the heater.

[0031] The above-mentioned heater has:

[0032] A conductive heating element that emits heat rays when the power is turned on; and

[0033] A cylindrical metal component housing the aforementioned heating element.

[0034] The aforementioned heating element is made of a material containing more than 80% by mass of carbon.

[0035] The aforementioned cylindrical component is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum.

[0036] No insulating material is placed between the heating element and the cylindrical component.

[0037] This invention provides a heater capable of raising the temperature to over 1200°C without requiring a large-scale power supply. Furthermore, this invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing glass articles equipped with such a heater, as well as a method for manufacturing glass articles using such a heater. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-section along the central axis of a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic representation of what is applied to. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the heating element of the heater shown.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-section along the central axis of another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic representation of what is applied to. Figure 3 A perspective view of an example of the heating element of the heater shown.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-section along the central axis of another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic representation of what is applied to. Figure 5 A perspective view of an example of the heating element of the heater shown.

[0044] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a glass article according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, a heater is provided, comprising:

[0048] A conductive heating element that emits heat rays when the power is turned on; and

[0049] A cylindrical metal component housing the aforementioned heating element.

[0050] The aforementioned heating element is made of a material containing more than 80% by mass of carbon.

[0051] The aforementioned cylindrical component is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum.

[0052] No insulating material is placed between the heating element and the cylindrical component.

[0053] As mentioned above, there are issues regarding the use of existing heaters at high temperatures above 1200°C.

[0054] To address this problem, the inventors of this application have repeatedly and carefully studied the heater. As a result, the inventors of this application have discovered that instead of the existing method of transferring heat from the heating element inside the heater to the cylindrical component (outer tube) in contact with the outside (the object being heated) through heat conduction, the cylindrical component can be heated to a higher temperature by using radiation.

[0055] Here, when heating the cylindrical component using radiation, it is assumed that the absence of any substance other than gas between the heating element and the cylindrical component is effective. However, in this case, especially when using a heater at high temperatures (i.e., if the component being used becomes hot), the heating element may deform, potentially causing it to come into contact with the cylindrical component. If the cylindrical component is made of metal, such contact causes the supplied current to flow to the lower-resistance cylindrical component, thus preventing the temperature of the heating element from rising.

[0056] In addition, to address this issue, an insulating material was considered to be placed between the heating element and the cylindrical component. However, if an insulating material is placed between the heating element and the cylindrical component, the heat rays from the heating element are blocked by the insulating material, making it difficult to heat the cylindrical component itself by radiation.

[0057] In contrast, in a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating element is made of a material containing more than 80% carbon (C) (hereinafter, such a material is also referred to as "a material mainly composed of carbon (C)").

[0058] Such a heating element exhibits excellent rigidity even under high-temperature operating conditions. Therefore, in a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of deformation of the heating element can be intentionally suppressed even under high-temperature operating conditions. Furthermore, as a result, even if an insulating material is not placed between the heating element and the cylindrical component, problems such as contact between the heating element and the cylindrical component can be intentionally suppressed.

[0059] Heating components can also be made of graphite or carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite (CC composite).

[0060] Based on these features, in a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, heat rays emitted from the heating element can be effectively radiated toward the cylindrical component. Furthermore, even when the heater reaches a high temperature, contact between the heating element and the cylindrical component can be intentionally avoided.

[0061] Therefore, in the heater of one embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical component can be heated to a high temperature of 1200°C or higher relatively easily.

[0062] Furthermore, in the heater of one embodiment of the present invention, the heating element is configured in various shapes, thereby increasing the resistance value of the heating element to a desired value. Therefore, in the heater of one embodiment of the present invention, a high-voltage, low-current power supply device can be used instead of the conventional low-voltage, high-current, large-scale power supply device, thereby enabling the overall miniaturization of the device system for heating the object being heated.

[0063] (A heater according to one embodiment of the present invention)

[0064] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a structural example of a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0065] Figure 1 An example illustrating the construction of a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A cross-section of a heater along its central axis is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, for the heating element 120 described later, a schematic unfolded view is shown instead of a cross-sectional view for ease of understanding of the current flow.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, a heater (hereinafter referred to as "first heater") 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a generally rod-shaped form that extends in a straight line from the first heater end 102A to the second heater end 102B.

[0067] The first heater end 102A is closed by the first cover member 170A, and the second heater end 102B is closed by the second cover member 170B. Therefore, an internal space 110 isolated from the outside is formed inside the first heater 100.

[0068] The internal space 110 is designed to be a non-oxidizing gas environment to suppress oxidation of the components housed within it. For example, the internal space 110 may be filled with an inert gas such as argon.

[0069] The first heater 100 has a heating element 120 and a cylindrical element 130.

[0070] The heating element 120 is housed within the internal space 110. On the other hand, the cylindrical component 130, together with the aforementioned first cover component 170A and second cover component 170B, divides the internal space 110 of the first heater 100, and protects the components housed within the internal space 110. The cylindrical component 130 is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum.

[0071] The heating element 120 functions as a heating body that generates heat when electricity is applied. The heating element 120 is made of a material primarily composed of carbon (C). One end of the heating element 120 is electrically connected to a first wire 180A. The other end of the heating element 120 is electrically connected to a second wire 180B.

[0072] The heating element 120 is held by the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B in a manner that does not contact the cylindrical element 130.

[0073] The first conductor 180A is led out of the interior space 110 through the first opening 172A of the first cover member 170A. Similarly, the second conductor 180B is led out of the interior space 110 through the second opening 172B of the second cover member 170B. To prevent the first conductor 180A from contacting the first cover member 170A, a first insulating member 175A is installed in the first opening 172A of the first cover member 170A. Similarly, to prevent the second conductor 180B from contacting the second cover member 170B, a second insulating member 175B is installed in the second opening 172B of the second cover member 170B.

[0074] Furthermore, carbon-based materials have relatively high electrical conductivity. Therefore, to increase the resistance of the heating element 120, the heating element 120 may not be a simple rod shape, but rather, for example... Figure 1 The heating element 120 has a cylindrical shape with periodic or non-periodic slits, as shown. The periodic slits can be arranged along the long side of the heating element 120, or they can be arranged circumferentially. Alternatively, the heating element 120 can also be spiral-shaped, etc.

[0075] Next, the operation of the first heater 100 having such a structure will be explained.

[0076] When using the first heater 100, the first heater 100 is installed in or near the object being heated. In addition, current is supplied to the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B using a power supply device (not shown).

[0077] By supplying an electric current, the heating element 120, which is connected to the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B, is resistively heated. In addition, heat rays are emitted from the heating element 120.

[0078] Heat rays emitted from the heating element 120 are irradiated onto the cylindrical component 130. As a result, the temperature of the cylindrical component 130 rises. Furthermore, this temperature rise heats the object being heated that is in contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical component 130.

[0079] In this way, the object to be heated can be heated using the first heater 100.

[0080] In the first heater 100, the heating element 120 is made of a material mainly composed of carbon (C). Therefore, even at high temperatures, the heating element 120 is not easily deformed, and electrical contact between the heating element 120 and the cylindrical component 130 can be intentionally prevented.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first heater 100, heat rays generated from the heating element 120 can be effectively irradiated onto the cylindrical component 130 via radiation. As a result, the heat collection efficiency of the cylindrical component 130 is improved, thereby enabling the object to be heated to a higher temperature. For example, in the first heater 100, the cylindrical component 130 can be stably heated to 1200°C or higher, such as 1400°C or higher, or 1500°C or higher.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first heater 100, when power is supplied to the heating element 120, large-scale devices are not required, enabling the miniaturization of the device system for heating the object being heated.

[0083] (Components of the first heater 100)

[0084] Next, the constituent components of a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail. Furthermore, for clarity, the first heater 100 will be used as an example to describe each constituent component. Therefore, when referring to each component, the term "constituent" will be used. Figure 1 The accompanying figure labels are shown.

[0085] (First heater 100)

[0086] There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the first heater 100. The first heater 100 may also have a generally cylindrical or generally prismatic shape, for example. In addition, the cross section of the first heater 100 perpendicular to the direction of its long side (the direction of the central axis) may also be generally circular, generally elliptical, generally triangular, generally quadrilateral (including trapezoidal), or other polygonal.

[0087] In the following description, as an example, it is assumed that the cross-section of the first heater 100 is approximately circular.

[0088] In addition, for clarity, such as Figure 1 As shown, for convenience, the first heater 100 is divided into three parts along the long side, namely the first part 104, the second part 105, and the third part 106.

[0089] When the front end of the first heater end 102A of the first heater 100 is set to a distance of 0 (zero), the first part 104 represents the area from point 0 to a position that has moved a predetermined distance (X1) toward the second heater end 102B.

[0090] Furthermore, the second portion 105 represents the area from the moment at distance X1 to the position where it has moved a predetermined distance (X2) toward the end of the second heater 102B. Therefore, the length of the second portion 105 is X2-X1.

[0091] Furthermore, the third portion 106 represents the region from the moment at distance X2 to the end 102B of the second heater. Therefore, the length of the third portion 106 is L-X2. Here, L is the total length of the first heater 100 (more precisely, from the outer surface of the first cover member 170A to the outer surface of the second cover member 170B). (Refer to...) Figure 1 ).

[0092] Here, the second part 105 includes the portion where the temperature rises the most during the use of the first heater 100. Under normal circumstances, the first heater 100 reaches its highest temperature approximately at the center of the second part 105, that is, at a position L / 2 (=X1+(X2-X1) / 2=X1 / 2+X2 / 2) from point 0.

[0093] In contrast, the first portion 104 and the third portion 106 include sections where the temperature hardly rises during the use of the first heater 100. That is, under normal circumstances, during the use of the first heater 100, the temperature of the first portion 104 tends to be highest at position X1 and gradually decrease towards position 0. The same temperature change tendency occurs even in the third portion 106.

[0094] In the first heater 100, the lengths of the first part 104 (X1), the second part 105 (X2-X1), and the third part 106 (L-X2) vary depending on the total length L of the first heater 100 and its specifications.

[0095] Furthermore, in this application, for convenience, the area near the connection between the heating element 120 and the first wire 180A is defined as the boundary between the first portion 104 and the second portion 105, and the area near the connection between the heating element 120 and the second wire 180B is defined as the boundary between the second portion 105 and the third portion 106. However, it should be noted that this division is just a simple example, and the boundaries of each portion can also be determined by other references.

[0096] (Components constituting the first heater 100)

[0097] Next, the components constituting the first heater 100 will be described in detail.

[0098] (Internal space 110, first cover component 170A and second cover component 170B)

[0099] The internal space 110, which houses various components, preferably has a low oxygen partial pressure.

[0100] Therefore, the internal space 110 can also be filled with a non-oxidizing gas such as a reducing gas and / or an inert gas. Hydrogen can be used as a reducing gas, and argon, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, and nitrogen can be used as inert gases.

[0101] In addition to or on this basis, the internal space 110 can also be adjusted to approximately atmospheric pressure while the first heater 100 is in use.

[0102] To achieve such a non-oxidizing environment and / or an atmospheric pressure environment during use, at least one of the first cover component 170A and the second cover component 170B may be provided with one or more openings communicating with the internal space 110. Gas can be filled into or discharged from the internal space 110 through these openings.

[0103] The structure of the first cover component 170A and the second cover component 170B is not particularly limited as long as it can properly maintain the environment of the internal space 110. Therefore, the description related to the first cover component 170A and the second cover component 170B is omitted here.

[0104] (Heating component 120, first lead wire 180A and second lead wire 180B)

[0105] The heating element 120 is made of a material mainly composed of carbon (C).

[0106] The heating element 120 may also be made of graphite or carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite material, for example.

[0107] It should be noted here that as long as the heating element 120 is made of a material mainly composed of carbon (C), it does not need to be made of the same material and / or the same shape throughout its entire length.

[0108] That is, the heating element 120 may also have multiple materials and / or multiple shapes along its entire length. For example, the heating element 120 may also be configured to have a first material in a first region, a second material in a second region, ... and an nth material in an nth region. Here, n is an integer greater than 2.

[0109] Alternatively, the heating element 120 can be configured to have a first form in the first region, a second form in the second region, and so on, up to an nth form in the nth region. Here, n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. When the heating element 120 has multiple regions, temperature variations can be intentionally generated throughout its entire length. For example, if a material with higher resistance than that in the second region is used in the first region, the temperature in the first region can be higher than that in the second region even when the current applied to the heating element 120 is the same. Similarly, if a form with a higher resistance per unit length than that in the second region is used in the first region, the temperature in the first region can also be higher than that in the second region. When the heating element 120 is used in the first heater 100, the temperature can reach 1500°C or higher, or 1600°C or higher.

[0110] There are no particular limitations on the form of the heating element 120. For example, the heating element 120 may be, as described above, a cylindrical or spiral shape with periodic or non-periodic slits. Alternatively, the heating element 120 may have a combination of these.

[0111] When the heating element 120 has a slit, such a slit can also be configured along the long side or circumferential direction of the heating element 120.

[0112] Figure 2 An example of the form of the heating element 120 is schematically shown.

[0113] like Figure 2 As shown, the heating element 120 has a cylindrical shape with multiple slits. Some slits are formed along the axial direction, and other slits are formed along the circumferential direction.

[0114] Furthermore, if Figure 2 When the heating element 120 shown is unfolded, it becomes the aforementioned... Figure 1 To represent that form symbolically.

[0115] The resistance between the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B at room temperature of the heating element 120 is preferably 0.01Ω or more, more preferably 0.1Ω or more. In the temperature range of 1000°C or higher, the resistance between the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B is preferably 0.01Ω or more, more preferably 0.1Ω or more, more preferably 0.5Ω or more, and even more preferably 1.0Ω or more.

[0116] In addition, Figure 1 In the example shown, the two ends of the heating element 120 are connected to the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B, respectively. However, this is not necessarily a necessary structure, and the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B can be omitted. For example, the two ends of the heating element 120 can also be led directly to the outside of the first heater 100.

[0117] On the other hand, the first conductor 180A and the second conductor 180B are preferably formed of components with a lower resistivity than the heating element 120 (e.g., copper). In this case, the temperature rise of the first heater end 102A and the second heater end 102B can be suppressed.

[0118] The dimensions of the heating element 120 vary depending on the specifications of the first heater 100. As an example, if the heating element 120 is cylindrical, the outer diameter of the cylinder can be in the range of 10 mm to 200 mm.

[0119] (Cylindrical component 130)

[0120] The cylindrical component 130 is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium and molybdenum.

[0121] Here, the cylindrical component 130 does not have to be made of a single material; the cylindrical component 130 can also be made by combining two or more materials.

[0122] Alternatively, an oxidation-resistant coating 134 may be applied to all or part of the first portion 104 and / or the third portion 106 of the cylindrical component 130. Such a structure is particularly preferred when the cylindrical component 130 is made of a metal such as molybdenum or iridium.

[0123] Typically, molybdenum exhibits significantly reduced oxidation resistance at temperatures above approximately 500°C, and iridium also shows a significant reduction in oxidation resistance at temperatures above approximately 900°C. Therefore, depending on the operating environment of the first heater 100, atmospheric oxidation may occur in the portions of the cylindrical component 130 that are exposed to the atmosphere, specifically the first portion 104 and / or the third portion 106.

[0124] However, with coating 134 in place, such atmospheric oxidation can be suppressed.

[0125] Furthermore, the portion of the cylindrical component 130 corresponding to the second portion 105 comes into contact with the heated object other than the atmosphere during the use of the first heater 100, thus reducing concerns about atmospheric oxidation. Therefore, there is less need to apply a coating 134 to this area.

[0126] The coating 134 may also be a heat-resistant alloy such as MCrAlY (M is at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Fe), a silicide such as MoSi2, platinum, glass, or ceramic.

[0127] The two front ends of the cylindrical component 130 are preferably shaped such that they are connected to the flanges of the first cover component 170A and the second cover component 170B, for example, having Figure 1The flange portions 139A and 139B are shown as shown. By connecting the flange portions 139A and 139B to the flanges of the first cover member 170A and the second cover member 170B respectively, the internal space 110 can be properly sealed.

[0128] An O-ring or metal washer made of heat-resistant rubber may also be provided between the flange portion 139A (and 139B) and the cover portion 170A (and 170B).

[0129] The thickness of the cylindrical component 130 can, for example, be in the range of 0.3 mm to 10 mm.

[0130] In addition, the maximum value (maximum distance) of the gap between the cylindrical component 130 and the heating component is, for example, in the range of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0131] (First insulating component 175A, Second insulating component 175B)

[0132] The first insulating component 175A is made of insulating material. In addition, the first insulating component 175A also needs to properly seal the gap between the opening 172A of the first cover component 170A and the first conductor 180A.

[0133] Insulating components with such sealing function are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0134] The second insulating component 175B is the same.

[0135] also, Figure 1 The structures of the first insulating component 175A and the second insulating component 175B shown are merely simple examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these structures are not particularly limited, provided that the first conductor 180A and the second conductor 180B can be properly removed to the outside.

[0136] (Another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention)

[0137] Next, refer to Figure 3 An example of the structure of another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0138] Figure 3 This schematically illustrates an example of the construction of another heater (hereinafter referred to as "the second heater") according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] like Figure 3 As shown, the second heater 200 has the same structure as the first heater 100 described above. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the text, components identical to the first heater 100 are labeled with their corresponding information. Figure 1 The figure reference numerals used are obtained by adding 100 to them.

[0140] In the second heater 200, instead of directly connecting the first wire 280A to the heating element 220, a conductive heat-resistant material 290A is sandwiched between them. Similarly, instead of directly connecting the second wire 280B to the heating element 220, a conductive heat-resistant material 290B is sandwiched between them.

[0141] In the first conductor 280A and the second conductor 280B, the joint portion where it connects to the heating element 220 and the vicinity therein tend to experience a rise in temperature. However, by sandwiching a conductive heat-resistant material 290A between the heating element 220 and the first conductor 280A, the temperature rise of the first conductor 280A can be intentionally suppressed. Similarly, by sandwiching a conductive heat-resistant material 290B between the heating element 220 and the second conductor 280B, the temperature rise of the second conductor 280B can be intentionally suppressed.

[0142] The heating element 220 is held in a manner that does not contact the cylindrical element 230 by a conductive heat-resistant material 290A connected to the first wire 280A and a conductive heat-resistant material 290B connected to the second wire 280B.

[0143] As mentioned above, the heating element 220 is made of a material mainly composed of carbon (C). Therefore, even if the heating element 220 becomes hot during the use of the second heater 200, the heating element 220 is not easily deformed, thereby intentionally preventing electrical contact between the heating element 220 and the cylindrical component 230.

[0144] On the other hand, the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B are not limited to materials mainly composed of carbon (C).

[0145] Therefore, if the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B reach high temperatures during the use of the second heater 200, there is a possibility that the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B will deform.

[0146] To avoid this problem, an electrically insulating component can be sandwiched between the conductive heat-resistant material 290A and the cylindrical component 230 in the second heater 200. This reliably suppresses electrical contact between the conductive heat-resistant material 290A and the cylindrical component 230. Similarly, an electrically insulating component can also be sandwiched between the conductive heat-resistant material 290B and the cylindrical component 230.

[0147] Such electrically insulating components can be made of materials such as alumina, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, yttrium oxide, cerium oxide, beryllium oxide, zirconium silicate, silicon dioxide, mullite, or aluminum nitride. Alternatively, electrically insulating components can be made of sapphire (monocrystalline alumina), transparent polycrystalline alumina, aluminum nitride, yttrium oxide, spinel, zirconium oxide, yttrium aluminum garnet, or magnesium oxide. Alternatively, electrically insulating components can also be made of quartz glass or borosilicate glass.

[0148] Furthermore, in the second heater 200, the heating element 220 is in the same form as... Figure 1 The heating element 120 of the first heater 100 shown is different. However, this is not necessary. For example, the heating element 220 of the second heater 200 can also be used. Figure 2 The heating element 120 is shown in the figure.

[0149] Figure 4 An example schematically illustrating the form of the heating element 220.

[0150] like Figure 4 As shown, the heating element 220 has a cylindrical shape with multiple slits. Some slits are formed along the axial direction, and other slits are formed along the circumferential direction.

[0151] Furthermore, if Figure 4 When the heating element 220 shown is unfolded, it becomes the aforementioned... Figure 3 The text schematically represents that form.

[0152] (Components of the second heater 200)

[0153] The specifications of most of the components included in the second heater 200 can be found in the foregoing description. Therefore, the characteristics of the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B included in the second heater 200 will be described in detail here.

[0154] (Conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B)

[0155] The conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B can also be made of carbon (C)-based materials, such as graphite or carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites, which have a lower resistance than the heating element 220.

[0156] Alternatively, the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B may also be composed of, for example, platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, molybdenum, and their alloys. Alternatively, the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B may also be composed of stainless steel and nickel-based alloys.

[0157] The conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B can be rod-shaped, tubular, or plate-shaped, and can also have fins to improve heat dissipation.

[0158] It should be noted here that the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B do not need to be made of the same material and / or the same shape throughout their entire length.

[0159] That is, the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B can also be distributed along the entire length and have multiple materials and / or multiple shapes.

[0160] (Another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention)

[0161] Next, refer to Figure 5 A structural example of another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0162] Figure 5 This schematically illustrates an example of the construction of yet another heater (hereinafter referred to as "the third heater") according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] like Figure 5 As shown, the third heater 300 has the same structure as the first heater 100 described above. Therefore, in Figure 5 In the text, components identical to the first heater 100 are labeled with their corresponding information. Figure 1 The figure reference numerals used are obtained by adding 200 to them.

[0164] In the third heater 300, the main difference is that the construction of the second heater end 302B is different from that of the second heater end 102B of the first heater 100.

[0165] That is, in the third heater 300, a metal tube with one end closed is used as the cylindrical component 330. As a result, in the third heater 300, the components provided at the end 102B of the second heater of the first heater 100 are omitted, specifically the second cover component 170B and the second insulating component 175B are omitted.

[0166] In the third heater 300, the second wire 380B needs to be removed from the side of the first heater end 302A to the outside.

[0167] Therefore, the heating element 320 is configured such that both ends are guided to the same side.

[0168] For example, if the heating element 320 is spiral-shaped, one end may pass inside the spiral and be guided to the same side as the other ends. Alternatively, the heating element 320 may be constructed in a double spiral shape with both ends guided to the same side.

[0169] Figure 6 An example schematically illustrating the form of the heating element 320.

[0170] like Figure 6 As shown, the heating element 320 has a cylindrical shape with multiple slits. Some slits are formed along the axial direction, and other slits are formed along the circumferential direction.

[0171] Furthermore, if Figure 6 When the heating element 320 shown is unfolded, it becomes the aforementioned... Figure 5 To suggest that form.

[0172] Additionally, the first heater end 302A of the third heater 300 uses a cover member 370.

[0173] The cover component 370 is provided with a first opening 372A for removing the first wire 380A to the outside and a second opening 372B for removing the second wire 380B to the outside. Furthermore, a first insulating member 375A is inserted into the first opening 372A of the cover component 370, and the first wire 380A passes through the first insulating member 375A and is led to the outside. Similarly, a second insulating member 375B is inserted into the second opening 372B, and the second wire 380B passes through the second insulating member 375B and is led to the outside.

[0174] Even in this third heater 300, the aforementioned effects can obviously be achieved. That is, even in the third heater 300, the heat rays generated from the heating element 320 can be effectively irradiated onto the cylindrical element 330 by radiation. As a result, the heat collection efficiency in the cylindrical element 330 is increased, and the cylindrical element 330 can be heated to a higher temperature.

[0175] In addition, when power is supplied to the heating element 320, large-scale devices are not required, enabling the miniaturization of the device system for heating the object being heated.

[0176] for Figure 5 As shown, a heater with a wire gathered at one end can bring the end of the second heater into contact with the object being heated. Therefore, such a heater can also be used as a heat source that is simply immersed in a melting furnace to melt the material. Alternatively, a heat source that is inserted through one wall of the melting furnace to the opposite wall can also be used.

[0177] On the other hand, the aforementioned structure of the first heater 100 and the second heater 200, with the wires protruding at the ends of the two heaters, can utilize a heat source of the type that is inserted through the furnace wall of one side of the melting furnace to the furnace wall of the opposite side.

[0178] The structure and features of a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above with reference to the first heater 100 to the third heater 300. However, it should be noted that this is merely a simple example, and those skilled in the art can assume the structures of various heaters by referring to the above description.

[0179] For example, in Figure 5 The third heater 300 shown can also be used Figure 3 The conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B are shown. Additionally, in... Figure 5 In the third heater 300 shown, an electrically insulating component may also be disposed between such a conductive heat-resistant material and the cylindrical component 330. Furthermore, various forms of heaters can be assumed as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] (An apparatus for manufacturing glass articles according to one embodiment of the present invention)

[0181] Next, refer to Figure 7 The structure of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0182] Figure 7 Here is a brief example of the structure of a glass article manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "first manufacturing apparatus") 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] like Figure 7 As shown, the first manufacturing apparatus 500 includes: a melting section 510, a conveying section 520, a forming section 530, a connecting section 540, and a slow cooling section 550.

[0184] The melting section 510 is the region where the glass raw material G1 is melted to form molten glass G2.

[0185] The melting section 510 has a melting furnace 511 that divides the melting chamber 511a. In addition, although not shown, one or more burners may be provided on the upper part of the melting chamber 511a.

[0186] The transport section 520 is the area that transports the molten glass G2 formed in the melting section 510 to the forming section 530.

[0187] The forming section 530 is the area where the molten glass G2 transported from the conveying section 520 is formed into a strip-shaped glass strip G3.

[0188] The forming section 530 includes a forming furnace 531. The forming furnace 531 has a forming chamber 531a for forming molten glass G2 inside. In addition, the forming furnace 531 has a float bath 535 and a top 537 disposed above the float bath 535. A plurality of top heaters 539 are provided on the top 537.

[0189] The float glass tank 535 contains molten metal M. Molten metal M is, for example, molten tin. In addition to molten tin, molten tin alloys can also be used.

[0190] To suppress the oxidation of the molten metal M, the forming chamber 531a is filled with a reducing gas. The reducing gas is, for example, a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen.

[0191] In the float glass tank 535, the molten glass G2 supplied to the molten metal M is formed into a strip-shaped glass strip G3 by utilizing the liquid surface of the molten metal M.

[0192] The glass strip G3 gradually solidifies as it flows from upstream to downstream of the float glass tank 535, and is lifted from the molten metal M at the downstream end of the float glass tank 535.

[0193] The top heaters 539 are spaced apart along the flow direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the flow direction of the glass ribbon G3. Furthermore, the top heaters 539 are also spaced apart in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0194] The connecting portion 540 is the area that connects the forming portion 530 and the slow cooling portion 550. The connecting portion 540 includes a connecting furnace 541, an intermediate heater 542, and a lifting roller 543.

[0195] The connecting furnace 541 has a connecting chamber 541a inside which the glass conveyor belt G3 is transported, and a plurality of intermediate heaters 542 are provided in the connecting chamber 541a.

[0196] Intermediate heaters 542 are spaced apart along the flow direction of the glass belt G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution of the glass belt G3 in the transport direction. Alternatively, the intermediate heaters 542 can also be divided in the width direction of the glass belt G3 to adjust the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass belt G3.

[0197] The lifting roller 543 is driven to rotate by a motor or the like, and has the function of lifting the glass strip G3 formed in the forming section 530 and transporting it toward the slow cooling section 550.

[0198] The slow cooling section 550 is the area where the glass strip G3 transported from the connecting section 540 is slow cooled.

[0199] The slow cooling section 550 includes a slow cooling furnace 551, which forms a slow cooling chamber 551a for slowly cooling the glass ribbon G3. Multiple slow cooling heaters 552 and multiple slow cooling rollers 553 are arranged in the slow cooling chamber 551a. The temperature in the slow cooling chamber 551a gradually decreases from the inlet of the slow cooling furnace 551 towards the outlet of the slow cooling furnace 551.

[0200] The slow-cooling heaters 552 are spaced apart along the transport direction of the glass belt G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the transport direction of the glass belt G3. The slow-cooling heaters 552 can also be divided in the width direction of the glass belt G3 to adjust the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass belt G3.

[0201] The slow cooling rollers 553 are driven to rotate by a motor or the like, and transport the glass belt G3 from the inlet of the slow cooling furnace 551 toward the outlet of the slow cooling furnace 551. The slow cooling rollers 553 are spaced apart along the transport direction of the glass belt G3.

[0202] Here, in the first manufacturing apparatus 500, a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in the melting section 510.

[0203] For example, in Figure 7 In the example shown, a heater 580 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in the melting furnace 511. Furthermore, Figure 7 The heater 580 is shown in a simplified form, without depicting wires, etc.

[0204] The heater 580 is arranged horizontally through the melting furnace 511. The heater 580 could also be, for example, a... Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 The first heater 100 and the second heater 200 are shown as shown.

[0205] Alternatively, heater 580 could also be... Figure 5 The third heater 300 is shown as shown. In this case, the heater 580 can be configured to be inserted longitudinally from the floor below the melting furnace or from the top of the melting furnace with one end exposed in the molten glass G2, or it can be configured to be inserted horizontally from one side of the furnace wall.

[0206] In addition, Figure 7 Although not explicitly stated, multiple heaters 580 are typically provided. For example, the multiple heaters 580 may be provided at intervals at the same height level as the melting furnace 511. Alternatively, or based on this, the multiple heaters 580 may be provided at a different height level than the melting furnace 511. Next, the operation of the first manufacturing apparatus 500 with such a structure will be described.

[0207] First, glass raw material G1 is supplied to the melting section 510. Glass raw material G1 is then supplied to the melting chamber 511a of the melting furnace 511.

[0208] Glass raw material G1 is melted by heat from heater 580 to form molten glass G2.

[0209] Here, heater 580 uses a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, a large-scale power supply device is not required in the melting section 510, and the melting section can be miniaturized. In addition, the heater 580 can, for example, melt the glass raw material G1 and heat the molten glass G2 to a high temperature of over 1500°C.

[0210] Next, the molten glass G2 from the melting section 510 is supplied to the forming section 530 via the conveying section 520.

[0211] The molten glass G2 supplied to the forming section 530 moves continuously on the molten metal M. As a result, a sheet-like glass strip G3 is formed from the molten glass G2. Furthermore, the glass strip G3 gradually solidifies while flowing from upstream to downstream of the float glass tank 535.

[0212] Next, the glass strip G3 is supplied to the slow cooling section 550 via the connecting part 540.

[0213] The slow cooling section 550 is configured such that the temperature gradually decreases from upstream to downstream of the slow cooling chamber 551a. Therefore, the temperature of the glass ribbon G3 gradually decreases during transport within the slow cooling chamber 551a.

[0214] Subsequently, if the temperature of the glass strip G3 drops to the specified temperature, the glass strip G3 is cut to the specified dimensions by the cutting machine.

[0215] Thus, glass items are manufactured.

[0216] The structure and operation of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above, taking the first manufacturing apparatus 500 as an example.

[0217] However, these are merely examples, and the glass article manufacturing apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention may have other structures as long as it is equipped with the heater of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0218] For example, in the first manufacturing apparatus 500, a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in the melting section 510.

[0219] However, based on this, or in addition, the heater of one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in the transport section 520.

[0220] Furthermore, in the first manufacturing apparatus 500, a region may be provided between the melting section 510 and the transport section 520, which may include additional components such as a clarifying furnace for degassing the bubbles contained in the molten glass G2 and / or a stirring furnace for homogenizing the molten glass G2. Moreover, a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in such a clarifying furnace and / or stirring furnace.

[0221] Alternatively, at least one of the conveying section 520 and the connecting section 540 may be omitted in the first manufacturing apparatus 500. In this case, the molten glass G2 formed in the melting section 510 may be directly discharged to the forming section 530, and / or the glass strip G3 formed in the forming section 530 may be directly conveyed to the slow cooling section 550.

[0222] In addition, those skilled in the art can also assume various changes.

[0223] (A method for manufacturing a glass article according to one embodiment of the present invention)

[0224] Next, refer to Figure 8 A method for manufacturing a glass article according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0225] like Figure 8 As shown, a method for manufacturing a glass article according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the first manufacturing method") comprises:

[0226] The melting process (process S110) involves melting glass raw materials to form molten glass.

[0227] The forming process (process S120) for forming the molten glass described above, and

[0228] The slow cooling process (process S130) involves the slow cooling of the formed glass.

[0229] The slow cooling process is not a necessary step in the first manufacturing method and can be omitted.

[0230] The following is a description of each process.

[0231] (Process S110)

[0232] First, the glass raw material is fed into the melting furnace, where it is melted.

[0233] The melting furnace may also have a structure similar to the melting furnace 511 of the first manufacturing apparatus 500 mentioned above.

[0234] A heater according to one embodiment of the present invention can also be installed in the melting furnace. In this case, the glass raw material is heated by the heater according to one embodiment of the present invention to become molten glass.

[0235] There are no particular limitations on the glass raw materials. It should be noted, however, that when the heater of one embodiment of the present invention is installed in the melting furnace, the molten glass obtained by melting the glass raw materials can be heated to a high temperature, for example, exceeding 1500°C. That is, high-melting-point glass raw materials can also be used in the first manufacturing method.

[0236] The molten glass, which has been melted in the melting furnace, is then transferred to the forming furnace.

[0237] During transport, molten glass can also be discharged from the melting furnace to a transport section, from which it is supplied to the forming furnace. Alternatively, other devices, such as a refining furnace (hereinafter referred to as "additional devices"), can be installed between the melting furnace and the transport section. Or, molten glass can be supplied directly from the melting furnace to the forming furnace.

[0238] When molten glass is transported to a transport section before being fed to a forming furnace, a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in the transport section. Additionally, when molten glass is supplied to an additional device before being fed to a forming furnace, a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in the additional device.

[0239] That is, the heater in one embodiment of the present invention can also be located at any position from the melting furnace to the conveying section.

[0240] (Process S120)

[0241] Next, the molten glass that has been transferred to the forming furnace is shaped.

[0242] There are no particular restrictions on the forming method. For example, molten glass can also be formed using existing forming methods such as float glass, drop glass, roll glass, or melting glass.

[0243] In the case of forming molten glass using the float glass method, the aforementioned method can also be used. Figure 7 The forming section 530 of the first manufacturing apparatus 500 as shown. For example, molten glass may be fed to the float glass tank of the forming furnace, and the molten glass may be transported from upstream to downstream, thereby forming a glass ribbon.

[0244] (Process S130)

[0245] Then, if necessary, the shaped glass is slowly cooled to room temperature. Additionally, if necessary, the shaped glass is cut into a specified shape.

[0246] Through the above processes, shaped glass items can be manufactured.

[0247] Furthermore, in the first manufacturing method, the heater of one embodiment of the present invention may also be used in any process between the melting process (process S110) and the molding process (process S120) (excluding the molding process itself).

[0248] In the first manufacturing method, the molten glass is heated using a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, in the first manufacturing method, even if the temperature of the molten glass becomes a high temperature, for example, exceeding 1500°C, the molten glass can be heated stably.

[0249] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-230939, filed on December 20, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0250] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0251] 100...First heater; 102A...First heater end; 102B...Second heater end; 104...First part; 105...Second part; 106...Third part; 110...Internal space; 120...Heating element; 130...Cylindrical part; 134...Coating; 139A, 139B;Flange; 170A...First cover part; 170B...Second cover part; 172A...First opening; 172B...Second opening; 175A...First insulating part; 175B...Second insulating part; 180A...First wire; 180B...Second wire; 200...Second heater; 202A...First heater end; 202B...Second heater end; 204...First part; 205...Second part; 206...Third part; 210...Internal space; 220...Heating element; 230...Cylindrical part; 234...Coating; 239A, 239B;Flange; 270A...First cover part; 270B...Second cover part; 272A...First opening; 272B...Second opening; 275A...First insulating part; 275B...Second insulating part; 280A...First wire; 280B...Second wire; 290A...Conductive heat-resistant material; 290B...Conductive Heat-resistant material; 300... 3rd heater; 302A... 1st heater end; 302B... 2nd heater end; 304... 1st part; 305... 2nd part; 306... 3rd part; 310... internal space; 320... heating element; 330... cylindrical part; 334... coating; 339... flange; 370... cover part; 372A... 1st opening; 372B... 2nd opening; 375A... 1st insulating part; 375B... 2nd insulating part; 380A... 1st wire; 380B... 2nd wire; 500... 1st manufacturing apparatus; 510... melting section; 511 ...melting furnace; 511a...melting chamber; 520...transfer section; 530...forming section; 531...forming furnace; 531a...forming chamber; 535...float tank; 537...top; 539...top heater; 540...connecting section; 541...connecting furnace; 541a...connecting chamber; 542...intermediate heater; 543...lifting roller; 550...slow cooling section; 551...slow cooling furnace; 551a...slow cooling chamber; 552...slow cooling heater; 553...multiple slow cooling rollers; 580...heater; G1...glass raw material; G2...molten glass; G3...glass belt; M...molten metal.

Claims

1. A heater, characterized in that, have: A conductive heating element that emits heat rays when the power is turned on; and A cylindrical metal component housing the heating element. The heating element is made of a material containing more than 80% by mass of carbon. The cylindrical component is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum. No insulating material is disposed between the heating element and the cylindrical component. The internal space of the heater is filled with a gas composed of one or more of hydrogen, argon, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, and nitrogen. The outer diameter of the cylindrical component is 10mm to 200mm. The thickness of the cylindrical component is 0.3mm to 10mm. The maximum gap between the cylindrical component and the heating component is 0.5mm to 15mm. Furthermore, it has wires that are extended from the interior of the cylindrical component and electrically connected to the heating component. A conductive, heat-resistant material is disposed between the heating element and the wire. The conductive heat-resistant material is composed of platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, molybdenum and their alloys, or of stainless steel and nickel-based alloys.

2. The heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, An insulating component is disposed around the conductive heat-resistant material.

3. The heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater also has an opening that communicates with the internal space for filling and discharging gas.

4. A manufacturing apparatus for glass articles, characterized in that, have: The molten portion of the glass is formed by melting the glass raw material to create molten glass; and A forming section that forms shaped glass from the molten glass. The manufacturing apparatus may further optionally include a conveying section that connects the molten section to the forming section. A heater is provided at least at any of the portions between the molten portion and the forming portion, excluding the forming portion. The heater has: A conductive heating element that emits heat rays when the power is turned on; and A cylindrical metal component housing the heating element. The heating element is made of a material containing more than 80% by mass of carbon. The cylindrical component is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum. No insulating material is disposed between the heating element and the cylindrical component. The internal space of the heater is filled with a gas composed of one or more of hydrogen, argon, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, and nitrogen. The outer diameter of the cylindrical component is 10mm to 200mm. The thickness of the cylindrical component is 0.3mm to 10mm. The maximum gap between the cylindrical component and the heating component is 0.5mm to 15mm. Furthermore, it has wires that are extended from the interior of the cylindrical component and electrically connected to the heating component. A conductive, heat-resistant material is disposed between the heating element and the wire. The conductive heat-resistant material is composed of platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, molybdenum and their alloys, or of stainless steel and nickel-based alloys.

5. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heater is disposed on either or both of the melting section and the conveying section.

6. A manufacturing method for glass articles, characterized in that, have: The melting process that melts glass raw materials to form molten glass; and A molding process in which the molten glass is shaped to form a glass article. In the process between the melting process and the forming process, excluding the forming process, the molten glass comes into contact with the heater. The heater has: A conductive heating element that emits heat rays when the power is turned on; and A cylindrical metal component housing the heating element. The heating element is made of a material containing more than 80% by mass of carbon. The cylindrical component is made of one or more materials selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum. No insulating material is disposed between the heating element and the cylindrical component. The internal space of the heater is filled with a gas composed of one or more of hydrogen, argon, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, and nitrogen. The outer diameter of the cylindrical component is 10mm to 200mm. The thickness of the cylindrical component is 0.3mm to 10mm. The maximum gap between the cylindrical component and the heating component is 0.5mm to 15mm. Furthermore, it has wires that are extended from the interior of the cylindrical component and electrically connected to the heating component. A conductive, heat-resistant material is disposed between the heating element and the wire. The conductive heat-resistant material is composed of platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, molybdenum and their alloys, or of stainless steel and nickel-based alloys.

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