Apparatus for manufacturing glass fiber and method for manufacturing glass fiber

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of glass fiber manufacturing device and glass fiber manufacturing method, can stably shape glass filament.The glass fiber manufacturing device (11) of the present application has: the feeder (12) of molten glass flow passage;And bushing (13), be arranged below feeder (12), with multiple nozzle (N) for molten glass outflow.Glass fiber manufacturing device (11) feeder (12) has bottom wall (W1) and the pair of side wall (W2) being arranged in the two sides of bottom wall (W1).The bottom wall (W1) of feeder (12) has the outflow portion (15) of molten glass flowing downwards.The outflow portion (15) of bottom wall (W1) has refractory wall (16) and the flow path (17) surrounded by refractory wall.The refractory wall (16) of outflow portion (15) has the division (16a) of refractory wall (16) into multiple refractory components (B) in plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing glass fiber and a method for manufacturing glass fiber. Background Technology

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, glass fibers can be manufactured using a manufacturing apparatus equipped with a feeder and a bushing. The feeder allows molten glass to flow through, and the bushing is positioned below the feeder and has multiple nozzles for the molten glass to flow out. In such a glass fiber manufacturing apparatus, multiple glass fibers can be formed by allowing molten glass to flow out from the nozzles of the bushing.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-091954 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The feeder of the aforementioned conventional glass fiber manufacturing apparatus has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls disposed on both sides of the bottom wall. The bottom wall of the feeder has an outlet section that allows molten glass to flow downwards. The outlet section has a refractory wall and a flow path surrounded by the refractory wall. When the refractory wall of such an outlet section comes into contact with the molten glass and heats up, it may sometimes crack due to thermal expansion. Therefore, the relatively small fragments generated by the cracking of the refractory wall of the outlet section may flow into the bushing, potentially causing instability in the formation of the glass fibers.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing glass fibers, which can stably form glass filaments.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] A glass fiber manufacturing apparatus for solving the aforementioned problems includes a feeder and a bushing; the feeder allows molten glass to flow through; the bushing is disposed below the feeder and has multiple nozzles for the molten glass to flow out; the feeder has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls disposed on both sides of the bottom wall; the bottom wall of the feeder has an outlet portion that allows the molten glass to flow downwards; the outlet portion has a refractory wall and a flow path surrounded by the refractory wall; the refractory wall has a dividing portion that, in plan view, divides the refractory wall into multiple refractory members. According to this configuration, when the refractory wall of the outlet portion thermally expands, the thermal stress of the refractory wall of the outlet portion can be released by the relative movement of the multiple refractory members constituting the outlet portion. In this way, cracking of the refractory wall of the outlet portion can be prevented.

[0011] The aforementioned glass fiber manufacturing apparatus can also be configured such that the periphery of the fire-resistant wall is composed of multiple frame portions including straight sections when viewed from above. According to this configuration, for example, a fire-resistant wall can be constructed using frame portions of simple shapes.

[0012] The aforementioned glass fiber manufacturing apparatus can also be configured such that at least one of the plurality of frame portions has a pair of the aforementioned dividing portions, which are adjacent to each other in a manner that makes them closer together as they move inward when viewed from above. According to this configuration, when the refractory wall of the outlet portion thermally expands, it is possible to suppress the relative movement of the refractory members between the pair of dividing portions towards the inward side of the outlet portion. In this way, for example, the problem of narrowing of the flow path in the outlet portion due to the relative movement of the refractory members between the pair of dividing portions can be avoided.

[0013] The aforementioned glass fiber manufacturing apparatus can also be configured such that at least one of the plurality of frame portions has a pair of the aforementioned dividing portions, which are adjacent to each other in a manner that makes them closer together towards the lower side when viewed from the side. According to this configuration, when the refractory wall of the outlet portion thermally expands, it is possible to suppress the relative movement of the refractory members between the pair of dividing portions towards the lower part of the outlet portion. In this way, it is possible to easily suppress the detachment of the refractory members between the pair of dividing portions.

[0014] The aforementioned glass fiber manufacturing apparatus can also be configured such that the shape of the pair of dividing portions is that each extends in a straight line, and the angle formed by the pair of dividing portions is within the range of 5° or more and 90° or less. When the angle formed by the pair of dividing portions in the refractory wall when viewed from above is 5° or more, it can further suppress the relative movement of the refractory members towards the inside of the outlet. When the angle formed by the pair of dividing portions in the refractory wall when viewed from the side is 5° or more, it can further suppress the relative movement of the refractory members downward. When the angle formed by the pair of dividing portions in the refractory wall when viewed from above and from the side is 90° or less, for example, it can facilitate the processing of the refractory material used to form the refractory wall.

[0015] The aforementioned glass fiber manufacturing apparatus can also be configured such that each of the plurality of frame portions has one or more of the aforementioned dividing portions. With this configuration, the thermal stress generated by the plurality of frame portions can be released evenly. This, in turn, can suppress the cracking of the refractory wall at the outlet portion.

[0016] The aforementioned glass fiber manufacturing apparatus can also be configured such that the refractory components of the aforementioned refractory wall include a pair of first refractory components and a second refractory component disposed between the pair of first refractory components. With this configuration, the thermal stress generated by the refractory wall can be easily released. This, in turn, can prevent the refractory wall at the outlet from cracking.

[0017] The aforementioned glass fiber manufacturing apparatus may also be configured such that the upper surface of the second refractory member protrudes upwards from the upper surfaces of the pair of first refractory members. In this manner, for example, the thermal stress of the refractory wall can be released by the upward relative movement of the second refractory member relative to the pair of first refractory members.

[0018] The aforementioned glass fiber manufacturing apparatus may further include a downstream flow path section that supplies the molten glass from the feeder to the bushing; the downstream flow path section has a downstream refractory wall and a downstream flow path surrounded by the downstream refractory wall; the downstream refractory wall has a downstream segmentation section that, in plan view, divides the downstream refractory wall into a plurality of downstream refractory members. According to this configuration, when the downstream refractory wall of the downstream flow path section thermally expands, the thermal stress of the downstream refractory wall of the downstream flow path section can be released by the relative movement of the plurality of downstream refractory members constituting the downstream flow path section. In this way, cracking of the downstream refractory wall can be suppressed.

[0019] A method for manufacturing glass fiber that solves the above-mentioned problems includes a forming step of forming multiple glass filaments using a glass fiber manufacturing apparatus; the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus includes a feeder and a bushing; the feeder allows molten glass to flow through; the bushing is disposed below the feeder and has multiple nozzles for the molten glass to flow out; the feeder has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls disposed on both sides of the bottom wall; the bottom wall of the feeder has an outlet portion that allows the molten glass to flow downwards; the outlet portion has a refractory wall and a flow path surrounded by the refractory wall; the refractory wall has a dividing portion that, when viewed from above, divides the refractory wall into multiple refractory components.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the present invention, glass filaments can be stably formed. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a glass fiber manufacturing apparatus.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing a glass fiber manufacturing apparatus.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the outlet section of the feeder.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the outlet section of the feeder.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the downstream flow path.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the outlet section of the feeder in a modified example.

[0029] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a glass fiber manufacturing apparatus, showing a modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following description outlines an embodiment of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus and method, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings for ease of explanation. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts may sometimes differ from the actual dimensions.

[0031] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 includes a feeder 12 for flowing molten glass MG and a bushing 13 disposed below the feeder 12. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 of this embodiment further includes a downstream flow path 14, which supplies molten glass MG from the feeder 12 to the bushing 13.

[0032] <Feeder 12>

[0033] The feeder 12 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 supplies molten glass MG produced by a glass furnace (not shown in the figure).

[0034] The feeder 12 has a bottom wall W1 and a pair of side walls W2 disposed on both sides of the bottom wall W1. The feeder 12 may also have an upper wall W3, which is configured to close the upper opening. The feeder 12 allows molten glass MG to flow along the Y-axis direction shown in the figure.

[0035] The feeder 12 is constructed of a refractory wall. Examples of refractory materials constituting the refractory wall include electroformed bricks and dense sintered bricks. Examples of electroformed bricks include zirconia-based electroformed bricks, alumina-based electroformed bricks, alumina-zirconia-alumina electroformed bricks, and alumina-zirconia-silica electroformed bricks. Examples of dense sintered bricks include dense zirconia bricks and dense chrome bricks.

[0036] The bottom wall W1 of the feeder 12 has an outlet 15, which allows molten glass MG to flow downwards. The outlet 15 has a refractory wall 16 and a flow path 17 surrounded by the refractory wall 16.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15 is composed of multiple frame portions F1. The periphery of each frame portion F1 includes a straight section when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15 is square-shaped and has four frame portions F1.

[0038] The fire-resistant wall 16 of the outlet section 15 has a dividing portion 16a, which, when viewed from above, divides the fire-resistant wall 16 into multiple fire-resistant components B. In this embodiment, the fire-resistant wall 16 of the outlet section 15 has four frame portions F1, each having one or more dividing portions 16a. Specifically, a pair of frame portions F1 extending along the X-axis direction each has one dividing portion 16a. A pair of frame portions F1 extending along the Y-axis direction each has three dividing portions 16a.

[0039] The fire-resistant member B of the fire-resistant wall 16 in the outlet section 15 includes a pair of first fire-resistant members B1 and two second fire-resistant members B2 disposed between the pair of first fire-resistant members B1. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, each of the pair of frame portions F1 extending along the Y-axis has two second fire-resistant components B2.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, two second fire-resistant members B2 are arranged between a pair of partitions 16a, each being adjacent to the other as they approach each other from the top. Preferably, the pair of partitions 16a extends in a straight line from the top. Preferably, the angle θ1 formed by the straight-lined partitions 16a from the top is between 5° and 90°. However, the pair of partitions 16a may also extend in a curved or stepped shape from the top. The partitions 16a between adjacent second fire-resistant members B2 extend parallel to the X-axis.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, two second fire-resistant members B2 are arranged between a pair of partitions 16a, each being adjacent to the other in a manner that they become closer together towards the lower side when viewed from the side. Preferably, the shape of the pair of partitions 16a in the side view is that each extends in a straight line. Preferably, the angle θ2 formed by the pair of straight-extending partitions 16a in the side view is within the range of 5° to 90°. However, the shape of the pair of partitions 16a in the side view can also be curved or stepped. The partitions 16a between two adjacent second fire-resistant members B2 extend parallel to the Z-axis.

[0042] The first refractory member B1 of the outlet section 15 of the feeder 12 is supported by the structure ST at the location of the glass fiber manufacturing device 11. The second refractory member B2 is supported by a pair of first refractory members B1. The flow path 17 of the outlet section 15 allows molten glass MG to flow down along the Z-axis direction shown in the figure.

[0043] The molten glass MG supplied by feeder 12 can be categorized as follows: E glass (glass with an alkali content of less than 2%), D glass (low permittivity glass), AR glass (alkali-resistant glass), C glass (acid-resistant glass), M glass (high elastic modulus glass), S glass (high-strength, high elastic modulus glass), T glass (high-strength, high elastic modulus glass), H glass (high permittivity glass), and NE glass (low permittivity glass). The density of the glass is, for example, 2.0–3.0 g / cm³. 3 .

[0044] <Blank 13>

[0045] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the bushing 13 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 has multiple nozzles N for molten glass MG to flow out. Glass fibers GF can be formed by the nozzles N of the bushing 13.

[0046] The bushing 13 includes a bushing body 13a for supplying molten glass MG and a base plate 13b disposed at the bottom of the bushing body 13a. The upper part of the bushing body 13a has a supply port that supplies molten glass MG from the feeder 12. Figure 3 As shown, bushing 13 is supported by support member S on structure ST at the location of glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11. Wherein, Figure 1 The supporting component S is omitted in the text.

[0047] The bushing body 13a may also have a screen to prevent impurities from accumulating on the base plate 13b, terminals for power supply, etc.

[0048] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the base plate 13b is provided with a plurality of nozzles N. The number of nozzle holes in the bushing 13 is preferably in the range of more than 100 and less than 10,000. The shape of the nozzle hole in each nozzle N of the bushing 13 can be, for example, a circular shape, a flat shape having a major axis and a minor axis, etc.

[0049] The materials for the bushing body 13a, the base plate 13b, and the nozzle N may include, for example, precious metals or precious metal alloys. Precious metals include gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, or osmium. From the viewpoint of improving durability, the materials for the bushing body 13a, the base plate 13b, and the nozzle N are preferably platinum or platinum alloys. Platinum alloys may include, for example, platinum-rhodium alloys.

[0050] <Downstream Side Flow Section 14>

[0051] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the downstream flow path 14 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 has a downstream refractory wall 18 and a downstream flow path 19 surrounded by the downstream refractory wall 18.

[0052] The downstream refractory wall 18 has a downstream dividing portion 18a, which, when viewed from above, divides the downstream refractory wall 18 into a plurality of downstream refractory components C. The downstream refractory wall 18 may be constructed of refractory material. Examples of refractory materials constituting the downstream refractory wall 18 include those exemplified in the description of the feeder 12 described above.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the downstream refractory wall 18 of the downstream flow path section 14 is composed of multiple frame sections F2. The periphery of each frame section F2 includes a straight section when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the downstream refractory wall 18 of the downstream flow path section 14 is quadrangular and has four frame sections F2. Each pair of frame sections F2 extending along the Y-axis has one downstream dividing section 18a.

[0054] The downstream flow path 19 of the downstream flow path section 14 is connected to the flow path 17 of the outlet section 15. The downstream flow path 19 of the downstream flow path section 14 allows molten glass MG to flow down along the Z-axis direction shown in the figure, thereby supplying molten glass MG to the bushing 13. Preferably, the dimensions of the flow path 17 of the outlet section 15 in plan view are the same as the dimensions of the downstream flow path 19 of the downstream flow path section 14 in plan view.

[0055] <Components other than those mentioned above>

[0056] The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 includes a coater and a bundler (not shown in the diagram). The coater applies a liquid bundling agent to multiple glass filaments GF drawn from the bushing 13. The bundler bundles the multiple glass filaments GF coated with the bundling agent. By bundling the multiple glass filaments GF by the bundler, glass strands are obtained. The glass strands are wound by a winding device to obtain a filament cake with the glass strands wound on it.

[0057] <Methods for manufacturing glass fiber>

[0058] Next, the manufacturing method of glass fiber and the main function of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 will be explained.

[0059] The glass fiber manufacturing method includes a forming step, in which glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 is used to form glass filaments GF. In the forming step, molten glass MG is supplied from feeder 12 to bushing 13. The flow path of molten glass MG from feeder 12 to bushing 13 and the interior of bushing body 13a of bushing 13 are filled with molten glass MG. In the forming step, the molten glass MG supplied by bushing 13 flows out from nozzle N of bushing 13, thereby forming glass filaments GF.

[0060] The bottom wall W1 of the feeder 12 in the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 has an outlet 15, which allows molten glass MG to flow downwards. The outlet 15 has a refractory wall 16 and a flow path 17 surrounded by the refractory wall 16; the refractory wall 16 has a dividing portion 16a, which divides the refractory wall 16 into multiple refractory members B when viewed from above. According to this configuration, when the refractory wall 16 of the outlet 15 thermally expands, the thermal stress of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet 15 can be released by the relative movement of the multiple refractory members B constituting the outlet 15. In this way, the cracking of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet 15 can be prevented.

[0061] For example Figure 4 As shown, in the outflow portion 15 of the feeder 12 in this embodiment, at least one of the frame portions F1 has a pair of dividing portions 16a, which are adjacent to each other in a manner that gets closer towards the inside when viewed from above. At this time, when the refractory wall 16 of the outflow portion 15 thermally expands, the relative movement of the second refractory member B2 between the pair of dividing portions 16a towards the inside of the outflow portion 15 can be suppressed. In this way, for example, the problem of narrowing of the flow path 17 of the outflow portion 15 due to the second refractory member B2 between the pair of dividing portions 16a can be avoided. In the outflow portion 15 of this embodiment, the side of the second refractory member B2 located between the pair of first refractory members B1 can also protrude laterally than the side of the pair of first refractory members B1.

[0062] For example Figure 5 As shown, in the discharge section 15 of the feeder 12 in this embodiment, at least one of the frame sections F1 has a pair of dividing sections 16a, which are adjacent to each other in a manner that gets closer towards the lower side when viewed from the side. At this time, when the refractory wall 16 of the discharge section 15 thermally expands, it can suppress the relative movement of the second refractory member B2 between the pair of dividing sections 16a towards the lower part of the discharge section 15. In this way, the detachment of the second refractory member B2 between the pair of dividing sections 16a can be easily suppressed. In the discharge section 15 of this embodiment, the upper surface of the second refractory member B2 located between the pair of first refractory members B1 can also protrude upwards from the upper surface of the pair of first refractory members B1.

[0063] Glass strands are obtained by bundling the glass filaments (GF) obtained in the above forming steps. Glass strands can be used, for example, as chopped strands cut to specific lengths. Furthermore, glass strands can be used as abrasive fibers, rovings, yarns, mats, fabrics, tapes, or weaves. Applications of glass strands include, for example, automotive applications, electronic materials applications, building materials applications, civil engineering applications, aircraft-related applications, shipbuilding applications, logistics applications, industrial machinery applications, and everyday consumer goods applications.

[0064] <Functions and Effects>

[0065] Next, the function and effects of the implementation method will be explained.

[0066] (1) The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 includes a feeder 12 and a bushing 13, wherein the feeder 12 allows molten glass MG to flow through; the bushing 13 is disposed below the feeder 12 and has a plurality of nozzles N for the molten glass MG to flow out. The feeder 12 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 has a bottom wall W1 and a pair of side walls W2 disposed on both sides of the bottom wall W1. The bottom wall W1 of the feeder 12 has an outlet 15, which allows the molten glass MG to flow downward. The outlet 15 of the feeder 12 has a refractory wall 16 and a flow path 17 surrounded by the refractory wall 16. The refractory wall 16 of the outlet 15 has a dividing portion 16a, which, when viewed from above, divides the refractory wall 16 into a plurality of refractory components B.

[0067] According to this configuration, when the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15 thermally expands, the thermal stress of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15 can be released by the relative movement of the plurality of refractory members B constituting the outlet section 15. In this way, the cracking of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15 can be suppressed. Therefore, glass fiber GF can be stably formed.

[0068] (2) The periphery of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15 in the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 is composed of a plurality of frame sections F1 including straight sections when viewed from above. At this time, for example, the refractory wall 16 can be constructed with frame sections F1 of simple shape.

[0069] (3) In the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11, two of the frame portions F1 of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet portion 15 have a pair of dividing portions 16a, which are adjacent to each other in a manner that they become closer together as they move inward when viewed from above. In this case, as described above, the problem of narrowing of the flow path 17 of the outlet portion 15 due to the second refractory member B2 between the pair of dividing portions 16a can be avoided, for example.

[0070] (4) In the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11, two of the frame portions F1 of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet portion 15 have a pair of dividing portions 16a, which are adjacent to each other in a manner that they become closer together as they move downwards when viewed from the side. At this time, as described above, it is possible to easily suppress the detachment of the second refractory member B2 between the pair of dividing portions 16a. Therefore, since the support portion that supports the second refractory member B2 between the pair of dividing portions 16a can be omitted, for example, the structure of the feeder 12 can be further simplified.

[0071] (5) Preferably, the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 is configured such that the shape of the pair of dividing portions 16a is such that each extends in a straight line, and the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the pair of dividing portions 16a are in the range of 5° or more and 90° or less. When the angle θ1 formed by the pair of dividing portions 16a in the top view of the refractory wall 16 is 5° or more, the relative movement of the second refractory member B2 toward the inside of the outlet portion 15 can be suppressed. When the angle θ2 formed by the pair of dividing portions 16a in the side view of the refractory wall 16 is 5° or more, the relative movement of the second refractory member B2 downward can be suppressed. When the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the pair of dividing portions 16a in the top and side views of the refractory wall 16 are 90° or less, the processing of the refractory material used to form the refractory wall 16 is made easier.

[0072] (6) In the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11, each of the four frame portions F1 in the refractory wall 16 of the outlet portion 15 has one or more dividing portions 16a. At this time, the thermal stress generated by the four frame portions F1 can be released evenly. In this way, the cracking of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet portion 15 can be suppressed. Therefore, the glass fiber GF can be formed more stably.

[0073] (7) The refractory member B of the refractory wall 16 in the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 includes a pair of first refractory members B1 and a second refractory member B2 disposed between the pair of first refractory members B1. At this time, the thermal stress generated by the refractory wall 16 can be easily released. In this way, the cracking of the refractory wall 16 of the outlet 15 can be suppressed. Therefore, the glass fiber GF can be formed more stably.

[0074] (8) The upper surface of the second refractory member B2 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 protrudes upwards from the upper surface of the pair of first refractory members B1. In this way, for example, the thermal stress of the refractory wall 16 can be released by moving the second refractory member B2 upwards relative to the pair of first refractory members B1.

[0075] (9) The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 further includes a downstream flow path 14, which supplies molten glass MG from the feeder 12 to the bushing 13. The downstream flow path 14 has a downstream refractory wall 18 and a downstream flow path 19 surrounded by the downstream refractory wall 18. The downstream refractory wall 18 has a downstream dividing portion 18a, which divides the downstream refractory wall 18 into a plurality of downstream refractory members C in plan view. At this time, when the downstream refractory wall 18 of the downstream flow path 14 thermally expands, the thermal stress of the downstream refractory wall 18 of the downstream flow path 14 can be released by the relative movement of the plurality of downstream refractory members C constituting the downstream flow path 14. In this way, the cracking of the downstream refractory wall 18 can be suppressed. Therefore, glass fiber GF can be formed more stably.

[0076] (Example of Change)

[0077] The above-described embodiments can also be modified as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0078] In the outlet section 15 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11, the thickness of the second refractory member B2 may be the same as or different from the thickness of the pair of first refractory members B1. For example, the thickness of the second refractory member B2 may be less than the thickness of the pair of first refractory members B1. In this case, the upper surface of the pair of first refractory members B1 may protrude upwards from the upper surface of the second refractory member B2, or it may be disposed on the same plane as the upper surface of the second refractory member B2.

[0079] In the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11, the number of refractory members B constituting the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15 can be 9 or more, or a plurality of 7 or less. For example Figure 7 As shown, the fire-resistant wall 16 of the outlet section 15 can also be composed of two fire-resistant components B.

[0080] It can also be changed to, for example Figure 7 As shown, in the frame portion F1 of the fire-resistant wall 16 of the outflow portion 15, there is a dividing portion 16a on one frame portion F1.

[0081] The frame portion F1 in the fire-resistant wall 16 of the outlet portion 15 has a pair of dividing portions 16a. The pair of dividing portions 16a are adjacent to each other in a manner that they are closer together towards the inside when viewed from above, and closer together towards the bottom when viewed from the side. The extending direction of the pair of dividing portions 16a adjacent in this manner can also be appropriately changed. For example, the frame portion F1 in the fire-resistant wall 16 of the outlet portion 15 may also have a pair of dividing portions that extend parallel to each other when viewed from above or from the side.

[0082] • The fire-resistant wall 16 of the outlet section 15 may not be composed of the above-mentioned multiple frame sections F1, for example, it may be composed of a cylindrical section.

[0083] In the fire-resistant wall 16 of the outlet section 15, the number of frame sections F1 can be, for example, 3 or more. Even in such a fire-resistant wall 16, it is still preferable that each of the multiple frame sections F1 has one or more dividing sections 16a. In this way, the effects and functions described in column (6) above can be obtained.

[0084] The downstream refractory wall 18 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 can also be modified like the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15. For example, although the downstream refractory wall 18 is divided into two downstream refractory members C, it can also be divided into three or more downstream refractory members C. In this case, like the refractory wall 16 of the outlet section 15, each of the multiple frame sections F2 can also have one or more downstream dividing sections 18a.

[0085] • The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 may also have a structure in which multiple downstream flow paths 14 are stacked.

[0086] • The downstream flow path 14 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 may also be omitted. For example, the bushing 13 may be connected to the outlet 15 of the feeder 12 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11. In addition, the outlet 15 of the feeder 12 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 and the bushing 13 may also be connected by a flow path member other than the downstream flow path 14.

[0087] In the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 of the above embodiment, the outlet 15 of the feeder 12, viewed from above, is configured such that the long side direction of the outlet 15 is along the flow direction of the molten glass MG in the feeder 12 (the Y-axis direction in the figure), but is not limited thereto. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the outlet portion 15 of the feeder 12 can also be configured such that the long side of the outlet portion 15 is perpendicular to the flow direction of the molten glass MG in the feeder 12 (X-axis direction in the figure). With such an arrangement of the outlet portion 15, the direction of the bushing 13 and the downstream flow path portion 14 can be changed.

[0088] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0089] 11. Equipment for manufacturing glass fiber

[0090] 12 Feeders

[0091] 13 Bushing

[0092] 14 Downstream side flow path

[0093] 15 Outflow part

[0094] 16 Fire-resistant wall

[0095] 16a Segment

[0096] 17 flow path

[0097] 18 Downstream side fire-resistant wall

[0098] 18a Downstream side segment

[0099] 19 Downstream side flow path

[0100] B. Fire-resistant components

[0101] B1 First fire-resistant component

[0102] B2 Second fire-resistant component

[0103] C Downstream side fire-resistant components

[0104] F1 and F2 frames

[0105] GF glass fiber

[0106] MG fused glass

[0107] N nozzle

[0108] W1 bottom wall

[0109] W2 sidewall

[0110] Angles θ1 and θ2

Claims

1. A glass fiber manufacturing apparatus, comprising a feeder and a bushing, The feeder allows the molten glass to flow. The bushing is positioned below the feeder and has multiple nozzles for the molten glass to flow out. The feeder has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls disposed on both sides of the bottom wall. The bottom wall of the feeder has an outlet section that allows the molten glass to flow downwards. The outflow section has a fire-resistant wall and a flow path surrounded by the fire-resistant wall. The fire-resistant wall has a segmentation portion that, when viewed from above, divides the fire-resistant wall into multiple fire-resistant components. The fire-resistant components of the fire-resistant wall include a pair of first fire-resistant components and a second fire-resistant component disposed between the pair of first fire-resistant components. The second fire-resistant component is positioned between a pair of adjacent segments that are closer together as they move inward when viewed from above.

2. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The periphery of the fire-resistant wall is composed of multiple frame sections, including straight sections when viewed from above.

3. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein, At least one of the plurality of frames has a pair of segments that are adjacent to each other in a manner that, when viewed from above, become closer together towards the inside.

4. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, At least one of the plurality of frame portions has a pair of said dividing portions that are adjacent to each other in a manner that they become closer together as they move downwards when viewed from the side.

5. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The shape of the pair of segments is that each extends in a straight line, and the angle formed by the pair of segments is within the range of 5° to 90°.

6. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of frame portions has one or more of the aforementioned segmentation portions.

7. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the second refractory member protrudes upwards compared to the upper surface of the pair of first refractory members.

8. The apparatus for manufacturing glass fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein, Furthermore, it includes a downstream flow path that supplies the molten glass from the feeder to the bushing. The downstream flow path section has a downstream refractory wall and a downstream flow path surrounded by the downstream refractory wall. The downstream fire-resistant wall has a downstream dividing section, which, when viewed from above, divides the downstream fire-resistant wall into multiple downstream fire-resistant components.

9. A method for manufacturing glass fiber, comprising a forming step of forming multiple glass filaments using a glass fiber manufacturing apparatus. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus includes a feeder and a bushing. The feeder allows the molten glass to flow. The bushing is positioned below the feeder and has multiple nozzles for the molten glass to flow out. The feeder has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls disposed on both sides of the bottom wall. The bottom wall of the feeder has an outlet section that allows the molten glass to flow downwards. The outflow section has a fire-resistant wall and a flow path surrounded by the fire-resistant wall. The fire-resistant wall has a segmentation portion that, when viewed from above, divides the fire-resistant wall into multiple fire-resistant components. The fire-resistant components of the fire-resistant wall include a pair of first fire-resistant components and a second fire-resistant component disposed between the pair of first fire-resistant components. The second fire-resistant component is positioned between a pair of adjacent segments that are closer together as they move inward when viewed from above.

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