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

Abstract

In the present invention, a heater includes a heat generating member that radiates heat rays by being supplied with electric power, a cylindrical member made of metal that houses the heat generating member, and an intermediate member that is provided between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member, is made of an electrically insulating material, and is arranged and / or configured so as not to hinder light of a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm in the heat rays radiated from the heat generating member from reaching the cylindrical member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application No. PCT / JP2019 / 023748 (application No. 201980034071.4 in the P.R.C.) filed on June 14, 2019, for a heater, a manufacturing apparatus of a glass article, and a manufacturing method of a glass article. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a heater, a manufacturing apparatus of a glass article, and a manufacturing method of a glass article. BACKGROUND

[0003] According to the past, in a melting furnace in which a metal such as aluminum is melted, a heater is used as a heat source.

[0004] For example, in the cited document 1, a heater is described which is configured by introducing a coil-shaped heat generating body and an insulating powder material into a ceramic protection tube. In addition, in the cited document 2, a heater is described which is configured by introducing a coil-shaped resistor and a heat-resistant material into a metal sheath. Furthermore, in the cited document 3, an electric device is described which supplies heat to molten glass by passing an electric current through a platinum ring-shaped tube.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-124477

[0006] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent No. 4319127

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 59-19893

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-529087

[0009] However, the past heaters described in Patent Documents 1 to 2 are mainly designed to be used by being immersed in a solution of aluminum or the like, and it is difficult to heat the heater to a high temperature of 1200°C or more for use. In Patent Document 4, a heater is disclosed in which a rod-shaped heating member supported by a support ceramic disc is housed in a ceramic tube. However, this heater is also difficult to heat to a high temperature of 1200°C or more for use. In Patent Document 3, a heater is described which is designed to be used by being immersed in molten glass, but a large current needs to be passed through the heater, and as a result, there is a problem in that a large-scale power supply device is required. As a representative voltage-current, 5 to 6 V, 5000 A is described. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for a heater which can be heated to a higher temperature without requiring a large-scale power supply device which passes a large current of 1000 A or more. SUMMARY

[0010] The present application has been achieved in view of the above-described background, and in the present application, an object is to provide a heater capable of being heated to 1200°C or higher without requiring a large-scale power supply. In addition, in the present application, an object is to provide a glass article manufacturing apparatus including the above-described heater and a glass article manufacturing method using the above-described heater.

[0011] In the present application, a heater is provided,

[0012] The above-described heater has:

[0013] a heat generating member having electrical conductivity that radiates heat rays by being supplied with power;

[0014] a cylindrical member made of metal that houses the above-described heat generating member; and

[0015] an intermediate member that is provided between the above-described heat generating member and the above-described cylindrical member and is made of an electrically insulating material,

[0016] The above-described intermediate member is arranged and / or configured in such a manner that light having a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm in the above-described heat rays radiated from the above-described heat generating member reaches the above-described cylindrical member without being hindered.

[0017] In addition, in the present application, a manufacturing apparatus is provided, which is a glass article manufacturing apparatus,

[0018] The above-described glass article manufacturing apparatus has:

[0019] a melting section that melts a glass raw material to form a molten glass; and

[0020] a forming section that forms a shaped glass from the above-described molten glass,

[0021] and, optionally, a conveyance section that connects the above-described melting section and the above-described forming section,

[0022] a heater is provided at least at any one of the above-described melting section and the above-described forming section,

[0023] The above-described heater has:

[0024] a heat generating member having electrical conductivity that radiates heat rays by being supplied with power;

[0025] a cylindrical member made of metal that houses the above-described heat generating member; and

[0026] an intermediate member that is provided between the above-described heat generating member and the above-described cylindrical member and is made of an electrically insulating material,

[0027] The intermediate member is arranged and / or configured in a manner that does not hinder light of a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm in the heat rays radiated from the heat generating member from reaching the cylindrical member.

[0028] Also, in the present application, a manufacturing method is provided, which is a manufacturing method of a glass article,

[0029] The manufacturing method of a glass article has:

[0030] a melting step of melting a glass raw material to form a molten glass; and

[0031] a forming step of forming the molten glass into a glass article,

[0032] the molten glass is in contact with a heater during a process from the melting step to the forming step, except for the forming step,

[0033] the heater has:

[0034] a heat generating member that radiates heat rays by being supplied with electric power;

[0035] a cylindrical member made of metal that houses the heat generating member; and

[0036] an intermediate member that is provided between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member and is made of an electrically insulating material,

[0037] the intermediate member is arranged and / or configured in a manner that does not hinder light of a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm in the heat rays radiated from the heat generating member from reaching the cylindrical member.

[0038] In the present application, a heater that can be heated to 1200°C or higher without requiring a large-scale power supply device can be provided. Also, in the present application, a manufacturing device of a glass article that has such a heater, and a manufacturing method of a glass article that uses such a heater can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing one example of a cross section along a central axis of a heater according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing another example of a manner in which a heat generating member is utilized by a heater according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section at the S-S line of the heater shown in FIG. 8.

[0041] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing another example of a manner in which a heat generating member is utilized by a heater according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section along the central axis of another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section along the central axis of still another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the structure of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a method for producing a glass article according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

[0048] The heater has:

[0049] A conductive heating element that radiates heat rays when supplied with electricity;

[0050] a metal cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; and

[0051] The intermediate component is provided between the heat generating component and the cylindrical component and is made of an electrically insulating material.

[0052] The intermediate member prevents contact between the heat generating member and the tubular member when the heater is in use.

[0053] The intermediate member is arranged and / or configured so as not to prevent light with a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm from reaching the tubular member among the heat rays emitted from the heat generating component.

[0054] As described above, conventional heaters have problems with use at high temperatures of 1200° C. or higher.

[0055] To address this issue, the inventors of this application have conducted intensive research on heaters. As a result, they discovered that, instead of transferring heat from the heater's heating element to the tubular component (outer tube) in contact with the outside world (the heated object) through heat conduction, the tubular component can be heated to a higher temperature by radiating heat from the heater's heating element.

[0056] Here, in the case of heating the cylindrical member by radiation, it is considered effective to not have a substance other than gas present between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member. However, in this case, particularly in the use of a heater at high temperature (i.e., the use member becomes high temperature), the heat generating member deforms, and a problem can arise in which the heat generating member and the cylindrical member come into contact with each other. In the case where the cylindrical member is composed of metal, if the above-mentioned contact occurs, the supply current flows to the cylindrical member, which has a lower resistance, and the temperature of the heat generating member does not rise.

[0057] In addition, in order to address this problem, it is considered to provide an insulating material between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member. However, if an insulating material is provided between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member, the heat rays from the heat generating member are blocked by the insulating material, and the method itself of heating the cylindrical member by radiation becomes difficult.

[0058] In contrast to this, in the heater of one embodiment of the present application, an intermediate member is disposed between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member. The intermediate member is disposed and / or composed in a manner that does not hinder the emission of heat rays from the heat generating member to the cylindrical member.

[0059] In order to achieve the above-mentioned case, for example, as the intermediate member, a plurality of annular members can be disposed at intervals on the outer periphery side of the heat generating member. Alternatively, a single annular member can be composed in a manner that covers only a part of the outer periphery of the heat generating member.

[0060] In addition, the intermediate member can be composed of a material that has transmissivity with respect to heat rays emitted from the heat generating member, in addition to or differently from this. For example, it is known that sapphire has a high transmissivity (transmissivity of 80% or more in the case of a thickness of 1 mm) with respect to light in the range of wavelengths of 400 nm to 4000 nm. In addition, it is known that aluminum oxynitride also has a high transmissivity (transmissivity of 80% or more in the case of a thickness of 2 mm) with respect to light in the range of wavelengths of 400 nm to 4000 nm.

[0061] According to the structure of the above-mentioned features, in the heater of one embodiment of the present application, heat rays emitted from the heat generating member can be effectively emitted to the cylindrical member. In addition, even if the heater becomes high temperature, the contact between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member can be intentionally prevented due to the presence of the intermediate member.

[0062] Therefore, in a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is relatively easy to heat the tubular component to a temperature of 1200°C or higher. Furthermore, in a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, components with a material and shape having a high electrical resistance can be selected as the heat generating component. Furthermore, this makes it possible to use a high-voltage, low-current power supply instead of the conventional, large-scale, low-voltage, high-current power supply, thereby making the overall system for heating the object to be heated more compact.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate member is preferably arranged so as not to prevent at least light with a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm, for example, light with a wavelength of 1 μm to 4 μm, from reaching the tubular member among heat rays emitted from the heat generating component.

[0064] (Heater according to one embodiment of the present invention)

[0065] Next, a configuration example of a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0066] exist Figure 1 An example of the structure of a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. Figure 1 , a cross section along the central axis of the heater according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. However, for the sake of clarity, a heat generating component 120 described later is schematically shown in side view rather than in cross-sectional view.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, a heater (hereinafter referred to as a "first heater") 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a substantially rod-like shape extending linearly from a first heater end 102A to a second heater end 102B.

[0068] The first heater end portion 102A is closed by a first cover member 170A, and the second heater end portion 102B is closed by a second cover member 170B. Therefore, an internal space 110 isolated from the outside is formed inside the first heater 100.

[0069] In order to suppress oxidation of the components housed in the internal space 110 , the internal space 110 is set to a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. For example, the internal space 110 may be filled with an inert gas such as argon.

[0070] However, if the components housed in the internal space 110 (eg, heat-generating components described below) have oxidation resistance under the usage environment, it is not necessarily necessary to control the environment in the internal space 110. In this case, the cover members 170A or 170B may not be required.

[0071] The first heater 100 has a heating member 120, a cylindrical member 130, and an intermediate member 140.

[0072] The heating member 120 and the intermediate member 140 are housed in the internal space 110. On the other hand, the cylindrical member 130 is a member that divides the internal space 110 of the first heater 100 together with the first cover member 170A and the second cover member 170B, and protects the members housed in the internal space 110 by the cylindrical member 130. The cylindrical member 130 is composed of metal.

[0073] The heating member 120 functions as a heating body that generates heat by electric conduction. The heating member 120 is composed of a conductive material of metal. One end of the heating member 120 is electrically connected to the first lead wire 180A, and the other end is electrically connected to the second lead wire 180B.

[0074] The first lead wire 180A is led out to the outside of the internal space 110 from the first opening 172A provided in the first cover member 170A. Similarly, the second lead wire 180B is led out to the outside of the internal space 110 from the second opening 172B provided in the second cover member 170B. In order to prevent the first lead wire 180A from contacting the first cover member 170A, the first insulating member 175A is installed at the first opening 172A of the first cover member 170A. Similarly, in order to prevent the second lead wire 180B from contacting the second cover member 170B, the second insulating member 175B is installed at the second opening 172B of the second cover member 170B.

[0075] Here, for example, in the case where the first lead wire 180A and the heating member 120 are composed of the same material, and the like, in a specific case, sometimes the boundary of the first lead wire 180A and the heating member 120 becomes ambiguous. The same applies to the relationship between the second lead wire 180B and the heating member 120.

[0076] Therefore, in the present application, the first lead wire 180A or the second lead wire 180B is determined as a portion that is exposed to a temperature of 400°C or less in ordinary use. Thereby, it is possible to distinguish the heating member 120 from the first lead wire 180A or the second lead wire 180B.

[0077] Further, in Figure 1 In the example shown, the heating member 120 has a substantially coil-like shape in order to increase the amount of heat generated per unit area and to increase the resistance value. However, this is only one example, and the heating member 120 does not necessarily need to have a coil-like shape.

[0078] The intermediate member 140 is disposed between the cylindrical member 130 and the heating member 120. The intermediate member 140 is composed of an electrically insulating material.

[0079] InFigure 1 In the illustrated example, the intermediate member 140 has a substantially tubular structure that is open at both ends, and therefore the heat generating member 120 is introduced into the interior of the intermediate member 140. The intermediate member 140 is composed of a ceramic material that has a transmittance of 50% or more with respect to light having a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm.

[0080] The intermediate member 140 can also be composed of a ceramic material that has a transmittance of 50% or more with respect to light having a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm, or for example, light having a wavelength of 1 μm to 4 μm.

[0081] Next, the operation of the first heater 100 having the above-described structure will be described.

[0082] In use of the first heater 100, the first heater 100 is disposed in or near a heated object. In addition, a power supply device (not shown) is used to supply current to the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B.

[0083] By the supply of current, the heat generating member 120 connected to the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B is resistance heated. In addition, as a result, heat rays are radiated from the heat generating member 120. The heat rays have, for example, a wavelength (for example, 400 nm to 5 μm) ranging from the visible light region to the infrared region.

[0084] The heat rays radiated from the heat generating member 120 are first irradiated to the intermediate member 140.

[0085] Here, the intermediate member 140 is composed of a ceramic material that has a transmittance with respect to light having a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm, as described above. Therefore, at least a portion (a portion having a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm) of the heat rays can pass through the intermediate member 140.

[0086] Subsequently, the heat rays that have passed through the intermediate member 140 are irradiated to the tubular member 130. As a result, the temperature of the tubular member 130 rises. In addition, by this temperature rise, a heated object that is in contact with the outer surface of the tubular member 130 is heated.

[0087] In this way, the first heater 100 can be used to heat a heated object.

[0088] In the first heater 100, because of the presence of the intermediate member 140, even if the heat generating member 120 becomes high temperature in use, electrical contact between the heat generating member 120 and the tubular member 130 can be intentionally prevented.

[0089] In addition, in the first heater 100, heat rays generated from the heat generating member 120 can be efficiently radiated to the cylindrical member 130 in a radiative manner. As a result, the heat collection efficiency at the cylindrical member 130 is improved, and it is possible to heat the heated object to a higher temperature. For example, in the first heater 100, it is possible to stably raise the temperature of the cylindrical member 130 to 1200°C or higher, for example, 1400°C or higher or 1500°C or higher.

[0090] In addition, in the first heater 100, when the heat generating member 120 is energized, it is not necessary to use a large-scale device, and it is possible to use a device system for heating a heated object that is compact.

[0091] (Components of the first heater 100)

[0092] Next, each component included in the heater of one embodiment of the present application will be described in more detail. Here, each component will be described with the first heater 100 as an example in order to make the description more clear. Thus, when each component is described, the reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 are used. Figure 1

[0093] (First heater 100)

[0094] The shape of the first heater 100 is not particularly limited. The first heater 100 can have, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially prismatic shape. In addition, a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the direction of the central axis) of the first heater 100 can be substantially circular, substantially elliptical, substantially triangular, substantially quadrangular (including trapezoidal), or another polygonal shape.

[0095] In the following description, as one example, it is assumed that the cross section of the first heater 100 is substantially circular.

[0096] In addition, in order to make the description more clear, the first heater 100 is divided into three portions in the longitudinal direction, i.e., a first portion 104, a second portion 105, and a third portion 106, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0097] The first portion 104 indicates a region from a point at a distance of 0 (zero) from the leading end of the first heater end portion 102A to a position at a distance of X1 from the second heater end portion 102B.

[0098] In addition, the second portion 105 indicates a region from a point at a distance of X1 to a position at a distance of X2 from the second heater end portion 102B. Thus, the length of the second portion 105 is X2 - X1.

[0099] ​​Further, the third region 106 indicates a region from the point at the distance X2 to the second heater end portion 102B. Thus, the length of the third region 106 is L - X2. Here, L is the total length of the first heater 100 (to be exact, from the outer surface of the first cover member 170A to the outer surface of the second cover member 170B. Refer to FIG. 2). Figure 1

[0100] Here, the second region 105 includes a portion where the temperature rises the most in use of the first heater 100. In a typical case, the first heater 100 reaches the highest temperature at the approximate center of the second region 105, that is, at the position of L / 2 (= X1 + (X2 - X1) / 2 = X1 / 2 + X2 / 2) from the 0 point.

[0101] In contrast, the first region 104 and the third region 106 include portions where the temperature hardly rises in use of the first heater 100. That is, in a typical case, the temperature of the first region 104 shows a tendency to become the highest at the position of X1 and gradually decrease up to the position of the 0 point in use of the first heater 100. The same temperature change tendency occurs even in the third region 106.

[0102] In the first heater 100, the length (X1) of the first region 104, the length (X2 - X1) of the second region 105, and the length (L - X2) of the third region 106 vary depending on the total length L and the specifications of the first heater 100, and the like.

[0103] Further, in the present application, for the sake of convenience, the vicinity of the connection portion of the heat generating member 120 and the first lead wire 180A is determined as the boundary between the first region 104 and the second region 105, and the vicinity of the connection portion of the heat generating member 120 and the second lead wire 180B is determined as the boundary between the second region 105 and the third region 106. However, this division is only an example, and it is to be noted that the boundaries of the regions can be determined based on other criteria. For example, the both ends of the intermediate member 140 can be provided as the boundaries of the first region 104 and the second region 105, and the boundaries of the second region 105 and the third region 106, respectively.

[0104] (Components of the First Heater 100)

[0105] Next, the components of the first heater 100 will be described in detail.

[0106] Figure 2 An example of the cross section at the S-S line of the first heater 100 shown in FIG. 2 is schematically shown in FIG. 3. As described above, it is assumed that the cross section of the first heater 100 is substantially circular. Figure 1

[0107] In​​Figure 2 In the formula, W is the diameter of the first heater 100 (the outer diameter of the cylindrical member 130), D1 is the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 130, D2 is the outer diameter of the intermediate member 140, D3 is the inner diameter of the intermediate member 140, and D4 is the outer diameter of the heat generating member 120 (coil).

[0108] Hereinafter, when indicating the sectional dimensions of each member, the symbols shown in FIG. 6 are used. Figure 2

[0109] (Internal space 110, first cover member 170A, and second cover member 170B)

[0110] The internal space 110 in which various members are accommodated is preferably provided with a low oxygen partial pressure.

[0111] Accordingly, the internal space 110 can also be filled with a non-oxidizing gas such as a reducing gas and / or an inert gas. As the reducing gas, hydrogen can be used, and as the inert gas, one or more selected from argon, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, and nitrogen can be used.

[0112] In addition to or different from this, in the state of use of the first heater 100, the internal space 110 can also be adjusted to be approximately atmospheric pressure.

[0113] In order to realize such a non-oxidizing environment and / or an atmospheric pressure environment at the time of use, one or two or more openings that communicate with the internal space 110 can be provided to at least one of the first cover member 170A and the second cover member 170B. Via these openings, a gas can be filled into the internal space 110, or a gas can be discharged from the internal space 110.

[0114] The first cover member 170A and the second cover member 170B are not particularly limited in structure as long as they can appropriately maintain the environment of the internal space 110. Accordingly, here, the description related to the first cover member 170A and the second cover member 170B is omitted.

[0115] (Heat generating member 120, first lead wire 180A, and second lead wire 180B)

[0116] ​The heat generating member 120 is made of an electrically conductive material having heat resistance. The heat generating member 120 can be made of, for example, a material containing one or more selected from molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, niobium, iridium, platinum, and rhodium, specifically a metal such as molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, niobium, iridium, platinum, or rhodium, or an alloy containing at least one of these metals (hereinafter, the metal and the alloy will be collectively referred to as "metal"). In particular, the heat generating member 120 is preferably made of a metal resistant to a high temperature of 1800°C. Alternatively, a resistance heat generating member made of an intermetallic compound or a nonmetal such as molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), silicon carbide (SiC), lanthanum chromite (LaCrO3), or carbon (C) can be used.

[0117] Here, it is to be noted that the heat generating member 120 does not necessarily need to be made of the same material and / or the same shape throughout the entire length. That is, the heat generating member 120 can have a plurality of materials and / or a plurality of shapes along the entire length.

[0118] For example, the heat generating member 120 can be configured to have a first material in a first section, a second material in a second section, and an nth material in an nth section. Here, n is an integer of two or more. Alternatively, the heat generating member 120 can be configured to have a first shape in a first section, a second shape in a second section, and an nth shape in an nth section. Here, n is an integer of two or more.

[0119] In the case where the heat generating member 120 has the plurality of sections described above, it is possible to intentionally cause a temperature change throughout the entire length.

[0120] For example, in the first section, in the case where a material having a higher resistance than that of the second section is used, even in the case where the current value applied to the heat generating member 120 is the same, it is possible to make the temperature of the first section higher than that of the second section. Similarly, in the first section, even in the case where a shape having a higher resistance value per unit length than that of the second section is adopted, it is possible to make the temperature of the first section higher than that of the second section.

[0121] The temperature of the heat generating member 120 can be 1500°C or higher or 1600°C or higher at the time of use of the first heater 100.

[0122] The shape of the heat generating member 120 is not particularly limited. The heat generating member 120 can be made of, for example, a wire-shaped member in a coil shape as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the heat generating member 120 can be rod-shaped (non-hollow), plate-shaped, or tube-shaped (hollow), or the like. Alternatively, it can be a shape in which two or more selected from a coil-shaped portion, a rod-shaped portion, a plate-shaped portion, and a tube-shaped portion are arbitrarily combined. Alternatively, a plurality of heat generating members can be arranged, in which case the radius of the circumscribed circle of the bundle in which the plurality of heat generating members are enclosed can be set as the outer diameter D4 of the heat generating member. Figure 1 the heat generating member 120 can be rod-shaped (non-hollow), plate-shaped, or tube-shaped (hollow), or the like. Alternatively, it can be a shape in which two or more selected from a coil-shaped portion, a rod-shaped portion, a plate-shaped portion, and a tube-shaped portion are arbitrarily combined. Alternatively, a plurality of heat generating members can be arranged, in which case the radius of the circumscribed circle of the bundle in which the plurality of heat generating members are enclosed can be set as the outer diameter D4 of the heat generating member.

[0123] In addition, the heat generating member 120 can have a configuration as shown in Figure 3

[0124] In the example shown in Figure 3 , the heat generating member 120 has a structure in which a plurality of slits are provided in a hollow substantially cylindrical electrically conductive body in the direction in which the first heater 100 extends (the left-right direction in Figure 3 ).The slits are alternately provided in a first direction (for example, the left direction in Figure 3 ) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (for example, the right direction in Figure 3 ).

[0125] Further, in the case where the heat generating member 120 is coil-shaped, an insulating core member can be provided inside the heat generating member 120. By using the core member, the heat generating member 120 can be wound around the core member, and an appropriate coil shape can be formed. In addition, by providing the core member, deformation of the coil shape of the heat generating member 120 can be prevented.

[0126] The core member is composed of, for example, ceramic. As such ceramic, oxides, nitrides, and borides of Al element, Mg element, Zr element, Y element, Ce element, Be element, Si element, and the like can be listed. In addition, a compound in which one or more of the above oxides, the above nitrides, and the above borides are mixed can also be listed. For example, alumina, magnesia, zirconia, yttria, ceria, beryllia, zirconium silicate (zircon), silicon dioxide, mullite, boron nitride, aluminum nitride, and the like can be listed. In addition, it can also be composed of the same material as the material that constitutes the intermediate member 140 described later.

[0127] The core member is, for example, in the shape of a tube or a rod.

[0128] For the heat generating member 120, the electrical resistance between the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B at room temperature is preferably 0.01 Ω or more, and more preferably 0.1 Ω or more. The electrical resistance between the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B in a temperature region of 1000°C or more is preferably 0.1 Ω or more, more preferably 0.5 Ω or more, and more preferably 1 Ω or more, and further preferably 1.5 Ω or more.

[0129] Further, in the example shown in Figure 1 , the both ends of the heat generating member 120 are joined to the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B, respectively. However, the above is not necessarily the structure, and the first wire 180A and the second wire 180B can be omitted. For example, the both ends of the heat generating member 120 can be directly led to the outside of the first heater 100.

[0130] In addition, in the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B, there is a tendency that the temperature becomes high at the joint portion with the heat generating member 120 and in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, instead of directly joining the first lead wire 180A and the heat generating member 120, a heat resistant material having electrical conductivity can be interposed therebetween.

[0131] On the other hand, the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B themselves are preferably a member (for example, copper) having a lower resistivity than the heat generating member 120. In this case, the temperature rise of the first heater end portion 102A and the second heater end portion 102B can be suppressed.

[0132] The dimensions of the heat generating member 120 vary depending on the specifications of the first heater 100. If one example is described, in the case where the heat generating member 120 is in a coil shape, the outer diameter D4 of the coil can also be in the range of 10 mm to 100 mm.

[0133] (Cylindrical member 130)

[0134] The cylindrical member 130 is composed of a metal as described above. The cylindrical member 130 can also be composed of, for example, a material containing one or more selected from platinum, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum, specifically, platinum, tungsten, iridium, molybdenum, or an alloy of these, or the like. In the case where a platinum alloy is used as the cylindrical member 130, the alloy can contain at least one of platinum, ruthenium, iridium, gold, and rhodium.

[0135] Here, the cylindrical member 130 does not necessarily need to be composed of a single material, and the cylindrical member 130 can be composed of two or more materials in combination. For example, it can be configured such that a portion that becomes a higher temperature in the cylindrical member 130 (for example, the second portion 105) uses a metal having heat resistance as described above, and a portion that does not become a high temperature (for example, all or a part of the first portion 104 and the third portion 106) uses stainless steel or a nickel-based alloy, or the like. The cylindrical member 130 of this configuration can be formed by joining two materials by welding or brazing, for example.

[0136] In addition, an oxidation resistant coating 134 can be provided at all or a part of the first portion 104 and / or the third portion 106 of the cylindrical member 130. This configuration is particularly preferable when the cylindrical member 130 is composed of a metal such as molybdenum or iridium.

[0137] In general, molybdenum greatly decreases in oxidation resistance in a temperature region of about 500°C or higher, and iridium greatly decreases in oxidation resistance in a temperature region of about 900°C or higher. Therefore, depending on the use environment of the first heater 100, it is possible that atmospheric oxidation occurs at a portion exposed to the atmosphere in the first portion 104 and / or the third portion 106 of the cylindrical member 130.

[0138] However, in the case where the coating layer 134 is provided, it is possible to suppress such atmospheric oxidation.

[0139] Further, the portion of the cylindrical member 130 corresponding to the second portion 105 contacts a heated object other than the atmosphere in use of the first heater 100, and thus there is less concern of atmospheric oxidation. Therefore, in this region, it is not particularly necessary to provide the coating layer 134.

[0140] The coating layer 134 can be, for example, a heat-resistant alloy such as MCrAlY (M is at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, and Fe), a silicide such as MoSi2, platinum, glass, or ceramic.

[0141] The two front ends of the cylindrical member 130 are preferably shaped to be flange-connected to the first cover member 170A and the second cover member 170B, respectively, for example Figure 1 The flange portions 139A and 139B shown. By flange-connecting the above-described flange portions 139A and 139B to the first cover member 170A and the second cover member 170B, respectively, it is possible to appropriately seal the internal space 110.

[0142] It is also possible to provide an O-ring or a metallic gasket made of heat-resistant rubber between the flange portions 139A (and 139B) and the cover members 170A (and 170B).

[0143] The thickness of the cylindrical member 130 ((W - D1) / 2) can be, for example, in the range of 0.3 mm to 10 mm.

[0144] Further, the maximum value (maximum distance) of the gap between the cylindrical member 130 and the heat-generating member ((D1 - D4) / 2) is, for example, in the range of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 9 mm, and further preferably in the range of 1 mm to 6 mm.

[0145] (The intermediate member 140)

[0146] As described above, the intermediate member 140 is made of ceramic that is electrically insulating. Further, the intermediate member 140 is made of a material that efficiently transmits light having a wavelength in the range of at least 1 μm to 2 μm.

[0147] The transmittance of the intermediate member 140 with respect to light having a wavelength in the range of 1 μm to 2 μm is, for example, 50% or more, preferably 60% or more, more preferably 65% or more, and further preferably 70% or more.

[0148] As one material that satisfies the above-described characteristics, sapphire (single-crystal alumina), transparent polycrystalline alumina, aluminum oxynitride, yttrium oxide, spinel, zirconium oxide, yttrium aluminum garnet, magnesium oxide, or quartz, and the like can be listed.

[0149] Sapphire, aluminum oxynitride, or transparent polycrystalline aluminum oxide is particularly preferable.

[0150] The intermediate member 140 can also be formed of a tubular member that is open at both ends, for example.

[0151] The intermediate member 140 is provided throughout the second region 105. However, the front end of the intermediate member 140 can also extend into the first region 104 and / or the third region 106.

[0152] The intermediate member 140 can also be formed of a single member throughout the longitudinal direction, or can be formed by combining a plurality of members.

[0153] The thickness of the intermediate member 140, i.e., the dimension of (D2-D3) / 2 in the above equation, can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and is preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, for example. Figure 2 The thickness of the intermediate member 140, i.e., the dimension of (D2-D3) / 2 in the above equation, can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and is preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, for example.

[0154] In addition, the gap (D1-D4) / 2 between the tubular member 130 and the heat generating member 120 can be less than three times, and is preferably less than twice, the thickness (D2-D3) / 2 of the intermediate member 140.

[0155] In the case where the wall thickness of the intermediate member 140 is largely uneven, the difference (D1-D4) between the inner diameter of the tubular member 130 and the outer diameter of the heat generating member 120 can be less than three times, and is preferably less than twice, the difference (D2-D3) between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the intermediate member.

[0156] In addition, the maximum distance between the intermediate member 140 and the tubular member 130 is preferably less than twice, and more preferably less than one time, the thickness of the intermediate member. The maximum distance between the heat generating member 120 and the intermediate member 140 is preferably less than twice, and more preferably less than one time, the thickness of the intermediate member 140.

[0157] The volume specific resistance of the intermediate member is preferably 10 10 Ωm or more, and more preferably 10 11 Ωm or more.

[0158] (First Insulating Member 175A, Second Insulating Member 175B)

[0159] The first insulating member 175A is formed of an insulating material. In addition, the first insulating member 175A also needs a sealing function to appropriately seal the opening 172A of the first cover member 170A and the gap between the first cover member 170A and the first lead wire 180A.

[0160] An insulating member having the above-described sealing function is known to those skilled in the art.

[0161] The same can be said of the second insulating member 175B.

[0162] Further, Figure 1 The structure of the first and second insulating members 175A and 175B shown is merely an example. The structure is not particularly limited as long as the first and second conductive lines 180A and 180B are properly extracted to the outside, which is obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0163] Another heater of one embodiment of the present application

[0164] Next, a structure example of another heater of one embodiment of the present application will be described. Figure 4 A structure example of another heater of one embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0165] In Figure 4 An example of the structure of another heater (hereinafter referred to as a "second heater") of one embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0166] As Figure 4 shown, the second heater 200 has the same structure as the first heater 100 described above. Thus, in Figure 4 the same components as the first heater 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in Figure 1 the second heater 200.

[0167] However, in the second heater 200, the structure of the intermediate member 240 is different from that of the intermediate member 140 in the first heater 100.

[0168] That is, in the second heater 200, the intermediate member 240 is composed of a plurality of rings 240a to 240d.

[0169] Each of the rings 240a to 240d is arranged in the inner space 210 of the second heater 200 so as to surround the heat generation member 220.

[0170] The arrangement interval of each of the rings 240a to 240d is not particularly limited. However, each of the rings is arranged at an interval at which the heat generation member 220 does not come into contact with the cylindrical member 230 even when the heat generation member 220 is deformed by high temperature.

[0171] Each of the rings 240a to 240d can be arranged at equal intervals (regularly) or at unequal intervals (randomly) along the central axis direction of the second heater 200.

[0172] In addition, the width (size in the central axis direction of the second heater 200) and the thickness (size in the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the second heater 200) of each of the rings 240a to 240d can be the same or different.

[0173] Further, in the second heater 200, unlike the intermediate member 140 of the first heater 100, each of the rings 240a to 240d does not necessarily need to be composed of a material that transmits light of a prescribed wavelength. This is because the heat rays generated by the heat generating member 220 can reach the cylindrical member 230 through the "gaps" between the adjacent rings (for example, the ring 240a and the ring 240b), that is, through the regions in which the rings 240a to 240d are not present. Of course, each of the rings 240a to 240d can also be composed of the material of the intermediate member 140 of the first heater 100 described above.

[0174] Even in the case where the intermediate member 240 is thus configured, the above-described effects can be obtained. That is, due to the presence of the intermediate member 240, even if the heat generating member 220 becomes high temperature in use, contact between the heat generating member 220 and the cylindrical member 230 can be intentionally prevented.

[0175] Further, in the second heater 200, the heat rays generated from the heat generating member 220 can be effectively radiated to the cylindrical member 230 in a radiative manner. As a result, the heat collection efficiency at the cylindrical member 230 can be improved, and the cylindrical member 230 can be heated to a higher temperature.

[0176] Further, in the second heater 200, when the heat generating member 220 is energized, a large-scale device does not need to be used, and a device system for heating a heated object can be made compact.

[0177] (Components of the second heater 200)

[0178] The specifications and the like of most of the components included in the second heater 200 can be referred to the above-described description. Therefore, the features of the intermediate member 240 of the second heater 200 will be described in detail here.

[0179] (Intermediate member 240)

[0180] Each of the rings 240a to 240d that configures the intermediate member 240 is composed of an insulating material such as ceramic.

[0181] The intermediate member 240 can be composed of, for example, alumina, magnesia, zirconia, yttria, ceria, beryllia, zircon silicate (zircon), silica, mullite, or aluminum nitride. Further, the materials applicable to the intermediate member 140 of the first heater 100 described above can also be used.

[0182] Here, as for the structure and the arrangement of each of the rings 240a to 240d, as long as 50% or more of the heat rays (light of a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm) radiated from the heat generating member 220 can reach the cylindrical member 230, there is no particular limitation.

[0183] For example, when each ring 240a to 240d is made of a material that is opaque to heat rays (i.e., has a heat ray transmittance of zero), the rings 240a to 240d are arranged around the heat generating component 220 so that the coverage of the heat generating component 220 is less than 50%. The coverage is preferably less than 40%, more preferably less than 35%, and even more preferably less than 30%.

[0184] The number of rings 240a to 240d provided is not particularly limited. Dimensional features of the rings 240a to 240d can be found in the description related to the intermediate member 140 in the first heater 100 described above.

[0185] (Another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention)

[0186] Next, refer to Figure 5 A configuration example of still another heater according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0187] Figure 5 An example of the structure of still another heater (hereinafter referred to as “third heater”) according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0188] like Figure 5 As shown, the third heater 300 has the same structure as the first heater 100 described above. Figure 5 In the figure, the same components as the first heater 100 are marked with Figure 1 The reference mark used is the one followed by the reference mark plus 200.

[0189] However, in the third heater 300 , mainly the configuration of the second heater end portion 302B is different from the configuration of the second heater end portion 102B in the first heater 100 .

[0190] That is, in the third heater 300, a metal tube with one end closed is used as the cylindrical member 330. As a result, in the third heater 300, components provided at the second heater end portion 102B in the first heater 100 are omitted, specifically, the second cover member 170B and the second insulating member 175B are omitted.

[0191] However, in the third heater 300 , the second lead wire 380B needs to be taken out to the outside from the first heater end portion 302A side.

[0192] Therefore, the heat generating member 320 is configured so that both ends are guided to the same side. That is, one end of the heat generating member 320 is guided to the same side as the other end by the inside of the coil. At this time, in the heat generating member 320, the above-described tubular core member can also be used. Thereby, it is easy to make one end of the heat generating member 320 pass through the coil.

[0193] In addition, in the third heater 300, the cover member 370 is used at the first heater end portion 302A.

[0194] In this cover member 370, a first opening 372A for taking out the first lead wire 380A to the outside and a second opening 372B for taking out the second lead wire 380B to the outside are provided. Further, the first insulating member 375A is inserted in the first opening 372A of the cover member 370, and the first lead wire 380A passes through the inside of the first insulating member 375A and is guided to the outside. In addition, the second insulating member 375B is inserted in the second opening 372B, and the second lead wire 380B passes through the inside of the second insulating member 375B and is guided to the outside.

[0195] Further, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the intermediate member 340 has the same tubular configuration with both ends open as the intermediate member 140 in the first heater 100. However, in the third heater 300, the intermediate member 340 can also be composed of a tube with one end (the second heater end portion 302B side) sealed.

[0196] Obviously, in such a third heater 300, the above-described effects can also be obtained. That is, in the third heater 300, the heat rays generated from the heat generating member 320 can also be effectively radiated to the cylindrical member 330 in a radiating manner. As a result, the heat collection efficiency at the cylindrical member 330 can be improved, and the cylindrical member 330 can be heated to a higher temperature.

[0197] In addition, when energizing the heat generating member 320, a large-scale device does not need to be used, and a device system for heating a heated object can be made compact.

[0198] In Figure 5 In the heater shown in which the lead wire is concentrated at one end, the second heater end portion can be brought into contact with the heated object. Therefore, such a heater can be used, for example, as a heat source of a type that is simply immersed in a melting furnace that melts a material. In addition, it can also be used as a heat source of a type that is inserted from the furnace wall of one side of the melting furnace to the furnace wall of the opposite side. On the other hand, a heater like the above-described first heater 100 and the second heater 200 in which the lead wire protrudes to both heater end portions can be used as a heat source of a type that is inserted from the furnace wall of one side of the melting furnace to the furnace wall of the opposite side.

[0199] The above description describes the structure and features of the heater according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the first to third heaters 100 to 300. However, this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art should note that various heater structures can be envisioned by referring to the above description.

[0200] For example, in Figure 5 In the third heater 300 shown, the intermediate member 340 may be replaced with a cylindrical member. Figure 4 The heater according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured in various forms.

[0201] (Glass Article Manufacturing Apparatus According to One Embodiment of the Present Invention)

[0202] Next, refer to Figure 6 The structure of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0203] Figure 6 An example of the structure of a glass article manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a “first manufacturing apparatus”) 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0204] like Figure 6 As shown, the first manufacturing apparatus 500 includes a melting unit 510 , a conveying unit 520 , a molding unit 530 , a connecting unit 540 , and a slow cooling unit 550 .

[0205] The melting portion 510 is a region where the glass-making feedstock G1 is melted to form the molten glass G2.

[0206] The melting part 510 includes a melting furnace 511 that defines a melting chamber 511a. Although not shown, one or two or more burners may be provided above the melting chamber 511a.

[0207] The conveying part 520 is a region that conveys the molten glass G2 formed in the melting part 510 to the forming part 530 .

[0208] The shaping|molding part 530 is the area|region which shapes the molten glass G2 conveyed from the conveyance part 520 into the ribbon-shaped glass ribbon G3.

[0209] The forming unit 530 includes a forming furnace 531. The forming furnace 531 includes a forming chamber 531a for forming the molten glass G2 therein. The forming furnace 531 also includes a float tank 535 and a ceiling 537 disposed above the float tank 535. A plurality of ceiling heaters 539 are provided on the ceiling 537.

[0210] A molten metal M is housed in the float bath 535. The molten metal M is, for example, molten tin or the like. However, in addition to molten tin, a molten tin alloy or the like can also be used.

[0211] In order to suppress oxidation of the molten metal M, the forming chamber 531a is filled with a reducing gas. The reducing gas is, for example, a mixed gas of hydrogen and nitrogen.

[0212] In the float bath 535, the molten glass G2 supplied onto the molten metal M is shaped into a band-shaped glass ribbon G3 using the liquid surface of the molten metal M.

[0213] The glass ribbon G3 flows downstream from the upstream of the float bath 535 and gradually solidifies, and is lifted from the molten metal M at the downstream of the float bath 535.

[0214] The ceiling heater 539 is provided at intervals along the flow direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the flow direction of the glass ribbon G3. In addition, the ceiling heater 539 is also provided at intervals in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0215] The connecting portion 540 is a region that connects the forming portion 530 and the slow cooling portion 550. The connecting portion 540 has a connecting furnace 541, an intermediate heater 542, and a lift roller 543.

[0216] The connecting furnace 541 has a connecting chamber 541a inside for conveying the glass ribbon G3, and a plurality of intermediate heaters 542 are provided in the connecting chamber 541a.

[0217] The intermediate heater 542 is provided at intervals along the flow direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the conveying direction of the glass ribbon G3. In addition, the intermediate heater 542 can also be divided in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0218] The lift roller 543 is rotated by being driven by a motor or the like, and has a function of lifting the glass ribbon G3 formed in the forming portion 530 and conveying it to the slow cooling portion 550.

[0219] The slow cooling portion 550 is a region that slowly cools the glass ribbon G3 conveyed from the connecting portion 540.

[0220] The slow cooling portion 550 has a slow cooling furnace 551 that forms a slow cooling chamber 551a in which the glass ribbon G3 is slowly cooled. A plurality of slow cooling heaters 552 and a plurality of slow cooling rollers 553 are arranged in the slow cooling chamber 551a. The slow cooling chamber 551a is configured such that the temperature gradually decreases from the inlet of the slow cooling furnace 551 toward the outlet of the slow cooling furnace 551.

[0221] The slow cooling heaters 552 are installed at intervals along the conveying direction of the glass ribbon G3 to adjust the temperature distribution in the conveying direction of the glass ribbon G3. The slow cooling heaters 552 may be separated in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3 to adjust the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0222] The slow cooling rollers 553 are driven to rotate by a motor or the like, and convey the glass ribbon G3 from the entrance of the slow cooling furnace 551 toward the exit of the slow cooling furnace 551. The slow cooling rollers 553 are provided at intervals along the conveying direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0223] Here, in the first manufacturing apparatus 500 , a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in the melting section 510 .

[0224] For example, in Figure 6 In the example shown, a heater 580 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in the melting furnace 511. Figure 6 The heater 580 is shown in simplified form, but wires and the like are not depicted.

[0225] The heater 580 is horizontally arranged so as to penetrate the melting furnace 511. The heater 580 may be, for example, Figure 1 or Figure 4 The first or second heater 100, 200 is shown.

[0226] Alternatively, the heater 580 may be Figure 5 The third heater 300 is shown. In this case, the heater 580 can be inserted vertically from the floor below the melting furnace or above the melting furnace in a manner such that one end of the heater 580 is exposed to the molten glass G2, or can be inserted horizontally from the furnace wall on one side of the melting furnace.

[0227] In addition, Figure 6 Although not explicitly stated, multiple heaters 580 are typically provided. For example, multiple heaters 580 may be spaced apart and installed at the same height level of the melting furnace 511. Alternatively or alternatively, multiple heaters 580 may be installed at different height levels of the melting furnace 511. Next, the operation of the first manufacturing apparatus 500 having the above-described structure will be described.

[0228] First, glass-making feedstock G1 is supplied to the melting part 510. Glass-making feedstock G1 is supplied to the melting chamber 511a of the melting furnace 511.

[0229] The glass-making feedstock G1 is melted by the heat from the heater 580 to form molten glass G2.

[0230] Here, the heater 580 uses the heater of one embodiment of the present application. Thus, a large-scale power supply device need not be provided in the melting section 510, and the melting section can be made compact. In addition, with the heater 580, for example, the glass material G1 can be melted and the molten glass G2 can be heated to a high temperature of higher than or equal to 1500 °C.

[0231] Next, the molten glass G2 of the melting section 510 is supplied to the forming section 530 via the conveyance section 520.

[0232] The molten glass G2 supplied to the forming section 530 is continuously moved on the molten metal M. As a result, the molten glass G2 is formed into a glass ribbon G3 in a band shape. Further, the glass ribbon G3 flows from the upstream to the downstream of the float bath 535 and is gradually solidified.

[0233] Next, the glass ribbon G3 is supplied to the gradual cooling section 550 via the connection section 540.

[0234] The gradual cooling section 550 is configured such that the temperature gradually decreases from the upstream to the downstream of the gradual cooling chamber 551a. Thus, the temperature of the glass ribbon G3 gradually decreases in the conveyance in the gradual cooling chamber 551a.

[0235] After that, when the temperature of the glass ribbon G3 decreases to a predetermined temperature, the glass ribbon G3 is cut by a cutting machine into a predetermined size.

[0236] Thus, a glass article is manufactured.

[0237] The structure and the operation of the glass article manufacturing apparatus of one embodiment of the present application are described above with the first manufacturing apparatus 500 as an example.

[0238] However, these are only examples, and the glass article manufacturing apparatus of one embodiment of the present application can have another structure as long as the heater of one embodiment of the present application is provided.

[0239] For example, in the first manufacturing apparatus 500, the heater of one embodiment of the present application is provided in the melting section 510.

[0240] However, the heater of one embodiment of the present application can be provided in the conveyance section 520 instead of or in addition to this.

[0241] Further, in the first manufacturing apparatus 500, a region including an additional component such as a fining furnace for defoaming bubbles included in the molten glass G2 and / or a stirring furnace for homogenizing the molten glass G2 can be provided between the melting section 510 and the conveyance section 520. Furthermore, the heater of one embodiment of the present application can be provided in the fining furnace and / or the stirring furnace.

[0242] Also in the first manufacturing apparatus 500, at least one of the conveyance section 520 and the connection section 540 can be omitted. In this case, the molten glass G2 formed in the melting section 510 can be directly discharged to the forming section 530, and / or the glass ribbon G3 formed in the forming section 530 can be directly conveyed to the slow cooling section 550.

[0243] Various other changes can also be conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0244] (Method for manufacturing glass article of one embodiment of the present invention)

[0245] Next, a method for manufacturing a glass article of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7 A method for manufacturing a glass article of one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "first manufacturing method") has the following steps, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0246] As shown in FIG. 1, the first manufacturing method has: Figure 7

[0247] a melting step (step S110) in which a glass raw material is melted to form a molten glass;

[0248] a forming step (step S120) in which the molten glass is formed; and

[0249] a slow cooling step (step S130) in which the formed glass is slowly cooled.

[0250] However, the slow cooling step is not necessarily essential in the first manufacturing method and can be omitted.

[0251] Next, each step will be described.

[0252] (Step S110)

[0253] First, a glass raw material is supplied to a melting furnace, where the glass raw material is melted.

[0254] The melting furnace can have the same structure as the melting furnace 511 in the first manufacturing apparatus 500 described above.

[0255] A heater of one embodiment of the present invention can be provided in the melting furnace. In this case, the glass raw material is heated by the heater of one embodiment of the present invention to become a molten glass.

[0256] The glass raw material is not particularly limited. However, in the case where the heater of one embodiment of the present invention is provided in the melting furnace, the molten glass obtained by melting the glass raw material can be heated to a high temperature of, for example, higher than 1500 °C. That is, in the first manufacturing method, a glass raw material with a high melting point can be used.

[0257] ​The molten glass melted in the melting furnace is carried to the forming furnace.

[0258] At the time of the carrying, the molten glass can be discharged from the melting furnace to the carrying section, and the molten glass can be supplied from the carrying section to the forming furnace. Further, an additional device (hereinafter, referred to as "additional device") such as a fining furnace can be provided between the melting furnace and the carrying section. Alternatively, the molten glass can be directly supplied from the melting furnace to the forming furnace.

[0259] In the case where the carrying is performed at the carrying section before the molten glass is supplied to the forming furnace, the heater of one embodiment of the present application can be provided at the carrying section. Further, in the case where the molten glass is supplied to the additional device before the molten glass is supplied to the forming furnace, the heater of one embodiment of the present application can be provided at the additional device.

[0260] That is, the heater of one embodiment of the present application can be provided at any position from the melting furnace to the carrying section.

[0261] (Step S120)

[0262] Next, the molten glass carried to the forming furnace is formed.

[0263] The method of the forming is not particularly limited. For example, the molten glass can be formed by a conventional forming method such as a float method, a down-draw method, a roll press method, or a fusion method.

[0264] In the case where the molten glass is formed by the float method described above, the forming section 530 of the first manufacturing apparatus 500 described above can be used. Figure 6 For example, the molten glass can be supplied to a float bath of the forming furnace, and the molten glass can be carried from the upstream to the downstream, so that a glass ribbon can be formed.

[0265] (Step S130)

[0266] Subsequently, the formed glass is slowly cooled to room temperature if necessary. Further, the formed glass is cut into a predetermined shape if necessary.

[0267] Through the above steps, a formed glass article can be manufactured.

[0268] Further, in the first manufacturing method, the heater of one embodiment of the present application can be used at any process from the melting step (Step S110) to the forming step (Step S120) (not including the forming step itself).

[0269] In the first manufacturing method, the heating of the molten glass uses the heater of one embodiment of the present application. Thus, in the first manufacturing method, the molten glass can be stably heated even if the temperature of the molten glass is high, for example, higher than 1500 °C.

[0270] Embodiment

[0271] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application is described.

[0272] A heater having a structure like that of the third heater described above was fabricated. In addition, using this heater, a heating test of a glass melting furnace was performed.

[0273] (Fabrication of heater)

[0274] A platinum-rhodium alloy was used for the cylindrical member of the heater. The outer diameter W of the cylindrical member was 30.4 mm, and the inner diameter Dl was 28.2 mm. A sapphire tube was used for the intermediate member. The outer diameter D2 of the sapphire tube was 27.4 mm, and the inner diameter D3 was 24.4 mm. A member in which a molybdenum wire having a diameter of 1.0 mmφ was formed into a coil shape was used for the heating member. The outer diameter of the heating member (the diameter D4 of the coil) was 22.2 mm. The resistance value between both terminals at room temperature was about 1.2 Ω.

[0275] In addition, the cover members at both ends of the heater were composed of stainless steel. Further, copper wires were used for the lead wires on both sides. Each lead wire was electrically connected to the end portion of each of the heating members via a molybdenum wire having a diameter of 1.6 mmφ.

[0276] The total length L of the heater was set to 810 mm. The length of the first portion of the heater was set to 280 mm, and the length of the second portion was set to 500 mm. The length of the third portion 306 of the heater was set to 30 mm (see FIG. 6). Figure 5 ).

[0277] (Heating test)

[0278] A glass melting test was performed using a plurality of the above-described heaters installed in a glass melting furnace.

[0279] The glass melting furnace was a substantially box-shaped furnace having a width of 500 mm with the upper side open. In addition, a plurality of through holes having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the heater were formed in the side wall of the glass melting furnace.

[0280] The heaters were respectively inserted into the through holes.

[0281] An outlet for discharging the molten glass was provided in one wall surface parallel to the inserted heaters.

[0282] First, glass scraps are charged into the glass melting furnace. The glass scraps are charged until a position slightly higher than each heater. Thus, the portions of the heaters other than the first heater end, that is, the portions of the heaters exposed to the melting chamber of the glass melting furnace are completely covered with the glass scraps.

[0283] In this state, the first and second lead wires of each heater are supplied with electric current, and the heating of the plurality of heaters is started. Thus, the glass scraps are melted.

[0284] Next, glass raw materials are continuously charged from the upper side of the glass melting furnace. The glass raw materials become molten glass in the glass melting furnace, and are continuously discharged from the discharge port of the glass melting furnace. The molten glass after the discharge is pressed by a roll to become a glass article in a substantially plate shape. The speed of the charging of the glass raw materials and the discharging of the molten glass is about 40 kg / hour in terms of glass.

[0285] In Table 1, the time changes in the temperature of the molten glass shown in the discharge port, and the voltage, current, electric power, and resistance value applied to the heater at the position closest to the discharge port, and the average temperature of the heating member calculated from the resistance value are shown.

[0286] [Table 1]

[0287]

[0288] From Table 1, it is found that the heaters used in the example stably function at a heating member temperature of 1650°C or higher, and the continuously supplied glass raw materials can be melted by the heating of the heaters, and the molten glass can be heated to a temperature of 1500°C or higher. In addition, the voltage applied to each heater at this time is about 135 V, and the current is about 14 A, which can be satisfied by a general power supply device.

[0289] Thus, it is confirmed that by using the heater of one embodiment of the present application, it is possible to stably heat the heated object without a large-scale power supply device.

[0290] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-118616 filed on June 22, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0291] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0292] 100...first heater; 102A...first heater end portion; 102B...second heater end portion; 104...first site; 105...second site; 106...third site; 110...inner space; 120...heat generating member; 130...cylindrical member; 134...coating layer; 139A, 139B...flange portion; 140...intermediate member; 170A...first cover member; 170B...second cover member; 172A...first opening; 172B...second opening; 175A...first insulating member; 175B...second insulating member; 180A...first lead wire; 180B...second lead wire; 200...second heater; 202A...first heater end portion; 202B...second heater end portion; 204...first site; 205...second site; 206...third site; 210...inner space; 220...heat generating member; 230...cylindrical member; 234...coating layer; 239A, 239B...flange portion; 240...intermediate member; 240a to 240d...ring; 270A...first cover member; 270B...second cover member; 272A...first opening; 272B...second opening; 275A...first insulating member; 275B...second insulating member; 280A...first lead wire; 280B...second lead wire; 300...third heater; 302A...first heater end portion; 302B...second heater end portion; 304...first site; 305...second site; 306...third site; 310...inner space; 320...heat generating member; 330...cylindrical member; 334...coating layer; 339A, 339B...flange portion; 340...intermediate member; 370...cover member; 372A...first opening; 372B...second opening; 375A...first insulating member; 375B...second insulating member; 380A...first lead wire; 380B...second lead wire; 500...first manufacturing apparatus; 510...melting portion; 511...melting furnace; 511a...melting chamber; 520...conveying portion; 530...molding portion; 531...molding furnace; 531a...molding chamber; 535...float bath; 537...ceiling; 539...ceiling heater; 540...connecting portion; 541...connecting furnace; 541a...connecting chamber; 542...intermediate heater; 543...lift roll; 550...slow cooling portion; 551...slow cooling furnace; 551a...slow cooling chamber; 552...slow cooling heater; 553...a plurality of slow cooling rolls; 580...heater; G1...glass raw material; G2...molten glass; G3...glass ribbon; M... molten metal.

Claims

1. A heater comprising: A conductive heating element that radiates heat rays when supplied with electricity; a metal cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; and The intermediate component is provided between the heat generating component and the cylindrical component and is made of an electrically insulating material. The intermediate member is arranged and / or constructed so as not to prevent light with a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm from reaching the tubular member among the heat rays emitted from the heat generating component. The heater is characterized in that When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is set to D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is set to D3, The maximum value of the distance between the intermediate member and the tubular member is less than or equal to twice (D2-D3) / 2. The maximum distance between the heat-generating component and the intermediate component is less than twice (D2−D3) / 2.

2. The heater according to claim 1, wherein When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, the dimension of (D2-D3) / 2 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and / or When the inner diameter of the tubular member is D1, the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2, the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, and the outer diameter of the heat generating member is D4, (D1-D4) is less than or equal to three times (D2-D3).

3. A heater comprising: A conductive heating element that radiates heat rays when supplied with electricity; a metal cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; and The intermediate component is provided between the heat generating component and the cylindrical component and is made of an electrically insulating material. The intermediate member is arranged and / or constructed so as not to prevent light with a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm from reaching the tubular member among the heat rays emitted from the heat generating component. The heater is characterized in that When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, the size of (D2-D3) / 2 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. When the inner diameter of the tubular member is D1, the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2, the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, and the outer diameter of the heat generating member is D4, (D1-D4) is less than or equal to three times (D2-D3).

4. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The intermediate member is formed of a ceramic tube having a transmittance of 50% or more with respect to light having a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm.

5. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The intermediate component is composed of one or more annular ceramics.

6. The heater according to claim 5, characterized in that The intermediate member has a material and a shape such that 50% or more of the light having a wavelength of 1 μm to 2 μm emitted from the heat generating member reaches the cylindrical member.

7. The heater according to claim 4, characterized in that The middle part consists of sapphire.

8. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The volume resistivity of the intermediate member at room temperature is 10 10 Ωm or above.

9. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that When the heater is viewed in cross section, a maximum distance between the heat-generating member and the tubular member is not more than three times the thickness of the intermediate member.

10. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that When the heater is viewed in cross section, a maximum distance between the intermediate member and the tubular member is less than twice the thickness of the intermediate member.

11. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that When the heater is viewed in cross section, a maximum distance between the heat-generating component and the intermediate component is less than twice the thickness of the intermediate component.

12. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The heating component is in the shape of a coil.

13. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The heat generating component is made of one or more materials selected from molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, niobium, iridium, platinum, and rhodium.

14. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The cylindrical member is made of a material including one or more selected from platinum, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum.

15. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The heater is generally rod-shaped with two heater ends. Lead wires electrically connected to respective ends of the heat generating components are led out from the ends of the heaters.

16. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The heater is generally rod-shaped with two heater ends. Lead wires electrically connected to respective ends of the heat generating components are led out from one end of the heater.

17. A manufacturing device for glass articles, characterized in that: have: a melting portion that melts glass raw materials to form molten glass; and a forming section for forming a shaped glass from the molten glass, A heater is provided at at least one location between the melting portion and the molding portion, other than the molding portion. The heater has: A conductive heating element that radiates heat rays when supplied with electricity; a metal cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; and The intermediate component is provided between the heat generating component and the cylindrical component and is made of an electrically insulating material. The intermediate member is arranged and / or constructed so as not to prevent light with a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm from reaching the tubular member among the heat rays emitted from the heat generating component. When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is set to D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is set to D3, The maximum value of the distance between the intermediate member and the tubular member is less than or equal to twice (D2-D3) / 2. The maximum distance between the heat-generating component and the intermediate component is less than twice (D2−D3) / 2.

18. The manufacturing device according to claim 17, characterized in that When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, the dimension of (D2-D3) / 2 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and / or When the inner diameter of the tubular member is D1, the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2, the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, and the outer diameter of the heat generating member is D4, (D1-D4) is less than or equal to three times (D2-D3).

19. A manufacturing device for glass articles, characterized in that: have: a melting portion that melts glass raw materials to form molten glass; and a forming section for forming a shaped glass from the molten glass, A heater is provided at at least one location between the melting portion and the molding portion, other than the molding portion. The heater has: A conductive heating element that radiates heat rays when supplied with electricity; a metal cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; and The intermediate component is provided between the heat generating component and the cylindrical component and is made of an electrically insulating material. The intermediate member is arranged and / or constructed so as not to prevent light with a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm from reaching the tubular member among the heat rays emitted from the heat generating component. When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, the size of (D2-D3) / 2 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. When the inner diameter of the tubular member is D1, the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2, the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, and the outer diameter of the heat generating member is D4, (D1-D4) is less than or equal to three times (D2-D3).

20. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: A conveying portion connecting the melting portion and the molding portion is further provided.

21. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The heater is provided in the melting portion.

22. A manufacturing method for a glass article, characterized in that: have: a melting step of melting glass raw materials to form molten glass; and a molding step of molding the molten glass into a glass article; During the process from the melting step to the forming step, other than the forming step, the molten glass comes into contact with a heater. The heater has: A conductive heating element that radiates heat rays when supplied with electricity; a metal cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; and The intermediate component is provided between the heat generating component and the cylindrical component and is made of an electrically insulating material. The intermediate member is arranged and / or constructed so as not to prevent light with a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm from reaching the tubular member among the heat rays emitted from the heat generating component. When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is set to D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is set to D3, The maximum value of the distance between the intermediate member and the tubular member is less than or equal to twice (D2-D3) / 2. The maximum distance between the heat-generating component and the intermediate component is less than twice (D2−D3) / 2.

23. The manufacturing method according to claim 22, characterized in that: When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, the dimension of (D2-D3) / 2 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and / or When the inner diameter of the tubular member is D1, the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2, the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, and the outer diameter of the heat generating member is D4, (D1-D4) is less than or equal to three times (D2-D3).

24. A manufacturing method for a glass article, characterized in that: have: a melting step of melting glass raw materials to form molten glass; and a molding step of molding the molten glass into a glass article; During the process from the melting step to the forming step, other than the forming step, the molten glass comes into contact with a heater. The heater has: A conductive heating element that radiates heat rays when supplied with electricity; a metal cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; and The intermediate component is provided between the heat generating component and the cylindrical component and is made of an electrically insulating material. The intermediate member is arranged and / or constructed so as not to prevent light with a wavelength of at least 1 μm to 2 μm from reaching the tubular member among the heat rays emitted from the heat generating component. When the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2 and the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, the size of (D2-D3) / 2 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. When the inner diameter of the tubular member is D1, the outer diameter of the intermediate member is D2, the inner diameter of the intermediate member is D3, and the outer diameter of the heat generating member is D4, (D1-D4) is less than or equal to three times (D2-D3).

Images