Glass article manufacturing device

Abstract

The utility model provides a manufacturing device of a glass article, which is provided with a forming device for forming a glass tape from molten glass and a carrying roller device for carrying the glass tape downwards along the length direction, and can stably carry the formed glass tape while preventing defects, damages and the like. A conveyance roller device (40) is provided with: a pair of conveyance rollers (21) capable of sandwiching a glass ribbon (R) at one end in the width direction of the glass ribbon (R); and an angle adjustment mechanism (41) capable of adjusting the inclination angle of the pair of conveyance rollers (21) with respect to the glass ribbon (R) by rotating the pair of conveyance rollers (21) in the thickness direction side of the glass ribbon (R), the angle adjustment mechanism (41) being capable of adjusting the inclination angle of the pair of conveyance rollers (21) with respect to the glass ribbon (R) when viewed in the conveyance direction of the glass ribbon (R). The pair of conveyance rollers (21) are rotated about a rotation axis (Z1) located on a nip portion (Z) where the pair of conveyance rollers (21) and the glass ribbon (R) are in contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model relates to a manufacturing apparatus for glass articles, which includes a forming apparatus for forming a glass ribbon from molten glass and a conveying roller apparatus for conveying the glass ribbon downward along the length direction. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing plate-shaped glass articles by a down-draw method such as an overflow method or a slot down-draw method is known.

[0003] The above manufacturing apparatus includes: a forming apparatus that continuously forms a long strip-shaped glass ribbon from molten glass; a plurality of sets of conveying roller pairs that convey the formed glass ribbon downward along the length direction; and a furnace body in which these forming apparatus and a plurality of sets of conveying roller pairs are disposed.

[0004] Each conveying roller pair is composed of a pair of conveying rollers and is respectively disposed on both sides in the width direction of the glass ribbon.

[0005] In addition, a plurality of sets of conveying roller pairs are arranged in multiple levels up and down along the conveying direction (downward direction) of the glass ribbon.

[0006] Moreover, the glass ribbon formed by the forming apparatus is conveyed by each conveying roller pair while being held at one end portion in the width direction, and is annealed while passing through the furnace body.

[0007] After the glass ribbon detached from the furnace body is naturally cooled, it is cut at regular intervals in a cutting process as the next process to form glass plates (glass articles).

[0008] Here, in the furnace body, an upward airflow is generated due to the rise in the temperature of the atmosphere in contact with the glass ribbon. Under the influence of this upward airflow, the glass ribbon being conveyed downward is likely to shake, and the conveying posture is likely to become unstable.

[0009] When the conveying posture of the glass ribbon is unstable, it is difficult to anneal the glass ribbon with a desired temperature distribution. For example, it is impossible to sufficiently remove the internal strain of the glass ribbon and a part of the internal strain remains, or non-uniform warping occurs in the glass ribbon.

[0010] As a result, there is a risk of inducing a reduction in the quality of the glass plate (glass article) as the final product.

[0011] Therefore, as an example of a technique for countering the upward airflow generated in the furnace body and stabilizing the conveying posture of the glass ribbon, Patent Document 1 discloses a manufacturing apparatus for glass articles that conveys the glass ribbon in the furnace body in a state where the glass ribbon is temporarily bent so that the center in the width direction protrudes in the cross-sectional shape of the glass ribbon.

[0012] Prior Art Documents

[0013] Patent Document

[0014] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-41244 Summary of the Utility Model

[0015] Problems to be Solved by the Utility Model

[0016] In the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles in the above Patent Document 1, the structure is as follows: A contact head abuts on a glass ribbon in a transported state, for example, from one side in the thickness direction, or in a plurality of sets of transport roller pairs arranged in multiple levels in the vertical direction, a part of the transport roller pairs are arranged so as to be displaced (parallelly moved) in the thickness direction with respect to other transport roller pairs, etc., and the glass ribbon is forcibly bent.

[0017] However, in the case of bending the glass ribbon by these methods, the axial directions of the transport roller pairs that respectively hold both end portions of the glass ribbon are maintained in the direction along the plane of the glass ribbon before bending (i.e., the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction in plan view) in any case.

[0018] As a result, the glass ribbon bends at the boundary between the bent portion of the glass ribbon and one end portion in the width direction held by each transport roller pair.

[0019] Thereby, stress concentration is induced, and there is a risk of causing defects, breakage, etc. in the glass ribbon (refer to (b) of the following Figure 3 ).

[0020] The present utility model has been completed in view of the above-described current problems, and an object thereof is to provide a manufacturing apparatus for glass articles, which includes a forming apparatus for forming a glass ribbon from molten glass and a transport roller apparatus for transporting the glass ribbon downward in the length direction, and is capable of stably transporting the formed glass ribbon while preventing the occurrence of defects, breakage, etc.

[0021] Means for Solving the Problems

[0022] The problems to be solved by the present utility model are as described above. Next, the means for solving the problems will be described.

[0023] That is, the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles of Solution 1 of the present utility model includes: a forming apparatus that forms a glass ribbon from molten glass; and a conveying roller apparatus that conveys the glass ribbon downward along the length direction. It is characterized in that the conveying roller apparatus has: a pair of conveying rollers that can hold the glass ribbon at one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon; and an angle adjustment mechanism that can adjust the inclination angle of the pair of conveying rollers relative to the glass ribbon. The angle adjustment mechanism rotates the pair of conveying rollers around the rotation axis located on the clamping portion where the pair of conveying rollers contact the glass ribbon when viewed in the conveying direction of the glass ribbon.

[0024] By having such a structure, for example, even when the glass ribbon in the conveying state is temporarily bent in a manner that the center in the width direction protrudes inside the furnace body, it is possible to easily adjust, by means of the angle adjustment mechanism, for each axial direction of the pair of conveying rollers (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "conveying roller pair") to be along the tangent direction of the bent portion.

[0025] Therefore, according to the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles of the present utility model, it is possible to prevent the glass ribbon from bending at the boundary between the bent portion of the glass ribbon and the one end portion in the width direction clamped by each conveying roller pair as in the prior art.

[0026] Thereby, it is possible to stably convey the formed glass ribbon while suppressing the induction of stress concentration at this one end portion and preventing the occurrence of defects, breakages, etc. caused by this stress concentration.

[0027] In addition, it is possible to reduce the load when holding the glass ribbon by the conveying roller pair, suppress the reduction in the thickness of the one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon, and prevent the deterioration of the quality of the glass ribbon.

[0028] Moreover, the angle adjustment mechanism rotates the pair of conveying rollers around the rotation axis located on the clamping portion where the pair of conveying rollers contact the glass ribbon, thereby being able to effectively suppress the induction of stress concentration at one end portion.

[0029] In addition, the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles of Solution 2 of the present utility model is based on Solution 1 above, and is characterized in that the angle adjustment mechanism has: a support portion that axially supports the pair of conveying rollers; and a cam unit that rotates the pair of conveying rollers around the rotation axis by moving through the support portion.

[0030] By having such a structure, according to the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles of the present utility model, when rotating the conveying roller pair around the above rotation axis, it is possible to continuously and uninterruptedly perform the angle adjustment of each axial direction of the conveying roller pair by means of the cam unit, and to more appropriately adjust the position of the conveying roller pair relative to the glass ribbon.

[0031] In addition, based on the above-described Solution 1 or 2, the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles according to Solution 3 of the present utility model is characterized in that the angle adjustment mechanism has a displacement unit capable of displacing the pair of conveying rollers in the thickness direction of the glass ribbon respectively.

[0032] With such a structure, according to the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles of the present utility model, it is possible to easily cause the end portion in the width direction clamped by each pair of conveying rollers to follow the bent portion of the glass ribbon. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably suppress the induction of stress concentration at this end portion.

[0033] In addition, based on any one of the above-described Solutions 1 to 3, the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles according to Solution 4 of the present utility model is characterized in that the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles is provided below the forming apparatus with: at least one set of a pair of edge rollers that convey the formed glass ribbon while clamping both end portions in the width direction of the glass ribbon; and multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers that come into contact with both end portions in the width direction of the glass ribbon to be annealed and convey the glass ribbon thereunder, the multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers being arranged in multiple levels vertically, and at least one set of the pair of annealing rollers among the multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers being constituted by a pair of conveying rollers in the conveying roller device.

[0034] Here, in the glass ribbon in the conveying state, the quality of the glass ribbon is greatly affected by the conveying attitude when being conveyed by a pair of annealing rollers. In the case where this conveying attitude is unstable, there is a tendency for the glass ribbon to be easily deflected, strained, etc.

[0035] According to the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles of the present utility model, by using the above-described conveying roller device to constitute at least one set of a pair of annealing rollers, it is possible to bend the glass ribbon when being conveyed by the pair of annealing rollers to stabilize the conveying attitude of the glass ribbon, and it is possible to prevent the quality of the glass ribbon from deteriorating.

[0036] In addition, based on Solution 4 above, the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles according to Solution 5 of the present utility model is characterized in that at least two sets of the pair of annealing rollers among the multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers are constituted by a pair of conveying rollers in the conveying roller device.

[0037] With such a structure, according to the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles of the present utility model, by using the above-described conveying roller device to constitute multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers respectively, it is possible to bend the cross-sectional shape of the glass ribbon in a large range in the conveying direction when being conveyed by the annealing rollers to further stabilize the conveying attitude of the glass ribbon, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the quality of the glass ribbon from deteriorating.

[0038] Effects of the Utility Model

[0039] As an effect of the present utility model, the following effects are achieved.

[0040] That is, the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles according to the present utility model can stably convey the formed glass ribbon while preventing the occurrence of defects, breakages, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 Fig. is a sectional side view showing the overall structure of the manufacturing apparatus for glass articles according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0042] Figure 2 Fig. is a view showing the structure of the conveying roller device. Figure 2 (a) of Fig. is a top view thereof. Figure 2 (b) of Fig. is a side view thereof.

[0043] Figure 3 Fig. is a view for explaining the state of the glass ribbon supported by the conveying roller device. Figure 3 (a) of Fig. is a top view showing the state of the glass ribbon supported by the conveying roller device of the present utility model. Figure 3 (b) of Fig. is a top view showing the state of the glass ribbon supported by a conventional conveying roller device.

[0044] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0045] 1 Manufacturing apparatus for glass articles

[0046] 10 Forming device

[0047] 21 Conveying roller

[0048] 21a Edge roller

[0049] 21b Annealing roller

[0050] 40 Conveying roller device

[0051] 41 Angle adjusting mechanism

[0052] 411 Support portion

[0053] 412 Displacement mechanism portion (displacement unit)

[0054] 413 Cam mechanism portion (cam unit)

[0055] G Molten glass

[0056] R Glass ribbon

[0057] Z Clamping portion

[0058] Z1 Axis of rotation DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Next, an embodiment of the present utility model will be described using Figures 1 to 3 the following.

[0060] It should be noted that in the following description, for convenience, the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the glass article manufacturing apparatus 1 and the conveying roller apparatus 40 are defined by the direction of the arrow shown in Figures 1 to 3 and are described accordingly.

[0061] [Overall Structure of Glass Article Manufacturing Apparatus 1]

[0062] First, Figure 1 the overall structure of the glass article manufacturing apparatus 1 (hereinafter only referred to as "manufacturing apparatus 1") embodying the present utility model will be described.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 1 is, for example, an apparatus that forms a long strip-shaped glass ribbon R from molten glass G by the down-draw method based on the overflow method and manufactures a plate-shaped glass article (not shown) having a prescribed shape from the glass ribbon R.

[0064] It should be noted that the method of forming the glass ribbon R is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, other methods such as the down-draw method based on the slot down-draw method may also be used.

[0065] The manufacturing apparatus 1 mainly includes: a forming apparatus 10 that forms a glass ribbon R from molten glass G; a plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 20, 20,... that convey the formed glass ribbon R downward along the length direction; and a furnace body 30 that houses the forming apparatus 10 and the plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 20, 20,... therein.

[0066] The forming apparatus 10 is made of refractory bricks such as dense zircon, alumina zircon, and mullite, and has: an upper surface 11 that extends in one direction (the left-right direction in the present embodiment); a pair of vertical surfaces 12, 12 that are continuously provided at both end portions along the direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the upper surface 11 in plan view (the front-back direction in the present embodiment) and are arranged parallel to each other; and a pair of inclined surfaces 13, 13 that are continuously provided along the lower end portions of the pair of vertical surfaces 12, 12 and are formed in a wedge shape that gradually approaches downward.

[0067] In addition, the forming apparatus 10 has a groove portion 14 that extends along the above-mentioned extension direction (left-right direction) at the central portion in the above-mentioned direction orthogonal to the upper surface 11 in plan view (front-back direction).

[0068] Moreover, the molten glass G melted by a melting furnace (not shown) is continuously supplied to the groove portion 14, and the molten glass G overflowing from the groove portion 14 flows down along the pair of vertical surfaces 12, 12, and then while flowing down along the pair of inclined surfaces 13, 13, converges at the lower end portions of the pair of inclined surfaces 13, 13 and forms a long strip-shaped glass ribbon R.

[0069] The conveying roller pair 20 is composed of a pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 (more specifically, the edge rollers 21a, 21a, annealing rollers 21b, 21b, or support rollers 21c, 21c described later) whose axes are set in the horizontal direction and in one direction (the left - right direction in this embodiment) and are arranged parallel to each other.

[0070] In addition, the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 are arranged to be rotatably driven in a specified direction around their axes respectively.

[0071] The conveying roller pairs 20, 20... are arranged in multiple levels in the vertical direction on both sides in the width direction (the left - right direction in this embodiment) of the glass ribbon R below the forming device 10.

[0072] In addition, the multiple sets of conveying roller pairs 20, 20... arranged on one side (for example, the right side) in the above - mentioned width direction and the multiple sets of conveying roller pairs 20, 20... arranged on the other side (for example, the left side) in the above - mentioned width direction are arranged in a state of being opposed to each other in the width direction.

[0073] And each conveying roller pair 20 conveys the glass ribbon R downward while clamping one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon R by the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21.

[0074] It should be noted that regarding the conveying method of the glass ribbon R by each conveying roller pair 20, it is not limited to the state of being clamped by the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21. For example, as described later, it can also be a state where any one of the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 contacts one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon R and the other conveying roller 21 separates from this end portion.

[0075] Here, among the multiple sets of conveying roller pairs 20, 20... arranged in multiple levels in the vertical direction, the conveying roller pair 20 arranged at the uppermost level is composed of a pair of edge rollers 21a, 21a.

[0076] It should be noted that the pair of edge rollers 21a, 21a can also be arranged in multiple levels (for example, two levels or three levels).

[0077] In addition, a specified number (six in this embodiment) of conveying roller pairs 20, 20... continuously arranged downward after the pair of edge rollers 21a, 21a are respectively composed of a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b.

[0078] Moreover, the conveying roller pair 20 arranged on the lower side after the pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b located at the lowermost level is composed of a pair of support rollers 21c, 21c.

[0079] A pair of edge rollers 21a, 21a are respectively formed by members made of heat-resistant materials (such as heat-resistant steel) and have a cooling mechanism inside.

[0080] A pair of edge rollers 21a, 21a hold and cool one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon R just after being formed, and at the same time convey the glass ribbon R downward, thereby suppressing the shrinkage in the width direction of the glass ribbon R.

[0081] In addition, a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b are respectively formed by members such as ceramics. While holding one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon R to be annealed or in a state where only one annealing roller 21b contacts one end portion in the width direction, the glass ribbon R is conveyed downward.

[0082] Moreover, a pair of support rollers 21c, 21c are respectively formed by members such as rubber. While holding one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon R that has been cooled (such as natural cooling), the glass ribbon R is conveyed downward.

[0083] And, in the present embodiment, a set of conveying roller pairs 20 constituted by a pair of edge rollers 21a, 21a and at least a set of conveying roller pairs 20, 20... constituted by a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b respectively (in the present embodiment, the annealing rollers 21b, 21b of the conveying roller pair 20 arranged at the fourth level downward) are configured to be rotatable by the conveying roller device 40.

[0084] In other words, a pair of edge rollers 21a, 21a of a set and at least a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b of a set among multiple pairs of annealing rollers (21b, 21b), (21b, 21b)... form a structure constituted by a pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 in the conveying roller device 40.

[0085] Here, in the glass ribbon R in the conveying state, the quality of the glass ribbon R is greatly affected by the conveying posture when being conveyed by a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b. When the conveying posture is unstable, there is a tendency for the glass ribbon R to be easily deflected and strained.

[0086] According to the manufacturing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, by configuring at least a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b with the above-mentioned conveying roller device 40, the cross-sectional shape of the glass ribbon R when being conveyed by the pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b can be bent as described later to stabilize the conveying posture of the glass ribbon R, and the quality deterioration of the glass ribbon R can be prevented.

[0087] It should be noted that the details of the structure of the conveying roller device 40 will be described later.

[0088] The furnace body 30 is composed of a forming furnace 31, an annealing furnace 32, and a cooling chamber 33 arranged in sequence from the upper side to the lower side.

[0089] Inside the forming furnace 31, a forming device 10 and a conveying roller pair 20 composed of a pair of edge rollers 21a, 21a are arranged.

[0090] In addition, inside the forming furnace 31, for example, a heating device (not shown) composed of a flat heater or the like is installed, and the forming device 10 is heated to a specified temperature by this heating device.

[0091] Inside the annealing furnace 32, multiple groups of conveying roller pairs 20, 20... respectively composed of a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b are arranged.

[0092] In addition, similar to the forming furnace 31, inside the annealing furnace 32, for example, a heating device (not shown) composed of a flat heater or the like is installed, and a temperature gradient is set inside the annealing furnace 32 by this heating device, and the temperature of the glass ribbon R decreases as the glass ribbon R descends.

[0093] Inside the cooling chamber 33, a conveying roller pair 20 composed of a pair of support rollers 21c, 21c is arranged.

[0094] It should be noted that the cooling chamber 33 does not contain the heating device as seen in the forming furnace 31 and the annealing furnace 32, and the glass ribbon R is conveyed downward inside the cooling chamber 33 and thus gradually cooled.

[0095] In the manufacturing device 1 having the above structure, the glass ribbon R formed by the forming device 10 is conveyed downward by each of the conveying roller pairs 20 arranged in multiple upper and lower levels while clamping one end portion in the width direction, and is gradually cooled while passing through the forming furnace 31, the annealing furnace 32, and the cooling chamber 33 in sequence.

[0096] After that, the area of the glass ribbon R detached from the furnace body 30 is cut at regular intervals in the cutting process as the next process, and glass plates (glass articles) as the final products are formed.

[0097] [Structure of the conveying roller device 40]

[0098] Next, Figures 1 to 3 the structure of the conveying roller device 40 will be described in detail.

[0099] In Figure 2 Figs. (a) and (b) thereof, the conveying roller device 40 includes a set of conveying roller pairs 20 and an angle adjustment mechanism 41 capable of rotating the conveying roller pairs 20, and the conveying roller device 40 conveys the glass ribbon R downward along the length direction by means of the conveying roller pairs 20.

[0100] Further, the conveying roller devices 40, 40 are respectively disposed on both sides in the width direction (left - right direction) with respect to the glass ribbon R, and are arranged in a state of facing each other along this width direction.

[0101] It should be noted that in the following description, mainly the conveying roller device 40 disposed on the left side with respect to the glass ribbon R will be described, and the description of the conveying roller device 40 disposed on the right side with respect to this glass ribbon R will be omitted.

[0102] A set of conveying roller pairs 20 is constituted by, for example, as described above, in this embodiment, by the conveying rollers 21, 21 constituted by a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b. These pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 have their axial directions as the horizontal direction and are arranged parallel to each other in one direction (left - right direction).

[0103] The angle adjustment mechanism 41 has: a support portion 411 that axially supports the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21; a displacement mechanism portion 412 that can displace the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 by sliding and moving respectively along the thickness direction (front - back direction) side of the glass ribbon R; and a cam mechanism portion 413 that rotates the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 by moving the support portion 411.

[0104] It should be noted that the displacement mechanism portion 412 is an example of the displacement unit of the present utility model.

[0105] In addition, the cam mechanism portion 413 is an example of the cam unit of the present utility model.

[0106] The support portion 411 has a pair of rotating shafts 411a, 411a that extend and protrude in the left - right direction and are arranged parallel to each other in the front - back direction, and a pair of housings 411b, 411b that support the respective rotating shafts 411a.

[0107] At one end portion (the right end portion in this embodiment) of each rotating shaft 411a, a conveying roller 21 is coaxially penetrated and provided.

[0108] In addition, each rotating shaft 411a is axially supported by the housing 411b at the other end portion (the left end portion in this embodiment).

[0109] That is, the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 are axially supported by the pair of housings 411b, 411b via the pair of rotating shafts 411a, 411a.

[0110] And each rotating shaft 411a is configured to be capable of being rotationally driven about its axis by a drive unit (not shown).

[0111] Thereby, by the rotational driving of each rotating shaft 411a, the conveying roller 21 is rotationally driven about its axis in a predetermined direction together with this rotating shaft 411a.

[0112] The displacement mechanism 412 includes, for example, a pair of linear blocks 412 a and 412 a provided in each housing 411 b , and a pair of linear rails 412 b and 412 b for guiding the movement direction of each linear block 412 a .

[0113] The pair of linear blocks 412 a and 412 a are arranged to be separated from each other in the axial direction (left-right direction) of the conveying roller 21 (or the rotating shaft 411 a ) just below each housing 411 b and are fixed to the lower surface of the housing 411 b .

[0114] In addition, a pair of linear rails 412b, 412b extends in a plan view orthogonal direction (front-back direction) to the above-mentioned axial direction (left-right direction), is arranged parallel to each other along the axial direction, and is fixed to a cam plate 413b of the cam mechanism portion 413 described later.

[0115] Furthermore, the pair of linear blocks 412 a and 412 a fixed to each housing 411 b are configured to be slidable on the pair of linear rails 412 b and 412 b , respectively.

[0116] Thus, the pair of housings 411b, 411b that respectively pivotally support the rotating shaft 411a are configured to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction when viewed from above, that is, in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the glass ribbon R, by means of the displacement mechanism 412. That is, the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 that penetrate the respective rotating shafts 411a are configured to be displaceable in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the glass ribbon R by sliding the pair of housings 411b, 411b using the displacement mechanism 412.

[0117] Thus, in this embodiment, the angle adjustment mechanism 41 is configured to include the displacement mechanism portion 412 capable of displacing each of the pair of conveying rollers 21 and 21 in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the glass ribbon R.

[0118] According to the manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment, the gap between the pair of conveying rollers 21 and 21 can be appropriately adjusted according to the thickness of the glass ribbon R by having such a structure.

[0119] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 can be displaced to one side or the other side (in this embodiment, the front side) in the thickness direction (front-back direction) relative to the conveying direction (downward direction) of the glass ribbon R. As a result, the one end portion in the width direction clamped by each conveying roller pair 20 can be easily aligned with the curved portion of the glass ribbon R. In other words, the boundary shape between the curved portion of the glass ribbon R and the one end portion can be made smooth (see the following description). Figure 3 As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the induction of stress concentration at the one end portion.

[0120] As shown Figure 2 in FIGS. (a) and (b) of Figure 2 , the cam mechanism portion 413 has: a substrate 413a disposed substantially horizontally; a cam plate 413b disposed parallel to the substrate 413a directly above the substrate 413a; a plurality (four in this embodiment) of cam followers 413c, 413c... provided on the upper surface of the substrate 413a; and a plurality (six in this embodiment) of wheels 413d, 413d... provided on the lower surface of the cam plate 413b.

[0121] A pair of notches 413b1, 413b1 formed in a substantially arc shape are provided on the plane of the cam plate 413b.

[0122] Each notch 413a1 is formed, for example, by an opening that penetrates the cam plate 413b in the thickness direction in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be formed by a groove that digs down the lower surface of the cam plate 413b in the thickness direction.

[0123] In addition, the pair of notches 413b1, 413b1 may also be provided as a single continuous notch.

[0124] The pair of notches 413b1, 413b1 are disposed at positions separated from each other along the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the glass ribbon R on the plane of the cam plate 413b.

[0125] In addition, when the pair of notches 413b1, 413b1 are viewed from above, that is, when observed in the conveying direction of the glass ribbon R, they are respectively formed along an imaginary arc axis L centered on a rotation axis Z1 in a region (the region shown by "shading" in FIGS. (a) and (b) of

[0125] ) where the pair of conveying rollers 21, 21 contact the glass ribbon R. Figure 2 of

[0125] .

[0126] On the other hand, the plurality of cam followers 413c, 413c... are respectively disposed in contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the pair of notches 413b1, 413b1.

[0127] In addition, the plurality of wheels 413d, 413d... support the cam plate 413b on the substrate 413a so as to be movable in the horizontal direction and in any direction (front-rear direction and left-right direction).

[0128] And, the cam plate 413b rotates about the above rotation axis Z1 while sliding the plurality of cam followers 413c, 413c... in the pair of notches 413b1, 413b1 by moving the cam plate 413b toward one side (front side) or the other side (rear side) in the thickness direction of the glass ribbon R with respect to the substrate 413a.

[0129] As a result, on the cam plate 413b, the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 pivotally supported by the supported portion 411 rotate about the above-mentioned rotation axis Z1 together with the cam plate 413b by means of the displacement mechanism portion 412. That is, the angle adjustment mechanism 41 is configured to be able to adjust the tilt angle of the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 with respect to the glass ribbon R by rotating the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 toward the thickness direction (front-rear direction) side of the glass ribbon R.

[0130] Thus, in the present embodiment, the angle adjustment mechanism 41 has the following structure, that is, it includes: a supported portion 411 that pivotally supports the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21; and a cam mechanism portion 413 that rotates the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 about the above-mentioned rotation axis Z1 by moving the supported portion 411.

[0131] By having such a structure, according to the manufacturing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, as will be described later, when rotating the transfer roller pair 20 (the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21) about the above-mentioned rotation axis Z1, it is possible to continuously and uninterruptedly adjust the angles of the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 in each axial direction by using the cam mechanism portion 413, and it is possible to more appropriately adjust the position of the transfer roller pair 20 with respect to the glass ribbon R.

[0132] As described above, the manufacturing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment is a manufacturing apparatus for glass articles, and includes: a forming apparatus 10 that forms a glass ribbon R from molten glass G; and a transfer roller apparatus 40 that transfers the glass ribbon R downward along the length direction.

[0133] In addition, the transfer roller apparatus 40 has: a pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 that can hold the glass ribbon R at one end in the width direction (left-right direction) of the glass ribbon R; and an angle adjustment mechanism 41 that can adjust the tilt angle of the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 with respect to the glass ribbon R by rotating the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21.

[0134] Moreover, the angle adjustment mechanism 41 has the following structure, that is, when viewed from above, that is, when observed in the transfer direction of the glass ribbon R, the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 rotate about the rotation axis Z1 located at the holding portion Z where the pair of transfer rollers 21, 21 contact the glass ribbon R.

[0135] Here, as shown in (b) of Figure 3 , for example, when the cross-sectional shape of the glass ribbon R in the transfer state is temporarily bent in a manner that bulges forward in the thickness direction from the center inside the furnace body 30 (refer to Figure 1 ), in the conventional manufacturing apparatus 101, the glass ribbon R is forcibly bent by making a contact head abut from the rear side in the thickness direction or the like.

[0136] Therefore, the glass ribbon R bends at the boundary between the bent portion of the glass ribbon R and one end portion of the glass ribbon R held by the conveying roller pair 120 (refer to Figure 3 region Y1 in (b) thereof), inducing stress concentration, and there is a risk of causing defects, breakages, etc. in the glass ribbon R.

[0137] In contrast, according to the manufacturing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 (a) thereof, the angle adjustment mechanism 41 can easily adjust the axial directions of the conveying roller pairs 20 (a pair of conveying rollers 21, 21) that respectively hold one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon R along the tangential direction of the bent portion.

[0138] Thus, it is possible to prevent the glass ribbon R from bending at the boundary between the bent portion of the glass ribbon R and one end portion in the width direction held by each conveying roller pair 20 as in the past, and while suppressing stress concentration induced at this one end portion and preventing the occurrence of defects, breakages, etc. caused by this stress concentration, the formed glass ribbon R can be stably conveyed.

[0139] In addition, the load when holding the glass ribbon R by the conveying roller pair 20 can be reduced, the reduction in the thickness of one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon R can be suppressed, and the quality degradation of the glass ribbon R can be prevented.

[0140] Moreover, the angle adjustment mechanism 41 rotates the pair of conveying rollers 20 around the rotation axis Z1 located on the clamping portion Z where the pair of conveying rollers 20 contacts the glass ribbon R, thereby effectively suppressing stress concentration induced at one end portion.

[0141] As described above, one embodiment embodying the present utility model has been described, but the present utility model is not limited to such an embodiment and is merely illustrative. Of course, it can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present utility model. The scope of the present utility model is represented by the description of the utility model technical solution and also includes the equivalent meaning described in the utility model technical solution and all changes within the scope.

[0142] In the above embodiment, a pair of annealing rollers 21b, 21b in a group is set as the conveying roller pair 20 having the angle adjustment mechanism 41, but two or more pairs of annealing rollers 21b, 21b can also be set as the conveying roller pair 20 having the angle adjustment mechanism 41.

[0143] If two or more pairs of annealing rollers 21b, 21b are the conveying roller pair 20 having the angle adjustment mechanism 41, the cross-sectional shape of the glass ribbon R can be bent within a large range in the conveying direction.

[0144] Thereby, the conveying attitude of the glass ribbon R can be further stabilized, and the quality degradation of the glass ribbon R can be more reliably prevented.

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for a glass article, comprising: a forming apparatus that forms a glass ribbon from molten glass; and a conveying roller apparatus that conveys the glass ribbon downward along the length direction, characterized in that, the conveying roller apparatus has: a pair of conveying rollers that can hold the glass ribbon at one end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon; and an angle adjustment mechanism that can adjust the inclination angle of the pair of conveying rollers with respect to the glass ribbon, when viewed in the conveying direction of the glass ribbon, the angle adjustment mechanism rotates the pair of conveying rollers about a rotation axis located on the holding portion where the pair of conveying rollers contact the glass ribbon.

2. The manufacturing apparatus for a glass article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the angle adjustment mechanism has: a support portion that axially supports the pair of conveying rollers; and a cam unit that moves through the support portion to rotate the pair of conveying rollers about the rotation axis.

3. The manufacturing apparatus for a glass article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the angle adjustment mechanism has a displacement unit that can displace the pair of conveying rollers respectively in the thickness direction of the glass ribbon.

4. The manufacturing apparatus for a glass article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the manufacturing apparatus for a glass article is provided below the forming apparatus with: at least one set of a pair of edge rollers that hold both end portions in the width direction of the formed glass ribbon while conveying the glass ribbon; and multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers that contact both end portions in the width direction of the glass ribbon to be annealed and convey the glass ribbon below the pair of edge rollers, the multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers are arranged in multiple levels up and down, at least one set of a pair of annealing rollers among the multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers is constituted by a pair of conveying rollers in the conveying roller apparatus.

5. The manufacturing apparatus for a glass article according to claim 4, characterized in that, at least two sets of a pair of annealing rollers among the multiple sets of a pair of annealing rollers are constituted by a pair of conveying rollers in the conveying roller apparatus.

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