Pushing assembly and method for electrodes in a glass melting furnace

Abstract

A pushing assembly and method for an electrode includes a frame assembly, a plurality of drive assemblies fixedly coupled to the frame assembly, and a push frame coupled to the plurality of drive assemblies and configured to apply a pushing force to the electrode, the plurality of drive assemblies configured to move the push frame, and each of the plurality of drive assemblies is independently removable from the frame assembly and the push frame.

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 373,381, filed August 24, 2022, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to a pushing assembly and method for a glass melting furnace electrode. [Background technology]

[0003] In the manufacture of glass articles such as glass sheets for display applications, including televisions and portable devices such as phones and tablets, a glass composition is typically melted to form molten glass in a melting tank equipped with multiple electrodes. During operation of the melting tank, the portions of the electrodes exposed to the molten glass gradually erode over time. Such erosion can be compensated for by using a mechanism to push the electrodes toward the molten glass composition. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The implementation and operation of such mechanisms is complex and expensive, and thus continues to require improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Embodiments disclosed herein include a pushing assembly for an electrode. The pushing assembly for the electrode includes a frame assembly. The pushing assembly for the electrode also includes a plurality of drive assemblies fixedly coupled to the frame assembly. Additionally, the pushing assembly for the electrode includes a push frame coupled to the plurality of drive assemblies and configured to apply a pushing force to the electrode. The plurality of drive assemblies are configured to move the push frame, and each of the drive assemblies is independently detachable from the frame assembly and the push frame.

[0006] Embodiments disclosed herein also include a method for pushing an electrode, the method including applying a pushing force to the electrode with a push frame coupled to a plurality of drive assemblies, the plurality of drive assemblies being fixedly coupled to a frame assembly, the plurality of drive assemblies moving the push frame and each of the plurality of drive assemblies being independently removable from the frame assembly and the push frame.

[0007] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments of the disclosure as described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]Illustrative diagram of an exemplary fusion downdraw glass manufacturing apparatus and process [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of an exemplary glass melting tank according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 3] 3 is a top cutaway view of the exemplary glass melting tank of FIG. [Figure 4] 2-3. [Figure 5] Schematic side cutaway view of the electrode and pushing mechanism [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary electrode and pushing assembly according to an embodiment disclosed herein; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic top view of an exemplary electrode and pushing assembly according to an embodiment disclosed herein; [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic end view of an exemplary electrode and pushing assembly according to an embodiment disclosed herein; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary drive assembly according to an embodiment disclosed herein; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary drive assembly according to an embodiment disclosed herein; [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic end cutaway view of a portion of an exemplary electrode pushing assembly according to embodiments disclosed herein; [Figure 12A] 1 is a schematic end cutaway view of a portion of an exemplary electrode pushing assembly according to embodiments disclosed herein; [Figure 12B] 1 is a schematic end cutaway view of a portion of an exemplary electrode pushing assembly according to embodiments disclosed herein; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an exemplary electrode and pushing assembly with the drive assembly removed, according to an embodiment disclosed herein; [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary electrode and pushing assembly with multiple drive assemblies removed, according to embodiments disclosed herein; [Figure 15]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary electrode and pushing assembly with multiple drive assemblies and a push frame removed, according to embodiments disclosed herein; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0011] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, for example, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0012] Any directional terms used herein - e.g., up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom - are used only with reference to the drawings depicted and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0013] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method described herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order, or that any particular orientation of any apparatus be required. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite the order in which its steps must be followed, or an apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation for individual components, or where it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claim or description that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, or where a particular order or orientation for the apparatus components is not recited, no order or orientation is intended to be implied in any way. This applies to any possible non-expressive criteria of interpretation, including sequence of steps, flow of operations, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation; and logical matters regarding the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0014] As used herein, nouns include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a component includes two or more of such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] An exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 1. In some cases, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may include a glass melting furnace 12, which may include a melting tank 14. The glass melting furnace 12, including the melting tank 14, may include one or more additional components, such as heating elements or mechanisms (e.g., combustion burners or electrodes) that heat the raw materials and convert the raw materials into molten glass. In a further example, the glass melting furnace 12 may include thermal management devices (e.g., insulating components) that reduce heat loss from the vicinity of the melting tank. In yet a further example, the glass melting furnace 12 may include electronic and / or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting of the raw materials into a glass melt. Furthermore, the glass melting furnace 12 may include a support structure (e.g., a support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

[0016] The glass melting tank 14 is typically made from a refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material containing alumina or zirconia. In some cases, the glass melting tank 14 may be constructed from refractory ceramic bricks. Specific embodiments of the glass melting tank 14 are described in more detail below.

[0017] In some cases, a glass melting furnace may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus for producing glass substrates, e.g., continuous lengths of glass ribbons. In some cases, a glass melting furnace of the present disclosure may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus, including a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a downdraw apparatus such as a fusion process, an updraw apparatus, a rolling mill, a tube drawing apparatus, or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the embodiments disclosed herein. As an example, Figure 1 schematically illustrates a glass melting furnace 12 as a component of a fusion downdraw glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets.

[0018] The glass manufacturing system 10 (e.g., the fusion downdraw system 10) may optionally include upstream glass manufacturing equipment 16 positioned upstream relative to the glass melting tank 14. In some cases, some or all of the upstream glass manufacturing equipment 16 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12.

[0019] As shown in the illustrated example, the upstream glass-making equipment 16 may include a storage vessel 18, a raw material supply 20, and a motor 22 connected to the raw material supply. The storage vessel 18 may be configured to store a quantity of raw material 24, as indicated by arrow 26, which may be supplied to the melting tank 14 of the glass melting furnace 12. The raw material 24 typically includes one or more glass-forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some cases, the raw material supply 20 may be driven by the motor 22 such that the raw material supply 20 delivers a predetermined amount of raw material 24 from the storage vessel 18 to the melting tank 14. In a further example, the motor 22 may drive the raw material supply 20 to introduce the raw material 24 at a controlled rate based on a level of molten glass sensed downstream of the melting tank 14. The raw material 24 in the melting tank 14 may then be heated to form molten glass 28.

[0020] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may optionally include downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 positioned downstream relative to the glass melting furnace 12. In some cases, a portion of the downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. In some cases, the first connecting conduit 32, described below, or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. Elements of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus, including the first connecting conduit 32, may be formed from a precious metal. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from the group of metals consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus may be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy containing about 70% to about 90% by weight platinum and about 10% to about 30% by weight rhodium. However, other suitable metals may include molybdenum, palladium, ruthenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.

[0021] The downstream glass-making equipment 30 may include a first conditioning (i.e., processing) vessel, such as a fining vessel 34, located downstream from the melting vessel 14 and connected to the melting vessel 14 by the first connecting conduit 32 described above. In some cases, the molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34 by the first connecting conduit 32. For example, gravity may cause the molten glass 28 to pass from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34 through the internal passage of the first connecting conduit 32. However, other conditioning vessels may be located downstream of the melting vessel 14, for example, between the melting vessel 14 and the fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning vessel may be utilized between the melting vessel and the fining vessel, where the molten glass from the primary melting vessel is cooled to a temperature below that of the molten glass in the melting vessel before being further heated to continue the melting process or before entering the fining vessel.

[0022] Gas bubbles may be removed from the molten glass 28 in the fining vessel 34 by various techniques. For example, the raw material 24 may contain a polyvalent compound (i.e., a fining agent), such as tin oxide, that undergoes a chemical reduction reaction and releases oxygen when heated. Other suitable fining agents include, without limitation, arsenic, antimony, iron, and cerium. The fining vessel 34 is heated to a temperature higher than that of the melting vessel, thereby heating the molten glass and fining agent. The oxygen generated by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of the fining agent may diffuse into or coalesce with gas bubbles generated in the molten glass during the melting process. The enlarged gas bubbles may then rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the fining vessel and subsequently be released from the fining vessel. The gas bubbles may further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the fining vessel.

[0023] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as a mixing vessel 36, for mixing the molten glass. The mixing vessel 36 may be located downstream of the fining vessel 34. The mixing vessel 36 may be used to provide a homogeneous glass melt composition, thereby reducing streaks of chemical or thermal inhomogeneity that would otherwise be present in the fined molten glass exiting the fining vessel. As can be seen, the fining vessel 34 may be connected to the mixing vessel 36 by a second connecting conduit 38. In some cases, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the fining vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36 by the second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity may cause the molten glass 28 to pass from the fining vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36 through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 38. Although the mixing vessel 36 is shown downstream of the fining vessel 34, the mixing vessel 36 may also be located upstream of the fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may include multiple mixing vessels, such as a mixing vessel upstream of fining vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream of fining vessel 34. These multiple mixing vessels may be of the same design or of different designs.

[0024] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as a feed vessel 40, which may be located downstream from the mixing vessel 36. The feed vessel 40 may condition the molten glass 28 to be fed to the downstream forming apparatus. For example, the feed vessel 40 may act as an accumulator and / or flow regulator to regulate and / or provide a continuous flow of the molten glass 28 to the forming bodies 42 via an outlet conduit 44. As can be seen, the mixing vessel 36 may be coupled to the feed vessel 40 by a third connecting conduit 46. In some cases, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the mixing vessel 36 to the feed vessel 40 via the third connecting conduit 46. For example, gravity may cause the molten glass 28 to pass from the mixing vessel 36 to the feed vessel 40 through the internal passage of the third connecting conduit 46.

[0025] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include a forming apparatus 48 including the forming body 42 and inlet conduit 50 described above. The outlet conduit 44 may be positioned to deliver molten glass 28 from the supply vessel 40 to the inlet conduit 50 of the forming apparatus 48. For example, the outlet conduit 44 may be nested within the inlet conduit 50 and spaced from its inner surface, thereby providing a free surface of molten glass positioned between the outer surface of the outlet conduit 44 and the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50. The forming body 42 in a fusion downdraw glass manufacturing apparatus may include a trough 52 positioned on the top surface of the forming body 42 and a converging forming surface 54 that converges in the draw direction along a bottom edge 56 of the forming body 42. Molten glass delivered to the forming body trough through the supply vessel 40, the outlet conduit 44, and the inlet conduit 50 overflows the sidewall of the trough and descends along the converging forming surface 54 as a separate stream of molten glass. The separate streams of molten glass join below and along the bottom edge 56 to create a single glass ribbon 58, which is drawn in a draw or flow direction 60 from the bottom edge 56 by applying tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity, edge rolls 72, and pulling rolls 82, to control the dimensions of the glass ribbon as the glass cools and its viscosity increases. Thus, the glass ribbon 58 undergoes a viscoelastic transition and acquires mechanical properties that give it stable dimensional characteristics. The glass ribbon 58 may, in some embodiments, be divided into individual glass sheets 62 by a glass dividing device 100 in the elastic region of the glass ribbon. A robot 64 may then transfer the individual glass sheets 62 using grippers 65 to a transport system, where the individual glass sheets may be further processed.

[0026] 2 shows a side cutaway view of an exemplary glass melting tank 14 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The glass melting tank 14 includes a vessel 114 positioned above a floor 126, where a raw material feeder 20 delivers a predetermined amount of raw materials 24 to the vessel 114 through a feed port 116, the combination of the raw material feeder 20 and the feed port 116 comprising the feeder. The glass melting tank 14 may also include a plurality of electrodes 102 and a plurality of combustion burners 104.

[0027] During operation, the plurality of electrodes 102 and the plurality of combustion burners 104 heat the vessel 114 such that the raw material 24 is melted into molten glass 28 to a predetermined depth (L) within the vessel 114. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the plurality of combustion burners 104 are positioned above the predetermined depth (L), and the plurality of electrodes 102 are positioned below the predetermined depth (L).

[0028] Figures 3 and 4 show cutaway top and end views, respectively, of the exemplary glass melting tank 14 of Figure 2. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, each combustion burner 104 emits a flame 108 into the tank 114. Additionally, as shown in Figure 3, the feed port 116 is disposed in a first wall 120 of the tank 114, and the plurality of combustion burners 104 are disposed in second and third walls 122, 124 of the tank 114, each of which is generally parallel to one another and extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the first wall 120. The first, second, and third walls 120, 122, and 124 are also generally perpendicular to the floor 126.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the glass melting tank 14 includes an electrode 106 extending from a floor 126, the electrode 106 being positioned below a predetermined depth (L). As further shown in Figure 4, the combustion burner 104 emits a flame 108 in a direction generally parallel to the predetermined depth (L).

[0030] 2-4 show the glass melting tank 14 including an electrode 102 extending from the wall of the tank 114, an electrode 106 extending from the floor 126, and a combustion burner 104, embodiments disclosed herein can include glass melting tanks 14 that do not include one or more of these components. Collectively, one or more of these components comprise a heating mechanism.

[0031] In certain exemplary embodiments, electrode 102 and / or electrode 106 are made from at least one of tin oxide and molybdenum. In certain exemplary embodiments, electrode 102 is made from tin oxide and electrode 106 is made from molybdenum.

[0032] 5 shows a schematic side cutaway view of the electrode 102 and pushing mechanism 200. The pushing mechanism 200 includes a push frame 202 and drive components 204 configured to push the electrode 102, as shown by arrow P, so that a portion of the electrode 102 extends beyond the wall 122 of the melting tank 14 as the electrode 102 corrodes over time, for example, due to exposure to molten glass.

[0033] 6-8 illustrate schematic side, top, and end views, respectively, of an exemplary electrode 102 and a pushing assembly 300 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The pushing assembly 300 includes a frame assembly 302 and a support member 304 fixedly attached to the frame assembly 302. The pushing assembly 300 also includes a plurality of drive assemblies 308 (two of which are shown in FIG. 6 , two of which are shown in FIG. 7 , and four of which are shown in FIG. 8 ) fixedly coupled to the frame assembly 302. Each of the plurality of drive assemblies 308 includes a drive nut 310 and a pair of mounting sleeves 306 that facilitate attachment of each drive assembly 308 to the frame assembly 302. The pushing assembly 300 additionally includes a push frame 314 coupled to the plurality of drive assemblies 308 via removable bearings 318. The push frame 314 includes a frame member 316 and a push rod 312 extending through the frame member 316 and configured to apply a pushing force to the electrode 102 via an electrode contact 318 .

[0034] 9 and 10 show schematic side views of an exemplary drive assembly 308 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The drive assembly 308 includes a drive mechanism 340 housed within an enclosure 320. The drive mechanism 340 includes an axially extending drive shaft 322 including a threaded region 326, and a drive bearing 324 circumferentially surrounding the axial length of the drive shaft 322. The drive bearing 324 has a slip fit on the drive shaft 322, allowing the drive shaft 322 to rotate freely while the drive bearing 324 remains in a fixed orientation. For example, the drive shaft 322 can be rotated by turning the drive nut 310, either manually or mechanically (e.g., automated) to allow the drive shaft 322 to move axially relative to the enclosure 320 by rotation of the threaded region 326 through the end wall of the enclosure 320. Each of the mounting sleeves 306 of the drive assembly includes a passage 328 for receiving a mounting rod 334 (shown in FIGS. 13-15).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 10 , the drive mechanism 340 includes a flexible cover 336 that circumferentially surrounds the axial direction of the drive shaft 322. Specifically, the flexible cover 336 circumferentially surrounds the threaded region 326, thereby protecting the threaded region 326 from dirt and debris that may be present near the pushing mechanism 300. Such protection can facilitate free rotation of the drive shaft 322 (e.g., preventing dirt and debris on the threaded region 326 from locking or binding the drive shaft). In certain exemplary embodiments, the flexible cover 336 can have a bellows or accordion structure, allowing the flexible cover 336 to expand and contract as the drive shaft 322 moves axially relative to the enclosure 320. In certain exemplary embodiments, the flexible cover 336 can include at least one of aluminum, fiberglass, or a composite or multi-layer thereof.

[0036] 11 illustrates a schematic cutaway end view of a portion of an exemplary electrode pushing assembly 300 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates a removable bearing 318 coupled to a drive bearing 324 and a frame member 316 via a mounting bolt 330, where the removable bearing 318 extends between a drive shaft 322 (housed within an enclosure 320) and a push rod 312.

[0037] In operation, the drive assembly 308 can move the push frame 314, for example, by rotating the drive shaft 322 (e.g., by turning the drive nut 310), thereby moving the drive shaft 322 axially, which in turn moves the push frame 314 axially as a result of the connection between the drive bearing 324, the removable bearing 318, and the frame member 316. For example, each drive assembly 308 of the pushing assembly 300 for an electrode can move the push frame 314 by rotating its own drive shaft 322, thereby moving the electrode 102 as a result of the pushing force applied to the electrode 102 by the push frame 314.

[0038] 12A and 12B show schematic side cutaway views of a portion of an exemplary electrode pushing assembly 300 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, FIG. 12A shows a schematic side cutaway view of a removable bearing 318 attached to a frame member 316 with a mounting bolt 330 and a mounting nut 332 (each of which extends around a push rod 312). FIG. 12B shows a schematic side cutaway view of the mounting bolt 330 and the mounting nut 332 removed from the removable bearing 318 and the frame member 316, thereby allowing the removable bearing 318 to be separated from the frame member 316.

[0039] 13 illustrates a schematic top view of an exemplary electrode 102 and pushing assembly 300 with the drive assembly 308 removed, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, separating the removable bearing 318 from the frame member 316 facilitates removal of the drive assembly 308 from the frame assembly 302 and push frame 314. Such removal involves separating the mounting sleeve 306 from the mounting rod 334, which may include removing a nut member (not shown) from the end of the mounting rod 334 prior to removal of the drive assembly 308.

[0040] 14 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary electrode 102 and pushing assembly 300 with the plurality of drive assemblies 308 removed, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Specifically, all four drive assemblies 308 of the pushing assembly 300 have been removed from the frame assembly 302 and push frame 314 in the manner shown and described with respect to FIG. 13. Thus, each of the plurality of drive assemblies 308 is independently removed from the frame assembly 302 and push frame 314.

[0041] 15 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary electrode 102 and pushing assembly 300 with multiple drive assemblies 308 and push frame 314 removed, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, after the drive assemblies 308 are removed from the frame assembly 302 and push frame 314, the push frame 314 can also be removed from the pushing assembly 300.

[0042] The embodiments disclosed herein may allow for repair and / or replacement of components of the pushing assembly 300, such as components of the drive assembly 308, without requiring substantial disassembly of the pushing assembly 300, which in turn may allow for operation of the pushing assembly 300, and in turn, the melt tank 14, at reduced cost and with minimal process downtime. The embodiments disclosed herein may also increase physical access to the electrode 102 without requiring substantial disassembly of the pushing assembly 300.

[0043] Although the above-described embodiments have been described with reference to a fusion downdraw process, it should be understood that such embodiments are also applicable to other glass forming processes, such as slot draw, float, updraw, and rolling processes.

[0044] Such processes can be used to manufacture glass articles that can be used, for example, in electronic devices, as well as in other applications.

[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

[0047] Embodiment 1 1. A pushing assembly for an electrode, comprising: Frame assembly, a plurality of drive assemblies fixedly coupled to the frame assembly; and a push frame coupled to the plurality of drive assemblies and configured to apply a pushing force to the electrodes; Equipped with The plurality of drive assemblies are configured to move the push frame, and each is independently removable from the frame assembly and the push frame, and a pushing assembly for an electrode.

[0048] Embodiment 2 2. A pushing assembly for an electrode as described in embodiment 1, wherein the push frame is coupled to each of the plurality of drive assemblies via a detachable bearing.

[0049] Embodiment 3 3. A pushing assembly for an electrode as described in embodiment 2, wherein each of the plurality of drive assemblies includes a drive bearing coupled to the detachable bearing.

[0050] Embodiment 4 4. A pushing assembly for an electrode as described in embodiment 3, wherein each of the plurality of drive assemblies comprises a drive mechanism including an axially extending drive shaft.

[0051] Embodiment 5 5. A pushing assembly for an electrode as described in embodiment 4, wherein the drive bearing circumferentially surrounds the axial length of the drive shaft.

[0052] Embodiment 6 5. A pushing assembly for an electrode as described in embodiment 4, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a flexible cover circumferentially surrounding the axial length of the drive shaft.

[0053] Embodiment 7 5. A pushing assembly for an electrode as described in embodiment 4, wherein each of the plurality of drive assemblies is configured to move the push frame by rotating the drive shaft.

[0054] Embodiment 8 In the method of pushing the electrode, applying a pushing force to the electrodes with a push frame coupled to a plurality of drive assemblies, the plurality of drive assemblies being fixedly coupled to a frame assembly, the plurality of drive assemblies moving the push frame and each being independently removable from the frame assembly and the push frame; A method comprising:

[0055] Embodiment 9 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the push frame is coupled to each of the plurality of drive assemblies via a removable bearing.

[0056] Embodiment 10 10. The method of embodiment 9, wherein each of the plurality of drive assemblies includes a drive bearing coupled to the removable bearing.

[0057] Embodiment 11 11. The method of embodiment 10, wherein each of the plurality of drive assemblies comprises a drive mechanism including an axially extending drive shaft.

[0058] Embodiment 12 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the drive bearing circumferentially surrounds the axial length of the drive shaft.

[0059] Embodiment 13 12. The method of embodiment 11, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a flexible cover circumferentially surrounding the axial length of the drive shaft.

[0060] Embodiment 14 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising moving the push frame by rotating the drive shaft of each of the plurality of drive assemblies.

[0061] Embodiment 15 A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a pushing assembly for an electrode according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10. Glass manufacturing equipment 12 Glass melting furnace 14 Melting tank 16 Upstream glass manufacturing equipment 18 Storage Containers 20 Raw material supply equipment 22 Motor 24 Raw Materials 28 Molten Glass 30 Downstream glass manufacturing equipment 32 First connecting conduit 34 Clarifying tank 36 Mixing tank 38 Second connecting conduit 40 Supply tank 42 Molded body 44 Outlet conduit 46 Third connecting conduit 48 Molding equipment 50 Inlet conduit 52 Gutter 54 Convergent forming surface 56 Lower edge 58 Glass Ribbon 62 Glass Sheet 64 Robot 65 Grasping instruments 72 Edge Roll 82 Traction Roll 102, 106 electrode 104 Combustion Burner 108 Flame 114 tanks 116 Supply Port 120 The First Wall 122 The Second Wall 124 The Third Wall 126 beds 200 Pushing mechanism 202 Push Frame 204 Drive Components 300 Pushing Assembly 302 Frame Assembly 304 Support member 306 Mounting sleeve 308 Drive Assembly 310 Drive nut 312 Push rod 314 Push Frame 316 Frame members 318 Electrode Contact 320 Envelope 322 Drive shaft 324 Drive bearing 326 screw area 328 Passage 330 Mounting bolt 332 Mounting nut 334 Mounting rod 336 Flexible Cover 340 Drive Mechanism

Claims

1. 1. A pushing assembly for an electrode, comprising: Frame assembly, a plurality of drive assemblies fixedly coupled to the frame assembly; and a push frame coupled to the plurality of drive assemblies and configured to apply a pushing force to the electrodes; Equipped with The plurality of drive assemblies are configured to move the push frame, and each is independently removable from the frame assembly and the push frame, and a pushing assembly for an electrode.

2. 2. The pushing assembly for an electrode according to claim 1, wherein said push frame is coupled to each of said plurality of drive assemblies via a removable bearing.

3. 3. The pushing assembly for an electrode of claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of drive assemblies includes a drive bearing coupled to said removable bearing.

4. 4. The pushing assembly for an electrode of claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of drive assemblies comprises a drive mechanism including an axially extending drive shaft.

5. 5. The pushing assembly for an electrode of claim 4, wherein said drive mechanism comprises a flexible cover circumferentially surrounding an axial length of said drive shaft.

6. In the method of pushing the electrode, applying a pushing force to the electrodes with a push frame coupled to a plurality of drive assemblies, the plurality of drive assemblies being fixedly coupled to a frame assembly, the plurality of drive assemblies moving the push frame and each being independently removable from the frame assembly and the push frame; A method comprising:

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the push frame is coupled to each of the plurality of drive assemblies via a removable bearing.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein each of the plurality of drive assemblies includes a drive bearing coupled to the removable bearing.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of drive assemblies comprises a drive mechanism including an axially extending drive shaft.

10. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a pushing assembly for an electrode according to claim 1.

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