Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention provides a cleaning apparatus and cleaning method that enable the efficient removal of deposits from the outer surface of an applicator roller. [Solution] The cleaning device 21 is used for cleaning the applicator roller 17. The applicator roller 17 has an outer surface 18a for applying a sizing agent to multiple glass filaments. The cleaning device 21 comprises a cleaning tool 22, a moving mechanism 23, and a cleaning liquid supply unit 25. The cleaning tool 22 has a sliding contact portion 22a that can slide against the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. The moving mechanism 23 moves the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 relative to each other while the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 are in contact. The cleaning liquid supply unit 25 can supply cleaning liquid CL between the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning method.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, in the production of glass fibers, an applicator for applying a sizing agent to a plurality of glass filaments may be used. The applicator includes an applicator roller having an outer peripheral surface for applying the sizing agent.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the sizing agent hardens over time during the use of the applicator, deposits derived from the sizing agent occur on the outer peripheral surface of the applicator roller. When such deposits increase, for example, the variation in the application amount of the sizing agent to a plurality of glass filaments becomes large. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically perform a cleaning process for removing the deposits on the outer peripheral surface of the applicator roller. In this cleaning process, it is required to efficiently remove the deposits on the outer peripheral surface of the applicator roller.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device and a cleaning method that enable efficient removal of deposits on the outer peripheral surface of an applicator roller.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Each aspect of the cleaning device and the cleaning method for solving the above problems will be described. The cleaning apparatus of embodiment 1 is a cleaning apparatus used for cleaning an applicator roller having an outer surface for applying a sizing agent to a plurality of glass filaments, comprising: a cleaning tool having a sliding contact portion that can slide against the outer surface of the applicator roller; a moving mechanism that moves the sliding contact portion and the outer surface of the applicator roller relative to each other while the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the outer surface of the applicator roller are in contact; and a cleaning liquid supply unit that can supply cleaning liquid between the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the outer surface of the applicator roller.

[0007] With this configuration, the hardening of the sizing agent allows the cleaning tool's sliding contact surface and the cleaning solution to come into contact with the deposits adhering to the outer surface of the applicator roller. In this state, the sliding contact surface of the cleaning tool and the cleaning solution are in contact with the deposits, and the outer surface of the applicator roller and the sliding contact surface of the cleaning tool can be moved relative to each other. This makes it possible to easily remove the deposits.

[0008] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 2, the moving mechanism in embodiment 1 may include a first rotation mechanism that rotates the applicator roller around the axis of the applicator roller. This configuration allows the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool to be efficiently brought into contact with the adhering material.

[0009] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 3, in embodiment 2, the applicator roller has a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is equipped with a first gear, and the first rotation mechanism may be equipped with a second gear that transmits power to the first gear by engaging with the first gear. With this configuration, power from the first rotation mechanism can be easily transmitted to the applicator roller having a rotating shaft equipped with the first gear.

[0010] In the cleaning apparatus of Embodiment 4, in any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, the cleaning tool includes a brush roller whose sliding contact portion is made of brushes, the brush roller is positioned such that its axis extends along the axial direction of the applicator roller, and the moving mechanism may include a second rotation mechanism that rotates the brush roller around its axis. This configuration allows the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool to be efficiently brought into contact with the adhering material.

[0011] The cleaning apparatus of embodiment 5 may include a drive unit for driving the moving mechanism in any one of embodiments 1 to 4. With this configuration, the workload of the cleaning work can be reduced by automating the operation of the moving mechanism.

[0012] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 6, in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, the cleaning liquid supply unit may further include a bubble generator that generates bubbles using gas introduced from the outside into the cleaning liquid. With this configuration, the applicator roller can be cleaned using a cleaning liquid containing bubbles. This makes it possible to easily improve the cleaning efficiency of the applicator roller.

[0013] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 7, in any one of embodiments 1 to 6, the cleaning liquid supply unit includes a cleaning container capable of storing the cleaning liquid, and within the cleaning container, at least a portion of the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the applicator roller may be immersed in the cleaning liquid. This configuration makes it possible to remove deposits from the outer circumferential surface of the applicator roller more efficiently.

[0014] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 8, in any one of embodiments 1 to 6, the cleaning liquid supply unit includes a cleaning container capable of storing the cleaning liquid, and the entire sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the entire outer surface of the applicator roller may be immersed in the cleaning liquid within the cleaning container. This configuration makes it possible to remove deposits from the outer surface of the applicator roller more efficiently.

[0015] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 9, in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, the cleaning solution may contain at least one of a solvent capable of dissolving deposits adhering to the outer surface of the applicator roller and a swelling agent capable of swelling the deposits. By using such a cleaning solution, the cleaning power of the applicator roller can be easily increased.

[0016] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 10, in embodiment 7 or embodiment 8, the cleaning container may be configured so that the applicator rollers can be positioned such that the axis of the applicator rollers extends vertically. With this configuration, for example, the cleaning apparatus can be made vertical, making it possible to arrange the cleaning apparatus in a space-saving manner.

[0017] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 11, in any one of embodiments 7, 8, and 10, the cleaning container has an outlet from which the cleaning liquid flows out and an inlet from which the cleaning liquid flows in, and the cleaning liquid supply unit may further include a cleaning liquid flow path connecting the outlet and the inlet outside the cleaning container and a liquid supply pump for supplying the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid flow path. With this configuration, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning container can be circulated using the cleaning liquid flow path and the liquid supply pump.

[0018] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 12, the cleaning liquid supply unit in embodiment 11 may further include a bubble generator that generates bubbles using gas introduced from the outside into the cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning liquid channel. With this configuration, the applicator roller can be cleaned using a cleaning liquid containing bubbles. This makes it possible to easily increase the cleaning efficiency of the applicator roller. In addition, by sending the cleaning liquid containing bubbles from the cleaning liquid channel into the cleaning container, for example, the cleaning liquid containing bubbles can be easily diffused into the cleaning container.

[0019] In the cleaning apparatus of embodiment 13, in embodiment 12, the inlet is positioned below the outlet, and the bubble generator may be provided in the cleaning liquid flow path to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid at a position closer to the inlet than to the outlet. With this configuration, the cleaning liquid containing bubbles can be efficiently introduced from the inlet. Furthermore, since the inlet is positioned below the outlet, it is possible to promote the retention of bubbles in the cleaning container, for example. This makes it possible to remove deposits from the outer surface of the applicator roller more efficiently.

[0020] The cleaning method of embodiment 14 is a cleaning method comprising a cleaning step of cleaning an applicator roller having an outer surface for applying a sizing agent to a plurality of glass filaments, wherein the cleaning step is a step using a cleaning tool having a sliding contact portion that can slide in contact with the outer surface of the applicator roller, and a moving mechanism that moves the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the outer surface of the applicator roller relative to each other, wherein in the cleaning step, the moving mechanism is operated with the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the cleaning liquid in contact with any deposits adhering to the outer surface of the applicator roller.

[0021] In the cleaning method of embodiment 15, bubbles may be generated in embodiment 14 by utilizing gas introduced from an external source into the cleaning solution used in the cleaning step. This method makes it possible to easily improve the cleaning efficiency of the applicator roller by cleaning the applicator roller with a cleaning solution containing bubbles.

[0022] In the cleaning method of embodiment 16, the diameter of the bubbles in embodiment 15 may be in the range of 0.05 μm or more and less than 100 μm. By using a cleaning solution containing such fine bubbles, the cleaning power of the applicator roller can be easily increased.

[0023] In the cleaning method of Embodiment 17, in any one of Embodiments 14 to 16, the cleaning liquid may contain at least one of a solvent capable of dissolving the deposit and a swelling agent capable of swelling the deposit. By using such a cleaning liquid, it becomes possible to easily increase the cleaning power of the applicator roller.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, it exhibits the effect of being able to efficiently remove the deposits on the outer peripheral surface of the applicator roller.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a glass fiber manufacturing apparatus in an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a cleaning method. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaning apparatus of a modification example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaning apparatus of a modification example.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be shown in an exaggerated or simplified manner. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may be different from the actual ones.

[0027] The cleaning apparatus is used for the purpose of cleaning an applicator roller. First, a glass fiber manufacturing apparatus including an applicator roller will be described. <Glass Fiber Manufacturing Apparatus> As shown in Figure 1, the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 comprises a bushing 12, an applicator 13, and a gathering shoe 14. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 of this embodiment further comprises a traverse (not shown) and a collet 15. The glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 manufactures glass strands GS, which are formed by bundling together a large number of glass filaments GF. In the XYZ axes of the drawing, the X axis represents the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1), the Y axis represents the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X axis, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0028] (Bushing) The bushing 12 forms molten glass MG into fibers. The bushing 12 manufactures multiple glass filaments GF from the molten glass MG. In Figure 1, the glass filament group GF1, consisting of multiple glass filaments GF, is schematically shown with a dot pattern hatching.

[0029] The bushing 12 comprises a bushing body 12a to which molten glass MG is supplied, a base plate 12b provided at the bottom of the bushing body 12a, and a plurality of nozzles N provided on the base plate 12b. The planar shape of the base plate 12b of the bushing 12 in this embodiment is rectangular, having a longitudinal direction along the X axis and a short direction along the Y axis, but is not limited to this. The planar shape of the base plate 12b may be, for example, a square, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, a circle, etc.

[0030] The bushing body 12a has a supply port for supplying molten glass MG, a screen to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter on the base plate 12b, terminals for resistance heating, etc. Each of the multiple nozzles N forms the molten glass MG supplied to the bushing body 12a into glass filament GF. The number of nozzles in the bushing 12 is preferably 800 to 10,000, and more preferably 2,000 to 8,000.

[0031] Examples of materials for the bushing body 12a, base plate 12b, and nozzle N include precious metals or alloys of precious metals. Precious metals include gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, or osmium.

[0032] Examples of glass used in glass filaments (GF) include E glass (alkaline content of 2% or less), D glass (low dielectric constant glass), AR glass (alkali-resistant glass), C glass (acid-resistant glass), M glass (high modulus glass), S glass (high strength, high modulus glass), T glass (high strength, high modulus glass), H glass (high dielectric constant glass), and NE glass (low dielectric constant glass). The density of the glass is, for example, 2.0 to 3.0 g / cm³. 3 That is the case.

[0033] (Applicator) The applicator 13 applies liquid sizing agent SA to multiple glass filaments GF drawn from the bushing 12. The applicator 13 includes a container 16 for storing the sizing agent SA and an applicator roller 17 for applying the sizing agent SA in the container 16 to the glass filaments GF.

[0034] The applicator roller 17 has an outer surface 18a for applying a sizing agent SA to multiple glass filaments GF. More specifically, the applicator roller 17 has a roller body 18 having an outer surface 18a and a rotating shaft 19 for rotating the roller body 18. The roller body 18 can be made of, for example, a carbon-based material, a metal material, a rubber material, a resin material, etc. The roller body 18 may be made of, for example, multiple layers made of different materials.

[0035] A portion of the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 is immersed in the sizing agent SA in the container 16. The sizing agent SA in the container 16 is transferred to the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 and then applied to the glass filament GF.

[0036] The rotation axis 19 of the applicator roller 17 is positioned to extend along the X-axis. In this embodiment, the rotation axis 19 of the applicator roller 17 is positioned to extend along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 12b of the bushing 12, but it may also be positioned to extend along the short direction of the base plate 12b, for example.

[0037] The applicator 13 is equipped with a pivot (not shown) that detachably supports the rotating shaft 19 of the applicator roller 17. The rotating shaft 19 of the applicator roller 17 is equipped with a first gear GR1. The applicator 13 is equipped with a rotary drive device 20 that rotates the rotating shaft 19 of the applicator roller 17. The rotary drive device 20 is equipped with a drive gear, motor, etc. that transmit power to the first gear GR1.

[0038] (Stimulant) The sizing agent SA contains a resin for forming a film on the glass strand GS. Examples of resins include resins having glycidyl groups, polyesters, vinyl acetate resins, urethane resins, and acrylic resins. Only one type of resin may be used in the sizing agent SA, or two or more types may be used in combination. The resin is blended into the sizing agent SA, for example, as an aqueous resin emulsion. The resin concentration (solid content concentration) in the sizing agent SA is, for example, in the range of 0.1% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less.

[0039] The stimulant SA preferably contains a silane coupling agent. Examples of silane coupling agents include aminosilane, epoxysilane, vinylsilane, acrylicsilane, chlorsilane, mercaptosilane, and ureidosilane.

[0040] The stimulating agent SA may contain lubricants, antistatic agents, etc., as needed. Examples of lubricants include fatty acid amides and quaternary ammonium salts. Examples of antistatic agents include polyether compounds, sulfonic acid compounds, betaine compounds, and conductive polymers.

[0041] (Gathering Shoe and Colette) The gathering shoe 14 gathers a glass filament group GF1, which consists of multiple glass filaments GF coated with a sizing agent SA. The gathering shoe 14 has a recess into which the glass filament group GF1 is supplied. The glass filament group GF1 is gathered by the recess of the gathering shoe 14, thereby obtaining a glass strand GS.

[0042] A bobbin (not shown in the illustration) is attached to collet 15. The collet 15 is rotated, winding the glass strand GS, which has passed through the traverse (not shown in the illustration), onto the bobbin. This results in a cake CA in which the glass strand GS is wound onto the bobbin.

[0043] <Method for manufacturing glass fibers> Next, we will explain the manufacturing method for glass fibers. The method for manufacturing glass fibers comprises a drawing step, a coating step, and a bundling step. In the drawing step, multiple glass filaments GF are drawn from the bushing 12. In the coating step, a bundling agent SA is applied to the multiple glass filaments GF using an applicator 13.

[0044] In the bundling process, multiple glass filaments GF coated with the bundling agent SA are bundled together using a gathering shoe 14. This yields the glass strand GS described above. The glass fiber manufacturing method includes a winding process in which the glass strand GS, formed by bundling multiple glass strands GS, is wound up.

[0045] In the above coating process, as the sizing agent SA hardens over time, deposits originating from the sizing agent SA form on the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. The applicator roller 17 is, for example, periodically removed from the applicator 13 and then subjected to a cleaning process to remove the deposits.

[0046] Glass strand GS obtained by the glass fiber manufacturing method has a coating formed from the solid components in the sizing agent SA. Examples of uses for glass strand GS include chopped strands, milled fibers, rovings, yarns, mats, cloths, tapes, and braided fabrics. Examples of applications for glass strand GS include automotive applications, electronic materials applications, building materials applications, civil engineering applications, aircraft-related applications, shipbuilding applications, logistics applications, industrial machinery applications, and daily necessities applications.

[0047] <Cleaning equipment> Next, a cleaning device used for cleaning the applicator roller 17 will be described. The cleaning device is used to remove deposits adhering to the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cleaning device 21 comprises a cleaning tool 22, a moving mechanism 23, a drive unit 24, and a cleaning liquid supply unit 25.

[0048] (Cleaning tools) The cleaning tool 22 has a sliding contact portion 22a that can slide against the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. In this embodiment, the cleaning tool 22 is a brush roller BR. More specifically, the brush roller BR comprises a cleaning rotation shaft 22b and a sliding contact portion 22a composed of brushes. The brushes of the sliding contact portion 22a are provided on the outer circumference of the cleaning rotation shaft 22b. The brushes of the sliding contact portion 22a are, for example, made of fiber bundles. The brushes of the sliding contact portion 22a may also be, for example, made of sponge material.

[0049] Examples of materials for the brush of the sliding contact portion 22a include chemical fibers, plant fibers, metal wires, mineral fibers, and resin sponge materials. Examples of materials for the cleaning rotating shaft 22b include metal materials, carbon-based materials, resin materials, and wood materials.

[0050] The brush roller BR of the cleaning tool 22 is positioned such that its axis extends along the axis direction of the applicator roller 17. Specifically, the brush roller BR of the cleaning tool 22 is positioned such that its axis extends parallel to the axis of the applicator roller 17. In this embodiment, the brush roller BR and the applicator roller 17 are positioned such that both the axis of the brush roller BR and the axis of the applicator roller 17 extend vertically.

[0051] The length dimension L1 of the sliding contact portion 22a is preferably the same as or larger than the length dimension L2 of the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. This allows for efficient cleaning of the entire outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17.

[0052] (Moving mechanism and drive unit) The moving mechanism 23 moves the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 relative to each other, so that the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 can come into contact with each other. The moving mechanism 23 includes a first rotation mechanism 23a that rotates the applicator roller 17 around its axis. The first rotation mechanism 23a includes a first support portion SP1a that rotatably supports the rotation axis 19 of the applicator roller 17, and a first holding portion SP1b that holds the first support portion SP1a. The first rotation mechanism 23a includes a second gear GR2 that engages with a first gear GR1 provided on the rotation axis 19 of the applicator roller 17. The second gear GR2 of the first rotation mechanism 23a transmits power to the first gear GR1.

[0053] The moving mechanism 23 includes a second rotation mechanism 23b that rotates the brush roller BR of the cleaning tool 22 around the axis of the brush roller BR. The second rotation mechanism 23b includes a second support part SP2a that rotatably supports the cleaning rotation axis 22b of the brush roller BR, and a second holding part SP2b that holds the second support part SP2a.

[0054] The drive unit 24 comprises a first drive unit 24a that drives the first rotation mechanism 23a and a second drive unit 24b that drives the second rotation mechanism 23b. The first drive unit 24a and the second drive unit 24b are equipped with, for example, motors. In this embodiment, the first drive unit 24a rotationally drives the second gear GR2 of the first rotation mechanism 23a. The second gear GR2 of the first rotation mechanism 23a transmits power to the first gear GR1 on the rotation axis 19 of the applicator roller 17. As a result, the applicator roller 17 is rotationally driven around its axis. The second drive unit 24b rotationally drives the cleaning rotation axis 22b of the brush roller BR. As a result, the brush roller BR is rotationally driven around its axis. As shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the first rotation direction RD1, which is the rotation direction of the applicator roller 17, and the second rotation direction RD2, which is the rotation direction of the brush roller BR, are in the same direction. In other words, it is preferable that both the first rotation direction RD1 and the second rotation direction RD2 are either clockwise or counterclockwise. In this case, at the contact point between the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 and the sliding contact portion 22a of the brush roller BR, the directions of movement of the two are opposite to each other, so that the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 can be cleaned more efficiently. The rotation speed of the applicator roller 17 and the rotation speed of the brush roller BR may be the same or different.

[0055] (Cleaning fluid supply unit) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cleaning fluid supply unit 25 is configured to supply cleaning fluid CL between the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer peripheral surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. The cleaning fluid supply unit 25 in this embodiment includes a cleaning container 25a capable of storing the cleaning fluid CL. The cleaning container 25a is configured to accommodate the entire sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the entire outer peripheral surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. Inside the cleaning container 25a, the entire sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the entire outer peripheral surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 are immersed in the cleaning fluid CL.

[0056] The cleaning container 25a is configured to allow the applicator roller 17 to be positioned such that its axis (rotation axis 19) extends vertically. Similarly, the cleaning container 25a is configured to allow the brush roller BR to be positioned such that its axis (cleaning rotation axis 22b) extends vertically.

[0057] The cleaning container 25a has an outlet F1 from which the cleaning liquid CL flows out and an inlet F2 from which the cleaning liquid CL flows in. The inlet F2 is located below the outlet F1. The cleaning liquid supply unit 25 further includes a cleaning liquid flow path 25b that connects the outlet F1 and the inlet F2 outside the cleaning container 25a, and a liquid supply pump 25c for supplying the cleaning liquid CL in the cleaning liquid flow path 25b.

[0058] Examples of components in the cleaning solution CL include solvents capable of dissolving deposits, swelling agents capable of swelling deposits, and abrasives that apply physical force to deposits. The cleaning solution CL may contain one type of component or two or more types.

[0059] From the viewpoint of more efficiently removing deposits from the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17, the cleaning solution CL preferably contains at least one of a solvent capable of dissolving deposits and a swelling agent capable of swelling deposits. The solvent and swelling agent can be selected and used depending on the type of sizing agent SA from which the deposits originate. Examples of solvents include alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, ketones such as acetone, ethers, cellosolves, esters, glycol ethers, nitrogen-containing compounds, and sulfur-containing compounds. Examples of swelling agents include water and alcohols.

[0060] The cleaning fluid supply unit 25 is further equipped with a bubble generator 25d. The bubble generator 25d generates bubbles using gas introduced from the outside into the cleaning fluid CL flowing through the cleaning fluid channel 25b. Examples of gases introduced into the cleaning fluid CL include air, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

[0061] Examples of bubble generation methods in the bubble generator 25d include the swirling flow method, static mixer method, ejector method, Venturi method, pressurized dissolution method, and micropore method. The diameter of the bubbles generated by the bubble generator 25d is, for example, less than 100 μm. Bubbles with a diameter of less than 100 μm are called fine bubbles (registered trademark). Bubbles with a diameter of less than 100 μm and 1 μm or more are called microbubbles. Bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm are called ultrafine bubbles (registered trademark). The diameter of the bubbles is, for example, 0.05 μm or more. The diameter of the bubbles can be measured, for example, using the laser diffraction / scattering method. The bubble generator 25d is installed to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid CL at a position closer to the inlet F2 than the outlet F1 in the cleaning liquid flow path 25b.

[0062] <Cleaning method> Next, we will explain the cleaning method for the applicator roller 17. As shown in Figure 4, the cleaning method of this embodiment comprises an immersion step (step S1), a washing step (step S2), and a drying step (step S3).

[0063] (Immersion process in step S1) In the immersion step of step S1, the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 is immersed in the cleaning solution CL. This makes it possible to promote the removal of deposits adhering to the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. The immersion step of step S1 can be carried out, for example, using the cleaning container 25a. In the immersion step of step S1, it is preferable to circulate the cleaning solution CL in the cleaning container 25a using the cleaning solution channel 25b and the liquid delivery pump 25c. The immersion time in the immersion step of step S1 is, for example, 0.5 hours or more. The immersion time in the immersion step of step S1 is, for example, 48 hours or less. In the cleaning method, the cleaning step of step S2 is performed after the immersion step of step S1.

[0064] (Cleaning process in step S2) In the cleaning step S2, the cleaning tool 22 and the moving mechanism 23 are used. In the cleaning step S2, the moving mechanism 23 is operated with the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 in contact with the cleaning liquid CL against the deposits adhering to the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. In the cleaning step S2, rotational motion using both the first rotation mechanism 23a and the second rotation mechanism 23b may be used, or rotational motion using only the first rotation mechanism 23a may be used. In the cleaning step S2, it is preferable to use rotational motion using both the first rotation mechanism 23a and the second rotation mechanism 23b from the viewpoint of more efficiently removing deposits from the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17.

[0065] The cleaning step S2 can be carried out, for example, using the cleaning container 25a. In the cleaning step S2, it is preferable to circulate the cleaning liquid CL in the cleaning container 25a using the cleaning liquid channel 25b and the liquid delivery pump 25c. In the cleaning step S2, it is preferable to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid CL. Bubbles in the cleaning liquid CL can be generated using the bubble generator 25d. The cleaning time in the cleaning step S2 can be adjusted according to the state of deposits adhering to the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. The cleaning time in the cleaning step S2 can be, for example, 0.5 hours or more. The cleaning time in the cleaning step S2 can be, for example, 48 hours or less.

[0066] (Drying process in step S3) In the drying step S3, the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17, which was cleaned in the cleaning step S2, is dried. In the drying step S3 of this embodiment, first, the applicator roller 17 is removed from the cleaning container 25a, and then the cleaning solution CL on the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 is evaporated. In the drying step S3, the applicator roller 17 may be air-dried, or it may be forcibly dried by a drying method such as blowing hot air onto the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. After the drying step S3, the applicator roller 17 is mounted on the applicator 13 of the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus 11 and then used in the manufacture of glass fibers.

[0067] <Effects and Effects of the Embodiment> Next, the operation and effects of the embodiment will be described. (1) The cleaning device 21 is used to clean an applicator roller 17 having an outer surface 18a for applying a sizing agent SA to multiple glass filaments GF. The cleaning device 21 includes a cleaning tool 22 having a sliding contact portion 22a that can slide against the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. The cleaning device 21 includes a moving mechanism 23 that moves the sliding contact portion 22a and the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 relative to each other while the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 are in contact. The cleaning device 21 includes a cleaning liquid supply unit 25 that can supply cleaning liquid CL between the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. With this configuration, the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the cleaning liquid CL can be brought into contact with any deposits that have adhered to the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 due to the hardening of the sizing agent SA. In this manner, with the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the cleaning liquid CL in contact with the adhering material, the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 and the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 can be moved relative to each other. This allows the adhering material to be easily removed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently remove the adhering material from the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17.

[0068] (2) The moving mechanism 23 of the cleaning device 21 includes a first rotation mechanism 23a that rotates the applicator roller 17 around the axis of the applicator roller 17. In this case, the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 can be efficiently brought into sliding contact with the deposits. Therefore, it is possible to remove deposits from the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 more efficiently.

[0069] (3) The rotating shaft 19 of the applicator roller 17 is equipped with a first gear GR1. The first rotating mechanism 23a of the cleaning device 21 is equipped with a second gear GR2 that engages with the first gear GR1 to transmit power to the first gear GR1. With this configuration, power from the first rotating mechanism 23a of the cleaning device 21 can be easily transmitted to the applicator roller 17, which has a rotating shaft 19 equipped with the first gear GR1. Furthermore, the first gear GR1 of the applicator roller 17 can also be used as a power transmission unit to which power is transmitted from the rotary drive unit 20 of the applicator 13 in the glass fiber manufacturing apparatus.

[0070] (4) The cleaning tool 22 of the cleaning device 21 includes a brush roller BR whose sliding contact portion 22a is made of brushes. The brush roller BR is positioned such that its axis extends along the axial direction of the applicator roller 17. The moving mechanism 23 of the cleaning device 21 includes a second rotation mechanism 23b that rotates the brush roller BR around its axis. In this case, the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 can be efficiently brought into sliding contact with the deposits. Therefore, it is possible to remove deposits from the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 more efficiently.

[0071] (5) The cleaning device 21 is equipped with a drive unit 24 that drives the moving mechanism 23. In this case, the workload of the cleaning work can be reduced by automating the operation of the moving mechanism 23. (6) The cleaning liquid supply unit 25 of the cleaning device 21 is further equipped with a bubble generator 25d that generates bubbles using gas introduced from the outside into the cleaning liquid CL. In this case, the applicator roller 17 can be cleaned using the cleaning liquid CL containing bubbles. Therefore, it is possible to remove deposits from the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 more efficiently by the bubbles in the cleaning liquid CL.

[0072] (7) The cleaning fluid supply unit 25 of the cleaning device 21 is equipped with a cleaning container 25a capable of storing cleaning fluid CL. Inside the cleaning container 25a, the entire sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the entire outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 are immersed in the cleaning fluid CL. With this configuration, it is possible to remove deposits from the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 more efficiently.

[0073] (8) The cleaning container 25a of the cleaning device 21 is configured to allow the applicator rollers 17 to be positioned such that their axes extend vertically. In this case, for example, the cleaning device 21 can be made vertical, which makes it possible to install the cleaning device 21 in a space-saving manner.

[0074] (9) The cleaning container 25a of the cleaning device 21 has an outlet F1 from which the cleaning liquid CL flows out and an inlet F2 from which the cleaning liquid CL flows in. The cleaning liquid supply unit 25 of the cleaning device 21 further includes a cleaning liquid flow path 25b that connects the outlet F1 and the inlet F2 outside the cleaning container 25a, and a liquid supply pump 25c for supplying the cleaning liquid CL in the cleaning liquid flow path 25b. In this case, the cleaning liquid CL stored in the cleaning container 25a can be circulated using the cleaning liquid flow path 25b and the liquid supply pump 25c. This makes it possible to remove deposits from the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 more efficiently by causing the cleaning liquid CL to flow within the cleaning solution.

[0075] (10) The bubble generator 25d in the cleaning liquid supply section 25 of the cleaning device 21 is provided to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid CL flowing through the cleaning liquid channel 25b. In this case, by sending the cleaning liquid CL containing bubbles from the cleaning liquid channel 25b into the cleaning container 25a, for example, the cleaning liquid CL containing bubbles can be easily diffused into the cleaning container 25a. Alternatively, bubbles can be generated in the cleaning liquid CL by utilizing the flow of the cleaning liquid CL in the cleaning liquid channel 25b.

[0076] (11) In the cleaning container 25a of the cleaning device 21, the inlet F2 is positioned below the outlet F1. The bubble generator 25d is provided in the cleaning liquid flow path 25b to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid CL at a position closer to the inlet F2 than to the outlet F1 of the cleaning container 25a. In this case, the cleaning liquid CL containing bubbles can be efficiently introduced from the inlet F2. Also, since the inlet F2 is positioned below the outlet F1, it is possible to promote the retention of bubbles in the cleaning container 25a, for example. This makes it possible to remove deposits from the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 more efficiently.

[0077] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0078] The cleaning device 21 may include multiple cleaning tools 22. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the cleaning device 21 can be modified to include three brush rollers BR positioned for one applicator roller 17. Alternatively, the cleaning device 21 may be configured to clean multiple applicator rollers 17 simultaneously.

[0079] The cleaning tool 22 of the cleaning device 21 may have a configuration other than a brush roller BR. For example, the cleaning tool 22 may be a flat brush tool, or a brush tool equipped with a cylindrical brush that can slide against the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. Alternatively, the cleaning tool 22 may be a scraper equipped with a plate-shaped member, where the edge of the plate-shaped member forms the sliding contact portion 22a.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, the cleaning device 21 may be configured to allow the applicator roller 17 to be positioned such that its axis extends horizontally (in the Y-axis direction).

[0081] Within the cleaning container 25a of the cleaning device 21, a portion of the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and a portion of the outer peripheral surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 may be immersed in the cleaning liquid CL. For example, as shown in Figure 6, within the cleaning container 25a, a portion of the outer peripheral surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 and a portion of the sliding contact portion 22a of the brush roller BR may be immersed in the cleaning liquid CL.

[0082] The cleaning fluid supply unit 25 of the cleaning device 21 is not limited to the cleaning container 25a. For example, as shown in the modified example in Figure 6, the cleaning fluid supply unit 25 may include a cleaning fluid spraying device 25e. The cleaning fluid spraying device 25e has, for example, a nozzle that sprays cleaning fluid CL toward the outer circumferential surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. The cleaning fluid spraying device 25e may also have a nozzle that sprays cleaning fluid CL toward the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22. Furthermore, such a cleaning fluid spraying device 25e may also include the bubble generator 25d described above. In this case, cleaning fluid CL containing bubbles can be sprayed from the nozzle of the cleaning fluid spraying device 25e.

[0083] The bubble generator 25d of the cleaning device 21 may be omitted. The bubble generator 25d of the cleaning device 21 is provided in the cleaning liquid flow path 25b to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid CL at a position closer to the inlet F2 than to the outlet F1, but is not limited to this. The bubble generator 25d can also be provided in the cleaning liquid flow path 25b to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid CL at a position closer to the outlet F1 than to the inlet F2, for example.

[0084] For example, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the bubble generator 25d of the cleaning device 21 may be equipped with a gas ejection unit located inside the cleaning container 25a. This bubble generator 25d allows bubbles to be directly generated in the cleaning liquid CL inside the cleaning container 25a.

[0085] The outlet F1 and inlet F2 in the cleaning container 25a of the cleaning device 21, as well as the cleaning liquid flow path 25b and liquid transfer pump 25c of the cleaning device 21, can be omitted. In other words, the cleaning process in step S2 can be performed without circulating the cleaning liquid CL in the cleaning container 25a.

[0086] The inlet F2 and outlet F1 of the cleaning container 25a of the cleaning device 21 may be located at the same height, or the inlet F2 may be located above the outlet F1.

[0087] The cleaning liquid supply unit 25 of the cleaning device 21 may be equipped with a heating device for heating the cleaning liquid CL in the cleaning container 25a. For example, the cleaning liquid CL may be heated during the immersion step S1 of the cleaning method. Alternatively, for example, the cleaning liquid CL may be heated during the cleaning step S2 of the cleaning method.

[0088] The cleaning fluid supply unit 25 of the cleaning device 21 may be equipped with an ultrasonic irradiation device that irradiates the cleaning fluid CL in the cleaning container 25a with ultrasonic waves. The cleaning liquid supply unit 25 of the cleaning device 21 may include a filter unit for collecting any deposits mixed into the cleaning liquid CL in the cleaning container 25a.

[0089] • At least one of the drive units, the first drive unit 24a and the second drive unit 24b, in the cleaning device 21 can be omitted. That is, at least one of the moving mechanisms 23 of the first rotating mechanism 23a and the second rotating mechanism 23b may be configured to be operated manually.

[0090] The first drive unit 24a of the cleaning device 21 is not limited to a configuration that transmits power to the first gear GR1 of the applicator roller 17 via the second gear GR2. The first drive unit 24a may also be configured to transmit power to a rotating shaft that does not have the first gear GR1.

[0091] The second rotation mechanism 23b in the moving mechanism 23 of the cleaning device 21 may be omitted. The moving mechanism 23 of the cleaning device 21 may be a mechanism that moves the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer peripheral surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 relative to each other along the axial direction of the applicator roller 17, while the sliding contact portion 22a of the cleaning tool 22 and the outer peripheral surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 are in contact with each other.

[0092] • In the cleaning method, the immersion step S1 may be omitted. In the cleaning method, the immersion step in step S1 may be performed using a container other than the cleaning container 25a described above. However, from the viewpoint of efficiently performing the immersion step in step S1 and the cleaning step in step S2, it is preferable to use the cleaning container 25a described above for the immersion step in step S1 and the cleaning step in step S2.

[0093] The cleaning method may further include an ultraviolet irradiation step in which ultraviolet light is irradiated toward the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17 at at least one stage before, during, and after the drying step in step S3. In this case, it is possible to decompose any unwanted organic matter remaining on the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. This makes it possible to improve, for example, the wettability of the sizing agent SA on the outer surface 18a of the applicator roller 17. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the uniformity of the amount of sizing agent applied to multiple glass filaments.

[0094] • Glass strands GS obtained in the bundling process of the glass fiber manufacturing method can be used without being wound. For example, chopped strands can be produced by directly cutting the glass strands GS without winding them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 17…Applicator Roller 18a...Outer surface 19…Rotation axis 21... Washing equipment 22… Cleaning tools 22a…Sliding contact part 23...Movement mechanism 23a...First rotation mechanism 23b...Second rotation mechanism 24…Drive unit 25... Cleaning fluid supply unit 25a... Washing container 25b... Cleaning fluid flow path 25c...Liquid transfer pump 25d...Bubble generator BR... Brush roller CL... Cleaning solution F1…outlet F2…Inlet GF…Glass filament GR1...First gear GR2... Second gear SA... Focusing agent

Claims

1. A cleaning device used for cleaning an applicator roller having an outer surface for applying a sizing agent to multiple glass filaments, A cleaning tool having a sliding contact portion that can slide against the outer circumferential surface of the applicator roller, A moving mechanism that moves the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the outer surface of the applicator roller relative to each other while the sliding contact portion and the outer surface of the applicator roller are in contact with each other, A cleaning device comprising a cleaning fluid supply unit capable of supplying cleaning fluid between the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the outer circumferential surface of the applicator roller.

2. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism includes a first rotation mechanism that rotates the applicator roller around the axis of the applicator roller.

3. The applicator roller has a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is equipped with a first gear. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the first rotating mechanism comprises a second gear that transmits power to the first gear by engaging with the first gear.

4. The cleaning tool includes a brush roller whose sliding contact portion is made of brushes, The brush roller is positioned such that its axis extends along the axial direction of the applicator roller. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism includes a second rotation mechanism for rotating the brush roller around the axis of the brush roller.

5. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drive unit for driving the aforementioned moving mechanism.

6. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid supply unit further comprises a bubble generating device that generates bubbles using gas introduced from the outside into the cleaning liquid.

7. The cleaning liquid supply unit includes a cleaning container capable of storing the cleaning liquid, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the cleaning container, at least a portion of the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the applicator roller are immersed in the cleaning liquid.

8. The cleaning liquid supply unit includes a cleaning container capable of storing the cleaning liquid, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the entire sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the entire outer surface of the applicator roller are immersed in the cleaning liquid within the cleaning container.

9. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cleaning solution contains at least one of a solvent capable of dissolving deposits adhering to the outer surface of the applicator roller and a swelling agent capable of swelling the deposits.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the cleaning container is configured to allow the applicator rollers to be positioned such that the axis of the applicator rollers extends vertically.

11. The aforementioned cleaning container has an outlet from which the cleaning solution flows out, It has an inlet into which the cleaning liquid flows, The cleaning fluid supply unit includes a cleaning fluid channel that connects the outlet and the inlet outside the cleaning container, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising a liquid delivery pump for delivering the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid channel.

12. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning liquid supply unit further comprises a bubble generating device that generates bubbles using gas introduced from the outside into the cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning liquid channel.

13. The inlet is positioned below the outlet. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the bubble generating device is provided in the cleaning liquid flow path to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid at a position closer to the inlet than to the outlet.

14. A cleaning method comprising a cleaning step of cleaning an applicator roller having an outer surface for applying a sizing agent to multiple glass filaments, The cleaning step is a step that uses a cleaning tool having a sliding contact portion that can slide against the outer circumferential surface of the applicator roller, and a moving mechanism that moves the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the outer circumferential surface of the applicator roller relative to each other. The cleaning method involves operating the moving mechanism while the sliding contact portion of the cleaning tool and the cleaning liquid are in contact with the deposits adhering to the outer surface of the applicator roller.

15. The cleaning method according to claim 14, wherein bubbles are generated by using gas introduced from an external source into the cleaning solution used in the cleaning step.

16. The cleaning method according to claim 15, wherein the diameter of the bubbles is in the range of 0.05 μm or more and less than 100 μm.

17. The cleaning method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the cleaning solution contains at least one of a solvent capable of dissolving the deposits and a swelling agent capable of swelling the deposits.

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