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

Abstract

A heater according to the present invention has: an electroconductive heat generating member for radiating heat waves as a result of being supplied with power; and a metal cylindrical member for accommodating the heat generating member. The heat generating member is formed of a material containing carbon in an amount of 80 mass% or more, the cylindrical member is formed of a material containing at least one type of substance selected from among platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum, and no insulating materials are arranged between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater, an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, and a method for manufacturing a glass article. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a heater has been used as a heat source in a melting furnace for melting metals such as aluminum.

[0003] For example, cited reference 1 describes a heater constructed by introducing a coiled heating element and insulating powder material into a ceramic protective tube. Also, cited reference 2 describes a heater constructed by introducing a coiled resistor and heat-resistant material into a metallic sheath. Furthermore, cited reference 3 describes an electric device that supplies heat to molten glass by passing electricity through a platinum ring tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-124477 A [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 4,319,127 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 59-19893 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2007-529087 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional heaters described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are designed to be used mainly by immersing them in molten metal such as aluminum, and it is difficult to use the heater at a high temperature of 1200°C or higher. Patent Document 4 discloses a heater in which a rod-shaped heating element supported by a supporting ceramic disk is housed in a ceramic pipe. However, this heater is also difficult to use by heating it to a high temperature of 1200°C or higher. Patent Document 3 describes a heater that is intended to be used by immersing it in molten glass, but it is necessary to pass a large current through the heater, which results in the problem of requiring a large-scale power supply device. Representative voltage-current values ​​are described as 5 to 6V and 5000A. Therefore, there is still a demand for a heater that can heat to a higher temperature without requiring a large-scale power supply device that passes a large current of 1000A or more.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has an object to provide a heater capable of raising the temperature to 1200° C. or higher without requiring a large-scale power supply device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a glass article manufacturing apparatus including such a heater, and a glass article manufacturing method using such a heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In the present invention, there is provided a heater comprising: A conductive heat generating member that radiates heat rays when powered; a metallic cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; having The heat generating member is made of a material containing 80% by mass or more of carbon, the cylindrical member is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum; A heater is provided in which no insulating material is disposed between the heat generating member and the tubular member.

[0008] The present invention also provides an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, comprising: a melting section for melting glass raw materials to form molten glass; a forming section for forming a shaped glass from the molten glass; having Further, optionally, a conveying section connecting the melting section and the forming section is provided, A heater is installed at least somewhere between the melting part and the forming part (excluding the forming part), The heater is A conductive heat generating member that radiates heat rays when powered; a metallic cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; having The heat generating member is made of a material containing 80% by mass or more of carbon, the cylindrical member is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum; A manufacturing apparatus is provided in which no insulating material is disposed between the heat generating member and the tubular member.

[0009] Further, the present invention provides a method for producing a glass article, comprising the steps of: A melting step of melting glass raw materials to form molten glass; forming the molten glass into a glass article; having During the process from the melting step to the forming step (excluding the forming step), the molten glass comes into contact with a heater, The heater is A conductive heat generating member that radiates heat rays when powered; a metallic cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; having The heat generating member is made of a material containing 80% by mass or more of carbon, the cylindrical member is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum; A manufacturing method is provided in which no insulating material is disposed between the heat generating member and the tubular member. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present invention can provide a heater capable of raising the temperature to 1200° C. or higher without requiring a large-scale power supply device. The present invention can also provide a glass article manufacturing apparatus including such a heater, and a glass article manufacturing method using such a heater. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section taken along a central axis of a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic example of a heat generating member applied to the heater shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section taken along the central axis of another heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic example of a heat generating member applied to the heater shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a cross section taken along the central axis of yet another heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic example of a heat generating member applied to the heater shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a glass article according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a heater comprising: A conductive heat generating member that radiates heat rays when powered; a metallic cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; having The heat generating member is made of a material containing 80% by mass or more of carbon, the cylindrical member is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum; A heater is provided in which no insulating material is disposed between the heat generating member and the tubular member.

[0014] As mentioned above, conventional heaters have problems when used at high temperatures of 1200° C. or higher.

[0015] In order to address these problems, the inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into heaters, and as a result, have discovered that by changing the conventional method of transferring heat from a heating element in a heater to a cylindrical member (outer tube) that contacts the outside world (the object to be heated) by thermal conduction, the cylindrical member can be heated to a higher temperature by heating the cylindrical member by radiation.

[0016] Here, when heating the cylindrical member by radiation, it is considered effective to prevent any substance other than gas from being present between the heat-generating member and the cylindrical member. However, in that case, when the heater is used at high temperatures (i.e., when the used member becomes hot), the heat-generating member may deform, causing a problem that the heat-generating member and the cylindrical member may come into contact with each other. If the cylindrical member is made of metal, such contact will cause the supply current to flow to the cylindrical member with lower resistance, and the temperature of the heat-generating member will not rise.

[0017] To address this issue, it is conceivable to place an insulating material between the heat-generating member and the cylindrical member, but if an insulating material is placed between the heat-generating member and the cylindrical member, the insulating material will block the heat rays from the heat-generating member, making it difficult to heat the cylindrical member by radiation.

[0018] In contrast, in a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat generating member is made of a material containing 80% or more of carbon (C) (hereinafter, such a material will also be referred to as a "material mainly composed of carbon (C)").

[0019] Such a heat generating member exhibits excellent rigidity even in a high-temperature environment. Therefore, in the heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of deformation of the heat generating member can be significantly suppressed even in a high-temperature environment. As a result, the problem of the heat generating member and the cylindrical member coming into contact with each other can be significantly suppressed even without disposing an insulating material between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member.

[0020] The heat generating member may be made of, for example, graphite or a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite (CC composite).

[0021] Due to these characteristics, the heater according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively radiate heat rays emitted from the heat-generating member to the cylindrical member, and can significantly prevent contact between the heat-generating member and the cylindrical member even when the heater becomes hot.

[0022] Therefore, the heater according to one embodiment of the present invention can heat the cylindrical member to a high temperature of 1200° C. or more relatively easily.

[0023] In addition, in the heater according to the embodiment of the present invention, the resistance value of the heat generating member can be increased to a desired value by configuring the heat generating member in various shapes. Therefore, in the heater according to the embodiment of the present invention, a high-voltage, low-current power supply device can be used instead of the conventional large-scale low-voltage, high-current power supply device, and the entire device system for heating the heated object can be made compact.

[0024] (Heater according to one embodiment of the present invention) Next, a configuration example of a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the structure of a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a cross section along the central axis of a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, for a heat generating member 120 described later, a schematic development view is shown instead of a cross section in order to make it easier to understand the flow of current.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, a heater 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the “first heater”) has a generally rod-like shape extending linearly from a first heater end 102A to a second heater end 102B.

[0027] The first heater end 102A is closed by a first lid member 170A, and the second heater end 102B is closed by a second lid member 170B. Therefore, inside the first heater 100, an internal space 110 that is isolated from the outside world is formed.

[0028] The internal space 110 is filled with a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the members housed in the internal space 110. For example, the internal space 110 may be filled with an inert gas such as argon.

[0029] The first heater 100 includes a heat generating member 120 and a cylindrical member 130 .

[0030] The heat generating member 120 is housed in the internal space 110. Meanwhile, the cylindrical member 130, together with the above-mentioned first cover member 170A and second cover member 170B, is a member that divides the internal space 110 of the first heater 100, and the cylindrical member 130 protects each of the members housed in the internal space 110. The cylindrical member 130 is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum.

[0031] The heat generating member 120 functions as a heat generating element that generates heat when electricity is applied. The heat generating member 120 is made of a material mainly composed of carbon (C). One end of the heat generating member 120 is electrically connected to a first lead wire 180A. The other end of the heat generating member 120 is electrically connected to a second lead wire 180B.

[0032] The heat generating member 120 is held by a first lead wire 180A and a second lead wire 180B so as not to come into contact with the cylindrical member .

[0033] The first lead wire 180A is led out of the internal space 110 from a first opening 172A provided in the first lid member 170A. Similarly, the second lead wire 180B is led out of the internal space 110 from a second opening 172B provided in the second lid member 170B. In order to prevent the first lead wire 180A from contacting the first lid member 170A, a first insulating member 175A is attached to the first opening 172A of the first lid member 170A. Similarly, in order to prevent the second lead wire 180B from contacting the second lid member 170B, a second insulating member 175B is attached to the second opening 172B of the second lid member 170B.

[0034] Note that materials mainly made of carbon have a relatively high electrical conductivity. Therefore, in order to increase the electrical resistance of the heat generating member 120, the heat generating member 120 may have a cylindrical shape having periodic or non-periodic slits as shown in FIG. 1, rather than a simple rod shape. The periodic slits may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the heat generating member 120, or in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the heat generating member 120 may have a spiral shape, etc.

[0035] Next, the operation of the first heater 100 having such a configuration will be described.

[0036] When the first heater 100 is used, the first heater 100 is placed in or near an object to be heated. In addition, a power supply device (not shown) is used to supply current to the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B.

[0037] The supply of electric current causes the heat generating member 120 connected to the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B to be resistively heated, which causes the heat generating member 120 to radiate heat rays.

[0038] The heat rays emitted from the heat generating member 120 are irradiated onto the cylindrical member 130. This causes the temperature of the cylindrical member 130 to rise. Furthermore, due to this temperature rise, the heated object in contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical member 130 is heated.

[0039] In this manner, the first heater 100 can be used to heat the target object.

[0040] In the first heater 100, the heat generating member 120 is made of a material mainly composed of carbon (C). Therefore, even if the heat generating member 120 becomes hot, it is difficult for it to deform, and electrical contact between the heat generating member 120 and the cylindrical member 130 can be effectively prevented.

[0041] Moreover, the first heater 100 can effectively irradiate the heat rays generated from the heat generating member 120 to the cylindrical member 130 by radiation. As a result, the heat absorption efficiency of the cylindrical member 130 is improved, and the heated object can be heated to a higher temperature. For example, the first heater 100 can stably increase the temperature of the cylindrical member 130 to 1200°C or higher, for example, 1400°C or higher, or 1500°C or higher.

[0042] Furthermore, in the first heater 100, there is no need to use a large-scale device when energizing the heat-generating member 120, and it is possible to make the device system for heating the object to be heated compact.

[0043] (Components of the first heater 100) Next, each component included in the heater according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail. For clarity, each component will be described using the first heater 100 as an example. Therefore, when referring to each component, the reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 will be used.

[0044] (First heater 100) The shape of the first heater 100 is not particularly limited. The first heater 100 may have, for example, a substantially cylindrical or prismatic shape. Furthermore, the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (direction of the central axis) of the first heater 100 may be substantially circular, substantially elliptical, substantially triangular, substantially rectangular (including trapezoidal), or other polygonal.

[0045] In the following description, it is assumed, by way of example, that the cross section of the first heater 100 is substantially circular.

[0046] Also, for clarity of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1, the first heater 100 is conveniently divided into three longitudinal portions, namely, a first portion 104, a second portion 105, and a third portion 106.

[0047] Of these, the first portion 104 represents an area extending from the tip of the first heater end 102A of the first heater 100 at distance 0 (zero) to a position moved a predetermined distance (X1) toward the second heater end 102B.

[0048] Additionally, second portion 105 represents the area from distance X1 to a position a predetermined distance (X2) away from second heater end 102B. Thus, the length of second portion 105 is X2-X1.

[0049] Additionally, the third portion 106 represents the area from the point of distance X2 to the second heater end 102B. Thus, the length of the third portion 106 is L-X2, where L is the total length of the first heater 100 (more precisely, from the outer surface of the first cover member 170A to the outer surface of the second cover member 170B; see FIG. 1).

[0050] Here, the second portion 105 includes a portion whose temperature increases the most during use of the first heater 100. Usually, the first heater 100 reaches the highest temperature at approximately the center of the second portion 105, that is, at a position L / 2 (=X1+(X2-X1) / 2=X1 / 2+X2 / 2) from the 0 point.

[0051] In contrast, the first portion 104 and the third portion 106 include portions whose temperature does not rise significantly when the first heater 100 is in use. That is, in a normal case, the temperature of the first portion 104 tends to be highest at the position X1 and gradually decrease to the position of the zero point while the first heater 100 is in use. A similar temperature change tendency occurs in the third portion 106 as well.

[0052] In the first heater 100, the length (X1) of the first portion 104, the length (X2-X1) of the second portion 105, and the length (L-X2) of the third portion 106 vary depending on the overall length L and specifications of the first heater 100.

[0053] For the sake of convenience, the present application defines the area around the connection between heat generating member 120 and first lead wire 180A as the boundary between first region 104 and second region 105, and defines the area around the connection between heat generating member 120 and second lead wire 180B as the boundary between second region 105 and third region 106. However, it should be noted that this division is merely an example, and the boundaries between the regions may be defined by other standards.

[0054] (Components Constituting the First Heater 100) Next, each of the members constituting the first heater 100 will be described in detail.

[0055] (Internal space 110, first cover member 170A and second cover member 170B) The internal space 110 in which the various components are housed preferably has a low oxygen partial pressure.

[0056] For this purpose, the interior space 110 may be filled with a non-oxidizing gas, such as a reducing gas and / or an inert gas, such as hydrogen, argon, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, and nitrogen.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the interior space 110 may be adjusted to be at approximately atmospheric pressure when the first heater 100 is in use.

[0058] To achieve such a non-oxidizing environment and / or an atmospheric pressure environment during use, at least one of the first cover member 170A and the second cover member 170B may be provided with one or more ports communicating with the internal space 110. Through these ports, gas can be filled into the internal space 110 or gas can be evacuated from the internal space 110.

[0059] There are no particular limitations on the configuration of first cover member 170A and second cover member 170B, so long as they can properly maintain the environment of internal space 110. Therefore, here, a description of first cover member 170A and second cover member 170B will be omitted.

[0060] (Heat generating member 120, first lead wire 180A, and second lead wire 180B) The heat generating member 120 is made of a material mainly composed of carbon (C).

[0061] Heat generating member 120 may be constructed, for example, from graphite or a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite material.

[0062] It should be noted here that the heat generating member 120 does not necessarily have to be made of the same material and / or have the same shape over its entire length, so long as it is made of a material mainly containing carbon (C).

[0063] That is, heat generating member 120 may have multiple materials and / or multiple shapes along its length. For example, heat generating member 120 may be configured to have a first material in a first section, a second material in a second section, ... an nth material in an nth section, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0064] Alternatively, the heat generating member 120 may be configured such that the first section has a first shape, the second section has a second shape, ..., the nth section has an nth shape. Here, n is an integer of 2 or more. When the heat generating member 120 has such a plurality of sections, it is possible to intentionally generate a temperature change over the entire length. For example, when a material having a higher resistance than that of the second section is used in the first section, the temperature of the first section can be higher than that of the second section even if the current value applied to the heat generating member 120 is the same. Similarly, when a shape having a higher resistance per unit length than that of the second section is adopted in the first section, the temperature of the first section can be higher than that of the second section. When the first heater 100 is used, the heat generating member 120 can reach a temperature of 1500°C or higher, or 1600°C or higher.

[0065] The shape of the heat generating member 120 is not particularly limited. For example, as described above, the heat generating member 120 may be a cylindrical shape having periodic or non-periodic slits, a spiral shape, or the like. Alternatively, the heat generating member 120 may have a combination of these.

[0066] When the heat generating member 120 has slits, the slits may be arranged in the longitudinal direction or the circumferential direction of the heat generating member 120.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of one example of the configuration of the heat generating member 120. In FIG.

[0068] 2, the heat generating member 120 has a cylindrical shape with a plurality of slits. Some of the slits are formed along the axial direction, and other slits are formed along the circumferential direction.

[0069] When the heat generating member 120 shown in FIG. 2 is unfolded, it assumes a form as shown in FIG.

[0070] In the heat generating member 120, the electrical resistance between the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B at room temperature is preferably 0.01 Ω or more, and more preferably 0.1 Ω or more. In a temperature range of 1000° C. or more, the electrical resistance between the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B is preferably 0.01 Ω or more, more preferably 0.1 Ω or more, more preferably 0.5 Ω or more, and even more preferably 1.0 Ω or more.

[0071] 1, both ends of the heat generating member 120 are joined to the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B, respectively. However, this is not necessarily required, and the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B may be omitted. For example, both ends of the heat generating member 120 may be directly led out to the outside of the first heater 100.

[0072] On the other hand, the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B themselves are preferably made of a material (e.g., copper) having a lower resistivity than the heat generating member 120. In this case, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature of the first heater end 102A and the second heater end 102B.

[0073] The dimensions of the heat generating member 120 vary depending on the specifications of the first heater 100. To give one example, when the heat generating member 120 is cylindrical, the outer diameter of the cylinder may be in the range of 10 mm to 200 mm.

[0074] (Cylindrical member 130) The cylindrical member 130 is made of a material containing one or more selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum.

[0075] Here, the cylindrical member 130 does not necessarily have to be made of a single material, and the cylindrical member 130 may be made of a combination of two or more types of materials.

[0076] Additionally, an oxidation-resistant coating layer 134 may be provided on all or a portion of the first portion 104 and / or the third portion 106 of the tubular member 130. Such a configuration is particularly preferred when the tubular member 130 is made of a metal such as molybdenum or iridium.

[0077] In general, the oxidation resistance of molybdenum drops significantly in the temperature range of about 500° C. or higher, and the oxidation resistance of iridium drops significantly in the temperature range of about 900° C. or higher. For this reason, depending on the usage environment of the first heater 100, atmospheric oxidation may progress in the portions of the first portion 104 and / or the third portion 106 of the cylindrical member 130 that are exposed to the atmosphere.

[0078] However, when the coating layer 134 is provided, such atmospheric oxidation can be suppressed.

[0079] In addition, the portion of the cylindrical member 130 corresponding to the second portion 105 is in contact with a heated object other than the atmosphere during use of the first heater 100, and therefore there is little risk of atmospheric oxidation. Therefore, there is little need to provide the coating layer 134 in this region.

[0080] The coating layer 134 may be, for example, a heat-resistant alloy such as MCrAlY (M is at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, and Fe), a silicide such as MoSi2, platinum, glass, or ceramics.

[0081] The two ends of the cylindrical member 130 preferably have a shape that allows them to be flange-connected to the first lid member 170A and the second lid member 170B, for example, flanges 139A and 139B as shown in Fig. 1. By flange-connecting these flanges 139A and 139B to the first lid member 170A and the second lid member 170B, respectively, the internal space 110 can be properly sealed.

[0082] An O-ring made of heat-resistant rubber or a metal gasket may be provided between flange portion 139A (and 139B) and cover member 170A (and 170B).

[0083] The thickness of the cylindrical member 130 may be in the range of 0.3 mm to 10 mm, for example.

[0084] Furthermore, the maximum value of the gap (maximum distance) between the cylindrical member 130 and the heat generating member is, for example, in the range of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0085] (First insulating member 175A, second insulating member 175B) The first insulating member 175A is made of an insulating material and is also required to have a sealing function for properly sealing the gap between the opening 172A of the first cover member 170A and the first lead wire 180A.

[0086] Such insulating members having a sealing function are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0087] The same is true for the second insulating member 175B.

[0088] 1 is merely an example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the configurations of the first insulating member 175A and the second insulating member 175B are not particularly limited as long as the first lead wire 180A and the second lead wire 180B can be appropriately taken out to the outside.

[0089] (Another heater according to one embodiment of the present invention) Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a configuration example of another heater according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0090] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the structure of another heater (hereinafter, referred to as a "second heater") according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 3, the second heater 200 has a similar configuration to the above-described first heater 100. Therefore, in Fig. 3, the same members as those of the first heater 100 are given reference numerals that are 100 larger than the reference numerals used in Fig. 1.

[0092] However, in the second heater 200, instead of directly joining the first lead wire 280A to the heat generating member 220, a conductive heat-resistant material 290A is interposed between them. Similarly, instead of directly joining the second lead wire 280B to the heat generating member 220, a conductive heat-resistant material 290B is interposed between them.

[0093] In the first lead wire 280A and the second lead wire 280B, the temperature tends to be high at and near the joint portion with the heat generating member 220. However, by interposing a conductive heat-resistant material 290A between the heat generating member 220 and the first lead wire 280A, the temperature rise of the first lead wire 280A can be significantly suppressed. Also, by interposing a conductive heat-resistant material 290B between the heat generating member 220 and the second lead wire 280B, the temperature rise of the second lead wire 280B can be significantly suppressed.

[0094] The heat generating member 220 is held by a conductive heat-resistant material 290A connected to a first lead wire 280A and a conductive heat-resistant material 290B connected to a second lead wire 280B so as not to come into contact with the cylindrical member 230.

[0095] As described above, the heat generating member 220 is made of a material mainly composed of carbon (C). Therefore, even if the heat generating member 220 becomes hot during use of the second heater 200, the heat generating member 220 is unlikely to deform, and electrical contact between the heat generating member 220 and the cylindrical member 230 can be effectively prevented.

[0096] On the other hand, the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B are not necessarily limited to being made of a material mainly containing carbon (C).

[0097] Therefore, when the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B become hot during use of the second heater 200, the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B may be deformed.

[0098] To avoid this problem, in the second heater 200, an electrically insulating member may be interposed between the conductive heat-resistant material 290A and the cylindrical member 230. This can reliably suppress electrical contact between the conductive heat-resistant material 290A and the cylindrical member 230. Similarly, an electrically insulating member may be interposed between the conductive heat-resistant material 290B and the cylindrical member 230.

[0099] Such electrically insulating insulating members may be comprised of, for example, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, yttrium oxide, cerium oxide, beryllium oxide, zirconium silicate (zircon), silicon dioxide, mullite, or aluminum nitride. Alternatively, the electrically insulating insulating members may be comprised of sapphire (monocrystalline aluminum oxide), transparent polycrystalline aluminum oxide, aluminum oxynitride, yttrium oxide, spinel, zirconium oxide, yttrium aluminum garnet, or magnesium oxide. Alternatively, the electrically insulating insulating members may be comprised of quartz glass or borosilicate glass.

[0100] In the second heater 200, the form of the heat generating member 220 is different from that of the heat generating member 120 in the first heater 100 shown in Fig. 1. However, this is not necessarily required. For example, the heat generating member 120 shown in Fig. 2 can also be used as the heat generating member 220 in the second heater 200.

[0101] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of one example of the configuration of the heat generating member 220. In FIG.

[0102] 4, the heat generating member 220 has a cylindrical shape with a plurality of slits. Some of the slits are formed along the axial direction, and other slits are formed along the circumferential direction.

[0103] When the heat generating member 220 shown in FIG. 4 is unfolded, it assumes a form as shown in FIG.

[0104] (Components of the second heater 200) The above description can be referred to for the specifications of most of the components included in the second heater 200. Therefore, here, the characteristics of the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B included in the second heater 200 will be described in detail.

[0105] (Conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B) The conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B may be made of a material having a lower resistance than the heat-generating member 220, for example, that is mainly made of carbon (C), such as graphite or a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite material.

[0106] Alternatively, the electrically conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B may be composed of, for example, platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, molybdenum, and alloys thereof, or the electrically conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B may be composed of, for example, stainless steel and nickel-based alloys.

[0107] The conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B may be in the form of a rod, a pipe, or a plate, and may have a fin shape to enhance heat dissipation.

[0108] It should be noted that the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B do not necessarily have to be made of the same material and / or have the same shape over their entire length.

[0109] That is, the conductive heat resistant materials 290A and 290B may have multiple materials and / or multiple shapes along their length.

[0110] (Yet another heater according to an embodiment of the present invention) Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a configuration example of yet another heater according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0111] FIG. 5 shows a schematic example of the structure of yet another heater (hereinafter, referred to as a "third heater") according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 5, the third heater 300 has a similar configuration to the above-described first heater 100. Therefore, in Fig. 5, the same members as those in the first heater 100 are given reference numerals that are 200 larger than the reference numerals used in Fig. 1.

[0113] However, the third heater 300 differs from the first heater 100 mainly in the structure of the second heater end 302B.

[0114] That is, in the third heater 300, a metal tube with one end closed is used as the cylindrical member 330. As a result, in the third heater 300, the members provided at the second heater end portion 102B in the first heater 100, specifically, the second cover member 170B and the second insulating member 175B, etc. are omitted.

[0115] However, in the third heater 300, the second lead wire 380B needs to be led out from the first heater end portion 302A side.

[0116] Therefore, the heat generating member 320 is configured so that both ends are guided to the same side.

[0117] For example, if the heat generating member 320 is spiral shaped, one end may pass through the inside of the spiral and be guided to the same side as the other end, or the heat generating member 320 may be configured in a double helix shape so that both ends are guided to the same side.

[0118] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of the heat generating member 320. In FIG.

[0119] 6, the heat generating member 320 has a cylindrical shape with a number of slits, some of which are formed along the axial direction, and other slits are formed along the circumferential direction.

[0120] When the heat generating member 320 shown in FIG. 6 is unfolded, it assumes a form as shown typically in FIG.

[0121] Furthermore, a cover member 370 is used for the first heater end portion 302A of the third heater 300.

[0122] The lid member 370 is provided with a first opening 372A for leading out the first lead wire 380A and a second opening 372B for leading out the second lead wire 380B. A first insulating member 375A is inserted into the first opening 372A of the lid member 370, and the first lead wire 380A is led out through the first insulating member 375A. A second insulating member 375B is inserted into the second opening 372B, and the second lead wire 380B is led out through the second insulating member 375B.

[0123] It is clear that the above-mentioned effects can be obtained with such a third heater 300. That is, with the third heater 300, the heat rays generated from the heat generating member 320 can be effectively irradiated to the cylindrical member 330 by radiation. As a result, the heat absorption efficiency of the cylindrical member 330 is improved, and the cylindrical member 330 can be heated to a higher temperature.

[0124] Furthermore, there is no need to use a large-scale device when energizing the heat generating member 320, and the device system for heating the object to be heated can be made compact.

[0125] In a heater having lead wires bundled at one end as shown in Fig. 5, the second heater end can be brought into contact with the object to be heated. Therefore, such a heater can be used as a heat source that is simply immersed in a melting furnace for melting materials, for example. It can also be used as a heat source that is inserted through one wall of a melting furnace to the other wall on the opposite side.

[0126] On the other hand, configurations such as the above-mentioned first heater 100 and second heater 200 in which lead wires protrude from both heater ends can be used as a type of heat source that is inserted through from one furnace wall of a melting furnace to the opposing furnace wall.

[0127] The configurations and features of the heaters according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above with reference to the first heater 100 to the third heater 300. However, it should be noted that this is merely an example, and that those skilled in the art can imagine various heater configurations by referring to the above description.

[0128] For example, the conductive heat-resistant materials 290A and 290B shown in Fig. 3 may be used in the third heater 300 shown in Fig. 5. Also, in the third heater 300 shown in Fig. 5, an electrically insulating member may be disposed between such a conductive heat-resistant material and the cylindrical member 330. In addition, various other configurations may be assumed as the heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] (Glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention) Next, the configuration of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0130] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of a glass article manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a "first manufacturing apparatus") 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 7, the first manufacturing apparatus 500 has a melting section 510, a conveying section 520, a forming section 530, a connecting section 540, and an annealing section 550.

[0132] The melting section 510 is a region where glass frit G1 is melted to form molten glass G2.

[0133] The melting section 510 has a melting furnace 511 that defines a melting chamber 511a. Although not shown in the figure, one or more burners may be installed above the melting chamber 511a.

[0134] The conveying section 520 is a section in which the molten glass G2 formed in the melting section 510 is conveyed to the forming section 530.

[0135] The forming section 530 is a section in which the molten glass G2 transported from the transport section 520 is formed into a band-shaped glass ribbon G3.

[0136] The forming section 530 has a forming furnace 531. The forming furnace 531 has a forming chamber 531a for forming the molten glass G2 therein. The forming furnace 531 also has a float bath 535 and a ceiling 537 disposed above the float bath 535. A plurality of ceiling heaters 539 are installed on the ceiling 537.

[0137] The float bath 535 contains a molten metal M. The molten metal M is, for example, molten tin. However, in addition to molten tin, a molten tin alloy or the like can also be used.

[0138] The molding chamber 531a is filled with a reducing gas in order to prevent oxidation of the molten metal M. The reducing gas is, for example, a mixed gas of hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas.

[0139] In the float bath 535, the molten glass G2 supplied onto the molten metal M is formed into a band-shaped glass ribbon G3 by utilizing the liquid surface of the molten metal M.

[0140] The glass ribbon G3 is gradually solidified while flowing from the upstream to the downstream of the float bath 535, and is pulled up from the molten metal M downstream of the float bath 535.

[0141] The ceiling heaters 539 are provided at intervals along the flow direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the flow direction of the glass ribbon G3. The ceiling heaters 539 are also provided at intervals in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0142] The connecting section 540 is a section that connects the forming section 530 and the annealing section 550. The connecting section 540 includes a connecting furnace 541, an intermediate heater 542, and a lift-out roll 543.

[0143] The connecting furnace 541 has therein a connecting chamber 541a in which the glass ribbon G3 is transported, and a plurality of intermediate heaters 542 are installed in the connecting chamber 541a.

[0144] The intermediate heaters 542 are provided at intervals along the flow direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the transport direction of the glass ribbon G3. Moreover, the intermediate heaters 542 may be divided in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0145] The lift-out roll 543 is rotated by a motor or the like, and has a role of lifting up the glass ribbon G3 formed in the forming section 530 and transporting it toward the annealing section 550.

[0146] The annealing section 550 is a section in which the glass ribbon G3 transported from the splicing section 540 is annealed.

[0147] The annealing section 550 has an annealing furnace 551, which forms an annealing chamber 551a for annealing the glass ribbon G3. A plurality of annealing heaters 552 and a plurality of annealing rolls 553 are arranged in the annealing chamber 551a. The annealing chamber 551a is configured such that the temperature gradually decreases from the entrance of the annealing furnace 551 to the exit of the annealing furnace 551.

[0148] The annealing heaters 552 are provided at intervals along the conveying direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the conveying direction of the glass ribbon G3. The annealing heaters 552 may be divided in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3, thereby adjusting the temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0149] The annealing rolls 553 are rotationally driven by a motor or the like, and transport the glass ribbon G3 from the entrance of the annealing furnace 551 to the exit of the annealing furnace 551. The annealing rolls 553 are provided at intervals along the transport direction of the glass ribbon G3.

[0150] Here, in the first manufacturing equipment 500, a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in the melting part 510.

[0151] For example, in the example shown in Fig. 7, a heater 580 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a melting furnace 511. Note that heater 580 is shown in a simplified manner in Fig. 7, and lead wires and the like are not depicted.

[0152] The heater 580 is disposed horizontally so as to penetrate the melting furnace 511. The heater 580 may be, for example, the first and second heaters 100 and 200 as shown in FIGS.

[0153] Alternatively, heater 580 may be third heater 300 as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, heater 580 may be installed by being inserted vertically from the floor of the lower part of the melting furnace or from the top of the melting furnace so that one end is exposed in molten glass G2, or may be installed by being inserted horizontally from one furnace wall of the melting furnace.

[0154] Although not clear in Fig. 7, in a normal case, a plurality of heaters 580 are installed. For example, the plurality of heaters 580 may be installed at intervals at the same height level of the melting furnace 511. In addition to this, or separately, the plurality of heaters 580 may be installed at different height levels of the melting furnace 511. Next, the operation of the first manufacturing apparatus 500 having such a configuration will be described.

[0155] First, glass frit G1 is provided to the melting section 510. The glass frit G1 is supplied to a melting chamber 511a of a melting furnace 511.

[0156] The glass frit G1 is melted by the heat from the heater 580 to form a molten glass G2.

[0157] Here, the heater 580 uses a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-scale power supply device in the melting part 510, and the melting part can be made compact. In addition, the heater 580 can melt the glass frit G1 and heat the molten glass G2 to a high temperature exceeding 1500°C, for example.

[0158] Next, the molten glass G2 in the melting section 510 is supplied to the forming section 530 via the conveying section 520.

[0159] The molten glass G2 supplied to the forming unit 530 moves continuously on the molten metal M. As a result, a band-shaped glass ribbon G3 is formed from the molten glass G2. The glass ribbon G3 is gradually solidified while flowing from the upstream to the downstream of the float bath 535.

[0160] Next, the glass ribbon G3 is supplied to the annealing section 550 via the connecting section 540.

[0161] The annealing section 550 is configured so that the temperature gradually decreases from the upstream to the downstream of the annealing chamber 551a. Therefore, the temperature of the glass ribbon G3 gradually decreases while being transported in the annealing chamber 551a.

[0162] Thereafter, when the temperature of the glass ribbon G3 is reduced to a predetermined temperature, the glass ribbon G3 is cut into a predetermined size by a cutter.

[0163] This results in the production of a glass article.

[0164] The configuration and operation of the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above using the first manufacturing apparatus 500 as an example.

[0165] However, these are merely examples, and the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may have other configurations as long as it is equipped with a heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] For example, in the first manufacturing apparatus 500 , a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in the melting zone 510 .

[0167] However, alternatively or additionally, a heater according to an embodiment of the invention may be provided in the transport section 520 .

[0168] In the first manufacturing apparatus 500, a section including additional members, such as a fining furnace for degassing bubbles contained in the molten glass G2 and / or a stirring furnace for homogenizing the molten glass G2, may be provided between the melting section 510 and the transport section 520. The heater according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in such a fining furnace and / or stirring furnace.

[0169] Furthermore, in the first manufacturing apparatus 500, at least one of the conveying section 520 and the connecting section 540 may be omitted. In this case, the molten glass G2 formed in the melting section 510 may be directly discharged to the shaping section 530, and / or the glass ribbon G3 formed in the shaping section 530 may be directly conveyed to the annealing section 550.

[0170] Those skilled in the art will recognize various other modifications.

[0171] (Method of manufacturing a glass article according to one embodiment of the present invention) Next, a method for producing a glass article according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 8, the method for producing a glass article according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "first production method") includes the following steps: A melting step (step S110) of melting glass raw materials to form molten glass; A forming step (step S120) of forming the molten glass; A slow cooling step (step S130) of slowly cooling the formed glass; has.

[0173] However, the slow cooling step is not necessarily required in the first production method, and may be omitted.

[0174] Each step will be described below.

[0175] (Step S110) First, glass raw materials are fed into a melting furnace, where the glass raw materials are melted.

[0176] The melting furnace may have a configuration similar to that of the melting furnace 511 in the first manufacturing apparatus 500 described above.

[0177] The melting furnace may be provided with a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this case, glass frits are heated by the heater according to an embodiment of the present invention to become molten glass.

[0178] The glass frit is not particularly limited. However, it should be noted that when the heater according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed in the melting furnace, the molten glass obtained by melting the glass frit can be heated to a high temperature, for example, exceeding 1500°C. That is, in the first manufacturing method, it is also possible to use a glass frit having a high melting point.

[0179] The molten glass melted in the melting furnace is transported to a forming furnace.

[0180] During transportation, the molten glass may be discharged from the melting furnace to a transport section, and the molten glass may be supplied from the transport section to the forming furnace. Alternatively, another device (hereinafter referred to as "additional device") such as a fining furnace may be provided between the melting furnace and the transport section. Alternatively, the molten glass may be supplied directly from the melting furnace to the forming furnace.

[0181] In the case where the molten glass is transported to a transport section before being provided to a forming furnace, the transport section may be provided with a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the case where the molten glass is supplied to an additional device before being provided to a forming furnace, the additional device may be provided with a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] That is, the heater according to one embodiment of the present invention may be installed at any position between the melting furnace and the conveying section.

[0183] (Process S120) Next, the molten glass transported to the forming furnace is formed.

[0184] The forming method is not particularly limited. For example, the molten glass may be formed by a conventional forming method such as a float method, a down-draw method, a roll-out method, or a fusion method.

[0185] Among these, when molten glass is formed by the float method, the forming unit 530 of the first manufacturing apparatus 500 as shown in Fig. 7 may be used. For example, the molten glass may be supplied onto a float bath of a forming furnace, and the molten glass may be transported from upstream to downstream to form a glass ribbon.

[0186] (Step S130) Thereafter, if necessary, the formed glass is slowly cooled to room temperature, and if necessary, the formed glass is cut into a predetermined shape.

[0187] By the above steps, a molded glass article can be manufactured.

[0188] In the first manufacturing method, the heater according to an embodiment of the present invention may be used in any step between the melting step (step S110) and the molding step (step S120) (excluding the molding step itself).

[0189] In the first manufacturing method, the heater according to the embodiment of the present invention is used to heat the molten glass. Therefore, in the first manufacturing method, the molten glass can be stably heated even at a high temperature, for example, exceeding 1500° C.

[0190] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-230939, filed on December 20, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0191] 100 First heater 102A First Heater End 102B Second heater end 104 First Part 105 Second Part 106 Third Part 110 Interior Space 120 Heat generating components 130 Cylindrical member 134 Coating Layer 139A, 139B flange 170A first cover member 170B Second cover member 172A First Aperture 172B Second opening 175A First insulating member 175B Second insulating member 180A 1st lead 180B Second Lead 200 Second Heater 202A First Heater End 202B Second heater end 204 First Part 205 Second Part 206 Third Part 210 Interior Space 220 Heat generating components 230 Cylindrical member 234 Coating Layer 239A, 239B flange 270A First cover member 270B Second cover member 272A First Aperture 272B Second opening 275A First insulating member 275B Second insulating member 280A 1st lead 280B Second Lead 290A Conductive heat-resistant material 290B Conductive heat-resistant material 300 3rd heater 302A First Heater End 302B Second heater end 304 First Part 305 Second Part 306 Third Part 310 Interior Space 320 Heat generating components 330 Cylindrical member 334 Coating Layer 339 Brim 370 Lid member 372A First Aperture 372B Second opening 375A First insulating member 375B Second insulating member 380A 1st lead 380B Second Lead 500 First manufacturing equipment 510 Welding section 511 Melting Furnace 511a Melting chamber 520 Conveyor 530 Molding section 531 Molding furnace 531a Molding room 535 Float Bus 537 Ceiling 539 Ceiling Heater 540 Connection 541 Connection Furnace 541a Connecting Room 542 Intermediate heater 543 Lift Out Roll 550 Annealing section 551 Annealing furnace 551a Cooling room 552 Slow cooling heater 553 Multiple annealing rolls 580 Heater G1 Glass Raw Materials G2 Molten Glass G3 Glass Ribbon M Molten metal

Claims

1. A heater, A conductive heat generating member that radiates heat rays when powered; a metallic cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; having the heat generating member is made of a material containing 80% by mass or more of carbon, and has at least one slit arranged in a longitudinal direction and / or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the cylindrical member is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum; A heater, wherein no insulating material is disposed between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member.

2. a lead wire extending from the inside of the cylindrical member and electrically connected to the heat generating member; The heater according to claim 1 , wherein a conductive heat-resistant material is provided between the heat generating member and the lead wire.

3. The heater of claim 2 , further comprising an insulating member disposed around the conductive heat-resistant material.

4. An apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, comprising: a melting section for melting glass raw materials to form molten glass; a forming section for forming a shaped glass from the molten glass; having Further, optionally, a conveying section connecting the melting section and the forming section is provided, A heater is installed at least somewhere between the melting part and the forming part (excluding the forming part), The heater is A conductive heat generating member that radiates heat rays when powered; a metallic cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; having the heat generating member is made of a material containing 80% by mass or more of carbon, and has at least one slit arranged in a longitudinal direction and / or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the cylindrical member is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum; A manufacturing apparatus, wherein no insulating material is disposed between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member.

5. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the heater is installed in either one or both of the melting section and the transport section.

6. A method for manufacturing a glass article, comprising the steps of: A melting step of melting glass raw materials to form molten glass; forming the molten glass into a glass article; having During the process from the melting step to the forming step (excluding the forming step), the molten glass comes into contact with a heater, The heater is A conductive heat generating member that radiates heat rays when powered; a metallic cylindrical member that houses the heat generating member; having the heat generating member is made of a material containing 80% by mass or more of carbon, and has at least one slit arranged in a longitudinal direction and / or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the cylindrical member is made of a material containing one or more selected from platinum, rhodium, tungsten, iridium, and molybdenum; The manufacturing method, wherein no insulating material is disposed between the heat generating member and the cylindrical member.

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