Glass article manufacturing equipment

Abstract

A glass article production apparatus 1 comprises: a temperature adjusting member 7 for adjusting the temperature of molten glass GM or glass ribbon GR; and a supporting member 8 for supporting the temperature adjusting member 7. The supporting member 8 comprises a creep-resistant member 25 made from a material having a creep speed at 1200°C of 2 × 10-3h-1 or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing glass articles by the downdraw process. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, flat glass is used in a variety of fields, including glass substrates and cover glass for displays such as liquid crystal displays and organic electroluminescence (EL) displays. These flat glass products are required to meet strict product quality standards, including those for surface defects and waviness.

[0003] To meet these requirements, the downdraw method is widely used as a method for producing sheet glass, and known downdraw methods include the overflow downdraw method and the slot downdraw method.

[0004] The overflow downdraw method involves pouring molten glass into an overflow groove provided at the top of a forming body having a generally wedge-shaped cross section, allowing the molten glass overflowing on both sides of the overflow groove to flow down along both sidewalls of the forming body and to fuse and integrate at the lower end of the forming body, thereby continuously forming a single glass ribbon.The slot downdraw method involves forming a slot-shaped opening in the bottom wall of the forming body to which molten glass is supplied, and allowing the molten glass to flow down through this opening to continuously form a single glass ribbon.

[0005] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an apparatus for manufacturing glass articles using the overflow downdraw method includes a forming body that forms molten glass into a glass ribbon (plate glass), a pair of hollow temperature adjustment members that adjust the temperature of the glass ribbon below the forming body, and an annealing furnace that anneals the glass ribbon below the temperature adjustment members (see claim 1 in the same document).

[0006] The temperature adjustment members are supported by a support member. This support member is a metal plate-like member and has an opening in its center through which the glass ribbon can pass. The support member supports the pair of temperature adjustment members while bridging them from one edge of the opening to the other edge (see paragraph 0037 and Figure 1 of the same document).

[0007] In the manufacturing apparatus, the glass ribbon formed by the forming body is passed between a pair of temperature adjustment members to adjust the temperature of the glass ribbon so that the temperature distribution in the width direction is uniform. This allows the temperature of the glass ribbon to be adjusted with high precision, making it possible to manufacture high-quality glass articles (sheet glass) with uniform thickness. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-114711 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in conventional manufacturing apparatuses, the support member that supports the temperature adjustment member is made of metal (e.g., stainless steel), and creep deformation occurs in the support member after long-term operation. This causes the support member to bend, forming a gap between the support member and the temperature adjustment member. The gap is formed, for example, in the central portion of the support member in the longitudinal direction (width direction of the glass ribbon). In this case, the partial gap causes uneven temperature distribution in the width direction of the glass ribbon. Furthermore, since the atmosphere inside the apparatus flows out through the gap, the rising air current (draft) along the glass ribbon increases. As a result, the temperature adjustment member does not properly adjust the temperature of the glass ribbon, which could result in a deterioration in the quality of the glass article.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its technical object to accurately adjust the temperature of a glass ribbon formed by a downdraw method over a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a glass article manufacturing apparatus including a forming furnace for forming a glass ribbon from molten glass by a down-draw method and an annealing furnace for annealing the formed glass ribbon, the apparatus further including a temperature adjusting member for adjusting the temperature of the molten glass or the glass ribbon, and a support member for supporting the temperature adjusting member, the support member having a creep rate of 2×10 at 1200°C. -3 h -1 The invention is characterized by comprising a creep-resistant member made of the following material:

[0012] According to this configuration, by constructing the support member using a creep-resistant material with a low creep rate, creep deformation of the support member can be suppressed for a long period of time. This allows the temperature of the molten glass or glass ribbon to be accurately adjusted for a long period of time using the temperature adjustment member, compared to when a metal support member is used. Therefore, it becomes possible to manufacture high-quality glass articles for a long period of time.

[0013] In the manufacturing apparatus, the support member may be configured by arranging a plurality of the creep-resistant members in parallel, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the support member and stably supporting the temperature adjustment member while suppressing an increase in equipment costs.

[0014] In this case, the creep-resistant member may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. By arranging a plurality of creep-resistant members each having a rectangular cross-sectional shape in parallel, the rigidity of the support member can be efficiently improved, and creep deformation of the support member can be effectively suppressed.

[0015] The support member may have ribs formed of the creep-resistant material, which also makes it possible to efficiently improve the rigidity of the support member and effectively suppress creep deformation of the support member.

[0016] The temperature adjusting member and the support member may be disposed in the forming furnace. In the present invention, even when the temperature adjusting member and the support member are disposed in a high-temperature environment in the forming furnace, creep deformation of the support member can be suppressed for a long period of time, so that the temperature adjusting member can accurately adjust the temperature of the molten glass or the glass ribbon for a long period of time.

[0017] The creep-resistant member may be made of SiC ceramics, which has a lower creep rate and better fire resistance than metals, making it suitable as a material for the creep-resistant member.

[0018] The glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention may further include a windbreak member that covers the lower surface of the support member.

[0019] Inside the manufacturing equipment, an ascending air current is generated from the annealing furnace toward the forming furnace. This ascending air current rapidly cools the support member, which may cause damage to the support member due to thermal shock. In the present invention, by covering the lower surface of the support member with a windbreak member, damage to the support member can be prevented.

[0020] The windshield member may include a structure made of a metal plate. The windshield member may also include a heat-resistant fiber layer made of heat-resistant fiber. This allows the support member to be suitably protected from rising air currents generated inside the manufacturing apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to precisely adjust the temperature of a glass ribbon formed by a downdraw method over a long period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a glass article manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional front view of the glass article manufacturing apparatus of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a temperature adjustment member and a support member. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of a temperature adjustment member and a support member. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrows VV in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the support member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the support member. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the support member. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the support member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the support member. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the support member. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the support member. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the support member. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional front view of the glass article manufacturing apparatus of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a temperature adjustment member, a support member, and a windbreak member. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a temperature adjustment member, a support member, and a windbreak member. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] 1 to 5 show one embodiment of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the manufacturing apparatus 1 mainly includes a forming furnace 2 that forms molten glass GM into a glass ribbon GR, an annealing furnace 3 that anneals the glass ribbon GR below the forming furnace 2, and a casing 4 that covers the forming furnace 2 and the annealing furnace 3. In addition, although not shown, the manufacturing apparatus 1 also includes a cooling chamber below the annealing furnace 3 that cools the glass ribbon GR that has passed through the annealing furnace 3 to near room temperature.

[0025] The forming furnace 2 includes a formed body 5 capable of performing the overflow downdraw method, a partition wall 6 covering the formed body 5, a pair of temperature adjustment members 7 arranged below the formed body 5, a support member 8 supporting the temperature adjustment members 7, and edge rollers 9 arranged below the temperature adjustment members 7.

[0026] The forming body 5 is configured in an elongated shape and includes an overflow groove 10 formed at the top along the longitudinal direction thereof, and vertical surface portions 11 and inclined surface portions 12 that constitute a pair of side wall portions. The pair of inclined surface portions 12 intersect as they gradually approach each other downward, thereby constituting a lower end portion 13 of the forming body 5. The molten glass GM that overflows from the overflow groove 10 of the forming body 5 and flows down along the vertical surface portions 11 and inclined surface portions 12 is heated by a heating device 14 to have its viscosity adjusted, and is then fused at the lower end portion 13 of the forming body 5 to be formed into a single glass ribbon GR.

[0027] The partition wall 6 is also called a muffle, and serves to maintain the molten glass GM overflowing from the forming body 5 housed therein at a predetermined temperature. The partition wall 6 is provided with heating devices 14 on its outer surface. As shown in FIG. 1 , the heating devices 14 are arranged to face the vertical surface portions 11 and the inclined surface portions 12 on both sides of the forming body 5. Specifically, a plurality of the heating devices 14 are arranged adjacent to each other in two upper and lower rows, one facing the vertical surface portions 11 and the other facing the inclined surface portions 12. The partition wall 6 and the heating devices 14 are held in the casing 4 via mounting fixtures (not shown).

[0028] The temperature adjustment member 7 is supported by a support member 8 inside the partition wall portion 6. The temperature adjustment member 7 is located between the forming body 5 and the annealing furnace 3 in the vertical direction P, and adjusts the temperature of the glass ribbon GR that leaves the forming body 5 and descends toward the edge rollers 9 so that annealing in the annealing furnace 3 is performed appropriately. The temperature adjustment member 7 together with the partition wall portion 6 may be called a muffle furnace, and is also called a muffle door as an outlet for the glass ribbon GR in the forming furnace 2.

[0029] The temperature adjusting member 7 is preferably made of a thermally conductive material, such as silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics. Silicon carbide has high hardness, excellent heat resistance (decomposition temperature 2545°C), high thermal conductivity (approximately 270 W / m K in the case of a sintered body), and a low thermal expansion coefficient (2.0 to 6.0 × 10 at 40 to 400°C). -6 / ℃).

[0030] 1 to 3, the temperature adjustment member 7 includes an upper wall portion 15, a lower wall portion 16, a side wall portion 17 connecting the upper wall portion 15 and the lower wall portion 16, a plurality of supports 18 connecting the upper wall portion 15 and the lower wall portion 16 at a predetermined distance from the side wall portion 17, a cover body 19 closing both ends of the temperature adjustment member 7 in the longitudinal direction, and an opening 20 formed between the plurality of supports 18. A temperature control unit 21 is housed inside the temperature adjustment member 7.

[0031] The upper wall portion 15, the lower wall portion 16, and the side wall portion 17 are configured in a rectangular shape that is long along the width direction W of the glass ribbon GR. The upper wall portion 15 and the lower wall portion 16 are provided opposite to each other and substantially parallel to each other, and the side wall portion 17 is provided so as to be perpendicular to (form a right angle with) the upper wall portion 15 and the lower wall portion 16.

[0032] The upper wall 15, the lower wall 16, and the side wall 17 have long sides of approximately 500 mm to 5000 mm, short sides of approximately 50 mm to 300 mm, and thicknesses of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm, but are not limited to these. Also, the upper wall 15, the lower wall 16, and the side wall 17 have the same thickness, but are not limited to this, and may have different thicknesses.

[0033] The side wall portion 17 connects one end of the short side of the upper wall portion 15 to one end of the short side of the lower wall portion 16. Meanwhile, the support pillar 18 connects the other end of the short side of the upper wall portion 15 to the other end of the short side of the lower wall portion 16. In this embodiment, the support pillar 18 is configured in the shape of a rectangular pillar or a long plate, but is not limited to this shape. The support pillar 18 also has ribs 18a and 18b at one end and the other end. One rib 18a is formed integrally with the support pillar 18 and the upper wall portion 15, and the other rib 18b is formed integrally with the support pillar 18 and the lower wall portion 16.

[0034] The lid 19 is made of a rectangular plate member. In this embodiment, the lid 19 is made of SiC ceramics, but the lid 19 may be made of metal or other materials.

[0035] 2 and 3, the opening 20 is configured to have a rectangular shape, but is not limited to this. The multiple openings 20 are formed at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the temperature adjustment member 7.

[0036] The temperature adjusting member 7 may be manufactured by any molding method such as molding or extrusion, and any cutting or drilling method.

[0037] In this embodiment, temperature control units 21 are arranged inside the temperature adjustment member 7 corresponding to each opening 20. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the temperature control unit 21 has a heater 22 and a refractory material (support) 23 that supports the heater 22. Note that the temperature control unit 21 may have a cooler instead of the heater 22.

[0038] The heater 22 is disposed at a position where its tip is spaced from the inner surface of the side wall portion 17. The refractory material 23 supports the heater 22 with its tip exposed. The refractory material 23 also supports the heater 22 so that it does not come into contact with any of the upper wall portion 15, lower wall portion 16, and side wall portion 17 of the temperature adjustment member 7. The refractory material 23 also closes the opening 20 of the temperature adjustment member 7. As a result, a space surrounded by the refractory material 23, the upper wall portion 15, the lower wall portion 16, and the side wall portion 17 is formed inside the temperature adjustment member 7, and the end of the heater 22 is disposed in this space.

[0039] 5, inside the temperature adjustment member 7, a refractory blanket 24 is disposed between refractories 23 supporting the temperature control unit 21. In this embodiment, the refractory blanket 24 is disposed at the same position as the support columns 18, but is not limited to this position. The refractory blanket 24 is in contact with the upper wall portion 15, the lower wall portion 16, the side wall portion 17, and the support columns 18.

[0040] The fire-resistant blanket 24 can divide the internal space of the temperature adjustment member 7 into multiple zones. This allows for suitable temperature adjustment of the glass ribbon GR. That is, the temperature of the glass ribbon GR passing between the pair of temperature adjustment members 7 is not uniform in its width direction W, and there is a temperature distribution bias. If this temperature distribution bias is left unchecked, the thickness of the relatively high-temperature portions will increase, resulting in a state in which the thickness differs from that of the relatively low-temperature portions. This will result in thickness bias in the glass ribbon GR, where the sheet thickness varies along the width direction W. In order to control the thickness of the glass ribbon GR to a constant value, it is necessary to prevent this thickness bias.

[0041] For this reason, it is desirable to divide the temperature adjustment member 7 into a plurality of zones along the longitudinal direction by using a refractory blanket 24. By disposing a temperature control unit 21 in each zone, it is possible to perform independent temperature adjustment for each zone. This makes it possible to prevent uneven thickness of the glass ribbon GR and maintain its thickness uniform.

[0042] The support member 8 includes a pair of support members so as to individually support the pair of temperature adjustment members 7. The support member 8 has a creep rate of 2×10 at 1200°C. -3 h -1 The creep-resistant member 25 is made of the following material: As the material for the creep-resistant member 25, for example, SiC ceramics is preferably used.

[0043] The creep rate of SiC ceramics is determined by measuring the creep curve for the SiC ceramics and calculating the slope in the steady-state creep region. The creep curve is measured in accordance with JIS R 1612, Bending Creep Test Method for Fine Ceramics. The test temperature is 1200°C.

[0044] The support member 8 is formed by arranging a plurality of (for example, 2 to 10) creep-resistant members 25 side by side. The creep-resistant members 25 are fixed to each other by, for example, an adhesive, and are formed integrally.

[0045] 3 and 4, the creep-resistant member 25 is an elongated member having a rectangular (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.) cross section. The creep-resistant member 25 is hollow (tubular or cylindrical), but may also be solid.

[0046] 4, the creep-resistant member 25 constituting the support member 8 has a pair of vertical wall portions 25a, 25b, an upper wall portion 25c formed integrally with the upper portions of the vertical wall portions 25a, 25b, and a lower wall portion 25d formed integrally with the lower portions of the vertical wall portions 25a, 25b. The vertical wall portions 25a, 25b, the upper wall portion 25c, and the lower wall portion 25d are formed seamlessly and integrally by a molding method such as extrusion molding.

[0047] The parallel arrangement of the creep-resistant members 25 is integrated by bonding the vertical walls 25a, 25b of adjacent creep-resistant members 25 together with an adhesive. Hereinafter, the portions 26 of the creep-resistant members 25 that are bonded with an adhesive are referred to as "bonded portions." The vertical walls 25a, 25b bonded by the bonded portions 26 function as ribs within the hollow support member 8.

[0048] The multiple creep-resistant members 25 that make up the support member 8 have the same shape and dimensions. The multiple creep-resistant members 25 are joined to one another by joints 26 so that the upper surfaces of the upper wall portions 25c are flush with each other and the lower surfaces of the lower wall portions 25d are flush with each other to prevent steps from occurring.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, each end in the longitudinal direction of the creep-resistant member 25 constituting the support member 8 is supported by the casing 4.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a space 27 is formed between the pair of temperature adjustment members 7 and the pair of support members 8, allowing the glass ribbon GR to pass through.

[0051] The edge rollers 9 are for suppressing the contraction of the glass ribbon GR and have a cooling structure. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the edge rollers 9 are configured as two pairs of rollers so as to hold both end portions of the glass ribbon GR in the width direction W.

[0052] The annealing furnace 3 anneals the glass ribbon GR descending through the temperature adjusting member 7, thereby removing its internal strain. That is, the temperature inside the annealing furnace 3 is set to have a predetermined temperature gradient, and the temperature gradually decreases as the glass ribbon GR descends, thereby removing the internal strain of the glass ribbon GR. The annealing furnace 3 guides the glass ribbon GR vertically downward via multiple upper and lower guide rollers 28 arranged inside.

[0053] The casing 4 is configured as a hollow structure that is long along the vertical direction P. The casing 4 supports the forming furnace 2 at its upper part. In addition, the side wall of the casing 4 defines the annealing furnace 3 at its midpoint.

[0054] Hereinafter, a description will be given of a method for manufacturing a glass ribbon GR using the manufacturing apparatus 1 configured as described above. This manufacturing method mainly includes a forming step of forming the molten glass GM into a glass ribbon GR by an overflow downdraw method, and an annealing step of annealing the glass ribbon GR after the forming step.

[0055] In the forming step, the molten glass GM supplied to the forming body 5 of the forming furnace 2 overflows from the overflow groove 10 and flows down along the vertical surface portion 11 and the inclined surface portion 12. Then, the molten glass GM is fused and integrated at the lower end portion 13 of the forming body 5 to be formed into a glass ribbon GR.

[0056] Furthermore, in the forming process, the glass ribbon GR that has left the forming body 5 and descends passes through a space 27 between a pair of temperature adjustment members 7. The temperature adjustment member 7 adjusts the temperature of the glass ribbon GR in the width direction W to be constant using a plurality of temperature control units 21 provided therein. Furthermore, the temperature adjustment member 7 absorbs heat from the glass ribbon GR through the side wall portions 17, thereby lowering the temperature of the glass ribbon GR to near the annealing point.

[0057] Furthermore, in the forming step, each end of the glass ribbon GR in the width direction W is clamped by the edge rollers 9, and the glass ribbon GR is pulled downward as the edge rollers 9 rotate. Furthermore, each end of the glass ribbon GR in the width direction W is cooled by the edge rollers 9, thereby suppressing shrinkage of the glass ribbon GR in the width direction.

[0058] In the annealing step, the glass ribbon GR that has passed through the edge rollers 9 passes through the annealing furnace 3. At this time, the glass ribbon GR is annealed according to a predetermined temperature gradient while being guided downward by the guide rollers 28, and its internal strain is removed.

[0059] Thereafter, the glass ribbon GR is further cooled by natural cooling in a cooling chamber (cooling step), and is cut to a predetermined size (cutting step), or is wound into a roll without being cut (winding step).

[0060] 6 to 13 show other examples of the support member.

[0061] 6, the creep-resistant member 25 constituting the support member 8 is configured to have an I-shape or an H-shape in cross section. Specifically, the creep-resistant member 25 has one vertical wall portion 25a, an upper wall portion 25c, and a lower wall portion 25d.

[0062] The upper end of the vertical wall portion 25a is integrated with the middle part of the upper wall portion 25c, and the lower end of the vertical wall portion 25a is integrated with the middle part of the lower wall portion 25d.

[0063] The upper wall portion 25c has a pair of protrusions 25c1 and 25c2 that protrude horizontally from the upper end of the vertical wall portion 25a. The pair of protrusions 25c1 and 25c2 includes a first protrusion 25c1 and a second protrusion 25c2 that protrudes in the opposite direction to the first protrusion 25c1.

[0064] An end face of the first protrusion 25c1 is joined to an end face of the second protrusion 25c2 of another creep-resistant member 25. That is, in this example, of adjacent creep-resistant members 25, the end face of the first protrusion 25c1 of one creep-resistant member 25 is joined to the end face of the second protrusion 25c2 of the other creep-resistant member 25 with an adhesive, thereby forming a joint 26.

[0065] The lower wall portion 25d has a pair of protrusions 25d1 and 25d2 that protrude horizontally from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 25a. The pair of protrusions 25d1 and 25d2 includes a first protrusion 25d1 and a second protrusion 25d2 that protrudes in the opposite direction to the first protrusion 25d1.

[0066] An end face of the first protrusion 25d1 is joined to an end face of the second protrusion 25d2 of another creep-resistant member 25. That is, in this example, of adjacent creep-resistant members 25, the end face of the first protrusion 25d1 of one creep-resistant member 25 is joined with the end face of the second protrusion 25d2 of the other creep-resistant member 25 using an adhesive, thereby forming a joint 26.

[0067] When the upper wall portions 25c and the lower wall portions 25d of the creep resistant members 25 are joined together, the vertical wall portions 25a function as ribs inside the support member 8, which is configured to be hollow.

[0068] 7, creep-resistant member 25 constituting support member 8 is configured to have a groove shape in cross section. Creep-resistant member 25 includes one vertical wall portion 25a, upper wall portion 25c having one protrusion protruding horizontally from the upper end of vertical wall portion 25a, and lower wall portion 25d having one protrusion protruding from the lower end of vertical wall portion 25a in the same direction as upper wall portion 25c.

[0069] In this example, of adjacent creep-resistant members 25, the upper wall portion 25c and the lower wall portion 25d of one creep-resistant member 25 are joined to the vertical wall portion 25a of the other creep-resistant member 25 by joints 26. When multiple creep-resistant members 25 are joined, the vertical wall portions 25a function as ribs inside the hollow support member 8.

[0070] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the creep-resistant members 25 constituting the support member 8 have the same configuration as the example shown in Fig. 7. However, in this example, of adjacent creep-resistant members 25, an end face of an upper wall portion 25c (protruding portion) of one creep-resistant member 25 is joined to an end face of an upper wall portion 25c (protruding portion) of the other creep-resistant member 25 by a joint 26. Also, of adjacent creep-resistant members 25, an end face of a lower wall portion 25d (protruding portion) of one creep-resistant member 25 is joined to an end face of a lower wall portion 25d (protruding portion) of the other creep-resistant member 25 by a joint 26. Also, of adjacent creep-resistant members 25, a vertical wall portion 25a of one creep-resistant member 25 is joined to a vertical wall portion 25a of the other creep-resistant member 25 by a joint 26.

[0071] When the creep-resistant members 25 are joined together, the pair of vertical wall portions 25a joined by the joints 26 function as ribs inside the support member 8, which is configured to be hollow.

[0072] 9, the creep-resistant members 25A, 25B constituting the support member 8 include a first creep-resistant member 25A and a second creep-resistant member 25B configured in an L-shape. The first creep-resistant member 25A has one vertical wall portion 25a serving as a rib and one lower wall portion 25d. The second creep-resistant member 25B has one vertical wall portion 25a serving as a rib and one upper wall portion 25c.

[0073] The support member 8 is hollow by joining the lower wall portion 25d of the first creep-resistant member 25A and the vertical wall portion 25a of the second creep-resistant member 25B with a joint 26, and by joining the vertical wall portion 25a of the first creep-resistant member 25A and the upper wall portion 25c of the second creep-resistant member 25B with a joint 26.

[0074] In the example shown in Fig. 10, creep-resistant members 25A to 25D constituting support member 8 include first to fourth creep-resistant members 25A to 25D. Similar to the example shown in Fig. 9, first creep-resistant member 25A has one vertical wall portion 25a and one lower wall portion 25d. Similar to the example shown in Fig. 9, second creep-resistant member 25B has one vertical wall portion 25a and one upper wall portion 25c. Third creep-resistant member 25C and fourth creep-resistant member 25D are configured in a plate shape.

[0075] The support member 8 is constructed by joining the creep resistant members 25A-25D together as follows: The bottom wall 25d of the first creep resistant member 25A is joined to the vertical wall 25a of the second creep resistant member 25B by a joint 26. The vertical wall 25a of the first creep resistant member 25A is joined to the top wall 25c of the second creep resistant member 25B by a joint 26. The vertical wall 25a of the first creep resistant member 25A and the top wall 25c of the second creep resistant member 25B are joined to the third creep resistant member 25C by a joint 26. The bottom wall 25d of the first creep resistant member 25A and the vertical wall 25a of the second creep resistant member 25B are joined to the fourth creep resistant member 25D by a joint 26.

[0076] By joining as described above, the first creep-resistant member 25A (vertical wall portion 25a and lower wall portion 25d) and the second creep-resistant member 25B (vertical wall portion 25a and upper wall portion 25c) function as ribs inside the support member 8, which is configured to be hollow.

[0077] 11, the creep-resistant members 25A-25D constituting the support member 8 include a plurality of plate-shaped first creep-resistant members 25A to fourth creep-resistant members 25D. In this example, the support member 8 includes a plurality (four) of first creep-resistant members 25A, two second creep-resistant members 25B, one third creep-resistant member 25C, and one fourth creep-resistant member 25D, but the number of each creep-resistant member 25A-25D is not limited to this example and may be set arbitrarily.

[0078] The upper ends of the plurality of first creep resistant members 25A are joined to the middle of the underside of the third creep resistant member 25C by joints 26. The lower ends of each first creep resistant member 25A are joined to the middle of the upper surface of the fourth creep resistant member 25D by joints 26.

[0079] The two second creep resistant members 25B are joined to the ends of the third creep resistant member 25C and the fourth creep resistant member 25D by joints 26 to form the ends of the support member 8.

[0080] The third creep resistant member 25C is arranged horizontally above the first creep resistant member 25A, and the fourth creep resistant member 25D is arranged horizontally below the first creep resistant member 25A.

[0081] With the creep-resistant members 25A to 25D joined together, each of the first creep-resistant members 25A functions as a rib inside the support member 8, which is configured to be hollow.

[0082] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the support member 8 is composed of a single creep-resistant member 25. The creep-resistant member 25 has a vertical wall portion 25a serving as a rib, an upper wall portion 25c, and a lower wall portion 25d. The creep-resistant member 25 does not have a joint 26 between the vertical wall portion 25a and the upper wall portion 25c, or between the vertical wall portion 25a and the lower wall portion 25d. The creep-resistant member 25 is formed by integrally molding the vertical wall portion 25a, the upper wall portion 25c, and the lower wall portion 25d using a molding method such as extrusion molding.

[0083] 13, the creep-resistant members 25A-25D constituting the support member 8 include a plurality of hollow first creep-resistant members 25A, two plate-shaped second creep-resistant members 25B, one plate-shaped third creep-resistant member 25C, and one plate-shaped fourth creep-resistant member 25D. Note that the second creep-resistant members 25B, the third creep-resistant member 25C, and the fourth creep-resistant member 25D may be omitted.

[0084] Each of the first creep-resistant members 25A is cylindrical, but the shape is not limited to this and may be polygonal or other shapes. The first creep-resistant members 25A are joined together at portions of their outer circumferential surfaces by joints 26.

[0085] Two second creep resistant members 25B are joined to the outermost first creep resistant member 25A among the multiple first creep resistant members 25A arranged side by side by joints 26. Each second creep resistant member 25B is also joined to an end of a third creep resistant member 25C and an end of a fourth creep resistant member 25D by joints 26.

[0086] The third creep resistant members 25C are joined to the top of each of the first creep resistant members 25A via joints 26. The fourth creep resistant members 25D are joined to the bottom of each of the first creep resistant members 25A via joints 26.

[0087] With the creep-resistant members 25A to 25D joined together, each of the first creep-resistant members 25A functions as a rib inside the support member 8, which is configured to be hollow.

[0088] According to the glass article manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the support member 8 supporting the temperature adjusting member 7 is formed to have a creep rate of 2×10 at 1200° C. -3 h -1 By using the creep-resistant member 25 made of the following material, creep deformation of the support member 8 can be suppressed for a long period of time. This makes it possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the support member 8 and the temperature adjustment member 7. Therefore, the manufacturing apparatus 1 can adjust the temperature of the glass ribbon GR with high precision for a long period of time compared to when a metal support member is used. This makes it possible to manufacture high-quality glass articles for a long period of time.

[0089] 14 to 16 show another embodiment of the present invention. The glass article manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a windbreak member 29 that covers the lower surface of the support member 8. The windbreak member 29 includes a structure 30 made of a metal plate.

[0090] The structure 30 of the windbreak member 29 according to this embodiment is made of a single metal plate, but is not limited to this structure. The structure 30 of the windbreak member 29 may also be made of a laminated body in which multiple metal plates are stacked. The metal plate used in this structure 30 is made of metal such as a nickel-based alloy or stainless steel. However, the structure 30 may also be made of ceramics such as silicon nitride or alumina.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 15, the structure 30 is supported by the casing 4 at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] Inside the casing 4 of the manufacturing apparatus 1, an ascending air current is generated from the annealing furnace 3 toward the forming furnace 2. When this ascending air current comes into contact with the support member 8, it rapidly cools the support member 8, and there is a risk that the support member 8 may be damaged by thermal shock. In this embodiment, by covering the lower surface of the support member 8 with a windbreak member 29, it is possible to prevent damage to the support member 8 due to the ascending air current.

[0093] 17 and 18 show another embodiment of the present invention. In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the configuration of the windbreak member differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16. The windbreak member 29 includes a structure 30 made of a hollow metal plate. The structure 30 is not limited to this configuration, and may be made hollow by welding a plurality of metal plates together.

[0094] Figure 19 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the configuration of the windbreak member differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18. The windbreak member 29 includes a structure 30 made of a metal plate, as well as a heat-resistant fiber layer 31 made of heat-resistant fiber. The heat-resistant fiber layer 31 is made of insulating wool, such as alumina-based or silica-based wool.

[0095] The heat-resistant fiber layer 31 is arranged between the upper surface of the structure 30 and the lower surface of the support member 8 so that no gap will occur between the structure 30 and the support member 8 when the structure 30 undergoes creep deformation.

[0096] Figure 20 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the configuration of the windbreak member differs from that of the embodiment shown in Figure 19. The windbreak member 29 includes a structure 30 formed by bending a single metal plate or by welding multiple metal plates together.

[0097] The structure 30 of the windbreak member 29 includes a plate-shaped first covering portion 32 that covers the underside of the support member 8, and a plate-shaped second covering portion 33 that covers the side of the creep-resistant member 25 located innermost (on the space 27 side). The windbreak member 29 includes a heat-resistant fiber layer 31 between the support member 8 and the structure 30, similar to the embodiment in FIG.

[0098] Figure 21 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the configuration of the windbreak member differs from that of the embodiment shown in Figure 19. The windbreak member 29 has a structure 30 formed by welding together a plurality of metal plates, for example. The structure 30 of the windbreak member 29 includes a plate-shaped first covering portion 32 that covers the underside of the support member 8, a plate-shaped second covering portion 33 located below the first covering portion 32, and a plate-shaped connecting portion 34 (rib) that connects the first covering portion 32 and the second covering portion 33.

[0099] The structure 30 of the windbreak member 29 has a double structure of the first covering portion 32 and the second covering portion 33, which can suitably protect the support member 8 from the ascending air current from the annealing furnace 3. Furthermore, the structure 30 of the windbreak member 29 is reinforced by connecting the first covering portion 32 and the second covering portion 33 with a plurality of connecting portions 34 made of metal plates, making it a structure that is difficult to deform.

[0100] Fig. 22 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the configuration of the windbreak member differs from that of the embodiment shown in Fig. 19. A structure 30 of the windbreak member 29 is formed of a hollow metal plate, and covers the peripheral area of ​​the space 27 on the underside of the support member 8 through which the glass ribbon GR can pass. One end 31a of the heat-resistant fiber layer 31 of the windbreak member 29 is supported by the casing 4, and the other end 31b is supported by the structure 30. The structure of the windbreak member 29 according to this embodiment can also be applied to each of the embodiments shown in Figs. 16 to 21.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example in which the glass ribbon GR is produced by the overflow downdraw method has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also applicable to a case in which the glass ribbon GR is produced by the slot downdraw method.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the edge rollers 9 are provided below the temperature adjustment member 7, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The edge rollers 9 may be provided above the temperature adjustment member 7. Alternatively, the edge rollers 9 may be provided to the sides of the temperature adjustment member 7 or the support member 8.

[0104] The temperature adjusting member 7 and the support member 8 may be disposed in the annealing furnace 3. Alternatively, the temperature adjusting member 7 and the support member 8 may be disposed near the forming body 5 and used to adjust the temperature of the molten glass GM.

[0105] In the above embodiment, each longitudinal end of the creep-resistant member 25 extends to and is supported by the casing 4, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as long as the length L1 of the creep-resistant member 25 satisfies the relationship L2≦L1 relative to the length L2 of the temperature adjustment member 7 (as long as the creep-resistant member 25 supports the entire longitudinal length of the temperature adjustment member 7), each longitudinal end of the creep-resistant member 25 may be located inside the casing 4. In this case, the support member 8 may include an end support member that supports each longitudinal end of the creep-resistant member 25. A first end of this end support member supports the longitudinal end of the creep-resistant member 25, and a second end of the end support member is supported by the casing 4. The end support member may be made of SiC ceramics, similar to the creep-resistant member 25, or a metal (e.g., stainless steel).

[0106] When the windbreak member 29 includes a structure 30 made of a metal plate, it is preferable that the structure 30 includes a cooling mechanism in order to prevent damage to the support members 8 and the like due to thermal expansion of the structure 30. As the cooling mechanism, for example, a cooling pipe through which a cooling liquid or a cooling gas flows can be used.

[0107] When a structure 30 made of hollow metal plates as shown in Figures 17 to 19 and 22 is used, the cooling mechanism is preferably arranged inside the structure 30, and it is preferable to cool at least the portion facing the glass ribbon GR. The portion of the structure 30 facing the glass ribbon GR becomes hot due to the heat from the glass ribbon GR and is prone to thermal expansion, and cooling it with a cooling mechanism has a significant effect of preventing damage to the support member 8, etc. Furthermore, the glass ribbon GR can also be cooled as the portion facing the glass ribbon GR is cooled by the cooling mechanism. When the glass ribbon GR is cooled together with the portion facing the glass ribbon GR by the cooling mechanism, it is preferable to arrange the windshield member 29 in a temperature range above the annealing point of the glass ribbon GR. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Glass product manufacturing equipment 2 Molding furnace 3 Annealing furnace 7 Temperature control materials 8 Support member 25 Creep-resistant members 25a Vertical wall (rib) 25b Vertical wall (rib) 29 Windbreak materials 30 Structure 31 Heat-resistant fiber layer GM Molten Glass GR Glass Ribbon

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, comprising: a forming furnace for forming a glass ribbon from molten glass by a down-draw method; and an annealing furnace for annealing the formed glass ribbon, The apparatus further includes a temperature adjustment member that adjusts the temperature of the molten glass or the glass ribbon, a support member that supports the temperature adjustment member, and a temperature control unit that is disposed inside the temperature adjustment member, the temperature control unit includes a heater or a cooler; The support member has a creep rate of 2×10 at 1200°C. -3 h -1 1. An apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, comprising: a creep-resistant member made of the following material:

2. 2. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, wherein the support member is formed by arranging a plurality of the creep-resistant members in parallel.

3. 3. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 2, wherein the creep-resistant member has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1 , wherein the support member has a rib formed of the creep-resistant member.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature adjusting member and the supporting member are disposed in the forming furnace.

6. 6. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, wherein the creep-resistant member is made of SiC ceramics.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1 , further comprising a windbreak member covering a lower surface of the support member.

8. The glass article manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the windbreak member comprises a structure made of a metal plate.

9. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the windbreak member includes a heat-resistant fiber layer made of heat-resistant fibers.

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