Apparatus and method for manufacturing glass articles

Abstract

To prevent an electrode part in a transfer pipe for transferring molten glass from deforming.SOLUTION: The transfer pipe 8 of a transfer device 7 includes a tubular part 14 for transferring molten glass GM; a flange part 15a provided in the tubular part 14; and an electrode part 17 provided in the flange part 15a. The electrode part 17 includes a first part 17a connected with the flange part 15a and extended in the longitudinal direction X of the tubular part 14 and a second part 17b connected with the first part 17a and extended in the diameter direction of the tubular part 14. An apparatus for manufacturing a glass article includes an electric wire 20 connected to the second part 17b in the electrode part 17 of the transfer pipe 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing glass articles.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, as a method for manufacturing sheet glass used as a glass substrate for a display, various forming methods such as the down-draw method are used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing sheet glass through steps such as a melting step, a fining step, a homogenization step, and a forming step using an overflow down-draw method.

[0003] The apparatus for manufacturing sheet glass used in this manufacturing method includes a melting tank, a fining tank, a stirring tank, a pot, a forming body, and a glass supply path connecting these components (see paragraphs 0019 and FIG. 1 of the same document).

[0004] The glass supply path in this manufacturing apparatus includes a transfer pipe for transferring molten glass. The transfer pipe includes a tubular portion (main body portion), a flange portion provided at an end of the tubular portion, and an electrode portion (first protrusion portion) provided on a part of the flange portion (see paragraphs 0028 and 0032 of the same document). An electric wire is connected to the electrode portion, and the electric wire is connected to a power source. The electric wire is connected to the electrode portion so as to intersect the longitudinal direction of the transfer pipe (see paragraph 0034 of the same document).

[0005] Since the molten glass transferred by the transfer pipe is at a high temperature, it is necessary to preheat the transfer pipe in advance (preheating step) so that the molten glass can be transferred during the operation of the manufacturing apparatus. When raising the temperature of the transfer pipe by the preheating step, a predetermined voltage is applied to the tubular portion through the power source, the electric wire, and the electrode portion to directly energize and heat the tubular portion (see paragraphs 0058 and 0059 of the same document).

[0006] During the preheating process, if the transfer pipes are heated while connected to each other, or to other components such as clarification tanks, thermal expansion may cause deformation at the connection points, potentially damaging the transfer pipes. For this reason, the document discloses a process (assembly process) in which the manufacturing apparatus is assembled after the preheating process has been performed with the transfer pipes separated from other components (see paragraph 0063 of the document). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-108259 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The electrode section of the transfer pipe also serves as a support for the electric wire, and therefore must have sufficient strength to prevent deformation during the preheating process. If the electrode section deforms, the expansion of the transfer pipe during the preheating process will be hindered, which may lead to damage to the manufacturing equipment after the assembly process.

[0009] The technical problem of this invention is to prevent deformation of the electrode section in a transfer tube used to transport molten glass. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention is for solving the above problems and is a manufacturing apparatus for glass articles equipped with a molten glass transfer device, wherein the transfer device is equipped with a transfer pipe for transferring the molten glass, the transfer pipe is equipped with a tubular portion, a flange portion provided on the tubular portion, and an electrode portion provided on the flange portion, the electrode portion is equipped with a first portion connected to the flange portion and extending along the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending along the radial direction of the tubular portion, and is equipped with an electric wire connected to the second portion.

[0011] With this configuration, the electrode section is formed by a first portion extending longitudinally along the tubular section and a second portion extending radially along the tubular section, making the electrode section less susceptible to deformation. Therefore, even when a preheating process is performed with the second portion connected to an electric wire, deformation of the electrode section can be prevented.

[0012] In the apparatus for manufacturing glass articles according to the present invention, the electric wire includes a flat braided wire having thickness and width, and the braided wire may be connected to the second portion such that its thickness direction is along the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion and its width direction intersects the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion.

[0013] With this configuration, the braided wire connected to the second part of the electrode section is easily deformed along the longitudinal direction of the tubular section (the thickness direction of the braided wire), but is less deformed in the direction intersecting this longitudinal direction (the width direction of the braided wire). This allows the wire to be deformed to follow the expansion of the tubular section in the longitudinal direction during the preheating process. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive force from acting on the second part and to prevent deformation of the electrode section.

[0014] In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the transfer device includes a support device for supporting the electrode portion, the support device includes a first support member for supporting the first portion of the electrode portion, and a second support member for supporting the first portion at a position away from the first support member, and the first support member and the second support member may be configured to allow movement of the first portion of the electrode portion along the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion.

[0015] With this configuration, the first portion of the electrode is supported by a first support member and a second support member that are spaced apart, thereby preventing deformation of the electrode. Furthermore, when the tubular portion expands in the longitudinal direction during the preheating process, the first portion of the electrode is movable, preventing excessive force from acting on the first portion, and thus more effectively preventing deformation of the electrode.

[0016] In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the first support member and the second support member may be arranged at an interval in the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion. This allows for a simpler manufacturing apparatus configuration and reduces equipment costs.

[0017] In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the second portion of the electrode part is connected to the middle of the first portion in the longitudinal direction of the tubular part, and the second portion of the electrode part may be located between the first support member and the second support member.

[0018] With this configuration, the load of the electric wire supported by the second part of the electrode is evenly distributed between the first support member and the second support member, thereby more effectively preventing deformation of the electrode.

[0019] In the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the support device includes an extension member connected to the first portion of the electrode portion so as to extend the length of the first portion of the electrode portion, and the strength of the extension member may be higher than the strength of the first portion. With this configuration, deformation of the electrode portion can be prevented more reliably by supporting the first portion of the electrode portion with the support member via a high-strength extension member.

[0020] The glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a support electrode connected to a power source and connected to an electric wire, the electric wire having a first connecting end connected to the second portion of the electrode part and a second connecting end connected to the support electrode, and the electric wire may be bridged between the second portion of the electrode part and the support electrode.

[0021] With this configuration, it becomes unnecessary to provide a support member to support the electric wire between the first connection end and the second connection end, thus simplifying the configuration of the manufacturing equipment and reducing equipment costs.

[0022] The manufacturing method of the glass article according to the present invention is for solving the above problems, and is characterized by manufacturing the glass article using the manufacturing apparatus having the above configuration.

Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, deformation of the electrode portion in the transfer pipe for transferring molten glass can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a side view showing the overall configuration of the manufacturing apparatus of the glass article according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the transfer device. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the transfer device. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the manufacturing method of the glass article. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing a part of the transfer device in the preheating step. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing a state where a plurality of transfer pipes are connected in the assembly step. [Figure 9] It is a side view of the transfer device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a side view of the transfer device according to the third embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 8 show the first embodiment of the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the glass article according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a glass article manufacturing apparatus. The glass article manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment comprises, in order from upstream, a dissolution tank 1, a clarification tank 2, a homogenization tank (stirring tank) 3, a pot 4, a molded body 5, and glass supply passages 6a to 6d connecting these components 1 to 5. In addition, the manufacturing apparatus includes an annealing furnace (not shown) for slowly cooling the plate glass GR (glass article) formed by the molded body 5, and a cutting device (not shown) for cutting the plate glass GR after annealing.

[0027] The dissolution tank 1 is a container for performing a dissolution process in which the glass raw materials introduced are dissolved to obtain molten glass GM. The dissolution tank 1 is connected to the clarification tank 2 by a glass supply passage 6a.

[0028] The clarification tank 2 performs a clarification process in which molten glass GM is transported while degassing is carried out by the action of a clarifying agent, etc. The clarification tank 2 is connected to the homogenization tank 3 by a glass supply passage 6b. In this embodiment, the clarification tank 2 is composed of a transport pipe made of platinum material (platinum or platinum alloy).

[0029] The homogenization tank 3 is a container made of platinum material used for the process of stirring and homogenizing the clarified molten glass GM (homogenization process). The homogenization tank 3 is equipped with a stirrer 3a having stirring blades. The homogenization tank 3 is connected to the pot 4 by a glass supply passage 6c.

[0030] Pot 4 is a container for performing a conditioning process to adjust the molten glass GM to a state suitable for molding. Pot 4 is exemplified as a volumetric section for adjusting the viscosity and flow rate of the molten glass GM. Pot 4 is connected to the molded body 5 by a glass supply passage 6d.

[0031] The molded body 5 forms the molten glass GM into a desired shape (e.g., a plate). In this embodiment, the molded body 5 forms the molten glass GM into a plate by the overflow downdraw method. Specifically, the molded body 5 has a roughly wedge-shaped cross-section (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1), and an overflow groove (not shown) is formed on the upper part of the molded body 5.

[0032] The molded body 5 allows the molten glass GM to overflow from the overflow groove and flow down along the side walls on both sides of the molded body 5 (the sides located on the front and back sides of the paper surface). The molded body 5 fuses the flowing molten glass GM at the lower end of the side walls. This forms a strip-shaped plate glass GR. The molded body 5 may also employ other down-draw methods, such as the slot down-draw method.

[0033] By cutting the strip-shaped glass plate GR obtained in this way, a sheet-shaped glass plate is cut out. The glass plate has a thickness of, for example, 0.01 to 2 mm and is used as a substrate or protective cover for displays such as liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays, organic EL lighting, and solar cells. The glass articles according to the present invention are not limited to glass plates, but include glass tubes and other various shapes. For example, when forming a glass tube, a molding apparatus that utilizes the Danner method is provided instead of the molded body 5.

[0034] As the material for the plate glass, silicate glass is used, preferably borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or alkali silicate glass, and most preferably alkali-free glass. Here, alkali-free glass is glass that does not substantially contain alkali components (alkali metal oxides), and specifically, it is glass in which the mass ratio of alkali components is 3000 ppm or less. In the present invention, the mass ratio of alkali components is preferably 1000 ppm or less, more preferably 500 ppm or less, and most preferably 300 ppm or less.

[0035] The glass supply paths 6a to 6d are equipped with a transfer device 7 capable of transporting molten glass GM. As shown in Figure 2, the transfer device 7 mainly comprises a transfer pipe 8 for transporting molten glass GM, a refractory material 9 for holding the transfer pipe 8, a casing 10 for housing the transfer pipe 8 and the refractory material 9, and support devices 11 to 13 for supporting the transfer pipe 8.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the transfer pipe 8 comprises a long tubular section 14 for transferring molten glass GM, and flange sections 15a and 15b provided at each end of the tubular section 14.

[0037] The tubular portion 14 is constructed in a cylindrical shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) from a platinum material (platinum or a platinum alloy). The tubular portion 14 is longer than the refractory material 9. As a result, each end of the tubular portion 14 protrudes from the end of the refractory material 9 in its longitudinal direction X. The tubular portion 14 is also longer than the casing 10. As a result, each end of the tubular portion 14 protrudes outward from the end of the casing 10.

[0038] The flange portions 15a and 15b are made of metal and are plate-shaped. Each flange portion 15a and 15b includes a first flange portion 15a provided at one end of the tubular portion 14 and a second flange portion 15b provided at the other end of the tubular portion 14. Each flange portion 15a and 15b is configured to surround the outer circumferential surface at the end of the tubular portion 14.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flange portions 15a and 15b comprise a disc portion 16 and a plurality of projections 17 to 19 protruding from the disc portion 16. The disc portion 16 is fixed to each end of the tubular portion 14 and is made of platinum, copper (including copper alloys), or nickel (including nickel alloys). Each of the projections 17 to 19 includes a first projection 17 that protrudes upward from the top of the disc portion 16, and a second projection 18 and a third projection 19 that protrude laterally from the side of the disc portion 16.

[0040] The first projection 17 is configured as an electrode (terminal) for passing current through the flange portions 15a and 15b to the tubular portion 14. By applying a predetermined voltage to the first projection 17, the tubular portion 14 is directly heated by current. For this reason, the first projection 17 is made of, for example, platinum, copper (including copper alloys), or nickel (including nickel alloys).

[0041] The first projection 17, which serves as an electrode portion, includes a first portion 17a, a second portion 17b connected to the first portion 17a, and a third portion 17c connecting the first portion 17a to the flange portions 15a and 15b.

[0042] The first portion 17a is a rectangular (e.g., rectangular) plate-like portion that extends substantially horizontally or along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 from the upper end of the third portion 17c. The first portion 17a is located above the tubular portion 14, but the position of the first portion 17a is not limited to this embodiment. The first portion 17a has holes 17d and 17e that penetrate the first portion 17a in the vertical direction.

[0043] The second portion 17b is connected to the middle of the first portion 17a in the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14. The second portion 17b is a plate-like portion that extends from the middle of the first portion 17a along the radial direction of the tubular portion 14. The second portion 17b protrudes upward from the first portion 17a, but the direction in which the second portion 17b protrudes is not limited to this embodiment. The second portion 17b is provided to be substantially perpendicular to the first portion 17a, but the angle that the second portion 17b makes with respect to the first portion 17a is not limited to this embodiment.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, multiple wires 20 are connected to the second portion 17b of the first projection 17, although the wire 20 may be a single wire. The wire 20 extends horizontally, intersecting the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14. The wire 20 is bridged between the second portion 17b and the support electrode 22. The support electrode 22 is connected to a power source (not shown) and is composed of a rod-shaped or plate-shaped body.

[0045] The electric wire 20 includes a first connecting end 21a connected to the second portion 17b of the first projection 17, and a second connecting end 21b connected to the support electrode 22. The first connecting end 21a is configured as a terminal fixed to the second portion 17b. The second connecting end 21b is configured as a terminal fixed to the support electrode 22. Each connecting end 21a, 21b is detachably fixed to the second portion 17b and the support electrode 22 by a fixing member (not shown) such as a bolt.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the multiple wires 20 connecting the second portion 17b of the first projection 17 and the support electrode 22 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Specifically, on one and the other surface of the second portion 17b, multiple first connection ends 21a of the multiple wires 20 are arranged side by side along the vertical direction. On one and the other surface of the support electrode 22, multiple second connection ends 21b of the multiple wires 20 are arranged side by side along the vertical direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the electric wire 20 is constructed by bundling together multiple flattened braided wires 20a. Each braided wire 20a is constructed by weaving together multiple highly conductive metal strands in a mesh-like pattern. Each braided wire 20a is covered with an insulator.

[0048] Each braided wire 20a has a predetermined width W and a predetermined thickness T. Hereinafter, the direction along the width W of the braided wire 20a will be referred to as the width direction W1, and the direction along the thickness T of the braided wire 20a will be referred to as the thickness direction T1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, each braided wire 20a has a first surface 20b and a second surface 20c. The electric wire 20 is arranged such that the first surface 20b and the second surface 20c of the braided wire 20a face the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14. In other words, the electric wire 20 is connected to the second portion 17b of the first projection 17 and the support electrode 22 such that the thickness direction T1 is along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 and the width direction W1 intersects the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14.

[0050] As a result, the electric wire 20 is less prone to deformation in the vertical direction and is more prone to deformation in the longitudinal direction X within the tubular portion 14. This structure allows the electric wire 20 to be bridged between the second portion 17b of the first projection 17 and the support electrode 22 without the need for a support member between the first connection end 21a and the second connection end 21b.

[0051] The electric wire 20 has a length greater than the distance between the second portion 17b of the first projection 17 and the support electrode 22. As a result, the electric wire 20 has slack (curved portion) 23 between the second portion 17b and the support electrode 22, as shown in Figure 5. With this configuration, the electric wire 20 can deform to follow the transfer pipe 8 when the transfer pipe 8 expands due to heating or when the transfer pipe 8 is moved.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the third portion 17c of the first projection 17 is a plate-like portion that protrudes radially (upward) from the upper part of the flange portions 15a and 15b of the tubular portion 14. The upper end of the third portion 17c is integrally connected to one end of the first portion 17a.

[0053] Each flange portion 15a, 15b has a second projection 18 comprising a first portion 18a that protrudes laterally from the disc portion 16 and a second portion 18b that protrudes from the end of the first portion 18a toward the center of the transfer pipe 8 in the longitudinal direction X. The second projection 18 may be made of steel, or, like the first projection 17, may be made of platinum or nickel.

[0054] The third projection 19 of each flange portion 15a, 15b comprises a first portion 19a that protrudes in the opposite direction to the first portion 18a of the second projection 18 (radial direction of the tubular portion 14), and a second portion 19b that protrudes from the end of the first portion 19a toward the center of the tubular portion 14 in the longitudinal direction X. The third projection 19 may be made of steel, or, like the first projection 17, may be made of platinum or nickel.

[0055] The first portions 18a and 19a of the second projection 18 and the third projection 19 are configured as elongated plate-like structures. The first portion 18a of the second projection 18 protrudes radially outward from one side of the disc portion 16 in the tubular portion 14. The first portion 19a of the third projection 19 protrudes from the other side of the disc portion 16 in the opposite direction to that of the second projection 18. The first portions 18a and 19a of the second projection 18 and the third projection 19 have a length that allows them to protrude outward from the side surface of the casing 10.

[0056] The second portions 18b and 19b of the second projection 18 and the third projection 19 are fixed to the ends of the protruding first portions 18a and 19a. Each second portion 18b and 19b is plate-shaped and is fixed to the lower part of the ends of the first portions 18a and 19a in a position parallel to the tubular portion 14 in the transfer pipe 8.

[0057] The refractory material 9 covers the outer periphery of the tubular portion 14. The refractory material 9 (for example, refractory bricks) is made of a high-zirconia refractory material, but is not limited to this material.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, a support material 24 is interposed between the refractory material 9 and the tubular portion 14 to support the transfer pipe 8. The support material 24 in this embodiment is a bonded body formed by filling the space between the tubular portion 14 of the transfer pipe 8 and the refractory material 9 with raw material powder, and then diffusion bonding it by heating. Here, "diffusion bonding" refers to a method of bonding by bringing powders into contact with each other and utilizing the diffusion of atoms that occurs between the contact surfaces. As the raw material powder for the support material 24, for example, a mixture of alumina powder and silica powder can be used. In addition, solidified amorphous refractory material may be used for the support material 24.

[0059] The casing 10 is constructed of steel or other metal in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped or cylindrical shape, but is not limited to these shapes. The casing 10 houses the tubular portion 14 of the transfer pipe 8 and the refractory material 9 inside. The casing 10 is supported by a frame (not shown) or the like within a building such as a factory where the glass article manufacturing equipment is located, so as to be able to change its position.

[0060] Support devices 11 to 13 support the projections 17 to 19 of each flange portion 15a and 15b so that they can move along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, support devices 11 to 13 include a first support device 11 that supports the first projection 17 of each flange portion 15a and 15b of the transfer pipe 8, a second support device 12 that supports the second projection 18, and a third support device 13 that supports the third projection 19.

[0061] The first support device 11 comprises a support column 25 fixed to the casing 10 and elongated support members 26a and 26b connecting the support column 25 to the first projection 17.

[0062] The support column 25 is constructed in a long shape from steel or other metal. One end (lower end) of the support column 25 is fixed to the outer surface of the casing 10 by means of welding or other means. The support column 25 protrudes upward from the top of the casing 10.

[0063] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support column 25 has a support portion 27 to which one end of the support members 26a and 26b is connected. The support portion 27 protrudes horizontally from the upper end of the support column 25 or along the longitudinal direction of the casing 10. The support portion 27 has a hole (hereinafter referred to as "elongated hole") 27a that is elongated along its protruding direction. The elongated hole 27a penetrates the support portion 27 in the vertical direction. A portion of each support member 26a and 26b is inserted through this elongated hole 27a.

[0064] The support members 26a and 26b include a first support member 26a that supports the first portion 17a of the first projection 17, and a second support member 26b that supports the first portion 17a at a position away from the first support member 26a.

[0065] The first support member 26a and the second support member 26b are configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14. The first support member 26a and the second support member 26b are positioned at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 such that the second portion 17b of the first projection 17 is located between them.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2, each support member 26a, 26b comprises a first rod 28 connected to the support column 25, a second rod 29 connected to the first projection 17, and an insulating member 30 provided in the middle of the support members 26a, 26b. The first rod 28 is movably supported by the support portion 27 of the support column 25. The second rod 29 is fixed to the first portion 17a of the first projection 17 by fixing members 31a, 31b.

[0067] The first rod 28 is made of a metal threaded member. One end (upper end) of the first rod 28 can be fixed to the support part 27. The other end of the first rod 28 is screwed into the female threaded portion of the insulating member 30.

[0068] A roller 28a is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the first rod 28, which travels (rolls) on the upper surface of the support portion 27. The roller 28a is a rolling member that follows the movement of the first rod 28 when the tubular portion 14 of the transfer pipe 8 expands due to heating. The roller 28a is in contact with the upper surface of the support portion 27.

[0069] The second rod 29, like the first rod 28, is made of a metal threaded member. One end (upper end) of the second rod 29 is screwed into the female threaded portion of the insulating member 30. The other end (lower end) of the second rod 29 is inserted through the holes 17d and 17e formed in the first portion 17a of the first projection 17.

[0070] The fixing members 31a and 31b are made up of a pair of nuts. Each fixing member 31a and 31b is screwed onto the second rod 29. Each fixing member 31a and 31b is fastened so as to sandwich the first portion 17a when a part of the second rod 29 is inserted through the holes 17d and 17e relating to the first portion 17a of the first projection 17, thereby fixing the second rod 29 to the first portion 17a.

[0071] As the insulating member 30, an insulator is preferably used, but in addition, a rectangular parallelepiped or cylindrical member made of synthetic rubber or other various materials can be used. The insulating member 30 connects the first rod 28 and the second rod 29 in a state where the lower end of the first rod 28 and the upper end of the second rod 29 are spaced apart without contact.

[0072] The second support device 12 and the third support device 13 each include rollers 32 and 33 as rolling members, and support bases 34 and 35 that rotatably support the rollers 32 and 33. The outer surface of each roller 32 and 33 is made of insulating material. Each roller 32 and 33 is in contact with the lower surfaces of the second portions 18b and 19b relating to the second projections 18 and third projections 19 of the flange portions 15a and 15b.

[0073] Each support base 34, 35 rotatably supports each roller 32, 33 via brackets 36, 37. In this embodiment, the support bases 34, 35 are fixed to the outer surface (side surface) of the casing 10, but are not limited to this. For example, they may be placed on the floor of a factory or the like where the manufacturing equipment is installed, and may be supported by both the outer surface of the casing 10 and the floor of the factory or the like. From the viewpoint of improving workability in the assembly process S2 described later, it is preferable that the support bases 34, 35 are fixed to the outer surface (side surface) of the casing 10.

[0074] The following describes a method for manufacturing glass articles (flat glass GR) using the manufacturing apparatus with the above configuration. As shown in Figure 6, this method mainly comprises a preheating step S1, an assembly step S2, a melting step S3, a molten glass supply step S4, a molding step S5, a slow cooling step S6, and a cutting step S7.

[0075] In the preheating process S1, each component 1-5 and 6a-6d of the manufacturing apparatus is heated individually while separated. Below, as an example of the preheating process S1, we will describe the case in which the transfer pipes 8 of the transfer device 7 that constitute the glass supply paths 6a-6d are heated.

[0076] In the preheating process S1, current is passed through the tubular portion 14 of the transfer pipe 8 via the power supply, support electrode 22, electric wire 20, and the disc portions 16 and first projection 17 of the flange portions 15a and 15b to raise the temperature of the tubular portion 14. Due to this heating, the tubular portion 14 of the transfer pipe 8 expands in its longitudinal direction X (axial direction), as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7. In addition, the disc portions 16 of the tubular portion 14 and the flange portions 15a and 15b expand outward in the radial direction of the tubular portion 14.

[0077] At this time, the support material 24 filled between the refractory material 9 and the tubular portion 14 within the casing 10 remains in a powder state and is fluid (movable) in the space between the tubular portion 14 and the refractory material 9. In this way, the powder as the support material 24 acts as a lubricant, reducing the frictional force between the tubular portion 14 and the support material 24 as much as possible, and suitably promoting the expansion of the tubular portion 14. The support material 24 then forms a joint at the end of the preheating process S1 to support the tubular portion 14.

[0078] Furthermore, in accordance with the expansion of the tubular portion 14, each flange portion 15a, 15b is displaced in the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14. At this time, the support members 26a, 26b of the first support device 11, which are connected to the first projections 17 of each flange portion 15a, 15b, move in accordance with the displacement of each flange portion 15a, 15b as the roller 28a rolls on the upper surface of the support portion 27 related to the support column 25 (see the solid and dashed lines in Figure 7).

[0079] Similarly, the second portions 18b and 19b of the second projection 18 and third projection 19 on the flange portions 15a and 15b move along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 while in contact with the rollers 32 and 33 of the second support device 12 and the third support device 13. At this time, as each roller 32 and 33 rotates, the second portions 18b and 19b can move without encountering excessive resistance.

[0080] Through the operations described above, each support device 11 to 13 can suitably support the flange portions 15a and 15b in the preheating process S1 without hindering the extension of the transfer pipe 8 (tubular portion 14).

[0081] When the tubular section 14 reaches a predetermined temperature and expands to the desired length, the preheating process S1 is completed and the assembly process S2 is executed. In the assembly process S2, the manufacturing apparatus is assembled by connecting the components 1-5 and 6a-6d of the manufacturing apparatus after they have been heated and expanded.

[0082] Figure 8 shows an example of assembly process S2, where multiple (two) transfer pipes 8 are connected. The two transfer pipes 8 are connected by interposing an insulating member 38 between the first flange portion 15a of one transfer pipe 8 and the second flange portion 15b of the other transfer pipe 8. The insulating member 38 is made of a sheet-like fiber assembly made of a refractory material such as alumina or silica. The insulating member 38 is ring-shaped and has holes for the flow of molten glass GM.

[0083] In the melting process S3, the glass raw material supplied to the melting tank 1 is heated to produce molten glass GM. Note that, in order to shorten the start-up period of the manufacturing equipment, molten glass GM may be produced in the melting tank 1 before the assembly process S2.

[0084] In the molten glass supply process S4, the molten glass GM from the melting tank 1 is sequentially transferred through the glass supply channels 6a to 6d to the clarification tank 2, homogenization tank 3, pot 4, and finally to the molded body 5. In the molten glass supply process S4, as the molten glass GM flows through the clarification tank 2, gas (bubbles) is generated from the molten glass GM due to the action of the clarifying agent blended into the glass raw material. This gas is discharged to the outside from the clarification tank 2 (clarification process). In the homogenization tank 3, the molten glass GM is stirred and homogenized (homogenization process). As the molten glass GM passes through the pot 4 and the glass supply channel 6d, its state (e.g., viscosity and flow rate) is adjusted (condition adjustment process).

[0085] In the molding process S5, molten glass GM is supplied to the molded body 5 via the molten glass supply process S4. The molded body 5 allows the molten glass GM to overflow from the overflow groove and flow down along its side wall surface. The molded body 5 fuses the flowing molten glass GM at its lower end to form a strip-shaped plate glass GR.

[0086] Subsequently, the strip-shaped glass sheet GR undergoes an annealing process S6 in an annealing furnace and is cut by a cutting device (not shown) in the cutting process S7. This cuts out sheet-shaped glass sheets from the strip-shaped glass sheet GR. Thus, a glass sheet is completed as a glass article. Alternatively, after removing both ends of the glass sheet GR in the width direction in the cutting process S7, the strip-shaped glass sheet GR may be wound into a roll to obtain a glass roll as a glass article (winding process).

[0087] According to the glass article manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of this embodiment described above, by extending the first portion 17a of the first projection 17, which is the electrode portion, along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 of the transfer pipe 8, and extending the second portion 17b in the radial direction of the tubular portion 14, the first projection 17 can be made less prone to deformation. As a result, when the electric wire 20 is connected to the second portion 17b of the first projection 17 and the preheating process S1 is performed, deformation of the first projection 17 can be prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, by positioning the second portion 17b of the first projection 17 between the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b, the load from the electric wire 20 acting on the second portion 17b can be evenly distributed between the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b. This effectively prevents deformation of the first projection 17.

[0089] Figure 9 shows the transfer device of a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first support device 11 related to the transfer device 7 differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0090] The first support device 11 includes, in addition to the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b, an extension member 39 connected to the first portion 17a of the first projection 17 of the flange portions 15a, 15b, so as to extend the length of the first portion 17a.

[0091] The extension member 39 is made of a metal having a higher strength than the first portion 17a. The extension member 39 is made of, for example, stainless steel in the shape of a plate, but the material and shape of the extension member 39 are not limited to this embodiment. The extension member 39 is fixed to the first portion 17a with a part of it overlapping the lower surface of the first portion 17a.

[0092] The extension member 39 is fixed to the first portion 17a of the first projection 17 by a fixing member 40 including a bolt 40a and a nut 40b, and the first support member 26a of the first support device 11.

[0093] The extension member 39 has a first hole 39a into which the second rod 29 of the first support member 26a can be inserted, a second hole 39b into which the shaft portion of the bolt 40a of the fixing member 40 can be inserted, and a third hole 39c into which the second rod 29 of the second support member 26b can be inserted.

[0094] The first portion 17a of the first projection 17 has a hole 17d through which the second rod 29 of the first support member 26a is inserted, as well as a hole 17e in the middle through which the shaft portion of the bolt 40a of the fixing member 40 is inserted.

[0095] The second rod 29 of the first support member 26a is inserted through the hole 17d of the first portion 17a and the first hole 39a of the extension member 39, and is fixed by fixing members 31a and 31b. In other words, the second rod 29 has the function of connecting the first portion 17a and the extension member 39.

[0096] Furthermore, the fixing member 40 connects the extension member 39 and the first part 17a by inserting the shaft of a bolt 40a through the hole 17e of the first part 17a and the second hole 39b of the extension member 39, and tightening a nut 40b onto this shaft.

[0097] The extension member 39 includes an extension portion 39d that protrudes from the end of the first portion 17a. A third hole 39c is formed in the extension portion 39d. The second support member 26b of the first support device 11 is connected to the extension member 39 by fixing the second rod 29 to the extension member 39 with fixing members 31a and 31b, with the second rod 29 inserted through the third hole 39c of the extension portion 39d.

[0098] The extension member 39 can be considered as part of the first portion 17a of the first projection 17, which serves as the electrode portion. That is, the second portion 17b of the first projection 17 according to this embodiment is provided in the middle of the first portion 17a and is located between the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b, which support the first portion 17a.

[0099] Other configurations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0100] As described above, the transfer device 7 according to this embodiment supports the first portion 17a of the first projection 17 (electrode portion) by the second support member 26b via the high-strength extension member 39, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the first projection 17. Furthermore, reinforcing the first projection 17 with the extension member 39 also more reliably prevents deformation of the first projection 17.

[0101] Figure 10 shows a transfer device for a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first support device 11 related to the transfer device 7 differs from that of the first embodiment. The first support device 11 is provided with a second portion 17b at the tip of the first portion 17a of the first projection 17 of the transfer pipe 8.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b are connected with a gap between them at the middle of the first portion 17a of the first projection 17. That is, in this embodiment, the second portion 17b is not located between the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b.

[0103] Other configurations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0104] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, nor is it limited to the effects described above. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which flange portions 15a and 15b are provided at the end of the tubular portion 14 of the transfer pipe 8, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The tubular portion 14 may also have a flange portion in the middle.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the glass supply paths 6a to 6d were described as an example, but the clarification tank 2, homogenization tank 3, and pot 4 may also include a transfer pipe as a container, refractory material for holding the transfer pipe, a casing for housing the transfer pipe and refractory material, and a support device for supporting the transfer pipe. In this case, the present invention may also be applied to the clarification tank 2, homogenization tank 3, and pot 4.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b, which are fixed to the first portion 17a of the electrode portion (first projection 17), are movable along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 relative to the support portion 27 of the support column 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first support member 26a and the second support member 26b may be immovable along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 relative to the support portion 27 of the support column 25. From the viewpoint of preventing deformation of the electrode portion, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b are movable along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 relative to the support portion 27 of the support column 25, as in the above embodiment. Alternatively, it is preferable to fix the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b to the support portion 27 of the support column 25, and adopt a configuration in which the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b are movable along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14 relative to the first portion 17a of the first projection 17. In other words, it is preferable that the first support member 26a and the second support member 26b are configured to allow movement of the first portion 17a of the electrode portion (first projection 17) along the longitudinal direction X of the tubular portion 14. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 7 Transfer device 8 Transfer tube 11 First support device 14 Tubular part 15a First flange section 15b Second flange section 17 First protrusion (electrode part) 17a First part 17b Second part 20 Electric wire 20a braided wire 21a First connection end 21b Second connection end 22 Support electrode 26a First support member 26b Second support member 39 Extension member GR flat glass (glassware) GM molten glass X Longitudinal direction of the tubular section

Claims

1. A glass article manufacturing apparatus equipped with a molten glass transfer device, The transfer device includes a transfer pipe for transferring the molten glass, The transfer pipe comprises a tubular portion, a flange portion provided on the tubular portion, and an electrode portion provided on the flange portion. The electrode portion has a first portion connected to the flange portion and extending along the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending along the radial direction of the tubular portion. The second part is equipped with an electric wire connected to the second part, The electric wire includes a flattened braided wire having thickness and width, A glass article manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the braided wire is connected to the second portion such that its thickness direction is along the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion and its width direction intersects the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion.

2. The transfer device includes a support device that supports the electrode portion, The support device comprises a first support member that supports the first portion of the electrode section, and a second support member that supports the first portion at a position away from the first support member. The apparatus for manufacturing glass articles according to claim 1, wherein the first support member and the second support member are configured to allow movement of the first portion of the electrode portion along the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion.

3. The apparatus for manufacturing glass articles according to claim 2, wherein the first support member and the second support member are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion.

4. The second portion of the electrode is connected to the middle of the first portion in the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion, The apparatus for manufacturing glass articles according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second portion of the electrode portion is located between the first support member and the second support member.

5. The support device includes an extension member connected to the first portion so as to extend the length of the first portion of the electrode portion, The apparatus for manufacturing glass articles according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the strength of the extension member is greater than the strength of the first part.

6. It is equipped with a support electrode that is connected to a power source and also connected to the aforementioned wire, The electric wire comprises a first connecting end connected to the second portion of the electrode section and a second connecting end connected to the support electrode. The apparatus for manufacturing glass articles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electric wire is bridged between the second portion of the electrode and the support electrode.

7. A method for manufacturing a glass article, characterized by manufacturing the glass article using the manufacturing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images