Glass transfer apparatus, glass article manufacturing apparatus, and glass article manufacturing method

Abstract

To reliably inhibit a flange part of a transfer pipe from being worn due to overheat.SOLUTION: A glass transfer device includes: a transfer pipe 7 for transferring a molten glass GM; and a holding brick 8 for holding the transfer pipe 7. The transfer pipe 7 includes: a tubular body part 9 through which the molten glass GM circulates; a flange part 10 installed to the body part 9; and an electrode part 11 for energizing the flange part 10. The flange part 10 is provided with a heat shielding member 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a glass transfer device for transferring molten glass, a manufacturing device for glass articles, and a method for manufacturing glass articles.

Background Art

[0002] Sheet glass is used as a glass substrate or a cover glass for panel displays such as liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for manufacturing sheet glass. This manufacturing apparatus includes a melting tank serving as a supply source of molten glass, a clarification tank provided on the downstream side of the melting tank, a homogenization tank provided on the downstream side of the clarification tank, a pot provided on the downstream side of the homogenization tank, a forming body provided on the downstream side of the pot, and a glass supply path connecting these components to each other. The clarification tank, the homogenization tank, the pot, and the glass supply path are made of a noble metal such as platinum, for example, and have a function as a glass transfer device for transferring molten glass downstream while controlling the temperature of the molten glass.

[0004] The glass transfer device includes a transfer pipe for transferring molten glass and a holding brick (refractory brick) for holding the transfer pipe. The transfer pipe includes a tubular main body for transferring molten glass, a flange portion provided on the main body, and an electrode portion for energizing the flange portion. The flange portion and the electrode portion have a function as a heating device for controlling the temperature of the molten glass.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] During operation after the assembly and preheating processes are completed, the main body is heated by electric current supplied from the electrode and flange sections, and high-temperature molten glass flows through its interior. As a result, the main body tends to become very hot. Consequently, the flange section may be overheated by radiant heat from the hot main body. When the flange section is overheated in this way, it may oxidize and wear down. In particular, if the flow rate of molten glass is increased for purposes such as improving productivity, the amount of heat introduced into the transfer pipe per unit time by the molten glass increases, making the flange section more susceptible to wear due to overheating.

[0007] The present invention aims to reliably suppress wear and tear on the flange portion of a transfer pipe due to overheating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The present invention, devised to solve the above problems, is a glass transport device comprising a transport pipe for transporting molten glass and a retaining brick for holding the transport pipe, wherein the transport pipe comprises a tubular main body through which molten glass flows, a flange portion provided on the main body, and an electrode portion for supplying current to the flange portion, and the flange portion is provided with a heat shielding member.

[0009] In this way, the heat shielding material reduces radiant heat from the main body, thereby preventing the flange from overheating and wearing down due to radiant heat from the main body.

[0010] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, it is preferable that the end of the transfer pipe protrudes from the retaining brick, the flange portion is provided at the end of the transfer pipe, and the heat shielding member is provided at the end of the transfer pipe on the retaining brick side of the flange portion.

[0011] On the opposite side of the flange from the retaining brick, the flange of another adjacent transfer pipe abuts against it, making it less susceptible to direct radiant heat from the transfer pipe. Therefore, by providing a heat shield on the retaining brick side of the flange, radiant heat from the main body can be efficiently reduced.

[0012] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the flange portion comprises an inner flange portion made of a precious metal and an outer flange portion made of a non-precious metal provided on the outer circumference of the inner flange portion, and it is preferable that the thickness of the outer flange portion is greater than the thickness of the inner flange portion.

[0013] This approach reduces the amount of precious metals (e.g., platinum or platinum alloys) used, thereby lowering the cost of the flange portion. On the other hand, the outer flange portion, made of non-precious metals (e.g., nickel or nickel alloys), is more susceptible to wear due to heat generated by the electrodes during current flow compared to the inner flange portion, which is made of precious metals. Therefore, in the above configuration, the thickness of the outer flange portion, made of non-precious metals, is made greater than the thickness of the inner flange portion, which is made of precious metals, so that the volume of the outer flange portion is relatively larger. As a result, the outer flange is less likely to overheat compared to the case where the thickness of the outer flange portion, made of non-precious metals, is approximately the same as the thickness of the inner flange portion, made of precious metals.

[0014] (4) In the configuration of (3) above, it is preferable that the outer flange portion has a stepped portion between the flange surface of the outer flange portion and the flange surface of the inner flange portion, and the heat shielding member has a first heat shielding member provided along the stepped portion.

[0015] The stepped portion of the outer flange is susceptible to the effects of radiant heat from the main body. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a first heat shielding member to protect the stepped portion from the radiant heat of the main body.

[0016] (5) In the configuration of (4) above, it is preferable that the heat shield member has a second heat shield member provided along at least one of the flange surface of the inner flange portion and the flange surface of the outer flange portion.

[0017] The flange surfaces of the inner and outer flanges are less susceptible to wear due to radiant heat from the main body compared to the stepped portion of the outer flange. However, wear can still occur in these areas due to radiant heat from the main body. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a second heat shield to protect the flange surfaces of the inner and outer flanges from radiant heat from the main body.

[0018] (6) In the configuration of (5) above, it is preferable that the first heat-shielding member is a firebrick and the second heat-shielding member is a fire-resistant fiber.

[0019] Firebricks have the advantage of being less susceptible to thermal degradation and providing a stable heat-shielding effect over a long period of time. On the other hand, fire-resistant fibers are easier to install than firebricks, but have the disadvantage of being more prone to thermal degradation. Therefore, in the above configuration, firebricks are provided as the first heat-shielding material in the stepped sections where wear is likely to occur due to radiant heat from the main body, and fire-resistant fibers are provided as the second heat-shielding material on the flange surfaces of the inner flange and / or outer flange, where wear is less likely to occur due to radiant heat from the main body. This makes it possible to suppress wear on the flange sections while reducing the complexity of the installation work of the heat-shielding materials.

[0020] (7) In any of the configurations described in (4) to (6) above, it is preferable to provide a regulating member that restricts the positional displacement of the first heat shield member relative to the stepped portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

[0021] In this way, even if the main body expands longitudinally due to thermal expansion during the preheating process before operation, the regulating member restricts the displacement of the first heat shield member relative to the stepped portion. Therefore, even if the main body expands due to thermal expansion, the first heat shield member can reliably protect the stepped portion from the radiant heat of the main body.

[0022] (8) In any of the configurations (3) to (7) above, the outer flange portion may be made of nickel or a nickel alloy.

[0023] By doing so, the electrical resistance during energization by the electrode portion can be reduced, but loss is likely to occur due to the radiant heat of the main body portion. That is, the effect of the present invention, which can suppress the loss due to overheating of the flange portion, becomes particularly useful.

[0024] (9) In any of the configurations (1) to (8) above, a cooling device for cooling the flange portion is provided, and it is preferable that the cooling device uses a gas as a refrigerant.

[0025] By doing so, a water supply / drain device and a tank become unnecessary, and equipment costs and the like can be reduced. On the other hand, cooling using a gas (for example, air) as a refrigerant tends to have a lower cooling effect on the flange portion than cooling using water as a refrigerant, and loss of the flange portion due to radiant heat from the main body portion tends to become apparent. That is, the effect of the present invention, which can suppress the loss due to overheating of the flange portion, becomes more useful.

[0026] (10) The present invention devised to solve the above problems is a glass article manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a glass article from molten glass, and is characterized by including a glass transfer device having any of the configurations (1) to (9) above.

[0027] By doing so, the same operational effects as the corresponding configurations already described can be enjoyed.

[0028] (11) The present invention devised to solve the above problems is a method for manufacturing a glass article for manufacturing a glass article from molten glass, and is characterized by including a step of transferring molten glass by a glass transfer device having any of the configurations (1) to (9) above.

[0029] By doing so, the same operational effects as the corresponding configurations already described can be enjoyed.

Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, wear and tear on the flange portion of the transfer pipe due to overheating can be reliably suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing a glass transfer apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the area around the end of a transfer pipe included in the glass transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the glass transfer apparatus in Figure 4, which corresponds to the AA cross-sectional view in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the area around the end of a transfer pipe included in the glass transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. If only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the configuration of other embodiments described earlier can be applied to the other parts of that configuration. Not only are the combinations of configurations explicitly stated in the description of each embodiment possible, but configurations from multiple embodiments can also be partially combined, even if not explicitly stated, as long as there are no particular problems with the combination.

[0033] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figure 1, the glass article manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment comprises, in order from the upstream side, 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, although not shown, the manufacturing apparatus includes an annealing furnace for slowly cooling the glass ribbon GR formed by the molded body 5, and a cutting device for cutting the glass ribbon GR after annealing.

[0034] The dissolution tank 1 is a container for performing a dissolution process in which the introduced glass raw material is dissolved to obtain molten glass GM. The dissolution tank 1 is connected to the clarification tank 2 by a glass supply passage 6a.

[0035] The clarification tank 2 is a container for performing a clarification process in which molten glass GM is transported while being degassed by the action of a clarifying agent. The clarification tank 2 is connected to the homogenization tank 3 by a glass supply passage 6b.

[0036] The homogenization tank 3 is a bottomed tubular container 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.

[0037] Pot 4 is a container for performing a conditioning process to adjust the molten glass GM to a state suitable for molding. Pot 4 functions, for example, as a volume control 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.

[0038] The molded body 5 is formed from molten glass GM into a plate shape by the overflow downdraw method. The molded body 5 has a roughly wedge-shaped cross-section (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1). An overflow groove (not shown) is formed on the upper part of the molded body 5.

[0039] 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). The molded body 5 fuses the flowing molten glass GM at the lower top of the side walls. This forms a strip-shaped glass ribbon GR. After passing through an annealing furnace, the glass ribbon GR is cut by a cutting device to obtain plate glass (glass articles) of the desired dimensions.

[0040] The resulting glass plates, for example, have a thickness of 0.01 to 10 mm and are used as substrates and protective covers for panel displays such as liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays, organic EL lighting, and solar cells. The molded body 5 may be manufactured using other down-draw methods such as the slot down-draw method, or a molding apparatus utilizing the float method may be used instead of the molded body 5. The glass articles manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus are not limited to glass plates, but include glass rolls formed by winding glass ribbons into a roll shape, glass tubes, and other items with various shapes. For example, when forming glass tubes, a molding apparatus utilizing the Danner method may be used instead of the molded body 5.

[0041] The composition of the plate glass may include silicate glass or silica glass, preferably borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or chemically strengthened glass, and most preferably alkali-free glass. Here, alkali-free glass refers to glass that is substantially free of alkali components (alkali metal oxides), and specifically, glass in which the weight ratio of alkali components is 3000 ppm or less. The weight ratio of alkali components is preferably 1000 ppm or less, more preferably 500 ppm or less, and most preferably 300 ppm or less.

[0042] The glass supply channels 6a to 6d, the clarification tank 2, the homogenization tank 3, and the pot 4 function as a glass transfer device for transporting molten glass GM.

[0043] The glass supply passages 6a to 6d, etc., which serve as glass transfer devices, include a transfer pipe 7 for transferring molten glass GM and a retaining brick 8 for holding the transfer pipe 7 (see Figure 2). The glass supply passages 6a to 6d, etc., may consist of a single transfer pipe 7. Alternatively, the glass supply passages 6a to 6d, etc., may be constructed by connecting multiple transfer pipes 7.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the transfer pipe 7 comprises a main body 9, a flange portion 10 provided on the outer periphery (outer surface) of the main body 9, an electrode portion 11 that functions as a heating device together with the flange portion 10, and a cooling device 12 that cools the flange portion 10 and the electrode portion 11.

[0045] The main body 9 is constructed in a tubular shape (for example, a circular tube) from a precious metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy. The main body 9 transfers the molten glass GM from one end (upstream side) to the other end (downstream side) by passing the molten glass GM through its interior.

[0046] The outer periphery of the main body 9, excluding the longitudinal ends of the main body 9, is held in place by the retaining bricks 8. In other words, the longitudinal ends of the main body 9 protrude from the retaining bricks 8. The retaining bricks 8 are arranged to surround the entire circumference of the main body 9.

[0047] The longitudinal end 8a of the retaining brick 8 has a notch to receive the outer flange portion 15 described later, and the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the end 8a is circular. On the other hand, the longitudinal middle portion 8b of the retaining brick 8 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface. The inner surface of the end 8a and the inner surface of the middle portion 8b have the same diameter and are both joined to the outer surface of the main body portion 9 by the joining layer 13. The retaining brick 8 is divided into multiple (for example, two upper and lower) segments (not shown) around the main body portion 9. By constructing the retaining brick 8 from these segments, the installation work of the retaining brick 8 is made easier.

[0048] The retaining brick 8 is made of a refractory brick with thermal insulation properties. As the refractory brick, for example, an alumina-based or zirconia-based electroformed refractory, or an alumina-based or silica-based fired refractory can be used.

[0049] As the bonding layer 13 that joins the main body 9 and the retaining bricks 8, for example, a diffusion bonding body containing alumina powder and silica powder, or alumina cement can be used. Here, a diffusion bonding body is a bonding body constructed by filling the space between the main body 9 and the retaining bricks 8 with the raw material powders and then diffusing bonding them by heating. Diffusion bonding is a method of bonding by bringing powders into contact with each other and utilizing the diffusion of atoms that occurs between the contact surfaces. The filling of the raw material powders for the diffusion bonding body is performed, for example, in the assembly process before operation, and the heating of the raw material powders for the diffusion bonding body is performed, for example, in the transfer process during operation when molten glass GM is transferred using a glass transfer device (glass supply path 6a~6d, etc.).

[0050] The flange portion 10 is provided at the longitudinal end of the main body portion 9. The flange portion 10 is configured in a disc shape and is formed to surround the entire circumference of the main body portion 9. The flange portion 10 is integrally constructed (welded) with the main body portion 9 so as to be concentric with the main body portion 9.

[0051] The flange portion 10 includes an inner flange portion 14 and an outer flange portion 15 which is integrally fixed to the outer circumference of the inner flange portion 14.

[0052] The inner flange portion 14 is made of a precious metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy. The inner flange portion 14 is integrally formed with each end of the main body portion 9. The outer flange portion 15 is made of a non-precious metal such as nickel or a nickel alloy and is annular (for example, circular). The outer flange portion 15 is integrally formed with the inner flange portion 14 by welding its inner circumference to the outer circumference of the inner flange portion 14.

[0053] The thickness T2 of the outer flange portion 15 is greater than the thickness T1 of the inner flange portion 14. On the retaining brick 8 side, the outer flange portion 15 has a stepped portion 16 extending along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 9 between the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15 and the flange surface 14a of the inner flange portion 14. On the opposite side of the retaining brick 8, the flange surface 15b of the outer flange portion 15 and the flange surface 14b of the inner flange portion 14 are flush and abut against other members (not shown) (for example, the flange portion of an adjacent transfer pipe).

[0054] The electrode portion 11 is made of nickel or a nickel alloy and is in the shape of a plate. In this embodiment, the electrode portion 11 is integrally provided on the upper part of the flange portion 10 (outer flange portion 15). A power supply (not shown) is connected to the electrode portion 11. The electrode portion 11 may also be provided on the lower or side part of the flange portion 10 (outer flange portion 15).

[0055] The cooling device 12 has a cooling channel 17 through which a refrigerant, which is a gas such as air, passes. The cooling channel 17 is formed into a predetermined shape by bending a metal pipe. Specifically, the cooling channel 17 has an annular portion 17a having a predetermined diameter and a pair of straight portions 17b connected to the end of the annular portion 17a.

[0056] The annular portion 17a is fixed to one surface of the outer flange portion 15 (flange surface 15a in the illustrated example) so as to follow the peripheral edge of the outer flange portion 15. The straight portion 17b is fixed to one surface of the electrode portion 11 so as to follow the edge of the electrode portion 11. The shape and position of the cooling channel 17 are not particularly limited. The cooling channel 17 may be formed inside the electrode portion 11 and / or the outer flange portion 15.

[0057] A heat-shielding member 18 is provided on the flange portion 10. The heat-shielding member 18 comprises a first heat-shielding member 19 provided along the stepped portion 16 of the outer flange portion 15, and a second heat-shielding member 20 provided along the flange surface 14a of the inner flange portion 14 and the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15.

[0058] The first heat shield member 19 is a cylindrical body (for example, a cylinder) housed inside the stepped portion 16. The first heat shield member 19 is not fixed to the flange portion 10 but is positioned near the flange portion 10. It is preferable that the first heat shield member 19 is in contact with the stepped portion 16. The first heat shield member 19 and the retaining brick 8 are not in contact with each other, but they may be in contact with each other. However, if the first heat shield member 19 and the retaining brick 8 are in contact with each other, it is preferable that the first heat shield member 19 is not fixed to the retaining brick 8 but is movable relative to the retaining brick 8.

[0059] The tip of the end 8a of the retaining brick 8 is inserted into the inner circumferential surface of the first heat shield member 19. In other words, the first heat shield member 19 and the tip of the end 8a of the retaining brick 8 have an overlapping portion D where their positions overlap when viewed in the radial direction of the main body 9.

[0060] The first heat shield member 19 is divided into multiple (four in the illustrated example) segmented parts 19a around the main body 9. By constructing the first heat shield member 19 from these segmented parts 19a, the installation of the first heat shield member 19 becomes easier.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first heat-shielding member 19 is made of refractory bricks. As refractory bricks, for example, electroformed refractories made of alumina or zirconia, or fired refractories made of alumina or silica can be used.

[0062] The second heat shield member 20 comprises an inner annular body (e.g., an annular shape) 20a that covers the flange surface 14a of the inner flange portion 14, and an outer annular body (e.g., an annular shape) 20b that covers the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15. The second heat shield member 20 is fixed to the flange portion 10 by adhesive.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second heat-shielding member 20 is made of fire-resistant fibers. As the fire-resistant fibers, for example, blankets made of alumina fibers, silica fibers, zirconia fibers, and blends thereof can be used.

[0064] The following describes a method for manufacturing flat glass using the manufacturing apparatus with the above configuration. In this method, during operation, raw glass is melted in the melting tank 1 (melting process) to obtain molten glass GM. Then, the molten glass GM is subjected to a clarification process in the clarification tank 2, a homogenization process in the homogenization tank 3, and a conditioning process in the pot 4, in that order. After that, the molten glass GM is transferred to the molded body 5, and a glass ribbon GR is formed from the molten glass GM in the molding process. Subsequently, the glass ribbon GR undergoes an annealing process in the annealing furnace and a cutting process in the cutting device to be formed to predetermined dimensions, and flat glass (glass article) is obtained.

[0065] Furthermore, this method includes a transfer step during the above process in which molten glass GM is transferred using a glass transfer device (glass supply paths 6a to 6d, etc.). In this transfer step, a voltage is applied to the electrode section 11 to heat the main body 9 of the transfer pipe 7 in order to control the temperature of the molten glass GM flowing inside the main body 9.

[0066] In this case, the main body 9 becomes hot, generating radiant heat. If the flange portion 10 is overheated by this radiant heat, wear may occur in the flange portion 10. In particular, wear due to oxidation, etc., is likely to occur in the stepped portion 16 of the outer flange portion 15, which is made of a non-precious metal. Therefore, a heat shielding member 18 is provided on the flange portion 10 to suppress overheating and wear of the flange portion 10.

[0067] In detail, the stepped portion 16 of the outer flange portion 15 is protected from radiant heat from the main body portion 9 by a first heat shield member 19 made of firebrick. The flange surface 14a of the inner flange portion 14 and the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15 are protected from radiant heat from the main body portion 9 by a second heat shield member 20 made of fire-resistant fiber.

[0068] Firebricks have the advantage of being less susceptible to heat-induced deterioration and providing stable heat shielding over long periods. On the other hand, fire-resistant fibers are easier to install than firebricks, but they have the disadvantage of being more prone to heat-induced deterioration.

[0069] The stepped portion 16 of the outer flange portion 15 is made of a non-precious metal and is relatively close to the main body portion 9, making it the most susceptible to wear. On the other hand, the flange surface 14a of the inner flange portion 14 is close to the main body portion 9, but is made of a precious metal, making it less susceptible to wear than the stepped portion 16. The flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15 is made of a non-precious metal, but is far from the main body portion 9, making it less susceptible to wear than the stepped portion 16.

[0070] Therefore, a first heat shield member 19 made of firebrick is provided on the stepped portion 16, which is prone to wear due to radiant heat from the main body 9. A second heat shield member 20 made of firebrick is provided on the flange surface 14a of the inner flange portion 14 and the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15, which are relatively less prone to wear due to radiant heat from the main body 9. This makes it possible to suppress wear due to overheating of the flange portion 10 caused by radiant heat from the main body 9, while suppressing the complexity of the installation work of the heat shield member 18.

[0071] In addition, the cooling device 12 circulates a gaseous refrigerant (e.g., air) through the cooling channel 17 to cool the flange portion 10 (mainly the outer flange portion 15). This more reliably suppresses wear due to overheating of the flange portion 10. Water-cooled cooling devices require equipment for supplying and draining water, increasing equipment costs. Furthermore, water leaks can lead to serious accidents. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the cooling device 12 uses a gaseous refrigerant, only a device for supplying the refrigerant is required, eliminating the need for equipment to recover the discharged refrigerant and significantly reducing equipment costs. It also prevents serious accidents caused by water leaks.

[0072] Furthermore, when a gaseous refrigerant (e.g., air) is circulated through the cooling channel 17, the cooling capacity is reduced compared to a water-cooled system, resulting in significant wear due to overheating of the flange portion 10. Therefore, applying the heat shielding member 18 of the present invention significantly suppresses wear due to overheating of the flange portion 10.

[0073] (Second embodiment) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the glass transfer device according to the second embodiment differs from the glass transfer device according to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a regulating member 21 that restricts the positional displacement of the first heat shielding member 19 relative to the stepped portion 16 in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 9 of the transfer pipe 7.

[0074] The restricting member 21 is composed of a plurality of engaging claws 21a that can engage with the first heat shield member 19. The base ends of the engaging claws 21a are fixed to the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15 by welding. In this state, the tips of the engaging claws 21a protrude inward from the stepped portion 16. In other words, the engaging claws 21a can engage with the end surface 19b of the first heat shield member 19 on the retaining brick 8 side, which is housed inside the stepped portion 16. The base ends of the engaging claws 21a may also be fixed to the stepped portion 16 of the outer flange portion 15 by welding.

[0075] Multiple engaging claws 21a are arranged (two in each example) at positions corresponding to the end faces of each segment 19a of the first heat shield member 19.

[0076] The restricting member 21 (engaging claw 21a) is made of, for example, a precious metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy, or heat-resistant steel.

[0077] In this way, as shown in Figure 6, even if the main body 9 expands longitudinally due to thermal expansion during the preheating process before operation, as indicated by the dashed line in the figure, the engaging claws 21a of the restricting member 21 restrict the displacement of the first heat shield member 19 relative to the stepped portion 16. In detail, when the main body 9 expands due to thermal expansion, the flange portion 10 also moves together with the main body 9. At this time, the engaging claws 21a of the restricting member 21 provided on the outer flange portion 15 engage with the end face 19b of the first heat shield member 19. Due to this engagement, the first heat shield member 19 also moves together with the flange portion 10 in accordance with the thermal expansion of the main body 9. Therefore, even if the main body 9 expands due to thermal expansion, the stepped portion 16 is always protected by the first heat shield member 19, thus reliably suppressing wear of the stepped portion 16 caused by radiant heat from the main body 9.

[0078] The configuration of the restricting member 21 is not particularly limited, as long as it can restrict the first heat shielding member 19 from shifting relative to the stepped portion 16. For example, the restricting member may be configured by providing a protrusion on one of the stepped portion 16 and the first heat shielding member 19, and a recess on the other of the stepped portion 16 and the first heat shielding member 19, and fitting these protrusions and recesses together.

[0079] Here, the preheating process involves heating the components 1-5 and 6a-6d of the manufacturing equipment, which are separated individually, to allow them to expand sufficiently. Following the preheating process, an assembly process is carried out in which components 1-5 and 6a-6d are connected to each other. Both the preheating and assembly processes are performed before operation begins.

[0080] In this case, it is preferable that the bonding layer 13 that joins the main body 9 and the retaining brick 8 is composed of a diffusion bonding body containing alumina powder and silica powder. In this way, during the preheating process in which the main body 9 undergoes thermal expansion, the bonding layer 13 is in the state of powder P (see Figure 6), which is the raw material for the diffusion bonding body, and can sufficiently allow the thermal expansion of the main body 9. Therefore, the expansion of the main body 9 is inhibited, and damage or deformation of the main body 9 can be prevented.

[0081] During operation, the overlapping portion D (see Figure 4) between the first heat shield member 19 and the end portion 8a of the retaining brick 8 may become smaller than the overlapping portion D0 (see Figure 6) between the first heat shield member 19 and the end portion 8a of the retaining brick 8 during the preheating process due to thermal expansion of the main body 9. In other words, the gap S (see Figure 4) between the inner flange portion 14 (or the inner annular portion 20a of the second heat shield member 20) and the end portion 8a of the retaining brick 8 during operation may become larger than the gap S0 (see Figure 6) between the inner flange portion 14 (or the inner annular portion 20a of the second heat shield member 20) and the end portion 8a of the retaining brick 8 during the preheating process due to thermal expansion of the main body 9. Even in this case, since the stepped portion 16 is protected by the first heat shield member 19 by the regulating member 21, it is possible to prevent the radiant heat of the main body 9 from directly acting on the stepped portion 16 through the enlarged gap S1.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the flange portion 10 is provided at the longitudinal end of the main body portion 9, but it may also be provided in the middle of the main body portion 9. When the flange portion 10 is provided at the longitudinal end of the main body portion 9, the flange portion of another adjacent transfer pipe or the like abuts against the flange portion 10 on the side opposite the retaining brick 8. Therefore, by simply providing the heat shielding member 18 on the retaining brick 8 side of the flange portion 10, radiant heat from the main body portion 9 can be efficiently reduced. On the other hand, when the flange portion 10 is provided in the middle of the main body portion 9, it is preferable to provide the heat shielding members 18 on both sides of the flange portion 10.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the second heat shield member 20 is provided on both the flange surface 14a of the inner flange portion 14 and the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15. However, the second heat shield member 20 may be provided on only one of the flange surfaces 14a and 15a. Alternatively, the second heat shield member 20 may be omitted.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the case where the thickness T2 of the outer flange portion 15 is greater than the thickness T1 of the inner flange portion 14 and the outer flange portion 15 has a stepped portion 16 was described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The thickness T2 of the outer flange portion 15 and the thickness T1 of the inner flange portion 14 may be made to be approximately the same, and the stepped portion 16 of the outer flange portion 15 may be omitted. In this case, it is preferable to place a heat shielding member made of firebrick along the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15 to protect the flange surface 15a of the outer flange portion 15 from the radiant heat of the main body portion 9.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the cooling device 12 may be equipped with a fan that blows air onto the flange portion 10 from the outside. In this case, the cooling passage 17 of the cooling device 12 may be omitted or used in combination with air blowing by the fan.

[0087] In the above embodiment, a thermometer may be provided to measure the temperature of the flange portion 10, such as the stepped portion 16. In this way, the deterioration state of the heat-shielding member 18, such as the first heat-shielding member 19, can be predicted based on the measurement result of the thermometer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1 Dissolution tank 2. Clarification tank 3. Homogenization tank 4 pots 5 Molded body 6a~6d Glass supply path 7 Transfer pipe 8 Retaining bricks 9 Main body 10 Flange section 11 Electrode section 12 Cooling device 13 Bonding layer 14 Inner flange section 15 Outer flange section 16 Stepped section 18 Heat-shielding material 19. First heat shielding member 19a Divided body 20 Second heat shielding member 20a Inner ring body 20b Outer ring 21 Regulating members 21a Engagement claw

Claims

1. A glass transfer apparatus comprising a transfer pipe for transferring molten glass and a retaining brick for holding the transfer pipe, The transfer pipe comprises a tubular main body through which the molten glass flows, a flange portion provided on the main body, an electrode portion that supplies current to the flange portion, and a cooling device that cools the flange portion. The flange portion is provided with a heat-shielding member containing firebrick or fire-resistant fiber to reduce radiant heat from the main body portion. The glass transfer device is characterized in that the heat-shielding member is separate from the retaining brick and is movable relative to the retaining brick.

2. The end of the transfer pipe protrudes from the retaining brick, The flange portion is provided at the end of the transfer pipe, The glass transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat shielding member is provided at the end of the transport pipe on the retaining brick side of the flange portion.

3. The flange portion comprises an inner flange portion made of a precious metal and an outer flange portion made of a non-precious metal, provided on the outer circumference of the inner flange portion. The glass transfer apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the outer flange portion is greater than the thickness of the inner flange portion.

4. A glass transfer apparatus comprising a transfer pipe for transferring molten glass and a retaining brick for holding the transfer pipe, The transfer pipe comprises a tubular main body through which the molten glass flows, a flange portion provided on the main body, and an electrode portion that supplies current to the flange portion. The flange portion is provided with a heat-shielding member. The flange portion comprises an inner flange portion made of a precious metal and an outer flange portion made of a non-precious metal, provided on the outer circumference of the inner flange portion. A glass transfer apparatus characterized in that the thickness of the outer flange portion is greater than the thickness of the inner flange portion.

5. The outer flange portion has a stepped portion between the flange surface of the outer flange portion and the flange surface of the inner flange portion. The glass transfer device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the heat shielding member is a first heat shielding member provided along the stepped portion.

6. The glass transfer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the heat shielding member is a second heat shielding member provided along at least one of the flange surface of the inner flange portion and the flange surface of the outer flange portion.

7. The first heat-shielding member is a firebrick, The glass transfer apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second heat-shielding member is a fire-resistant fiber.

8. The glass transfer device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a regulating member for restricting the positional displacement of the first heat shielding member with respect to the stepped portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

9. The glass transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the outer flange portion is made of nickel or a nickel alloy.

10. The glass transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cooling apparatus uses a gas as a refrigerant.

11. A glass article manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing glass articles from molten glass, A manufacturing apparatus for glass articles, characterized by comprising a glass transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for manufacturing glass articles from molten glass, A method for manufacturing a glass article, characterized by including a step of transferring the molten glass using a glass transfer device described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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