Molten glass cutting device and shank removal method

Abstract

This molten glass cutting device is provided with a first shear blade (30), a second shear blade (40), a first shank (56), a second shank (66), and a moving mechanism (18). The first shank and the second shank are fixed in a cantilevered state to the moving mechanism. This molten glass cutting device is provided with a deflection suppression mechanism (100, 200, 300) which is attached to at least one of the first shank and the second shank. The deflection suppression mechanism applies, to the first shank, a force in a direction opposite to the direction of a force received by the first shear blade from the second shear blade when viewed in the vertical direction, and applies, to the second shank, a force in a direction opposite to the direction of a force received by the second shear blade from the first shear blade when viewed in the vertical direction, in a state in which the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap each other.

Description

Melting Glass Cutting Device, Shank Removal Method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a melting glass cutting device and a shank removal method.

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a melting glass cutting device including a first shear blade and a second shear blade disposed at a position facing the first shear blade in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade, and disposed below a spout in which melting glass is stored. This device includes a long first shank, a second shank extending in the longitudinal direction of the first shank, and a moving mechanism to which the first and second shanks are fixed. The first and second shanks are fixed to the moving mechanism in a cantilever state.

[0003] The moving mechanism relatively moves the first shank and the second shank in a direction in which the first shank and the second shank approach each other. As a result, the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap. Consequently, the melting glass extruded from the opening of the orifice formed at the bottom of the spout is cut by the shearing force of the cutting edge of the first shear blade and the cutting edge of the second shear blade. The gob, which is the cut melting glass, is used in the manufacture of glass products such as glass containers. Incidentally, the above-described melting glass cutting device is described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-41724 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-180780 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-180781

[0005] When the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap to cut the melting glass, the first shear blade receives force from the second shear blade, and the second shear blade receives force from the first shear blade. As a result, there is a concern that problems such as an increase in the deflection of the first and second shanks fixed in a cantilever state in the vertical direction or vibration of the first and second shanks may occur. In this case, there is a concern that problems such as the gob being marked with shear marks and the melting glass not being properly cut may occur. Thus, there is still room for improvement in the technology of properly cutting melting glass.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide a molten glass cutting apparatus capable of properly cutting molten glass, and a shank removal method applicable to the molten glass cutting apparatus.

[0007] This disclosure relates to a molten glass cutting device positioned below a spout into which molten glass is collected, comprising: a first shear blade; a second shear blade positioned opposite to the first shear blade in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade; a long first shank; a second shank extending in the longitudinal direction of the first shank; and a moving mechanism for relative movement of the first shank and the second shank, wherein the first shank and the second shank are fixed to the moving mechanism in a cantilevered manner, the base end of the first shear blade is fixed to the first shank at a position closer to the tip than the base end, and the base end of the second shear blade is fixed to the second shank at a position closer to the tip than the base end. The first shank and the second shank are moved relative to each other by the moving mechanism in a direction that brings them closer together, so that the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, and the molten glass pushed out from the opening of the orifice formed at the bottom of the spout is cut by the shear force of the cutting edge of the first shear blade and the cutting edge of the second shear blade. The device is equipped with a deflection suppression mechanism attached to at least one of the first shank and the second shank, the deflection suppression mechanism is a mechanism that, when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, applies a force to the first shank in the opposite direction to the direction of the force that the first shear blade receives from the second shear blade when viewed in the vertical direction, and also applies a force to the second shank in the opposite direction to the direction of the force that the second shear blade receives from the first shear blade when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0008] The deflection suppression mechanism suppresses vertical deflection of the first and second shanks and vibration of the first and second shanks, even when the tips of the first and second shear blades overlap and exert force on each other. As a result, molten glass can be cut properly.

[0009] Overall configuration diagram of the glass container manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Diagram showing the spout and its surrounding configuration. Diagram showing the moving mechanism and its surrounding configuration. Plan view of the first shank and first shear blade. Plan view of the second shank and second shear blade. Cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in Figure 3. Cross-sectional view along line 7-7 in Figure 6. Side view of the first extension of the deflection suppression mechanism. Side view of the second extension of the deflection suppression mechanism. Cross-sectional view along line 10-10 in Figure 5. Diagram showing the retracted state with the first shear blade and the second shear blade separated. Diagram showing the state where the first projection of the first shear blade and the second projection of the second shear blade are in contact. Diagram showing the state where the second extension is riding on the first extension. Flowchart of the shank removal process. Diagram showing an example of a shank removal method. Cross-sectional view of the configuration on the second extension side according to the second embodiment. Diagram showing the retracted state with the first shear blade and the second shear blade separated. A diagram showing the state in which the first projection of the first shear blade and the second projection of the second shear blade are in contact. A diagram showing the state in which the second extension is riding on the first extension. A plan view showing the moving mechanism and its surrounding configuration according to the third embodiment. A side view of the first extension and the second extension. A cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 in Figure 21. A plan view showing the moving mechanism and its surrounding configuration according to the fourth embodiment. A side view of the first extension and the second extension. A diagram showing the configuration for fixing the first extension to the first shank. A cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 in Figure 24.

[0010] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the molten glass cutting apparatus of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, for convenience, some components of the drawings have been omitted.

[0011] <<Overall Configuration of Glass Product Manufacturing Apparatus>> First, using Figure 1, we will explain the glass product manufacturing apparatus 10, which includes a molten glass cutting apparatus as a component. The manufacturing apparatus 10 comprises a spout 11 and a spout case 12 that holds the spout 11. Molten glass Gm supplied from a glass melting furnace (not shown) is stored in the spout 11.

[0012] The manufacturing apparatus 10 comprises a clay tube 13 and a tube drive unit 14. The clay tube 13 is cylindrical in shape. The lower end of the clay tube 13 is immersed in the molten glass Gm in the spout 11. The clay tube 13 is rotatable about a central axis extending vertically by the tube drive unit 14. This stirs the molten glass Gm in the spout 11. The vertical position of the clay tube 13 is also adjustable by the tube drive unit 14. A passage for the molten glass Gm is formed between the lower end of the clay tube 13 and the bottom surface of the spout 11. Therefore, by changing the vertical position of the clay tube 13, the amount of molten glass Gm flowing out to the outflow hole 11a formed at the bottom of the spout 11 is adjusted. A circular orifice opening 17 is formed at the bottom of the spout 11. The opening 17 is formed at a position in the bottom of the spout 11 that faces the tip of the plunger 15 in the vertical direction.

[0013] The manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a plunger 15 and a plunger drive unit 16. The plunger 15 is capable of reciprocating vertically by the plunger drive unit 16. When the plunger 15 descends and its tip enters the outflow hole 11a, the molten glass Gm is pushed out to the outside of the spout 11 through the opening 17. As a result, the molten glass Gm hangs down in a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, when the plunger 15 rises and its tip separates from the outflow hole 11a, the hanging molten glass Gm is sucked towards the opening 17.

[0014] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the manufacturing apparatus 10 is equipped with multiple plungers 15. Therefore, at the bottom of the spout 11, openings 17, which are orifice-shaped openings corresponding to each plunger 15, are formed in a row. In this embodiment, since there are four plungers 15, four openings 17 are formed at the bottom of the spout 11.

[0015] The manufacturing apparatus 10 is equipped with a molten glass cutting device. As shown in Figure 1, the molten glass cutting device comprises a first shear blade 30, a second shear blade 40, and a moving mechanism 18. The first and second shear blades 30 and 40 are positioned below the opening 17. Furthermore, four sets of the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 are provided, corresponding to each opening 17.

[0016] The first shear blade 30 is positioned opposite the second shear blade 40 in the horizontal direction. The first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 are made capable of reciprocating horizontally in synchronization with the vertical movement of the plunger 15 by a moving mechanism 18. The shear force between the cutting edge of the first shear blade 30 and the cutting edge of the second shear blade 40 cuts the molten glass Gm extruded from the opening 17. The cut molten glass Gm falls by gravity as a cylindrical gob Gb. Glass containers such as bottles are then formed using the gob Gb.

[0017] The manufacturing apparatus 10 is equipped with a controller 23. The controller 23 includes a microcontroller and memory, and controls the operation of the tube drive unit 14, the plunger drive unit 16, and the moving mechanism 18.

[0018] <<Movement Mechanism>> Next, an example of the movement mechanism 18 will be explained using Figure 3.

[0019] The moving mechanism 18 includes a first motor 51, a first pinion 52, a first rack 53, and a first drive-side member 54. The first drive-side member 54 is elongated and configured to slide in a specific direction. The first drive-side member 54 is provided with a first rack 53 that is elongated and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first drive-side member 54. The first rack 53 has a plurality of rack teeth formed on it, and each rack tooth is formed in the longitudinal direction of the first drive-side member 54.

[0020] The first motor 51 is, for example, a servo motor and is controlled by the controller 23. The pinion teeth of the first pinion 52 and the rack teeth of the first rack 53 are meshed together. The rotational power of the rotating shaft of the first motor 51 is transmitted to the first pinion 52.

[0021] The moving mechanism 18 includes a first shank 56. The first shank 56 is an elongated member. The first shank 56 is made of a metallic material, specifically, for example, an aluminum alloy (for example, duralumin). The base end 56a of the first shank 56 is fixed to the first mounting portion 55 of the first drive-side member 54 in a position perpendicular to the first drive-side member 54. More specifically, the first mounting portion 55 has a female screw hole 55a (see Figure 15) into which the male thread of the first fixing bolt 57 is screwed. The base end 56a of the first shank 56 has a first base notch 58 that extends from the end on the base end 56a side toward the tip end 56b side in the longitudinal direction of the first shank 56.

[0022] The first fixing bolt 57 is inserted through the first base notch 58 and the female screw hole 55a, and the male thread of the first fixing bolt 57 is screwed into the female screw hole 55a. As a result, the base end 56a of the first shank 56 is fixed to the first mounting part 55. In other words, the first shank 56 is fixed to the first mounting part 55 in a cantilevered manner. The base ends of the first shear blades 30 corresponding to each opening 17 are fixed to the upper surface of the first shank 56, aligned along the length of the first shank 56.

[0023] The moving mechanism 18 includes a second motor 61, a second pinion 62, a second rack 63, and a second drive-side member 64. The second drive-side member 64 is elongated and configured to slide in a specific direction. The second drive-side member 64 is provided with a second rack 63 that is elongated and extends in the longitudinal direction of the second drive-side member 64. The second rack 63 has a plurality of rack teeth formed on it, and each rack tooth is formed in the longitudinal direction of the second drive-side member 64.

[0024] The second motor 61 is, for example, a servo motor and is controlled by the controller 23. The pinion teeth of the second pinion 62 and the rack teeth of the second rack 63 are meshed together. The rotational power of the second motor 61 is transmitted to the second pinion 62.

[0025] The moving mechanism 18 is equipped with a second shank 66. The second shank 66 is a long, elongated member. The second shank 66 is made of a metallic material, specifically, for example, an aluminum alloy (for example, duralumin). The second shank 66 may be made of the same material as the first shank 56, or it may be made of a different material.

[0026] The base end portion 66a of the second shank 66 is fixed to the second mounting portion 65 of the second drive-side member 64 in a position perpendicular to the second drive-side member 64. Specifically, the second mounting portion 65 has a female screw hole 65a (see Figure 15) into which the male thread of the second fixing bolt 67 is screwed. The base end portion 66a of the second shank 66 has a second base notch 68 that extends from the end on the base end portion 66a side toward the tip portion 66b side in the longitudinal direction of the second shank 66.

[0027] A second fixing bolt 67 is inserted through the second base notch 68 and the female screw hole 65a, and the male thread of the second fixing bolt 67 is screwed into the female screw hole 65a. As a result, the base end 66a of the second shank 66 is fixed to the second mounting portion 65. In other words, the second shank 66 is fixed to the second mounting portion 65 in a cantilevered manner. On the upper surface of the second shank 66, the base ends of the second shear blades 40 corresponding to each opening 17 are fixed in line along the length of the second shank 66. The second shear blades 40 are positioned opposite the first shear blade 30 in the length direction of the first shear blade 30.

[0028] The rotation of the first motor 51 is controlled by the controller 23, causing the first drive-side member 54, which is provided with rack teeth that mesh with the first pinion 52, to reciprocate in a specific direction. As a result, each first shear blade 30 reciprocates in a specific direction. Meanwhile, the rotation of the second motor 61 is controlled by the controller 23, causing the second drive-side member 64, which is provided with rack teeth that mesh with the second pinion 62, to reciprocate in a specific direction. As a result, each second shear blade 40 reciprocates in a specific direction. The rotations of the first motor 51 and the second motor 61 are controlled synchronously by the controller 23 so that the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 move closer to each other and move further apart in a specific direction.

[0029] <<Shear Blades>> Next, the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 will be described using Figures 4, 5, and 6.

[0030] First, before describing the first shear blade 30, the second shear blade 40 will be described. The second shear blade 40 is a component made of a plate-shaped material. The second shear blade 40 is made of, for example, ceramic, titanium, or tungsten.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the cross-sectional shape of the tip of the second shear blade 40 in the longitudinal direction is such that it protrudes more towards the upper side. As a result, a second cutting surface 41b, which is an inclined surface, is formed at the tip of the second shear blade 40. The tip of the second cutting surface 41b is the second cutting edge 41a. In a plan view of the second shear blade 40, the contour of the second cutting edge 41a recedes towards the base end of the second shear blade 40 as it approaches the center in the width direction. As a result, in this embodiment, the contour of the second cutting edge 41a in a plan view of the second shear blade 40 is U-shaped.

[0032] In the second shear blade 40, second protrusions 42 are formed on both sides in the width direction on the second cutting edge 41a side, projecting in the length direction of the second shear blade 40. The second protrusions 42 are inclined diagonally downward. The width dimension of the second protrusions 42 decreases towards the tip in the length direction of the second shear blade 40.

[0033] The base end of the second shear blade 40 is fixed to the second shank 66. More specifically, the second shear blade 40 has a notch 43 that extends from the base end towards the tip end in the longitudinal direction of the second shear blade 40. The second shank 66 has a female screw hole 45 through which a bolt 44 is inserted. In this embodiment, multiple (two) female screw holes 45 are formed in the longitudinal direction of the second shear blade 40. With the second shear blade 40 interposed between the seating surface of the bolt 44 and the second shank 66, the bolt 44 is inserted through the notch 43 and the female screw hole 45, and the bolt 44 is screwed into the female screw hole 45. In this way, the second shear blade 40 is fixed to the second shank 66.

[0034] Next, the first shear blade 30 will be described. The first shear blade 30 is a component made of a plate-shaped material. The first shear blade 30 is made of, for example, ceramic, titanium, or tungsten. The first shear blade 30 may be made of the same material as the second shear blade 40, or it may be made of a different material than the second shear blade 40.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the cross-sectional shape of the tip of the first shear blade 30 in the longitudinal direction is such that it protrudes downwards. As a result, a first cutting surface 31b, which is an inclined surface, is formed at the tip of the first shear blade 30. The tip of the first cutting surface 31b is the first cutting edge 31a. In a plan view of the first shear blade 30, the contour of the first cutting edge 31a recedes towards the base end of the first shear blade 30 as it approaches the center in the width direction. As a result, in this embodiment, the contour of the first cutting edge 31a in a plan view of the first shear blade 30 is U-shaped. Note that the contours of the first cutting edge 31a and the second cutting edge 41a may be V-shaped, for example, instead of U-shaped.

[0036] In the first shear blade 30, first protrusions 32 are formed on both sides in the width direction on the first cutting edge 31a side, projecting in the length direction of the first shear blade 30. The first protrusions 32 are inclined diagonally upward. The width dimension of the first protrusions 32 decreases towards the tip in the length direction of the first shear blade 30.

[0037] The first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 each have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the center in the width direction. Therefore, the contour of the first cutting edge 31a is symmetrical with respect to the center in the width direction. Similarly, the contour of the second cutting edge 41a is symmetrical with respect to the center in the width direction. In this embodiment, the first shear blade 30 has the same shape as the second shear blade 40.

[0038] <<Automatic Tensioning Mechanism>> The molten glass cutting apparatus is equipped with an automatic tensioning mechanism for adjusting the pressing force between the tip of the first shear blade 30 and the tip of the second shear blade 40. An example of this mechanism will be described below with reference to Figures 4, 6, and 7.

[0039] The auto-tension mechanism includes a mounting portion 70. The mounting portion 70 includes a blade mounting portion 71. The upper surface of the blade mounting portion 71 is a flat surface. The base end of the first shear blade 30 is fixed to the flat surface of the blade mounting portion 71. Specifically, the blade mounting portion 71 has a female screw hole 74 through which a bolt 73 is inserted. In this embodiment, multiple (two) female screw holes 74 are formed in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade 30. On the other hand, the first shear blade 30 has a notch 33 that extends from the base end toward the tip end in the longitudinal direction. With the first shear blade 30 interposed between the seating surface of the bolt 73 and the blade mounting portion 71, the bolt 73 is inserted through the notch 33 and the female screw hole 74, and the bolt 73 is screwed into the female screw hole 74. As a result, the first shear blade 30 is fixed to the blade mounting portion 71.

[0040] The mounting portion 70 includes a support mounting portion 72. The support mounting portion 72 is provided on the blade mounting portion 71 on the side opposite to the first shear blade 30 in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade 30.

[0041] The molten glass cutting device comprises a pivot member 81 and a rotating member 82. The pivot member 81 is fixed to the second shank 66 and extends upward from the second shank 66. A pair of pivot members 81 are provided, and each pivot member 81 is spaced apart in the width direction of the first shear blade 30.

[0042] The rotating member 82 comprises a cylindrical first rotation axis 82a and a second rotation axis 82b extending from the longitudinal center of the first rotation axis 82a in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first rotation axis 82a. Each support portion 81 has a hole formed therein that extends in the width direction of the first shear blade 30. Each end of the first rotation axis 82a is inserted through the hole formed in the support portion 81. As a result, the rotating member 82 is supported on the second shank 66 so as to be rotatable around a first axis that extends in the width direction of the first shear blade 30. The central axis of the first rotation axis 82a coincides with the first axis.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of concave portions 72a that are recessed in a semi-arc shape are formed on the lower side of the support attachment portion 72. A receiving portion 83 fixed to the lower side of the support attachment portion 72 has a concave portion 83a that is recessed in a semi-arc shape. The concave portion 72a of the support attachment portion 72 and the concave portion 83a of the receiving portion 83 form bearing holes through which both ends of the second rotating shaft 82b are inserted. Between the pair of concave portions 72a arranged in the length direction on the lower side of the support attachment portion 72, it is recessed more upward than the concave portion 72a. This is to prevent the rotating member 82 from interfering with the lower surface of the support attachment portion 72 when the rotating member 82 rotates around the second axis extending in the length direction of the first sharp blade 30.

[0044] With the support attachment portion 72 and the receiving portion 83 described above, the rotating member 82 can rotate around the second axis extending in the length direction of the first sharp blade 30. As a result, the first sharp blade 30 is rotatably supported around the second axis with respect to the second shank 66. The central axis of the second rotating shaft 82b coincides with the second axis.

[0045] The auto-tension mechanism includes a first upper stopper portion 90a and a first lower stopper portion 90b. The first upper stopper portion 90a is provided at the center in the width direction of the first sharp blade 30 on the lower surface of the blade attachment portion 71. The first upper stopper portion 90a protrudes downward from the lower surface of the blade attachment portion 71. In the present embodiment, the first upper stopper portion 90a is a bolt.

[0046] The first lower stopper portion 90b is provided at a position on the second shank 66 that faces the first upper stopper portion 90a in the vertical direction. The first lower stopper portion 90b extends upward from the second shank 66. In the present embodiment, the first lower stopper portion 90b is a bolt.

[0047] When the attachment portion 70 rotates in the specified direction around the first axis and the first upper stopper portion 90a abuts against the first lower stopper portion 90b, the rotation of the attachment portion 70 in the specified direction around the first axis is restricted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the first protruding portion 32 is in a state of facing the second protruding portion 42 in the horizontal direction.

[0048] The attachment portion 70 includes an overhanging portion 75. The overhanging portion 75 is provided on the opposite side of the blade attachment portion 71 in the longitudinal direction of the first cutting blade 30 among the support attachment portions 72.

[0049] The auto-tensioning mechanism includes a second upper stopper portion 91a and a second lower stopper portion 91b. The second upper stopper portion 91a is provided at portions offset by a predetermined distance on both sides in the width direction with respect to the center in the width direction of the first cutting blade 30 on the lower surface of the overhanging portion 75. The first upper stopper portion 91a protrudes downward from the lower surface of the overhanging portion 75. In the present embodiment, the first upper stopper portion 91a is a bolt.

[0050] The second lower stopper portion 91b is provided at a position facing the second upper stopper portion 91a in the vertical direction among the second shanks 66. The second lower stopper portion 91b extends upward from the second shank 66. In the present embodiment, the second lower stopper portion 91b is a bolt.

[0051] When the attachment portion 70 rotates in the specified direction around the first axis extending in the width direction of the first cutting blade 30, the first upper stopper portion 90a abuts against the first lower stopper portion 90b. On the other hand, when the attachment portion 70 rotates in the direction opposite to the specified direction around the first axis and the second upper stopper portion 91a abuts against the second lower stopper portion 91b, the rotation of the attachment portion 70 in the direction opposite to the specified direction around the first axis is restricted.

[0052] Incidentally, in a state where each second upper stopper portion 91a abuts against each second lower stopper portion 91b, the rotation of the attachment portion 70 around the second axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the first cutting blade 30 is restricted. Therefore, when the tip of the first cutting blade 30 and the tip of the second cutting blade 40 overlap, the contact position in the vertical direction of the second lower stopper portion 91b with respect to the second upper stopper portion 91a may be adjusted so that the rotation of the attachment portion 70 around the second axis is allowed.

[0053] The second rotating shaft 82b, on the side opposite to the first shear blade 30 in the axial direction, is a contact portion 84 that extends in the opposite direction to the first shear blade 30 in the axial direction. The lower surface of the contact portion 84 is a flat surface.

[0054] The molten glass cutting device includes a spring 93 which is an elastic body and a spring receiving portion 95. In this embodiment, the spring 93 is a compression coil spring.

[0055] A groove 94 is formed in the center of the width direction of the first shear blade 30 within the second shank 66, extending downward from the upper surface of the second shank 66. A projection is formed on the bottom surface of the groove 94 to restrict the horizontal movement of the lower end of the spring 93.

[0056] The spring receiving portion 95 has a seating surface 95a that the upper end of the spring 93 abuts against. The portion of the spring receiving portion 95 that is inside the seating surface 95a has a projection that restricts the horizontal movement of the upper end of the spring 93. The upper tip of the spring receiving portion 95 is a cone-shaped protrusion 95b. The protrusion 95b abuts against a recess 84a formed in the center of the width direction on the lower surface of the contact portion 84. The outer diameter of the protrusion 95b is smaller than the outer diameter of the spring 93.

[0057] When the first upper stopper portion 90a is in contact with the first lower stopper portion 90b, the convex portion 95b of the spring receiving portion 95 is in contact with the concave portion 84a of the contact portion 84. As a result, when the first shear blade 30 begins to rotate in the opposite direction to the specified direction around the first axis from the state in which the first upper stopper portion 90a is in contact with the first lower stopper portion 90b, an elastic force that causes the first shear blade 30 to rotate in the specified direction is quickly applied to the mounting portion 70. In addition, when the first upper stopper portion 90a is in contact with the first lower stopper portion 90b, the spring 93 is in a compressed state. As a result, the elastic force that causes the first shear blade 30 to rotate in the specified direction can be increased.

[0058] <<Deformation Suppression Mechanism>> When the tip of the first shear blade 30 and the tip of the second shear blade 40 overlap to cut molten glass Gm, the first shear blade 30 receives an upward force from the second shear blade 40, and the second shear blade 40 receives a downward force from the first shear blade 30. As a result, the vertical deflection of the first and second shanks 56 and 66, which are fixed in a cantilevered state, increases, or the first and second shanks 56 and 66 vibrate. In this case, there is a concern that problems may occur, such as shear marks being left on the gob Gb, making it impossible to properly cut the molten glass Gm.

[0059] To address this problem, the molten glass cutting apparatus is equipped with a deflection suppression mechanism 100. The deflection suppression mechanism 100 is a mechanism that, when the tip of the first shear blade 30 and the tip of the second shear blade 40 are overlapping, applies a downward force to the first shank 56 in the opposite direction to the upward force received by the first shear blade 30 from the second shear blade 40, and also applies an upward force to the second shank 66 in the opposite direction to the downward force received by the second shear blade 40 from the first shear blade 30. This mechanism will be explained below with reference to Figures 3 to 7, as well as Figures 8, 9 and 10.

[0060] The deflection suppression mechanism 100 comprises a first extension portion 110 and a second extension portion 120. The first extension portion 110 and the second extension portion 120 are made of a metallic material, for example, carbon steel (specifically, S45C).

[0061] The first extension 110 is elongated and extends in a direction toward the second shank 66 from the first shank 56 (for example, horizontally). A female screw hole 56c is formed on the side surface of the tip 56b of the first shank 56 (see Figure 4). A bolt insertion hole 112 is formed at the base end 110a of the first extension 110 through which a bolt 111 is inserted. The bolt 111 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole 112 and the female screw hole 56c, and the bolt 111 is screwed into the female screw hole 56c. As a result, the base end 110a of the first extension 110 is fixed to the tip 56b of the first shank 56. In other words, the first extension 110 is fixed to the first shank 56 in a cantilevered manner. The first extension 110 moves together with the first shank 56.

[0062] The upper part of the tip portion 110b of the first extension portion 110 is a first inclined portion 113 that slopes diagonally downward. The first inclined portion 113 is, for example, R-shaped or tapered. The upper part of the first extension portion 110 that is closer to the base end portion 110a than the first inclined portion 113 is a flat surface.

[0063] The second extension 120 is elongated and extends in a direction toward the first shank 56 from the second shank 66 (for example, horizontally). The second extension 120 is rotatably supported around the first axis relative to the tip 66b of the second shank 66. The lower part of the tip 120b of the second extension 120 is a second inclined portion 123 that slopes diagonally upward. The second inclined portion 123 is, for example, R-shaped or tapered. The upper part of the second extension 120 that is closer to the base end 120a than the second inclined portion 123 is a flat surface.

[0064] The deflection suppression mechanism 100 includes a support portion 130. The support portion 130 is provided on the second extension portion 120 (corresponding to the "target extension portion") and is a mechanism that supports the second extension portion 120 with respect to the second shank 66 (corresponding to the "target shank") so that it can rotate around the first axis. The support portion 130 includes a through hole 131 and a rotating shaft 132. The through hole 131 is formed in the portion of the second extension portion 120 closer to the base end portion 120a than the longitudinal center portion and extends in the direction of the first axis. The rotating shaft 132 is inserted through the through hole 131 and fixed to the second shank 66. As a result, the second extension portion 120 is supported by the second shank 66 so that it can rotate around the rotating shaft 132.

[0065] The deflection suppression mechanism 100 includes a force-applying section 140. The force-applying section 140 is a mechanism that applies an elastic force about a first axis to the second extension section 120 in order to press the first extension section 110 and the second extension section 120 against each other. The force-applying section 140 includes a spring 141 which is an elastic body, a spring groove 142, and a spring receiving section 143. In this embodiment, the spring 141 is a compression coil spring.

[0066] A spring groove 142 is formed on the tip portion 66b of the second shank 66, on the side of the base end portion 120a that is closer to the rotation axis 132, extending downward from the upper surface of the second shank 66. The bottom surface of the spring groove 142 serves as the seating surface for the lower end of the spring 141. A spring receiving portion 143 that protrudes downward is provided at the lower part of the base end portion 120a of the second extension portion 120. The spring receiving portion 143 serves as the seating surface for the upper end of the spring 141.

[0067] The deflection suppression mechanism 100 includes a restricting portion 150. The restricting portion 150 has the function of restricting the rotation of the second extension portion 120 around the first axis so that the first inclined portion 113 and the second inclined portion 123 face each other horizontally when the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 are separated horizontally in a retracted state. The restricting portion 150 includes a substopper portion 151, a stopper fixing portion 152, and a base portion 153. The base portion 153 is the portion that extends from the tip portion 66b of the second shank 66 toward the first shank 56. The base portion 153 is fixed to the second shank 66 by a bolt 154 (see Figure 5). The substopper portion 151 is provided on the upper surface of the base portion 153 below the second extension portion 120. The substopper portion 151 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base portion 153. In this embodiment, the substopper portion 151 is a bolt. The substopper portion 151 is screwed into a female screw hole 155 formed in the base portion 153.

[0068] In this embodiment, the stopper fixing portion 152 is a nut. The stopper fixing portion 152 is provided on the upper part of the base portion 153 of the male thread of the substopper portion 151.

[0069] When the second extension 120 rotates in the opposite direction to the specified direction around the first axis and the lower part of the second extension 120 comes into contact with the substopper 151, the rotation of the second extension 120 around the first axis is restricted. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the second inclined portion 123 of the second extension 120 and the first inclined portion 113 of the first extension 110 face each other in the horizontal direction. When the lower part of the second extension 120 is in contact with the substopper 151, the spring 141 is in a compressed state. This makes it possible to increase the elastic force required to rotate the second extension 120 in the opposite direction to the specified direction around the first axis.

[0070] Next, the operation of the first shear blade 30, the second shear blade 40, and the deflection suppression mechanism 100 when cutting molten glass Gm will be explained using Figures 11, 12, and 13.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, when the rotation of the mounting portion 70 around the first axis is restricted by the first upper stopper portion 90a and the first lower stopper portion 90b, the spring 93 is in a compressed state. This allows the first shear blade 30 to be maintained in a forward-tilted position when the first shank 56 and the second shank 66 are brought closer to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0072] Furthermore, when the rotation of the second extension portion 120 around the first axis is restricted by the sub-stopper portion 151, the spring 141 is in a compressed state. In the example shown in Figure 11, the upper end position of the sub-stopper portion 151 relative to the upper surface of the base portion 153 is adjusted by the sub-stopper portion 151 and the stopper fixing portion 152, so that the second extension portion 120 is in a forward-tilted position.

[0073] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 12, the moving mechanism 18 brings the first shank 56 and the second shank 66 closer together, causing the mounting portion 70 to which the first shear blade 30 is fixed to rotate around the first axis. As a result, the lower surface of the first shear blade 30 and the upper surface of the second shear blade 40 come into contact, and the tips of the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 overlap. In this case, the spring 93 is further compressed, and a force is applied from the spring 93 to the mounting portion 70 that rotates the mounting portion 70 around the first axis in the specified direction. Therefore, the first shear blade 30 begins to press against the second shear blade 40, and even if warping occurs in the longitudinal direction of the first and second shear blades 30 and 40, the force pressing the first shear blade 30 against the second shear blade 40 can be kept within an appropriate range without relying heavily on the pressing force utilizing the elasticity of the shear blades.

[0074] Furthermore, the auto-tension mechanism allows the force pressing the first shear blade 30 against the second shear blade 40 in each set of first and second shear blades 30 and 40 arranged side by side on the first and second shanks 56 and 66 to be kept within an appropriate range.

[0075] If the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 are warped in the width direction, and the tip of the first shear blade 30 and the tip of the second shear blade 40 overlap, the mounting portion 70 rotates around the second axis, causing the first shear blade 30 to tilt in the width direction. With the auto-tension mechanism, even if the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 are warped in the width direction, the first and second cutting edges 31a and 41a can be aligned with each other without relying heavily on the pressing force utilizing the elasticity of the shear blades.

[0076] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 13, the second extension 120 rides onto the flat surface of the first extension 110. This applies a downward force to the first shank 56 and an upward force to the second shank 66. As a result, even when the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 are subjected to forces from each other, the vertical deflection of the first and second shanks 56 and 66 is suppressed, and vibration of the first and second shanks 56 and 66 is suppressed. This allows for proper cutting of molten glass Gm.

[0077] A deflection suppression mechanism 100 is provided on the second shank 66. In this case, the weight of the second extension 120 can be used as part of the pressing force against the first extension 110. This makes it possible to further enhance the effect of suppressing the vertical deflection of the first and second shanks 56, 66 and the effect of suppressing the vibration of the first and second shanks 56, 66.

[0078] The restricting portion 150 causes the first inclined portion 113 and the second inclined portion 123 to face each other in the retracted state. As the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 approach each other, the second inclined portion 123 rides up onto the first inclined portion 113. Subsequently, as the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 approach each other further, the support portion 130 and the applying portion 140 press the first extension portion 110 and the second extension portion 120 against each other. This makes it easier to adjust the pressing force to suppress vertical deflection of the first and second shanks 56 and 66, and to suppress vibration of the first and second shanks 56 and 66. As a result, the work efficiency of adjusting the pressing force can be increased.

[0079] Of the first and second extensions 110 and 120 that constitute the deflection suppression mechanism 100, the first extension 110 is attached to the first shank 56 and the second extension 120 is attached to the second shank 66. This prevents the weight of the deflection suppression mechanism 100 from concentrating on one of the first and second shanks 56 and 66. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the deflection of either the first or second shank 56 or 66 increases due to the attachment of the deflection suppression mechanism 100.

[0080] The support portion 130, the applying portion 140, and the restricting portion 150 that constitute the deflection suppression mechanism 100 are provided on the second shank 66, which is one of the first and second shanks 56, 66 and is not equipped with an auto-tensioning mechanism. This allows the weight of the auto-tensioning mechanism and the weight of the deflection suppression mechanism to be distributed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the deflection of either the first or second shank 56, 66 becomes excessive.

[0081] When the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 move relative to each other in the direction of approaching each other, the molten glass cutting device is configured such that, as shown in Figure 12, the timing at which the first inclined portion 113 and the second inclined portion 123 begin to come into contact is the same as the timing at which the first protrusion 32 of the first shear blade 30 and the second protrusion 42 of the second shear blade 40 begin to come into contact.

[0082] By making the timing equivalent, the force generated by the contact between the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 can be accurately reduced by the force generated by the contact between the first and second extensions 110 and 120. As a result, the effect of suppressing the vertical deflection of the first and second shanks 56 and 66, and the effect of suppressing the vibration of the first and second shanks 56 and 66 can be further enhanced.

[0083] In order to achieve equivalent timing, for example, as shown in Figure 11, the horizontal distance LA from the tip of the first projection 32 to the tip of the second projection 42 and the horizontal distance LB from the tip of the first inclined portion 113 to the tip of the second inclined portion 123 should be the same in the retracted state.

[0084] The deflection suppression mechanism 100 is attached to the tip portions 56b, 66b of the first and second shanks 56, 66. This allows the lever from the mounting portion 55, 65 of the moving mechanism 18 to the deflection suppression mechanism 100 to be made longer, and the moment applied to the first and second shanks 56, 66 can be increased. As a result, the effect of suppressing the deflection of the first and second shanks 56, 66 in the vertical direction and the effect of suppressing the vibration of the first and second shanks 56, 66 can be further enhanced.

[0085] Multiple first shear blades 30 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first shank 56, and multiple second shear blades 40 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second shank 66. In this case, the length dimension of the shank tends to be large, and the deflection of the shank tends to be large. There is a great advantage to applying the deflection suppression mechanism 100 to a configuration that is prone to large deflection.

[0086] <<Shank Replacement>> Due to deterioration over time of the first and second shear blades 30 and 40, it becomes necessary to replace the first and second shear blades 30 and 40. The first and second shanks 56 and 66 are detachably connected to the first and second mounting parts 55 and 65 by first and second fixing bolts 57 and 67. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of the worker, the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 are replaced with the first and second shanks 56 and 66 removed, or the first and second shanks 56 and 66 currently attached to the moving mechanism 18 are replaced with other first and second shanks 56 and 66 to which new first and second shear blades 30 and 40 are attached.

[0087] Figure 14 is a flowchart of the removal process for the first and second shanks 56 and 66.

[0088] In step S10, in order to move the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 into a retracted state where they are horizontally separated, the first shank 56 and the second shank 66 are attached to the moving mechanism 18, and the moving mechanism 18 moves the first shank 56 and the second shank 66 to a position where they are at their rear end. Specifically, the rotation of the first motor 51 and the second motor 61 is controlled by the controller 23 to move them into the retracted state. In Figure 15, the configuration in the retracted state is shown by a dashed line.

[0089] In the subsequent step S11, the moving mechanism 18, with the first shank 56 and second shank 66 attached, is moved in the retracted state described above, for example, by a moving device of the moving mechanism 18 (specifically, for example, a hoist device), in a direction away from the position where the molten glass Gm falls. Figure 15 shows the moving mechanism after it has been moved, indicated by a solid line. Figure 15 also shows the lid portion 19 of the housing that constitutes the moving mechanism 18.

[0090] In the following step S12, the base end 56a of the first shank 56 is removed from the first mounting portion 55 of the moving mechanism 18 by removing the first fixing bolt 57 while the shank is in the retracted position. Also in step S12, the base end 66a of the second shank 66 is removed from the second mounting portion 65 of the moving mechanism 18 by removing the second fixing bolt 67 while the shank is in the retracted position. After step S12, in step S13, the first shank 56 with the replaced first shear blade 30 is attached to the first mounting portion 55 with the first fixing bolt 57, and the second shank 66 with the replaced second shear blade 40 is attached to the second mounting portion 65 with the second fixing bolt 67.

[0091] In the retracted state, the tip 110b of the first extension 110 and the first projection 32 of the first shear blade 30 are located on the first shank 56 side of the drop position of the molten glass Gm pushed out from the opening 17. Also in the retracted state, the tip 120b of the second extension 120 and the second projection 42 of the second shear blade 40 are located on the second shank 66 side of the drop position. With this configuration, when moving the moving mechanism 18 with the first and second shanks 56 and 66 attached, the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 and the first and second extensions 110 and 120 do not come into contact with the molten glass Gm. This improves the work efficiency and safety of the removal operation of the first and second shanks 56 and 66.

[0092] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the configuration of the second shank 66 side of the deflection suppression mechanism 100 has been changed. This configuration will be explained below using Figure 16. Figure 16 corresponds to Figure 10.

[0093] The deflection suppression mechanism 100 includes a regulating part 200 in addition to the support part 130. The regulating part 200 is a mechanism that restricts the rotation of the second extension part 120 in a specified direction and the opposite direction about the second axis, while maintaining the state in which the first inclined part 113 and the second inclined part 123 are facing each other in the horizontal direction.

[0094] More specifically, the restricting portion 200 comprises a lower stopper portion 201 and a stopper fixing portion 202. The lower stopper portion 201 is located on the upper surface of the second shank 66, below the second extension portion 120. The lower stopper portion 201 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second shank 66. In this embodiment, the lower stopper portion 201 is a bolt. The lower stopper portion 201 is screwed into a female screw hole 203 formed in the second shank 66.

[0095] In this embodiment, the stopper fixing portion 202 is a nut. The stopper fixing portion 202 is provided on the upper part of the second shank 66 of the male thread of the lower stopper portion 201.

[0096] The restricting portion 200 includes an upper stopper portion 204. The upper stopper portion 204 is provided on the portion of the second extension portion 120 that is on the base end portion 120a side of the rotating shaft 132. The upper stopper portion 204 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the second extension portion 120. In this embodiment, the upper stopper portion 204 is a bolt. The upper stopper portion 204 is screwed into a female screw hole 205 formed in the second extension portion 120. The lower end of the shaft portion of the upper stopper portion 204 abuts against the second shank 66.

[0097] By adjusting the vertical positions of the lower stopper portion 201 and the upper stopper portion 204 relative to the second shank 66, the first inclined portion 113 and the second inclined portion 123 are positioned horizontally opposite each other. The upper end (head) of the lower stopper portion 201 abuts against the lower side of the second extension portion 120, and the lower end (shaft portion) of the upper stopper portion 204 abuts against the second shank 66. This restricts the rotation of the second extension portion 120 around the second axis in a specified direction and in the opposite direction.

[0098] Next, the operation of the deflection suppression mechanism 100 when cutting molten glass Gm will be explained using Figures 17, 18, and 19. Figures 17 to 19 correspond to Figures 11 to 13 mentioned earlier.

[0099] As shown in Figure 17, the rotation of the second extension 120 in a specified direction and in the opposite direction around the first axis is restricted by the lower stopper 201 and the upper stopper 204. In this restricted state, the first inclined portion 113 and the second inclined portion 123 are facing each other in the horizontal direction.

[0100] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 18, the first shank 56 and the second shank 66 are brought closer together by the moving mechanism 18, causing the second inclined portion 123 and the first inclined portion 113 to come into contact. Then, as shown in Figure 19, the second extension portion 120 rides onto the flat surface of the first extension portion 110. As a result, the tip portion 120b of the second extension portion 120 bends upward with the rotation axis 132 as the fulcrum, and the tip portion 110b of the first extension portion 110 bends downward with the first shank 56 as the fulcrum. Consequently, a downward force is applied to the first shank 56 and an upward force is applied to the second shank 66. This makes it possible to suppress vertical deflection of the first and second shanks 56 and 66, and to suppress vibration of the first and second shanks 56 and 66, even when the first shear blade 30 and the second shear blade 40 are subjected to forces from each other.

[0101] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the configuration of the deflection suppression mechanism has been changed. This configuration will be described below using Figures 20, 21, and 22. Figure 20 is a plan view of the molten glass cutting apparatus in the retracted state. Figure 21 is a side view of the deflection suppression mechanism 300 when the state of the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 is as shown in Figure 13. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of Figure 21.

[0102] The deflection suppression mechanism 300 comprises a first extension portion 310 (corresponding to the "inner extension portion") and a second extension portion 320 (corresponding to the "outer extension portion"). The first extension portion 310 and the second extension portion 320 are made of a metallic material, for example, carbon steel (specifically, S45C).

[0103] The first extension 310 is elongated and extends in a direction toward the second shank 66 from the first shank 56 (for example, horizontally). The base end 310a of the first extension 310 is fixed to the tip 56b of the first shank 56 by a bolt 311. The first extension 310 moves integrally with the first shank 56.

[0104] The second extension 320 is elongated and extends in a direction toward the first shank 56 from the second shank 66 (for example, horizontally). The base end 320a of the second extension 320 is fixed to the tip 66b of the second shank 66 by a bolt 321. The second extension 320 moves integrally with the second shank 66.

[0105] The tip portion 310b of the first extension portion 310 is a reduced-diameter portion 312, in which the outer dimensions become smaller towards the tip. Specifically, the reduced-diameter portion 312 is a curved surface. The upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of the first extension portion 310 on the base end portion 310a side of the reduced-diameter portion 312 are flat surfaces.

[0106] The second extension 320 has a recess 322 that extends from the tip towards the base end 320a in the longitudinal direction. The first extension 310 is inserted through the recess 322. The portion of the recess 322 on the tip end 320b side of the second extension 320 is an enlarged diameter portion 323, where the inner diameter increases towards the tip. The enlarged diameter portion 323 and the reduced diameter portion 312 make it easier for the first extension 310 to be inserted into the recess 322 of the second extension 320.

[0107] The recess 322 comprises an upper side wall portion 324, a lower side wall portion 325, and a side wall portion 326. The end of the upper side wall portion 324 on the side where the molten glass Gm falls in the first axial direction and the end of the lower side wall portion 325 on the side where the molten glass Gm falls in the first axial direction are connected by the side wall portion 326.

[0108] An opening 327 is formed on the side surface of the second extension 320, which connects to the recess 322. The opening 327 extends from the tip of the second extension 320 toward the base end 320a, and specifically extends across the position where the recess 322 is formed in the first axial direction.

[0109] The deflection suppression mechanism 300 is configured such that the first extension 310 is inserted into the recess 322 of the second extension 320 before the tip of the first shear blade 30 and the tip of the second shear blade 40 are superimposed by the moving mechanism 18. The first extension 310 is guided by the upper wall portion 324 and the lower wall portion 325, and the tip of the first shear blade 30 and the tip of the second shear blade 40 are superimposed. As a result, the force generated by the contact between the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 can be absorbed by the upper wall portion 324 and the lower wall portion 325. This further enhances the effect of suppressing the vertical deflection of the first and second shanks 56 and 66, and the effect of suppressing the vibration of the first and second shanks 56 and 66.

[0110] Furthermore, in order for the first extension portion 310 to be inserted into the recess 322 before the tips of the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 overlap, for example, as shown in Figure 20, in the retracted state, the horizontal distance LC (<LA) from the tip of the first extension portion 310 to the tip of the second extension portion 320 should be shorter than the horizontal distance LA from the tip of the first projection portion 32 to the tip of the second projection portion 42.

[0111] The side wall portion 326 makes it difficult for glass fragments that have cooled and solidified from the molten glass Gm to enter the recess 322 when the molten glass Gm is cut.

[0112] When cutting molten glass Gm, glass fragments that have cooled and solidified may become lodged in the recess 322. Even in this case, the lodged glass fragments can be discharged through the opening 327.

[0113] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the configuration of the deflection suppression mechanism has been changed. This configuration will be explained below using Figures 23, 24, 25, and 26. Figure 23 is a plan view of the molten glass cutting apparatus in the retracted state. Figure 24 is a side view of the deflection suppression mechanism 400 when the state of the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 is as shown in Figure 13. Figure 25 is a view of the deflection suppression mechanism 400 from the rear side. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 in Figure 24.

[0114] The deflection suppression mechanism 400 comprises a first extension portion 410 (corresponding to the "inner extension portion") and a second extension portion 420 (corresponding to the "outer extension portion"). The first extension portion 410 and the second extension portion 420 are made of a metallic material, for example, carbon steel (specifically, S45C).

[0115] The first extension 410 is elongated and extends in a direction toward the second shank 66 from the first shank 56 (for example, horizontally). The base end 410a of the first extension 410 is fixed to the tip 56b of the first shank 56 by a fixing part. The first extension 410 moves integrally with the first shank 56.

[0116] The fixing portion comprises a lower fixing member 411, an upper fixing member 412, a lower bolt 413, and an upper bolt 414. The lower fixing member 411 is fixed to the tip portion 56b of the first shank 56 by the lower bolt 413. The upper fixing member 412 is fixed to the lower fixing member 411 by the upper bolt 414.

[0117] The lower fixing member 411 has a semi-circular recessed portion 411a, and the upper fixing member 412 has a semi-circular recessed portion 412a. The recessed portions 411a and 412a form an insertion hole through which the base end portion 410a of the first extension portion 410 is inserted. With the base end portion 410a inserted through the insertion hole, the upper bolt 414 is screwed in. In this way, the base end portion 410a of the first extension portion 410 is fixed to the tip portion 56b of the first shank 56.

[0118] The second extension 420 is elongated and extends in a direction toward the first shank 56 from the second shank 66 (for example, horizontally). The base end 420a of the second extension 420 is fixed to the tip 66b of the second shank 66 by a bolt 421.

[0119] The tip portion 410b of the first extension portion 410 is a reduced-diameter portion 415 in which the outer diameter decreases towards the tip. The cross-section of the first extension portion 410 is circular.

[0120] The second extension 420 has a recess 422 that extends from the tip towards the base end 420a in the longitudinal direction. The cross-section of the recess 422 is circular. The first extension 410 is inserted through the recess 422. The portion of the recess 422 on the tip end 420b side of the second extension 420 is an enlarged diameter portion 423, where the inner diameter increases towards the tip. The enlarged diameter portion 423 and the reduced diameter portion 415 make it easier for the first extension 410 to be inserted into the recess 422 of the second extension 420.

[0121] The deflection suppression mechanism 400 is configured such that the first extension 410 is inserted into the recess 422 of the second extension 420 before the tip of the first shear blade 30 and the tip of the second shear blade 40 are superimposed by the moving mechanism 18. As a result, the force generated by the contact between the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 can be received by the inner surface of the recess 422. This further enhances the effect of suppressing the vertical deflection of the first and second shanks 56 and 66, and the effect of suppressing the vibration of the first and second shanks 56 and 66. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the upper part of the recess 422 corresponds to the "upper wall portion" that guides the upper part of the first extension 410, and the lower part of the recess 422 corresponds to the "lower wall portion" that guides the lower part of the first extension 410.

[0122] Furthermore, in order for the first extension 410 to be inserted into the recess 422 before the tips of the first and second shear blades 30 and 40 overlap, for example, as shown in Figure 23, in the retracted state, the horizontal distance LD (<LA) from the tip of the first extension 410 to the tip of the second extension 420 should be shorter than the horizontal distance LA from the tip of the first projection 32 to the tip of the second projection 42.

[0123] <Other Embodiments> Each of the above embodiments may be implemented with modifications as follows.

[0124] In the first embodiment, the support portion 130, the application portion 140, and the regulating portion 150 may be provided on the first shank 56 instead of the second shank 66.

[0125] - The deflection suppression mechanism may be provided on only one of the first and second shanks 56, 66. For example, if the deflection suppression mechanism is provided only on the second shank 66, in the configuration shown in Figure 13 above, the first extension portion 110 may not be provided, and the second extension portion 120 may be in contact with the upper part of the first shank 56. More specifically, the second extension portion 120 may be in constant contact with the upper part of the first shank 56, regardless of the horizontal position of the first and second shear blades 30, 40. In this case, in order to move the tip portion 120b of the second extension portion 120 toward the second shank 66 side of the falling position of the molten glass Gm, for example, a mechanism for rotating the second extension portion 120 around the first axis, or a mechanism for sliding the second extension portion 120 in the direction of the second axis may be provided.

[0126] In each of the above embodiments, the deflection suppression mechanism may be located on the base end side of the shank rather than at the tip of the shank, relative to the shear blade attached to the very tip of the shank.

[0127] In the first embodiment, instead of the spring receiving portion 143, for example, an elastic rubber may be provided.

[0128] ・The following describes characteristic configurations extracted from each of the embodiments described above. [Configuration 1] A molten glass cutting device comprising: a first shear blade (30); a second shear blade (40) positioned opposite to the first shear blade in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade; a long first shank (56); a second shank (66) extending in the longitudinal direction of the first shank; and a moving mechanism (18) for relative movement of the first shank and the second shank, wherein the first shank and the second shank are fixed to the moving mechanism in a cantilevered manner; the base end of the first shear blade is fixed to the first shank at a position closer to the tip than the base end; and the base end of the second shear blade is fixed to the second shank at a position closer to the tip than the base end. A molten glass cutting device comprising: a deflection suppression mechanism (100, 300, 400) attached to at least one of the first shank and the second shank, wherein, when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade are moved relative to each other by the moving mechanism in a direction toward which the first shank and the second shank move toward each other, the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, and the molten glass extruded from the opening (17) of the orifice formed at the bottom of the spout is cut by the shear force of the cutting edge (31a) of the first shear blade and the cutting edge (41a) of the second shear blade, wherein the device comprises a deflection suppression mechanism (100, 300, 400) attached to at least one of the first shank and the second shank, wherein the deflection suppression mechanism applies a force to the first shank in the opposite direction to the direction of the force that the first shear blade receives from the second shear blade when viewed vertically, and applies a force to the second shank in the opposite direction to the direction of the force that the second shear blade receives from the first shear blade when viewed vertically, when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap,[Configuration 2] The first shear blade is positioned above the second shear blade when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, and the deflection suppression mechanism has: a first extension (110, 310, 410) attached to the first shank and moving integrally with the first shank, extending in the direction from the first shank toward the second shank; and a second extension (120, 320, 420) attached to the second shank and moving integrally with the second shank, extending in the direction from the second shank toward the first shank, and the first extension abuts against the lower part of the second extension and applies an upward force to the second extension when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, The molten glass cutting apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the second extension abuts against the upper part of the first extension and applies a downward force to the first extension when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap. [Configuration 3] The molten glass cutting apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein in a retracted state in which the first shear blade and the second shear blade are horizontally separated by the moving mechanism, the tip of the first extension is located on the first shank side of the position where the molten glass pushed out from the opening falls, and in the retracted state, the tip of the second extension is located on the second shank side of the position where the glass falls. [Configuration 4] The molten glass cutting apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the base end (56a) of the first shank and the base end (66a) of the second shank are detachably connected to the moving mechanism.[Configuration 5] The upper part of the tip of the first extension is a first inclined portion (113) that slopes diagonally downward, and the lower part of the tip of the second extension is a second inclined portion (123) that slopes diagonally upward, and the deflection suppression mechanism is provided on the target extension (120), which is one of the first extension and the second extension, and is rotatable about an axis that extends in the width direction of the first shear blade and the second shear blade, and is a support portion (130) that supports the target extension with respect to the target shank (66) of the first shank and the second shank to which the target extension is attached, and is provided on the target extension (120), which is one of the first extension and the second extension, and is rotatable about an axis that extends in the width direction of the first shear blade and the second shear blade, and is an applying portion (140) that applies an elastic force about the axis to the target extension to press the first extension and the second extension against each other when the upper part of the first extension and the lower part of the second extension are in contact, A molten glass cutting apparatus according to configuration 3 or 4, comprising: a restricting portion (150) that restricts the rotation of the target extension portion about the axis such that the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are facing each other horizontally in the retracted state; [Configuration 6] A through hole (131) extending in the direction of the axis is formed at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the target extension portion; a rotating shaft (132) is provided as the support portion, which is fixed to the target shank and inserted through the through hole, and which rotatably supports the target extension portion with respect to the target shank; and an elastic body (183) is provided as the imparting portion, which imparts elastic force in the direction of the axis to the portion of the target extension portion that is closer to the base end portion (120a) in the longitudinal direction than the position where the through hole is formed. [Configuration 7] A molten glass cutting apparatus according to configuration 5 or 6, wherein the target extension portion is the second extension portion.[Configuration 8] The upper part of the tip of the first extension is a first inclined portion (113) that slopes diagonally downward, and the lower part of the tip of the second extension is a second inclined portion (123) that slopes diagonally upward, and the deflection suppression mechanism is provided on the target extension (120), which is one of the first extension and the second extension, and has a support portion (130) that supports the target extension with respect to the target shank (66) of the first shank and the second shank to which the target extension is attached, so as to be rotatable around an axis that extends in the width direction of the first shear blade and the second shear blade, and a restricting portion (200) that restricts the bidirectional rotation of the target extension about the axis while maintaining the state in which the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion face each other in the horizontal direction, as described in Configuration 3 or 4. [Configuration 9] The molten glass cutting device according to any one of Configurations 5 to 8, wherein when the first shear blade and the second shear blade move relative to each other in the direction toward approach by the moving mechanism, the timing at which the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion begin to come into contact is the same as the timing at which the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade begin to come into contact. [Configuration 10] The molten glass cutting device according to Configuration 2, wherein the outer extension portion (320), which is one of the first extension portion and the second extension portion, has a recess formed therein that extends from the tip toward the base end, and the inner extension portion (310), which is the other of the first extension portion and the second extension portion, is inserted into the recess and guided by the upper side wall portion (324) and the lower side wall portion (325) that constitute the recess, the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap.[Configuration 11] The molten glass cutting apparatus according to Configuration 10, wherein a plurality of first shear blades are provided in a line along the length of the first shank, a plurality of second shear blades are provided in a line along the length of the second shank, the first extension is provided on the tip side of the first shank than the first shear blade provided at the position furthest from the mounting portion (55) of the first shank to the moving mechanism, the second extension is provided on the tip side of the second shank than the second shear blade provided at the position furthest from the mounting portion (65) of the second shank to the moving mechanism, and an opening (327) connecting to the recess is formed on the side of the outer extension opposite to the mounting portion in the length of the first and second shanks. [Configuration 12] The molten glass cutting apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of first shear blades are provided in a line along the length of the first shank, and a plurality of second shear blades are provided in a line along the length of the second shank. [Configuration 13] The molten glass cutting apparatus according to configuration 12, wherein the deflection suppression mechanism is attached to at least one of the tip portions of the first shank and the second shank.[Configuration 14] The molten glass cutting apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13, wherein the first shear blade has first protrusions (32) that protrude in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade on both sides in the width direction on the cutting edge side, and the second shear blade has second protrusions (42) that protrude in the longitudinal direction of the second shear blade on both sides in the width direction on the cutting edge side, and the first and second protrusions are inclined in the opposite direction to the overlapping side of the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade so as to serve as guides when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap due to relative movement in the direction in which the first shank and the second shank move toward each other, and in a retracted state in which the first shear blade and the second shear blade are separated horizontally by the movement mechanism, the inclined portion of the first protrusion and the inclined portion of the second protrusion face each other horizontally.

Claims

1. A molten glass cutting device comprising: a first shear blade (30); a second shear blade (40) positioned opposite the first shear blade in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade; a long first shank (56); a second shank (66) extending in the longitudinal direction of the first shank; and a moving mechanism (18) for relative movement of the first shank and the second shank, wherein the first shank and the second shank are fixed to the moving mechanism in a cantilevered manner, the base end of the first shear blade is fixed to the first shank at a position closer to the tip than the base end, and the base end of the second shear blade is fixed to the second shank at a position closer to the tip than the base end. A molten glass cutting device comprising: a deflection suppression mechanism (100, 300, 400) attached to at least one of the first shank and the second shank, wherein, when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade are moved relative to each other by the moving mechanism in a direction toward which the first shank and the second shank move toward each other, the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, and the molten glass extruded from the opening (17) of the orifice formed at the bottom of the spout is cut by the shear force of the cutting edge (31a) of the first shear blade and the cutting edge (41a) of the second shear blade, wherein the device comprises a deflection suppression mechanism (100, 300, 400) attached to at least one of the first shank and the second shank, wherein the deflection suppression mechanism applies a force to the first shank in the opposite direction to the direction of the force that the first shear blade receives from the second shear blade when viewed vertically, and applies a force to the second shank in the opposite direction to the direction of the force that the second shear blade receives from the first shear blade when viewed vertically, when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, 2. The first shear blade is positioned above the second shear blade when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, and the deflection suppression mechanism has: a first extension (110, 310, 410) attached to the first shank and moving integrally with the first shank, extending in the direction from the first shank toward the second shank; and a second extension (120, 320, 420) attached to the second shank and moving integrally with the second shank, extending in the direction from the second shank toward the first shank, and the first extension abuts against the lower part of the second extension and applies an upward force to the second extension when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, The molten glass cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second extension portion abuts against the upper part of the first extension portion and applies a downward force to the first extension portion when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade are in an overlapping state.

3. In a retracted state in which the first shear blade and the second shear blade are horizontally separated by the moving mechanism, the tip of the first extension is located on the first shank side of the drop position of the molten glass pushed out from the opening, and in the retracted state, the tip of the second extension is located on the second shank side of the drop position.

4. The molten glass cutting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the base end (56a) of the first shank and the base end (66a) of the second shank are detachably connected to the moving mechanism.

5. The upper part of the tip of the first extension is a first inclined portion (113) that slopes diagonally downward, and the lower part of the tip of the second extension is a second inclined portion (123) that slopes diagonally upward, and the deflection suppression mechanism is provided on the target extension (120), which is one of the first extension and the second extension, and includes a support portion (130) that supports the target extension with respect to the target shank (66) of the first shank and the second shank to which the target extension is attached, so as to be rotatable about an axis that extends in the width direction of the first shear blade and the second shear blade, and an application portion (140) that applies an elastic force about the axis to the target extension in order to press the first extension and the second extension against each other when the upper part of the first extension and the lower part of the second extension are in contact, A molten glass cutting apparatus according to claim 3, comprising: a restricting portion (150) that restricts the rotation of the target extension portion about its axis such that the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are facing each other horizontally in the retracted state; 6. A through hole (131) extending in the direction of the axis is formed at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the target extension; the support portion comprises a rotating shaft (132) fixed to the target shank and inserted through the through hole, which rotatably supports the target extension relative to the target shank; and the imparting portion comprises an elastic body (183) that imparts elastic force in the direction of the axis to the portion of the target extension that is closer to the base end (120a) in the longitudinal direction than the position where the insertion hole is formed.

7. The molten glass cutting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the target extension portion is the second extension portion.

8. The upper part of the tip of the first extension is a first inclined portion (113) that slopes diagonally downward, and the lower part of the tip of the second extension is a second inclined portion (123) that slopes diagonally upward, and the deflection suppression mechanism is provided on the target extension (120), which is one of the first extension and the second extension, and includes a support portion (130) that supports the target extension with respect to the target shank (66) of the first shank and the second shank to which the target extension is attached, so as to be rotatable about an axis that extends in the width direction of the first shear blade and the second shear blade, and a restricting portion (200) that restricts the bidirectional rotation of the target extension about the axis while maintaining the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion facing each other in the horizontal direction, the molten glass cutting apparatus according to claim 3.

9. The molten glass cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, when the first shear blade and the second shear blade move relative to each other in the direction toward approach by the moving mechanism, the timing at which the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion begin to come into contact is the same as the timing at which the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade begin to come into contact.

10. The molten glass cutting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the first and second extensions, the outer extension (320, 420), has a recess formed therein that extends from the tip toward the base end, and the other of the first and second extensions, the inner extension (310, 410), is inserted into the recess and guided by the upper wall portion (324) and lower wall portion (325) that constitute the recess, such that the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap.

11. The molten glass cutting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of first shear blades are provided in the longitudinal direction of the first shank, a plurality of second shear blades are provided in the longitudinal direction of the second shank, the first extension is provided on the tip side of the first shank than the first shear blade provided at the position furthest from the mounting portion (55) of the first shank to the moving mechanism, the second extension is provided on the tip side of the second shank than the second shear blade provided at the position furthest from the mounting portion (65) of the second shank to the moving mechanism, and an opening (327) connecting to the recess is formed on the side of the outer extension opposite to the mounting portion in the longitudinal direction of the first shank and the second shank.

12. A molten glass cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, or 11, wherein a plurality of first shear blades are provided arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first shank, and a plurality of second shear blades are provided arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second shank.

13. The molten glass cutting apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the deflection suppression mechanism is attached to at least one of the tip portions of the first shank and the second shank.

14. The molten glass cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, or 11, wherein the first shear blade has first protrusions (32) that project in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade on both sides in the width direction on the cutting edge side, and the second shear blade has second protrusions (42) that project in the longitudinal direction of the second shear blade on both sides in the width direction on the cutting edge side, and the first and second protrusions are inclined in the opposite direction to the overlapping side of the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade so as to serve as guides when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap due to relative movement in the direction in which the first shank and the second shank move toward each other, and in a retracted state in which the first shear blade and the second shear blade are separated horizontally by the movement mechanism, the inclined portion of the first protrusion and the inclined portion of the second protrusion face each other horizontally.

15. A shank removal method applied to a molten glass cutting apparatus, which comprises a first shear blade (30), a second shear blade (40) positioned opposite to the first shear blade in the longitudinal direction of the first shear blade, a long first shank (56), a second shank (66) extending in the longitudinal direction of the first shank, and a moving mechanism (18) for relative movement of the first shank and the second shank, wherein the first shank and the second shank are fixed to the moving mechanism in a cantilevered manner, the base end of the first shear blade is fixed to the first shank at a position closer to the tip than the base end, and the base end of the second shear blade is fixed to the second shank at a position closer to the tip than the base end. The first shank and the second shank are moved relative to each other by the moving mechanism in a direction that brings them closer together, so that the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, and the molten glass pushed out from the opening (17) of the orifice formed at the bottom of the spout is cut by the shear force of the cutting edge of the first shear blade and the cutting edge of the second shear blade, the first shear blade is positioned above the second shear blade when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, the molten glass cutting device is equipped with a deflection suppression mechanism (100, 300, 400), the deflection suppression mechanism is attached to the first shank and moves integrally with the first shank, and has first extensions (110, 310, 410) that extend in the direction from the first shank toward the second shank, A second extension (120, 320, 320) is attached to the second shank and moves integrally with the second shank, and extends in the direction from the second shank toward the first shank.420) and, the first extension portion abuts against the lower part of the second extension portion and applies an upward force to the second extension portion when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, the second extension portion abuts against the upper part of the first extension portion and applies a downward force to the first extension portion when the tip of the first shear blade and the tip of the second shear blade overlap, in a retracted state where the first shear blade and the second shear blade are separated horizontally by the moving mechanism, the tip of the first extension portion is located on the first shank side of the drop position of the molten glass pushed out from the opening, in the retracted state, the tip of the second extension portion is located on the second shank side of the drop position, and the base end portion (56a) of the first shank and the base end portion (66a) of the second shank are detachably connected to the moving mechanism. A shank removal method comprising: a retraction step of moving the first shank and the second shank relative to each other by the moving mechanism while the first shank and the second shank are attached to the moving mechanism in order to achieve the retracted state; and a step of removing the base end of the first shank and the base end of the second shank from the moving mechanism while the moving mechanism is moved in a direction away from the position where the molten glass falls, after the completion of the retraction step.

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