JP3618966B2 - Glass outflow method and glass outflow device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for melting / outflowing molten glass.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The glass melting tank for melting the glass material, adjusting the melting temperature of the molten glass, homogenizing the composition, and letting out the homogenized molten glass to flow out is the temperature to homogenize the molten glass It is necessary to perform (viscosity) management with high temperature range accuracy and to adjust the capacity of the molten glass.
[0003]
Conventional liquid surface management of the glass melting tank includes a method by measuring the weight of the outflowed glass, and a method of measuring the liquid surface by detecting the transmission of radiation material (γ rays) contained in the glass.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Lenses used in optical equipment such as cameras are increasingly used for aspheric lenses due to advances in optical technology, and small lenses are also incorporated into information equipment equipped with an image reading function using optical pickup technology. Has increased.
[0005]
Further, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, there is a possibility that many optical elements having an optical curved surface having a complicated shape such as a toric lens may be employed.
[0006]
Such an aspherical lens uses a glass material having excellent adaptability to environmental changes in accordance with the diversification of the usage environment of the device.
[0007]
When the glass material is melted in the melting tank, the glass flows out, and when the outflowed glass is processed into the above lens shape and optical element shape in the next step, the outflow temperature (viscosity) and outflow capacity of the outflowed glass are determined. It is necessary to flow out within a predetermined temperature range and a predetermined capacity range.
[0008]
In particular, when adopting a press molding process in which the molten glass that has flowed out is press-molded in the next step and formed into an optical element shape, the temperature of the molten glass that flows out and the outflow capacity greatly affect the accuracy of the molded optical element. Effect.
[0009]
In a production process in which the homogenized glass is discharged from the outflow part of the melting tank and transferred to the molding process, the liquid surface position of the melting tank is adjusted within a predetermined range according to the outflow from the outflow part. It is necessary to obtain glass.
[0010]
That is, it is possible to accurately control the capacity of the glass molded product to be molded by keeping the liquid surface pressure of the outflow nozzle that flows out of the molten glass constant and maintaining the weight accuracy of the outflow glass.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to adjust the liquid level of a melting tank that melts a glass material and causes molten glass to flow out according to the outflow of the flowing glass, so that the state of the glass in the melting tank can be maintained in a uniform condition. It is to propose an outflow method and apparatus.
[0012]
Furthermore, the present invention provides a glass outflow apparatus that can restore the liquid level of the melting tank to a predetermined position as quickly as possible when the glass flows out of the melting tank and the capacity of the molten glass in the melting tank decreases. suggest.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention holds a glass material in a first melting tank that melts molten glass flowing out from an outflow portion, at a position higher than the molten glass liquid level of the first melting tank. And connecting the second melting tank to be melted, and according to the decrease of the molten glass in the first melting tank, the liquid level of the second melting tank is displaced , than the channel that is placed near a predetermined liquid level, fed molten glass to said first molten bath from said second molten bath by Rukoto overflow the molten glass, the first corresponding to the outflow from the outflow portion A glass outflow method is proposed in which the liquid level of the melting tank is adjusted.
[0014]
Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for displacing the liquid level of the second melting tank in accordance with a signal from the means for detecting the upper limit position of the liquid level of the first melting tank, and from the second melting tank to the first A glass outflow method is proposed in which molten glass is fed into the melting tank.
[0016]
Also, a first melting tank for melting the molten glass flowing out from the outflow part, and a second melting tank connected to a position higher than the molten glass liquid surface of the first melting tank and charged with glass material and melted And displacing the liquid level of the second melting tank, and overflowing the molten glass from the flow path installed near the predetermined liquid level in the second melting tank, from the second melting tank to the first Productivity is improved by the proposal of a glass outflow device characterized in that molten glass is fed into one melting tank and the liquid level of the first melting tank is adjusted according to the outflow from the outflow part. Plan.
[0019]
In addition, a second glass melting tank having a liquid level at a position higher than the liquid level of the first glass melting tank provided with the outflow portion is provided, and the first and second melting tanks are connected by a connecting means, According to the proposal of a glass outflow device that adjusts the liquid level of the first melting tank through the connecting means by displacing the liquid level of the second melting tank, the outflow glass is press-formed in the next step. Thus, an apparatus preferable for a production method for forming into an optical element shape is proposed.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the main part of a glass melting / outflow apparatus embodying the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of each part control.
[0025]
1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a glass melting apparatus, 2 denotes a melting apparatus chamber, 4 denotes a first glass melting tank, and 6 denotes a second glass melting tank.
[0026]
The first glass melting tank 4 and the second glass melting tank 6 are connected by a glass flow path 8, and the second glass melting tank 6 is arranged at a higher position than the first glass melting tank 4. The glass is connected by the glass flow path 8 so that the molten glass in the second glass melting tank 6 flows into the first melting tank 4.
[0027]
The first melting tank 4 is divided into an outflow tank 4A provided with an outflow nozzle 4a and a clarification tank 4B that receives the molten glass from the second melting tank 6 and performs a clarification action of the molten glass. It is connected by the flow passage 4C.
[0028]
Reference numeral 10 denotes molten glass in the first melting tank 4, and reference numeral 10 </ b> A denotes a glass liquid level of the glass 10.
[0029]
A heater 12 and a temperature detection means (not shown) are arranged around the first melting tank 4 and the nozzle 4a so that the temperature (viscosity) of the molten glass in the first melting tank is within a predetermined temperature range. It is adjusted.
[0030]
Further, heating means and temperature detection means (not shown) are also arranged around the second melting tank 6 and the glass flow path 8 to manage the glass melting temperature of each part.
[0031]
Reference numeral 14 denotes a stirring member of stirring means installed in the outflow tank 4A, and is rotated by a motor (not shown).
[0032]
Reference numeral 16 denotes a shielding member that covers the entire melting apparatus 1 and maintains the confidentiality and heat insulation of the apparatus.
[0033]
Reference numeral 18 denotes an inlet for introducing a glass material into the second glass melting tank 6.
[0034]
Reference numeral 20 denotes a float member for detecting the position of the glass liquid surface 10A of the first glass melting tank 4, which has a float portion 20A and a shaft portion 20B, and the shaft portion 20B is supported on the ceiling portion of the shielding member 16 It is pivotally supported by the member 20C and exposed to the outside.
[0035]
The tip of the shaft portion 20B of the float member 20 is connected to the position detection sensor means 22.
[0036]
The position detection sensor means 22 is constituted by a micro switch indicating a plurality of detection positions, a non-contact type optical sensor, or the like.
[0037]
In this example, a sensor 22A indicating the upper limit position of the float member 20A and a sensor 22B indicating the lower limit position of the float member are configured.
[0038]
The sensors 22A and 22B are mounted on the shielding member 16 with a predetermined distance between them by a holding member 22C, and a probe attached to the tip of the float shaft portion 20B between the sensors 22A and 22B. The portion 20D is arranged, and the probe portion 20D comes into contact with the sensor 20A or 20B according to the vertical movement of the float portion 20A, so that signals are output from the sensors 20A and 20B, and the glass liquid level of the first melting tank 4 The position of 10A is detected.
[0039]
Reference numeral 24 denotes a control means which receives a signal from the sensors 22A and 22B and performs a control operation which will be described later.
[0040]
A plunger 26 is placed in the second melting tank 6 and moves up and down on the liquid surface. The plunger 26 has a shaft portion 26 </ b> A attached to an upper portion thereof, and the shaft portion 26 </ b> A passes through the shielding member 16 and is fixed to a rotating shaft 30 </ b> A of a motor 30 attached to an attachment member 28.
[0041]
The motor 30 is subjected to forward / reverse rotation and rotational speed control by the motor driving means 30A, whereby the plunger 26 moves up and down in the first melting tank 6, and as a result, the liquid surface position of the second melting tank 6 moves up and down. Moving.
[0042]
32 is a position detection sensor for detecting the vertical movement position of the plunger 26, and 26B is a sensor dog attached to the shaft 26A.
[0043]
The position detection sensor 32 is connected to the plunger position control means 26B.
[0044]
Next, the operation of this example will be described with further reference to FIGS.
[0045]
First, in order to set an initial state, a glass material of molten glass is charged from the glass material charging port 18, the molten glass is filled in the second melting tank 6, and the molten glass in the second melting tank 6 is poured into the glass flow. The float member 20A of the first melting tank 4 is fed to the first melting tank 4 through the path 8, and the liquid level detecting probe 20D detects the output of the liquid level upper limit sensor 22A in the state shown in FIG. Set to reach state.
[0046]
Then, the temperature control of each part and the stirring means 14 are adjusted so that the molten glass flowing out from the outflow nozzle is in a predetermined molten state.
[0047]
When the glass liquid level of the first melting tank 4 outputs a signal of the sensor 22A indicating the upper limit position, a signal for stopping the glass material input is output from the control means 24.
[0048]
In this state, the plunger 26 in the second melting tank 6 is set at a position where the liquid glass upper limit position in the first and second melting tanks 4 and 6 is filled with molten glass, and the position of the plunger 26 is The initial position (the upper limit position of the float member 20A) is set by the position detection means (26B, 32).
[0049]
With the above settings, the glass outflow preparation state from the outflow nozzle 4a is completed.
[0050]
In this example, the glass outflow rate from the outflow nozzle 4a was set to 3.0 cc / min, the temperature of the outflow nozzle 4A was set to 1150 ° C., and the nozzle intermediate portion temperature was set to 900 ° C.
[0051]
Adjustment of the outflow from the nozzle is performed by the control means 12B.
[0052]
A receiving member for receiving molten glass (not shown) is arranged below the outlet nozzle tip orifice, and the molten glass is sequentially discharged.
[0053]
As the molten glass flows out from the outflow nozzle 4A, the amount of molten glass in the first melting tank 4 decreases (FIG. 3), and the float member 20 also descends as the glass liquid level falls.
[0054]
When the float member 20A is lowered, the probe member 20D is also lowered, and when the glass liquid level 10A comes into contact with the lower limit position sensor 22B, the motor drive control is performed from the control means 24 based on the signal from the first melting tank liquid level control means 22E. The means 30 </ b> A is activated, and the lowering of the plunger 26 is started by the rotation of the motor 30.
[0055]
As the plunger 26 descends into the second melting tank 6, the glass liquid level in the second melting tank rises according to the descending volume of the plunger 26, and the molten glass in the second melting tank 6 is glass. It flows into the first melting tank 4 through the flow path 8.
[0056]
Accordingly, the liquid level position 10A of the first melting tank 4 also rises, and the probe member 20D contacts the liquid level upper limit position sensor 22A to detect the upper limit position of the liquid level, and the first melting tank liquid level control means. The rotation of the motor 30 is stopped via the motor drive control means 30A by a signal from 22E.
[0057]
When the glass liquid level in the first melting tank 4 is restored to the upper limit position, the plunger 26 is raised by the rotation operation of the motor 30 and returned to the initial position in order to restore the liquid level position in the second melting tank 6. . (Fig. 4)
[0058]
Thereafter, the glass material is charged from the glass material charging port 18, and the capacity of the molten glass in the second melting tank 6 is recovered to the initial liquid level position.
[0059]
The molten glass fed into the first melting tank 4 by the plunger 26 is sequentially homogenized through the clarification tank 4B and the outflow tank 4A, and sent to the outflow nozzle 4a to perform the outflow operation.
[0060]
As described above, according to the present invention, the second melting tank 6 for melting the molten glass flowing out from the outflow portion 4a is connected to the first melting tank 4 for melting the glass material, and the second melting By displacing the liquid level of the tank 6, the molten glass is fed from the second melting tank 6 to the first melting tank 4, and the liquid level of the first melting tank is adjusted according to the outflow from the outflow portion. Thus, the uniformity of the outflow glass can be maintained by always maintaining the distance (glass liquid surface depth) between the glass outflow portion 4a and the glass liquid surface position 10A within a certain range.
[0061]
Furthermore, this invention provides the 2nd melting tank 6 which has the liquid level higher than the liquid level position 10A of the 1st melting tank 4 provided with the outflow part 4a, The liquid level of said 1st melting tank 4 The second liquid surface is displaced according to the signal of the means 20A for detecting 10A, and the molten glass is fed from the second melting tank to the first melting tank, so that the glass outflow portion is uniform. Molten glass could be obtained.
[0062]
Furthermore, the second melting tank 6 for charging and melting the glass material is connected to the first melting tank 4 for melting the molten glass flowing out from the outflow part, and the inside of the second melting tank 6 is moved forward and backward. Means 26 and 30 for feeding molten glass from the second melting tank 6 to the first melting tank 4 are provided, and the liquid level of the first melting tank 4 is adjusted by the feeding means. Thus, a glass with uniform homogeneity could be obtained.
[0063]
In addition, a second glass melting tank having a liquid level at a position higher than the liquid level of the first glass melting tank provided with the outflow portion is provided, and the first and second melting tanks are connected by a connecting means, According to the proposal of a glass outflow device that adjusts the liquid level of the first melting tank through the connecting means by displacing the liquid level of the second melting tank, the outflow glass is press-formed in the next step. Thus, an apparatus suitable for a production method for forming into an optical element shape could be proposed.
[0064]
Furthermore, the present invention connects a second glass melting tank having a glass outflow portion to a first melting tank for melting the charged glass material, and responds to a decrease in the molten glass in the second glass melting tank. By adjusting the volume in the second melting tank, it is possible to obtain the stability of the quality of the outflow glass by always adjusting the capacity of the molten glass in the first melting tank within a predetermined capacity range. It was.
[0065]
Next, an application example of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. In this example, the second liquid level adjusting means is arranged in the first melting tank of the first embodiment to improve the liquid level adjustment responsiveness of the outflow tank. Is intended.
[0066]
In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 1 denote parts having the same function, and the added parts will be described below.
[0067]
Reference numeral 40 denotes a second plunger, and the shaft portion 40A penetrates the shielding member so that the shaft portion 40A can move forward and backward in the clarification tank 4B of the first melting tank 4. Connected.
[0068]
A position detection sensor 44 detects the movement position of the second plunger 40 and is connected to the control means 46.
[0069]
The control means 46 connects signal lines of the position detection sensor 32 of the first plunger 26, the first and second motors 30 and 42, and the liquid level detection means 22.
[0070]
FIG. 6 is a control system block diagram of the apparatus of FIG.
[0071]
First, the first and second plungers 26 and 40 are set at the ascending position, the glass material is put into the second melting tank 6, and the molten glass is sequentially fed into the first melting tank, and the first and second The melting tank is filled with molten glass, and the temperature of each tank and the outflow nozzle 4a is controlled.
[0072]
After the temperature adjustment of the outflow nozzle 4a and the liquid level of the melting tank 4A are set to the initial height position, the molten glass is discharged and the forming glass is sequentially discharged.
[0073]
With the outflow of the glass in the melting tank 4A, the liquid surface position is lowered, thereby changing the outflow pressure of the glass of the outflow nozzle 4a.
[0074]
As the molten glass flows out, the liquid level of the molten glass in the first melting tank 4A descends, and when the outflow pressure does not affect the glass capacity, the lower limit position of the liquid level by the float member 20A is determined by the signal from the sensor 22. And the signal of the first melting tank liquid level control means 22E is input to the control means 46. The control means 46 activates the drive control means of the first motor 30 to lower the first plunger 26, and the second The molten glass in the melting tank 6 is sent into the first melting tank and the liquid level of the first melting tank 4 is raised.
[0075]
In the present apparatus, an operation signal for the second plunger 40 is output from the control means 46 on the basis of a signal from the liquid level position detection means 22 for quick recovery of the liquid level position in the first melting tank 4. As a result, the second plunger 40 is also lowered from the raised position by the drive control means 48 of the second motor 42, and the entry operation is performed into the clarification tank 4 </ b> B of the first melting tank 4.
[0076]
By this operation, the liquid level in the clarification tank 4B by the second plunger 40 in parallel with the rise in liquid level due to the feeding of the molten glass from the second melting tank 6 into the first melting tank by the operation of the first plunger 26. Ascending is performed, the liquid surface position of the melting tank 4A rapidly rises, a decrease in the liquid pressure in the melting tank 4A is prevented, and molten glass of a certain quality can be discharged from the outflow nozzle.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention can provide an outflow method in which the quality of the molten glass flowing out from the outflow portion is stable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an apparatus for carrying out the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram for controlling the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a control block diagram of operation control of the apparatus of FIG. 5;
[Explanation of symbols]
4 First Melting Tank 6 Second Melting Tank 8 Glass Flow Channel 10A Glass Liquid Level 12 Heating Means 20 Liquid Level Detection Means 22 Sensor 24 Control Means 26 Plunger

Claims (4)

Connected to the first melting tank that melts the molten glass that flows out from the outflow section, is held at a higher position than the molten glass liquid surface of the first melting tank, and the glass material is charged and melted. And according to the decrease of the molten glass in the first melting tank, the liquid level of the second melting tank is displaced , from the flow path installed near the predetermined liquid level in the second melting tank, overflow the molten glass feeding the molten glass into the first molten bath from said second molten bath by Rukoto, so as to perform the liquid level adjustment of the first molten bath in accordance with the outflow from the outflow portion A glass outflow method characterized by that. The molten glass is displaced from the second melting tank to the first melting tank by displacing the liquid level of the second melting tank in accordance with a signal from the means for detecting the liquid surface upper limit position of the first melting tank. The glass outflow method according to claim 1, wherein: A first melting tank for melting the molten glass flowing out from the outflow part, a second melting tank connected to a higher position than the molten glass liquid surface of the first melting tank, and charged with a glass material; The liquid level of the second melting tank is displaced, and the first glass is allowed to overflow from the second melting tank by causing the molten glass to overflow from a flow path installed near a predetermined liquid level in the second melting tank. A glass outflow apparatus, wherein molten glass is fed into a melting tank and the liquid level of the first melting tank is adjusted in accordance with the outflow from the outflow portion. A second glass melting tank having a liquid level at a position higher than the liquid level of the first glass melting tank provided with an outflow portion is provided, and the first and second melting tanks are connected by connecting means, and the second 4. The glass outflow device according to claim 3, wherein the liquid level of the first melting tank is adjusted via the connecting means by displacing the liquid level of the melting tank.

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