JP7552230B2 - Glass manufacturing apparatus and glass manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a glass manufacturing apparatus and a glass manufacturing method.

The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a melting device, a forming device, and an annealing device. The melting device melts glass raw materials to produce molten glass. The forming device forms the molten glass into a desired shape. The annealing device anneals the glass formed by the forming device. After that, the glass product is obtained.

The glass manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a conveying device. The conveying device is located between the melting device and the forming device, and conveys the molten glass. In addition to the conveying device, a fining device may be provided between the melting device and the forming device. The fining device removes air bubbles contained in the molten glass and clarifies the molten glass.

International Publication No. 2019/102895

Before glass production begins, the glass manufacturing equipment is heated to the operating temperature. During this process, each of the multiple devices that make up the glass manufacturing equipment thermally expands. Therefore, gaps are provided between the multiple devices to prevent them from interfering with each other. However, if the gaps are too large, the molten glass will leak. On the other hand, if the gaps are too small, adjacent devices will push against each other and break. If the device breaks, the molten glass will come into contact with surrounding bricks, etc., and the quality of the glass will decrease. In addition, the connection ports of adjacent devices may become misaligned in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the molten glass. This misalignment can cause stagnation in the flow of the molten glass, resulting in defects such as reams.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a technology that suppresses deterioration of glass quality.

A glass manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a melting device, a forming device, a conveying device, and a moving device. The melting device melts glass raw materials to produce molten glass. The forming device forms the molten glass produced by the melting device. The conveying device is located between the melting device and the forming device and conveys the molten glass. The moving device moves the position of the conveying device. The moving device includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the conveying device in both a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, deterioration of glass quality can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for making glass according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a melting device, a forming device, and a conveying device during glass production. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the melting device, the molding device, and the conveying device during heating. FIG. 5A is a side view showing an example of a moving device, and FIG. 5B is a top view of the moving device of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a side view showing another example of the moving device, and FIG. 6B is a top view of the moving device of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a side view showing an example of a second moving device, and FIG. 7B is a top view of a second horizontal adjustment mechanism of the second moving device of FIG. 7A.

Below, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, the same or corresponding configurations are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted. In each drawing, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are horizontal directions, and the Z-axis direction is vertical. The X-axis direction is the flow direction of the molten glass, and the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the molten glass.

First, a glass manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The glass manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a melting device 2, a conveying device 3, a forming device 4, an annealing device 5, and a processing device 6.

The melting device 2 melts glass raw materials to produce molten glass. The glass raw materials are prepared by mixing multiple types of materials. The glass raw materials may contain a fining agent. The fining agent is sulfur trioxide, chloride, or fluoride. The glass raw materials may contain glass cullet in order to recycle the glass. The glass raw materials may be powder raw materials or granulated raw materials obtained by granulating the powder raw materials. The glass raw materials are determined according to the composition of the glass.

The glass is, for example, alkali-free glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, etc. The alkali-free glass means glass that does not substantially contain alkali metal oxides such as Na ₂ O and K ₂ O. Here, "substantially not containing alkali metal oxides" means that the total content of alkali metal oxides is 0.1 mass% or less.

The alkali-free glass contains, for example, in mass % on an oxide basis, SiO ₂ : 54% to 66%, Al ₂ O ₃ : 10% to 23%, B ₂ O ₃ : 6% to 12%, and MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO: 8% to 26%.

In order to impart a high strain point to alkali-free glass, it is preferable that the glass contains, in mass % on an oxide basis, 54% to 68% SiO ₂ , 10% to 25% Al ₂ O ₃ , 0.1% to 5.5% B ₂ O ₃ , and 8% to 26% MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO.

The melting device 2 is of a continuous type, and continuously supplies glass raw materials and produces molten glass. The amount of glass raw materials fed per unit time is approximately the same as the amount of molten glass discharged per unit time.

The conveying device 3 is located between the melting device 2 and the forming device 4, and conveys the molten glass. Details of the conveying device 3 will be described later. In addition to the conveying device 3, a fining device 7 (see FIG. 3) may be provided between the melting device 2 and the forming device 4.

The fining device 7 removes bubbles contained in the molten glass obtained in the melting device 2 before the molten glass is formed in the forming device 4. The method for removing bubbles may be, for example, one or more methods selected from a method of reducing the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the molten glass and a method of heating the molten glass to a high temperature.

The forming device 4 forms the molten glass obtained in the melting device 2 into glass of the desired shape. Forming methods for obtaining plate-shaped glass include the float method, fusion method, and roll-out method. Forming methods for obtaining tubular glass include the Vello method and Danner method.

The annealing device 5 anneals the glass formed by the forming device 4. The annealing device 5 has, for example, an annealing furnace and transport rollers that transport the glass in the desired direction inside the annealing furnace. The transport rollers are arranged, for example, in a horizontal direction at intervals. The glass is annealed while being transported from the entrance to the exit of the annealing furnace. By annealing the glass, glass with little residual distortion can be obtained.

The processing device 6 processes the glass annealed by the annealing device 5 into a desired shape. The processing device 6 may be, for example, one or more selected from a cutting device, a grinding device, a polishing device, and a coating device. The cutting device cuts the glass annealed by the annealing device 5. The cutting device forms a scribe line on the glass annealed by the annealing device 5, for example, and breaks the glass along the scribe line. The scribe line is formed using a cutter or a laser beam. The grinding device grinds the glass annealed by the annealing device 5. The polishing device polishes the glass annealed by the annealing device 5. The coating device forms a desired film on the glass annealed by the annealing device 5.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the glass manufacturing method according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the glass manufacturing method includes melting (step S11), transporting (step S12), forming (step S13), annealing (step S14), and processing (step S15). The melting device 2 performs melting (step S11), the forming device 4 performs forming (step S13), the annealing device 5 performs annealing (step S14), and the processing device 6 performs processing (step S15).

The glass manufacturing method may further include fining. Fining is the removal of air bubbles contained in the molten glass, and is carried out after melting (step S11) and before forming (step S13). Fining is carried out, for example, during transportation (step S12).

Next, the conveying device 3 and the like will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The glass manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a plurality of conveying devices 3A-3E between the melting device 2 and the forming device 4. The glass manufacturing apparatus 1 also includes a plurality of moving devices 8A-8E that individually move the plurality of conveying devices 3A-3E. The moving device 8A, which will be described in detail later, adjusts the position of the conveying device 3A in both a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) different from the first horizontal direction. The moving device 8A also adjusts the position of the conveying device 3A in the vertical direction. The same applies to the other moving devices 8B-8E.

As shown in FIG. 4, when heating, a gap is formed between the melting device 2 and the conveying device 3A. Also, when heating, a gap is formed between adjacent conveying devices (e.g., conveying device 3A and conveying device 3B). When heating, the molten glass G is not conveyed, so even if the gap is large, the molten glass G will not leak out. This prevents interference between devices and damage to the devices. As a result, when glass is manufactured, it is possible to prevent the molten glass G from coming into contact with the insulating bricks and the like provided around the conduits 31A-31D and lip 37E described below, which would cause foreign matter to be mixed into the molten glass G, and thus prevent a deterioration in the quality of the glass.

After the heating is completed and before glass production begins, the gap between the melting device 2 and the conveying device 3A is narrowed in the X-axis direction to the extent that the molten glass G does not leak out. Similarly, the gap between adjacent conveying devices (e.g., conveying device 3A and conveying device 3B) is narrowed in the X-axis direction. These gaps may be narrowed to zero.

However, due to heating, the connection ports of adjacent devices may become misaligned in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the molten glass G (for example, in the Y-axis or Z-axis direction). If this misalignment is left unchecked and glass production is started, stagnation may occur in the flow of the molten glass G, resulting in defects such as reams.

Therefore, in this embodiment, after the end of heating and before the start of glass production, the conveying device 3A is moved in the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction relative to the melting device 2. Similarly, adjacent conveying devices (e.g., conveying device 3A and conveying device 3B) are moved relative to each other in the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction. In addition, the conveying device 3E is moved in the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction relative to the forming device 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the conveying devices 3A to 3E then convey the molten glass G from the melting device 2 to the forming device 4, and glass production begins. Because the connection ports of adjacent devices are aligned in advance, stagnation in the flow of the molten glass G can be prevented, and defects such as reams can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 3, a clarification device 7 may be provided between the melting device 2 and the molding device 4. The clarification device 7 is disposed, for example, between the conveying devices 3A-3B and the conveying devices 3C-3E. Below, various devices located between the melting device 2 and the molding device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

The conveying device 3A includes a conduit 31A for conveying the molten glass G. The conduit 31A forms a flow path for the molten glass G and guides the molten glass G in a desired direction. The conduit 31A is made of, for example, metal. The molten glass G can be heated by passing electricity through the metal conduit 31A.

The conduit 31A may be formed of a metal including one or more selected from platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), tungsten (W), iridium (Ir), and molybdenum (Mo). Metals include alloys. Pt, Rh, W, Ir, and Mo have excellent corrosion resistance against the molten glass G.

The conduit 31A may be made of firebricks. Electrocast firebricks are preferably used because they have excellent heat resistance and corrosion resistance against the molten glass G. A heating device is provided around the conduit 31A to heat the molten glass G. The other conduits 31B to 31D are similar.

The conduit 31A includes, for example, a vertical pipe 32A that opens upward and two horizontal pipes 33A and 34A. A stirring blade 101A of a stirring device 100A is inserted into the vertical pipe 32A from above. The stirring device 100A stirs and homogenizes the molten glass G inside the vertical pipe 32A. The vertical pipe 32A is provided between the two horizontal pipes 33A and 34A. The horizontal pipe 33A sends the molten glass G from the melting device 2 to the vertical pipe 32A. The horizontal pipe 34A sends the molten glass G from the vertical pipe 32A to the horizontal pipe 33B of another conveying device 3B.

The conveying device 3A includes an insulating member 35A that keeps the conduit 31A warm, and a support member 36A that supports the conduit 31A via the insulating member 35A. The insulating member 35A is made of ceramics such as insulating bricks. The support member 36A is, but is not limited to, a mesh cage, for example, that surrounds the insulating member 35A and groups the multiple insulating bricks that make up the insulating member 35A into a desired shape.

The conveying device 3B, like the conveying device 3A, includes a conduit 31B for sending molten glass G. The conduit 31B includes, for example, a vertical pipe 32B that opens upward and a horizontal pipe 33B. The riser pipe 72 of the fining device 7, which will be described later, is inserted into the vertical pipe 32B from above. The horizontal pipe 33B sends molten glass G from the horizontal pipe 34A of the conveying device 3B to the vertical pipe 32B. Like the conveying device 3A, the conveying device 3B may include an insulating member 35B that keeps the conduit 31B warm, and may further include a support member 36B that supports the conduit 31B via the insulating member 35B.

The clarifier 7 includes, for example, a vacuum degassing tank 71, an ascending pipe 72, and a descending pipe 73. The vacuum degassing tank 71 degasses the molten glass G. The space above the vacuum degassing tank 71 is depressurized to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The ascending pipe 72 is inserted from above into the vertical pipe 32B of the conveying device 3B, and the pressure difference causes the molten glass G to rise from the vertical pipe 32B to the vacuum degassing tank 71. On the other hand, the descending pipe 73 is inserted from above into the vertical pipe 32C of the conveying device 3C, and the pressure difference causes the molten glass G to fall from the vacuum degassing tank 71 to the vertical pipe 32C.

The conveying device 3C, like the conveying device 3A, includes a conduit 31C for sending molten glass G. The conduit 31C includes, for example, a vertical pipe 32C that opens upward and a horizontal pipe 34C. A downcomer pipe 73 of the fining device 7 is inserted into the vertical pipe 32C from above. The horizontal pipe 34C sends molten glass G from the vertical pipe 32C to a horizontal pipe 33D of another conveying device 3D. Like the conveying device 3A, the conveying device 3C may include an insulating member 35C that keeps the conduit 31C warm, and may further include a support member 36C that supports the conduit 31C via the insulating member 35C.

The conveying device 3D includes a conduit 31D for conveying molten glass G, similar to the conveying device 3A. The conduit 31D includes, for example, a vertical pipe 32D that opens upward, and two horizontal pipes 33D and 34D. The stirring blade 101B of the stirring device 100B is inserted into the vertical pipe 32D from above. The stirring device 100B stirs and homogenizes the molten glass G inside the vertical pipe 32D. The vertical pipe 32D is provided between the two horizontal pipes 33D and 34D. The horizontal pipe 33D conveys molten glass G from the horizontal pipe 34C of the conveying device 3C to the vertical pipe 32D. The horizontal pipe 34D conveys molten glass G from the vertical pipe 32D to another conveying device 3E. Like the conveying device 3A, the conveying device 3D may include a heat insulating member 35D that keeps the conduit 31D warm, and may further include a support member 36D that supports the conduit 31D via the heat insulating member 35D.

The conveying device 3E differs from the other conveying devices 3A to 3D in that it does not include a conduit for conveying the molten glass G, but instead includes a lip 37E that continuously supplies the molten glass G onto the molten metal M. In this case, the forming device 4 forms the molten glass G into a band-shaped glass ribbon by a float method. The forming device 4 includes a float bath 41 that contains the molten metal M. The conveying device 3E includes a twill 38E that adjusts the flow rate of the molten glass G flowing over the lip 37E. The larger the gap between the twill 38E and the lip 37E, the greater the flow rate of the molten glass G.

As mentioned above, the molding method is not limited to the float method. Also, as mentioned above, the fining method is not limited to the vacuum degassing method. Furthermore, the conduits 31A to 31D are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3. For example, the conduits 31A to 31D may include oblique tubes that are inclined relative to the horizontal plane. Also, the vertical positions of the horizontal tubes 33A and 34A may be different. The same applies to the horizontal tubes 33D and 34D.

Next, the moving device 8A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The other moving devices 8B to 8E are configured similarly to the moving device 8A shown in FIG. 5, and therefore will not be illustrated or described. The moving device 8A includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism 81. The horizontal adjustment mechanism 81 adjusts the position of the transport device 3A in both the first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the first horizontal direction is the X-axis direction and the second horizontal direction is the Y-axis direction, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. By adjusting the position of the conveying device 3A in two different horizontal directions, a gap can be formed to prevent interference during heating, and the misalignment between the connection ports can be reduced after heating is completed and before glass production begins.

The horizontal adjustment mechanism 81 includes, for example, a first unit 82 that adjusts the position of the transport device 3A in the X-axis direction. The horizontal adjustment mechanism 81 also includes a second unit 83 that adjusts the position of the transport device 3A in the Y-axis direction. The position of the transport device 3A in the X-axis direction and the position of the transport device 3A in the Y-axis direction can be adjusted separately.

The first unit 82 includes, for example, a bolt 82a and nuts 82b and 82c that are rotatably coupled to the bolt 82a. The axial direction of the bolt 82a is the X-axis direction. The first unit 82 moves the conveying device 3A in the X-axis direction by rotating the bolt 82a or the nuts 82b and 82c.

For example, nuts 82b and 82c are in contact with a fixed part 11 that is fixed to the building floor Fr, and are arranged on either side of the fixed part 11. The bolt 82a is connected to the transport device 3A via an L-shaped angle 84 and a second unit 83. The bolt 82a is fixed to the L-shaped angle 84 by welding or the like.

In this case, the worker or the work robot moves the conveying device 3A in the X-axis direction by rotating the nuts 82b and 82c. To move the conveying device 3A in the negative direction of the X-axis, first loosen the nut 82c, then rotate the nut 82b, and move the bolt 82a in the negative direction of the X-axis. On the other hand, to move the conveying device 3A in the positive direction of the X-axis, first loosen the nut 82b, then rotate the nut 82c, and move the bolt 82a in the positive direction of the X-axis. The worker or the work robot then tightens the nuts 82b and 82c to limit the movement of the conveying device 3A in the X-axis direction. The nuts 82b and 82c may be welded to limit the movement.

The combination of the operations of the bolt 82a and the nuts 82b and 82c is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the conveying device 3A can be moved in the X-axis direction, and the nuts 82b and 82c may be moved by rotating the nuts 82b and 82c, the nuts 82b and 82c may be moved by rotating the bolt 82a, or the bolt 82a may be moved by rotating the bolt 82a.

The first units 82 are provided, for example, at the four corners of the conveying device 3A when viewed from above. The number and positions of the first units 82 are not particularly limited. The structure of the first units 82 is also not particularly limited, and for example, a hydraulic cylinder may be used as the first units 82.

The second unit 83 includes, for example, a bolt 83a and nuts 83b and 83c that are rotatably coupled to the bolt 83a. The axial direction of the bolt 83a is the Y-axis direction. The second unit 83 moves the conveying device 3A in the Y-axis direction by rotating the bolt 83a or the nuts 83b and 83c.

For example, nuts 83b and 83c are in contact with L-shaped angle 84 and are arranged on either side of L-shaped angle 84. Bolt 83a is fixed to conveying device 3A by welding or the like.

In this case, the worker or the work robot moves the conveying device 3A in the Y-axis direction by rotating nuts 83b and 83c. To move the conveying device 3A in the positive direction of the Y-axis, first loosen nut 83c, then rotate nut 83b, and move bolt 83a in the positive direction of the Y-axis. On the other hand, to move the conveying device 3A in the negative direction of the Y-axis, first loosen nut 83b, then rotate nut 83c, and move bolt 83a in the negative direction of the Y-axis. After that, the worker or the work robot tightens nuts 83b and 83c to limit the movement of the conveying device 3A in the Y-axis direction. Nuts 83b and 83c may be welded to limit the movement.

The combination of the operations of the bolt 83a and the nuts 83b and 83c is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the conveying device 3A can be moved in the Y-axis direction, and the nuts 83b and 83c may be moved by rotating the nuts 83b and 83c, the nuts 83b and 83c may be moved by rotating the bolt 83a, or the bolt 83a may be moved by rotating the bolt 83a.

The second units 83 are provided, for example, at the four corners of the conveying device 3A when viewed from above. The number and positions of the second units 83 are not particularly limited. The structure of the second units 83 is also not particularly limited, and for example, a hydraulic cylinder may be used as the second units 83.

The moving device 8A includes a first measuring device 85 used to measure the position of the conveying device 3A in the X-axis direction. The moving device 8A also includes a second measuring device 86 used to measure the position of the conveying device 3A in the Y-axis direction. The first measuring device 85 and the second measuring device 86 are, for example, laser displacement meters. The first measuring device 85 and the second measuring device 86 may be simple scales. A scale has graduations that indicate a position. The first measuring device 85 and the second measuring device 86 are provided, for example, at the four corners of the conveying device 3A when viewed from above. Note that the number and positions of the first measuring devices 85 are not particularly limited. The number and positions of the second measuring devices 86 are not particularly limited.

The worker or the work robot uses the first measuring device 85 and the second measuring device 86 to measure the position of the transport device 3A in the X-axis direction and the position of the transport device 3A in the Y-axis direction. By measuring these positions before and after the movement of the transport device 3A, the amount of movement can be managed. It is also possible to return the transport device 3A to its original position after the movement of the transport device 3A.

The moving device 8A includes a rolling body between the transport device 3A and the floor Fr. In this embodiment, a first roller 87a and a second roller 88a are used as the rolling body, as described later, but balls may also be used. The balls can roll two-dimensionally. The moving device 8A may further include a guide rail that guides the rolling body. By disposing the rolling body between the transport device 3A and the floor Fr, friction can be reduced and the transport device 3A can be easily moved.

For example, the moving device 8A includes a first roller 87a that rolls in the X-axis direction, a first holder 87b that rotatably holds the first roller 87a, and a first jack 87c that changes the height of the conveying device 3A relative to the first holder 87b. The center line of rotation of the first roller 87a is the Y-axis direction. The first roller 87a contacts the floor Fr and rolls. The first jack 87c is a pantograph-type screw jack, but may be a screw jack of a type other than the pantograph type, a hydraulic jack, or an air jack.

When moving the transport device 3A in the X-axis direction, the worker or the work robot adjusts the height of the transport device 3A in advance using the first jack 87c so that the first roller 87a comes into contact with the floor Fr and neither the second roller 88a nor the vertical adjustment mechanism 89 described below comes into contact with the floor Fr. The worker or the work robot then uses the first unit 82 to move the transport device 3A in the X-axis direction. At that time, the first roller 87a rolls while in contact with the floor Fr.

The moving device 8A also includes a second roller 88a that rolls in the Y-axis direction, a second holder 88b that rotatably holds the second roller 88a, and a second jack 88c that changes the height of the transport device 3A relative to the second holder 88b. The center line of rotation of the second roller 88a is the X-axis direction. The second roller 88a contacts the floor Fr and rolls. The second jack 88c is a pantograph-type screw jack, but may be a screw jack of a type other than the pantograph type, a hydraulic jack, or an air jack.

When moving the transport device 3A in the Y-axis direction, the worker or the work robot adjusts the height of the transport device 3A in advance using the second jack 88c so that the second roller 88a comes into contact with the floor Fr and neither the first roller 87a nor the vertical adjustment mechanism 89 comes into contact with the floor Fr. The worker or the work robot then uses the second unit 83 to move the transport device 3A in the Y-axis direction. At that time, the second roller 88a rolls while in contact with the floor Fr.

The moving device 8A includes a vertical adjustment mechanism 89 that adjusts the position of the conveying device 3A in the vertical direction. The vertical adjustment mechanism 89 includes, for example, a screw jack, but may also include a hydraulic jack or an air jack. By adjusting the position of the conveying device 3A in the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce the misalignment between the connection ports after the end of heating and before the start of glass production.

The vertical adjustment mechanism 89 includes, for example, a bolt 89a and nuts 89b and 89c that are rotatably coupled to the bolt 89a. The axial direction of the bolt 89a is the Z-axis direction. The vertical adjustment mechanism 89 moves the conveying device 3A in the Z-axis direction by rotating the bolt 89a or the nuts 89b and 89c.

For example, the bolt 89a is placed on the floor Fr of the building. Then, a horizontal fixing piece 90 is placed on the nut 89b. The fixing piece 90 is fixed to the conveying device 3A by welding or the like. The nuts 89b and 89c are arranged with the fixing piece 90 in between.

In this case, the worker or the work robot moves the conveying device 3A in the Z-axis direction by rotating the nuts 89b and 89c. To move the conveying device 3A in the positive direction of the Z-axis, first loosen the upper nut 89c, then rotate the lower nut 89b, and move the nut 89b in the positive direction of the Z-axis. On the other hand, to move the conveying device 3A in the negative direction of the Z-axis, rotate the lower nut 89b, and move the nut 89b in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The worker or the work robot then tightens the nut 89c to limit the movement of the conveying device 3A in the Z-axis direction. The nuts 89b and 89c may be welded to limit the movement.

The combination of the operations of the bolt 89a and the nuts 89b and 89c is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the conveying device 3A can be moved in the Z-axis direction, and the bolt 89a may be moved by rotating the nuts 89b and 89c, or the nuts 89b and 89c may be moved by rotating the bolt 89a, or the bolt 89a may be moved by rotating the bolt 89a.

The vertical adjustment mechanisms 89 are provided, for example, at the four corners of the conveying device 3A when viewed from above. The number and positions of the vertical adjustment mechanisms 89 are not particularly limited. The structure of the vertical adjustment mechanisms 89 is also not particularly limited, and for example, the first jack 87c or the second jack 88c may be used as the vertical adjustment mechanism 89.

The moving device 8A includes a third measuring device 91 used to measure the position of the conveying device 3A in the Z-axis direction. The third measuring device 91 is, for example, a laser displacement meter. The third measuring device 91 may also be a simple scale. The third measuring device 91 is provided, for example, at the four corners of the conveying device 3A when viewed from above. The number and positions of the third measuring devices 91 are not particularly limited.

The worker or the work robot uses the third measuring device 91 to measure the position of the transport device 3A in the Z-axis direction. If this position is measured before and after the transport device 3A moves, the amount of movement can be managed. It is also possible to return the transport device 3A to its original position after the transport device 3A moves.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, a moving device 8A according to a modified example will be described. The other moving devices 8B to 8E may be configured similarly to the moving device 8A shown in FIG. 6. In the above embodiment, both the first roller 87a and the second roller 88a contact the floor Fr, whereas in this modified example, only the second roller 88a contacts the floor Fr. Note that only the first roller 87a may contact the floor. Below, the differences between this modified example and the above embodiment will be mainly described.

In this modified example, the first horizontal direction is the X-axis direction and the second horizontal direction is the Y-axis direction, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. By adjusting the position of the conveying device 3A in two different horizontal directions, a gap can be formed to prevent interference during heating, and the misalignment between the connection ports can be reduced after heating is completed and before glass production begins.

The second unit 83 includes, for example, a bolt 83a and nuts 83b and 83c. For example, the nuts 83b and 83c are in contact with the fixed part 11 fixed to the floor Fr of the building, and are arranged on either side of the fixed part 11. The bolt 83a is connected to the conveying device 3A via the Y-axis direction movable plate 92, the X-axis direction movable plate 93, and the jack 94. The axial direction of the bolt 83a is the Y-axis direction. The bolt 83a is fixed to the vertical part 92a of the Y-axis direction movable plate 92 by welding or the like. The second holder 88b is fixed to the lower surface of the horizontal part 92b of the Y-axis direction movable plate 92. The second holder 88b rotatably holds the second roller 88a. The center line of rotation of the second roller 88a is the X-axis direction. The second roller 88a contacts the floor Fr and rolls.

In this case, the worker or the work robot moves the conveying device 3A in the Y-axis direction by rotating the nuts 83b and 83c. To move the conveying device 3A in the negative direction of the Y-axis, first loosen the nut 83b, then rotate the nut 83c, and move the bolt 83a in the negative direction of the Y-axis. On the other hand, to move the conveying device 3A in the positive direction of the Y-axis, first loosen the nut 83c, then rotate the nut 83b, and move the bolt 83a in the positive direction of the Y-axis. After that, the worker or the work robot tightens the nuts 83b and 83c to restrict the movement of the conveying device 3A in the Y-axis direction. The nuts 83b and 83c may be welded to restrict the movement. The combination of the operations of the bolt 83a and the nuts 83b and 83c is not particularly limited.

The first unit 82 includes, for example, a bolt 82a and nuts 82b and 82c. For example, the bolt 82a is fixed to the vertical portion 92c of the Y-axis direction movable plate 92 by welding or the like. The axial direction of the bolt 82a is the X-axis direction. The nuts 82b and 82c are in contact with the vertical portion 93a of the X-axis direction movable plate 93 and are arranged with the vertical portion 93a in between. A first holder 87b is fixed to the lower surface of the horizontal portion 93b of the X-axis direction movable plate 93. The first holder 87b rotatably holds the first roller 87a. The center line of rotation of the first roller 87a is the Y-axis direction. The first roller 87a contacts the upper surface of the horizontal portion 92b of the Y-axis direction movable plate 92 and rolls.

In this case, the worker or the work robot moves the conveying device 3A in the X-axis direction by rotating the nuts 82b and 82c. To move the conveying device 3A in the positive direction of the X-axis, first loosen the nut 82c, then rotate the nut 82b, and move the nut 82b in the positive direction of the X-axis. On the other hand, to move the conveying device 3A in the negative direction of the X-axis, first loosen the nut 82b, then rotate the nut 82c, and move the nut 82c in the negative direction of the X-axis. After that, the worker or the work robot tightens the nuts 82b and 82c to restrict the movement of the conveying device 3A in the X-axis direction. The nuts 82b and 82c may be welded to restrict the movement. The combination of the operations of the bolt 82a and the nuts 82b and 82c is not particularly limited.

The jack 94 is located between the X-axis direction movable plate 93 and the transport device 3A, and changes the height of the transport device 3A relative to the X-axis direction movable plate 93. With the vertical adjustment mechanism 89 separated from the floor Fr, the transport device 3A can be moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The jack 94 is a pantograph-type screw jack, but may be a screw jack of a type other than the pantograph type, a hydraulic jack, or an air jack.

The moving device 8A may include a vertical adjustment mechanism 89. The vertical adjustment mechanism 89 adjusts the position of the conveying device 3A in the vertical direction. The vertical adjustment mechanism 89 includes, for example, a screw jack, but may also include a hydraulic jack or an air jack. By adjusting the position of the conveying device 3A in the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce the misalignment between the connection ports after the end of heating and before the start of glass production.

The vertical adjustment mechanism 89 includes, for example, a bolt 89a and nuts 89b and 89c. The axial direction of the bolt 89a is the Z-axis direction. For example, the bolt 89a is placed on the floor Fr of the building. A horizontal fixed piece 90 is placed on the nut 89b. The fixed piece 90 is fixed to the transport device 3A by welding or the like. The nuts 89b and 89c are arranged to sandwich the fixed piece 90.

In this case, the worker or the robot moves the conveying device 3A in the Z-axis direction by rotating the nuts 89b and 89c. To move the conveying device 3A in the positive direction of the Z-axis, first loosen the upper nut 89c, then rotate the lower nut 89b, and move the nut 89b in the positive direction of the Z-axis. On the other hand, to move the conveying device 3A in the negative direction of the Z-axis, rotate the lower nut 89b, and move the nut 89b in the negative direction of the Z-axis. After that, the worker or the robot tightens the nut 89c to limit the movement of the conveying device 3A in the Z-axis direction. The nuts 89b and 89c may be welded to limit the movement. The combination of the operations of the bolt 89a and the nuts 89b and 89c is not particularly limited. A jack 94 may be used as the vertical adjustment mechanism 89.

In the above embodiment and modified example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, after the heat-up is completed, the agitator blade 101A of the agitator 100A is inserted from above into the vertical pipe 32A of the transport device 3A. Similarly, after the heat-up is completed, the agitator blade 101B of the agitator 100B is inserted from above into the vertical pipe 32D of the transport device 3D.

As shown in FIG. 7, the glass manufacturing apparatus 1 is provided with a second moving device 110A that moves the position of the stirring device 100A. Although not shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 1 also has a second moving device that moves the position of the stirring device 100B. This second moving device is configured similarly to the second moving device 110A, so illustration and description are omitted. Below, the second moving device 110A will be described with reference to FIG. 7, but first, the stirring device 100A will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7(A), the stirring device 100A includes a stirring blade 101A for stirring the molten glass G inside the vertical tube 32A of the transport device 3A, a rotating shaft 102A to the lower end of which the stirring blade 101A is attached, a motor 103A for rotating the rotating shaft 102A, and a stand 104A on which the motor 103A is placed. The rotating shaft 102A passes through a through hole in the stand 104A and extends below the stand 104A. The stirring blade 101A is attached to its lower end. Note that the second horizontal adjustment mechanism 111 in FIG. 7(B) is not shown in FIG. 7(A).

As shown in FIG. 7B, the second moving device 110A includes a second horizontal adjustment mechanism 111. The second horizontal adjustment mechanism 111 adjusts the position of the stirring device 100A in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. After the heating is completed and before the glass production starts, the stirring device 100A can be moved to an appropriate position in accordance with the movement of the vertical tube 32A of the conveying device 3A.

The second horizontal adjustment mechanism 111 includes, for example, a first unit 112 that adjusts the position of the agitator 100A in the X-axis direction. The second horizontal adjustment mechanism 111 also includes a second unit 113 that adjusts the position of the agitator 100A in the Y-axis direction. The position of the agitator 100A in the X-axis direction and the position of the agitator 100A in the Y-axis direction can be adjusted separately.

The first unit 112 includes, for example, a bolt 112a and a nut 112b that is rotatably coupled to the bolt 112a. The axial direction of the bolt 112a is the X-axis direction. The first unit 112 moves the agitator 100A in the X-axis direction by rotating the bolt 112a or the nut 112b.

For example, the nut 112b is fixed to an L-shaped angle 122 fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 121. The nut 112b is provided separately from the L-shaped angle 122, but may be provided as part of the L-shaped angle 122. The tip of the bolt 112a is pressed against the stand 104A of the agitator 100A. The stand 104A is placed on the upper surface of the base plate 121 so as to be freely movable.

In this case, when a worker or a work robot rotates the bolt 112a, the bolt 112a moves in the X-axis direction, and as a result, the agitator 100A moves in the X-axis direction. The position of the agitator 100A in the X-axis direction can be managed by the amount of rotation of the bolt 112a.

The combination of the movements of the bolt 112a and the nut 112b is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the agitator 100A can be moved in the X-axis direction, and the nut 112b may be moved by rotating the bolt 112a, or the bolt 112a may be moved by rotating the nut 112b, or the nut 112b may be moved by rotating the nut 112b.

The first units 112 are provided, for example, at the four corners of the stand 104A of the agitator 100A when viewed from above. The number and positions of the first units 112 are not particularly limited. The structure of the first units 112 is also not particularly limited, and for example, a hydraulic cylinder may be used as the first units 112.

The second unit 113 includes, for example, a bolt 113a and a nut 113b that is rotatably connected to the bolt 113a. The axial direction of the bolt 113a is the Y-axis direction. The second unit 113 moves the agitator 100A in the Y-axis direction by rotating the bolt 113a or the nut 113b.

For example, the nut 113b is fixed to an L-shaped angle 122 fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 121. The nut 113b is provided separately from the L-shaped angle 122, but may be provided as part of the L-shaped angle 122. The tip of the bolt 113a is pressed against the stand 104A of the agitator 100A.

In this case, when a worker or a work robot rotates the bolt 113a, the bolt 113a moves in the Y-axis direction, and as a result, the agitator 100A moves in the Y-axis direction. The position of the agitator 100A in the Y-axis direction can be managed by the amount of rotation of the bolt 113a.

The combination of the movements of the bolt 113a and the nut 113b is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the agitator 100A can be moved in the Y-axis direction, and the nut 113b may be moved by rotating the bolt 113a, or the bolt 113a may be moved by rotating the nut 113b, or the nut 113b may be moved by rotating the nut 113b.

The second units 113 are provided, for example, at the four corners of the stand 104A of the agitator 100A when viewed from above. The number and positions of the second units 113 are not particularly limited. The structure of the second units 113 is also not particularly limited, and for example, a hydraulic cylinder may be used as the second units 113.

The second moving device 110A includes a measuring device 131 used to measure the position of the agitating device 100A in the X-axis direction. The second moving device 110A also includes a measuring device 132 used to measure the position of the agitating device 100A in the Y-axis direction. The measuring devices 131 and 132 are, for example, laser displacement meters. The measuring devices 131 and 132 may also be simple scales.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the second moving device 110A may include a second vertical adjustment mechanism 118. The second vertical adjustment mechanism 118 adjusts the position of the stirring device 100A in the vertical direction. After the end of heating and before the start of glass production, the stirring device 100A can be moved to an appropriate position in accordance with the movement of the vertical tube 32A of the conveying device 3A.

The second vertical adjustment mechanism 118 includes, for example, a bolt 118a and a nut 118b. The axial direction of the bolt 118a is the Z-axis direction. For example, the lower end of the bolt 118a is fixed to the base plate 121. The nut 118b is fixed to the first bevel gear 118c. The first bevel gear 118c is meshed with the second bevel gear 118d. The rotation center line of the first bevel gear 118c is the Z-axis direction, and the rotation center line of the second bevel gear 118d is the X-axis direction. The rotation center line of the second bevel gear 118d may be the Y-axis direction. The first bevel gear 118c and the second bevel gear 118d change their rotation center lines by 90°. The second bevel gear 118d rotates together with the sprocket 118e. The sprocket 118e is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft fixed to the building. An endless chain 118f is looped around the sprocket 118e.

In this case, when the worker or working robot pulls down the chain 118f, the sprocket 118e rotates, causing the second bevel gear 118d, the first bevel gear 118c, and the nut 118b to rotate, and the bolt 118a moves in the Z-axis direction, resulting in the agitator 100A moving in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis position of the agitator 100A can be controlled by the amount of rotation of the nut 118b. Note that there are no particular limitations on the combination of the operations of the bolt 118a and the nut 118b. Also, a jack may be used as the second vertical adjustment mechanism 118.

The second moving device 110A includes a measuring device 133 used to measure the position of the stirring device 100A in the Z-axis direction. The measuring device 133 is, for example, a laser displacement meter. The measuring device 133 may also be a simple scale.

The glass manufacturing apparatus and glass manufacturing method according to the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations are possible within the scope of the claims. Naturally, these also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

1 Glass manufacturing device 2 Melting device 3 Conveying device 4 Forming device 8A to 8E Moving device 81 Horizontal adjustment mechanism G Molten glass

Claims (16)

A melting apparatus for melting glass raw materials to produce molten glass;
a forming device for forming the molten glass produced in the melting device;
a conveying device located between the melting device and the forming device, the conveying device conveying the molten glass;
a moving device that moves the position of the transport device,
The moving device includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the conveying device in both a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the horizontal adjustment mechanism includes a first unit that adjusts the position of the transport device in the first horizontal direction and a second unit that adjusts the position of the transport device in the second horizontal direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first unit includes a bolt and a nut coupled to the bolt so as to be rotatable relative to the bolt, and the conveying device is moved in the first horizontal direction by rotation of the bolt or the nut. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first unit includes two of the nuts, and the two nuts limit the movement of the conveying device in the first horizontal direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the moving device includes a first measuring device used to measure the position of the transport device in the first horizontal direction, and a second measuring device used to measure the position of the transport device in the second horizontal direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the moving device includes a rolling element between the conveying device and the floor. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the moving device includes a vertical adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the conveying device in the vertical direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the vertical adjustment mechanism includes a jack. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the conveying device includes a conduit for conveying the molten glass. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the conduit includes a vertical tube that is open upward. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a stirring device for stirring the molten glass inside the vertical tube. A second moving device is provided for moving the position of the stirring device,
12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second moving device includes a second horizontal adjustment mechanism that adjusts a position of the stirring device in both the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the second moving device includes a second vertical adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the stirring device in the vertical direction. a fining device located between the melting device and the forming device for fining the molten glass,
the fining device includes a vacuum degassing vessel for degassing the molten glass under reduced pressure, an uprising pipe for raising the molten glass to the vacuum degassing vessel, and a downcomer pipe for lowering the molten glass from the vacuum degassing vessel,
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the riser pipe or the downcomer pipe is inserted into the vertical pipe. The forming apparatus includes a float bath for containing molten metal;
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the conveying device includes a lip that supplies the molten glass onto the molten metal contained in the float bath. A glass manufacturing method for manufacturing glass using the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
and adjusting a position of the transport device in both the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction with the horizontal adjustment mechanism.

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