JP2019516658A - Glass manufacturing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a first opening extending through the first housing, a second opening extending through a second housing disposed within the first housing, and a second opening. And a vessel for containing the molten material. The first opening and the second opening define an insertion path from the outside of the first housing to the inside of the second housing. Furthermore, the glass manufacturing apparatus further comprises a third opening extending away from the first opening and extending through the first housing, a shaft located in the third opening, and a shaft And a closure comprising a projection oriented to selectively close the second opening. In a further embodiment, a method of sealing an opening in a glass manufacturing apparatus comprises the steps of measuring the attributes of the vessel with the apparatus, removing the apparatus from the opening, and sealing the opening with a seal. May be included.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

  This application claims the benefit of priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 340,622, filed May 24, 2016, under 35 USC 特許 119 (e).

  The present disclosure relates generally to glass manufacturing methods and devices, and more particularly to methods and devices for sealing an opening in a glass manufacturing device with a seal.

  It is known to manufacture glass using glass manufacturing equipment. Furthermore, it is also known to measure the temperature of a glass manufacturing apparatus with a thermocouple.

  The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some example embodiments described in the Detailed Description.

  In some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus is disposed within a first enclosure, a second enclosure disposed within the first enclosure, and a second enclosure to accommodate the molten material. And the tank. The glass manufacturing apparatus may also include a first opening extending through the first housing and a second opening extending through the second housing. The first opening and the second opening define an insertion path from the outside of the first housing to the inside of the second housing. The glass manufacturing apparatus may also include a third opening spaced apart from the first opening and extending through the first housing. The glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a stem located within the third opening, and a closure including a protrusion oriented from the stem to selectively seal the second opening. .

  In some embodiments, the vat may include a groove and a shaped wedge having a pair of downwardly sloping and converging surfaces at the root of the vat.

  In some embodiments, the seal may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the stem.

  In some embodiments, the protrusion of the closure may be located between the first housing and the second housing.

  In some embodiments, the protrusion of the closure may be directed to selectively abut the outer surface of the second housing along a path surrounding the second opening.

  In some embodiments, the second opening may be spaced a distance from the inner surface of the first housing.

  In some embodiments, the insertion path can include a linear axis extending from the first opening to the second opening.

  In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may include a cover disposed outside the first housing, and the cover may be oriented to seal the third opening.

  In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus can include a spring that is oriented to bias the shroud toward the first housing.

  In some embodiments, the shroud can engage the stem of the closure.

  In some embodiments, the seal may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the stem, at least partially based on the corresponding rotation of the shroud.

  In some embodiments, a method of sealing an opening of a glass manufacturing apparatus includes an apparatus for inserting the apparatus from the outside of the first housing into the inside of the second housing disposed in the first housing. Along a first opening of the first housing and a second opening of the second housing. The method comprises the steps of: measuring an attribute of a vessel containing a molten material, disposed within the second housing, using an apparatus; removing the apparatus from the second opening; Sealing the opening with a seal.

  In some embodiments, the device can be a thermocouple.

  In some embodiments, the attribute may be temperature.

  In some embodiments, the step of measuring the attribute may be performed without containing the molten material in the bath.

  In some embodiments, after measuring the attributes of the vessel, including the step of containing the molten material in the vessel may be included.

  In some embodiments, the step of sealing the second opening may be performed without containing the molten material in the bath.

  In some embodiments, the method may include removing the device from the first and second openings and then sealing the first opening.

  In some embodiments, sealing the second opening may include rotating the seal.

  In some embodiments, the closure may be rotated by rotating a shroud disposed outside the first housing.

  In some embodiments, sealing the second opening may include moving the seal within the third opening of the first housing.

  In some embodiments, moving the seal may include rotating the seal within the third opening.

  In some embodiments, sealing the third opening with a cover disposed outside the first housing may be included.

  In some embodiments, the seal can be moved within the third opening by moving the shroud.

  In some embodiments, biasing the cover relative to the first housing to seal the third opening with the cover may be included.

  The above embodiments are exemplary and may be provided alone or in combination with any one or more of the embodiments set forth herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and further, an overview or an overview for understanding the nature and features of the embodiments as described and claimed. It should be understood that it is intended to provide a framework. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, and are incorporated into and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the present disclosure.

  These and other features, embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure may be further understood by reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus along line 2-2 of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an oblique cross-sectional view of the exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 2 including an exemplary seal. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus that includes the closure of FIG. 3.

  The method will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

  Glass sheets are usually made by flowing molten glass through a formed body that can form a glass ribbon in various ribbon forming processes, the ribbon forming process comprising float, slot draw, down draw, fusion down draw, up Includes draw, press roll, or any other forming process. Of these, the glass ribbon formed by any process is then divided into one or more suitable for further processing for desired applications including but not limited to display applications. Provide a glass sheet. For example, use of one or more glass sheets in various displays, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), etc. May be used in the example.

  FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 101 for processing, manufacturing and shaping a glass ribbon 103. The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may be operable to include the glass manufacturing process 100, and in some embodiments, include any one or more of the features of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 disclosed herein, At least one of glass production and processing. Although glass manufacturing apparatus 101 is shown as a fusion downdraw apparatus for illustration, other glass manufacturing apparatuses that perform updraw, float, press rolling, slot draw, etc. may be provided in further embodiments. As shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may include a melting vessel 105 directed to receive batch material 107 from the reservoir 109. Batch material 107 may be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 driven by a motor 113. The optional control 115 is operated to operate the motor 113 so that the batch delivery device 111 can introduce the desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting tank 105 as indicated by the arrow 117. The height of the surface of the molten material 121 in the vertical tube 123 can be measured using the glass melting probe 119, and the measured information can be transmitted to the control unit 115 via the communication line 125.

  The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may also include a fining vessel 127 disposed downstream of the melting vessel 105 and connected to the melting vessel 105 by a first connection path 129. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be weight fed from the melting vessel 105 to the clarifying vessel 127 through the first connection 129. For example, gravity may act to extrude the molten material 121 from the melting vessel 105 to the fining vessel 127 through the internal passage of the first connection passage 129. Within the fining vessel 127, air bubbles may be removed from the molten material 121 by a variety of techniques.

  The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may further include a mixing chamber 131 that may be disposed downstream of the clarification tank 127. In some embodiments, the mixing chamber 131 may include a mixing stem 150 having a mixing blade 151 to mix the molten material 121 in the mixing chamber 131. The mixing chamber 131 may be used to provide a molten material 121 of uniform composition, which may otherwise reduce or eliminate the non-uniformity present in the molten material 121 exiting the clarification tank 127. As shown, the clarification vessel 127 may be connected to the mixing chamber 131 through the second connection path 135. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be weight fed from the clarification vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the second connection path 135. For example, gravity can push the molten material 121 out of the clarification vessel 127 into the mixing chamber 131 and through the internal passage of the second connection passage 135.

  The glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may further include a delivery tank 133 that may be disposed downstream of the mixing chamber 131. The delivery tank 133 can adjust the molten material 121 supplied to the glass former 140. For example, the delivery reservoir 133 may function as a reservoir and / or a flow control to provide regulation to provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 to the glass former 140. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 can be connected to the delivery reservoir 133 through the third connection path 137. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery reservoir 133 through the third connection path 137 by weight. For example, gravity can push the molten material 121 out of the mixing chamber 131 into the delivery reservoir 133 and through the internal passage of the third connection passage 137. As further shown, the delivery tube 139 may be disposed to deliver the molten material 121 to the glass former 140 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101. The glass former 140 can pull the molten material 121 out of the root 145 of the forming tank 143 into a glass ribbon 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the forming vessel 143 may be provided with an inlet 141 directed to receive the molten material 121 from the delivery tube 139 of the delivery vessel 133.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the forming tank 143 is a groove 204 (see FIG. 2) directed to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet 141 (see FIG. 1). May be included. As shown in FIG. 2, the forming tank 143 may further include a forming wedge portion 205 having a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207 a and 207 b, which are opposed to the wedge portion 205. Stretch between the ends. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may flow from the inlet 141 to the groove 204 of the forming vessel 143. The molten material 121 may then overflow from the groove 204 by flowing simultaneously over the corresponding ridges 203a, 203b and may further flow downward on the outer surface of the corresponding ridges 203a, 203b. Next, each flow of molten material 121 flows along surfaces 207a, 207b which converge to the lower side of forming wedge portion 205 and is drawn from the root of forming tank 143 where the flow converges , Can be fused to the glass ribbon 103. Next, the glass ribbon 103 is pulled from the root 145 along the draw plane 213 in the draw direction 211, and the glass ribbon 103 of width “W” (shown in FIG. 1) is the first vertical of the glass ribbon 103. It may be stretched between the edge 147 a and the vertical edge 147 b of the glass ribbon 103.

  Returning to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 defined between the first major surface 215a and the second major surface 215b of the glass ribbon 103 is, for example, about 40 Micrometer (μm) to about 1 millimeter (mm), eg, about 40 micrometers to about 0.5 millimeters, eg, about 40 micrometers to about 400 micrometers, eg, about 40 micrometers to about 300 It can be up to micrometers, eg, about 40 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, eg, about 40 micrometers to about 100 micrometers, or, for example, about 40 micrometers, in further embodiments. Other thicknesses may be provided. Further, the glass ribbon 103 includes, but is not limited to, glass, ceramic, glass-ceramic, soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, alkali-free glass, or a combination thereof. , Various compositions may be included.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 includes a first housing 171 and a second housing 172, the second housing 172 being It may be disposed in one case 171. In some embodiments, a vessel 160 for containing a material (eg, molten material 121) may be disposed within the second housing 172. The reservoir 160 includes a container that contains material, and in some embodiments, can include a container that is open to allow access to the free surface of the material contained within the reservoir 160. For example, in some embodiments, the vessel 160 includes a forming vessel 143 having a groove 204 and a forming wedge 205, wherein the forming wedge 205 converges at the root 145 of the forming wedge 205. And inclined downward to converge on the surface portions 207a and 207b. In some embodiments, any one or more reservoirs may be disposed within the second housing 172 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the vessel 160 disposed in the second housing 172 may include any one or more features of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101, including, but not limited to, the melting vessel 105, the reservoir 109, A standpipe 123, a clarification tank 127, a first connection channel 129, a mixing chamber 131, a delivery tank 133, a second connection channel 135, a third connection channel 137, and a delivery pipe 139 can be included.

The first housing 171 may include a first outer surface 175 facing an outer area 202 that is outside of the first housing 171. In some embodiments, the external area 202 may include the environment or room in which the first housing 171 is disposed. The first housing 171 may include a first housing wall 177 extending between the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171 and the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171. In some embodiments, the second housing 172 is spaced apart from the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171 by a first distance “d ₁ ” A second outer surface 176 may be included that defines an intermediate space 201 between the two housings 172. The second housing 172 may include a second housing wall 178 extending between the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172 and the second inner surface 174 of the second housing 172. The second inner surface 174 may be directed to an interior region 200 that is the interior of the second housing 172.

As shown, the vessel 160 is (eg, at least partially or completely) disposed in the interior region 200 of the second housing 172 and at a second distance “d ₂ ” It may be spaced from the second inner surface 174 of the housing 172. In some embodiments, each of the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 may connect one or more walls to form each housing. In some embodiments, a housing defined to be disposed within another housing may include features that extend out of the boundary of the housing, and such an embodiment is not. Unless stated otherwise, it is to be understood that it is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in some embodiments, the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 may include a release to provide for bulk item access to and from the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the first housing 171 includes a first bottom release portion 161 and the second housing 172 is a tub in which the glass ribbon 103 is disposed in the second housing 172 As provided from 160, the glass ribbon 103 may include a second bottom release portion 162 extending therefrom.

  In some embodiments, the first housing 171 can include a refractory material (eg, a firebrick) that can provide a barrier between the exterior region 202 and the interior of the first housing 171. Thus, the first housing 171 is a vessel containing dust, debris, and other contaminants that may be present in the outer region 202, the second housing 172 and any material that may be contained in the bath 160. It can prevent contact with 160. Furthermore, the intermediate space 201 and the inner area 200 provided by the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 are controlled such that at least one of temperature and pressure is regulated, changed and maintained. It can provide an atmosphere. The first housing 171 is one or more brackets attached to the first housing 171 and connecting the first housing 171 to a frame, wall or other support structure (not shown) It may be located in area 202.

  In some embodiments, the second housing 172 may be manufactured from a material having physical properties that cause heat to be evenly distributed to the bath 160. For example, in some embodiments, the second housing 172 may comprise silicon carbide and distribute and maintain a uniform temperature profile above the bath 160. By controlling and reducing temperature fluctuations and temperature gradients in the interior region 200 of the second housing 172, the temperature of the material contained in the vessel 160 may be controlled as well. For example, in some embodiments, the second housing 172 can provide a uniformly heated area around the bath 160 and provide a uniform temperature to the molten material 121 in the bath 160. In some embodiments, by uniformly controlling the temperature of the molten material 121, a glass ribbon of high quality as compared to a glass ribbon molded using the molten material 121 having a temperature gradient when contained in the vessel 160. 103 can be provided. The second housing 172 is attached to the second housing 172 to connect the second housing 172 to the first housing 171, frame, wall or other support structure (not shown) One or more brackets may be disposed within the first housing 171.

A first distance “d ₁ ” between the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 may provide the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 in a spaced apart relationship. The spaced relationship between the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 allows for thermal expansion and contraction of at least one of the first housing 171 and the second housing 172, and At least one of the body 171 and the second housing 172 is exposed to heat and a corresponding change in temperature, for example, as it expands and contracts at least partially in response to the coefficient of thermal expansion. The housing 171 and the second housing 172 may be configured to prevent interference and contact. Similarly, the second distance “d ₂ ” between the second housing 172 and the reservoir 160 may provide the second housing 172 and the reservoir 160 in a spaced apart relationship to one another. The spaced relationship between the second housing 172 and the reservoir 160 enables independent thermal expansion and contraction of at least one of the second housing 172 and the reservoir 160, and the second housing 172 and the reservoir 160 The second housing 172 and the bath 160 contact when at least one of them is exposed to heat and a corresponding temperature change, for example, to expand and contract at least partially in response to the coefficient of thermal expansion. It can be made to be absent. The spaced relationship between the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 as well as compensating for the thermal mismatch of the first housing 171, the second housing 172, and the tank 160, and The spaced relationship between the second housing 172 and the vessel 160 may prevent mechanical loading between the components. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 may crack, fracture, and carry an external load when exposed to an external load. It may contain no brittle material. In some embodiments, a brittle material may be defined, at least in part, as a material that breaks (eg, breaks, cuts) without deforming (eg, causing strain) when subjected to stress. . In some embodiments, brittle materials are materials with relatively low ductility or no at all, and as materials that absorb relatively low energy or do not absorb at all before failure. , Can be defined.

In some embodiments, the first opening 191 may extend through the first housing 171 and the second opening 192 may extend through the second housing 172. For example, the first opening 191 extends through the first housing wall 177 from the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171 to the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171. sell. Similarly, the second opening 192 extends through the second housing wall 178 from the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172 to the second inner surface 174 of the second housing 172. It can. In some embodiments, the second opening 192 can be spaced apart from the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171 by some distance (eg, a first distance “d ₁ ”). In some embodiments, the first opening 191 and the second opening 192 are from the outside (eg, the outer region 202) of the first housing 171 to the inside (eg, the inside of the second housing 172). An insertion path 180 to the region 200) can be defined. In some embodiments, the insertion path 180 can include a linear axis extending from the first opening 191 to the second opening 192. In some embodiments, the insertion path 180 is a non-linear curved path extending from the outer region 202 to the inner region 200 between the first opening 191 and the second opening 192, and optionally Other routes may be included.

  In some embodiments, an insertion path 180 can be provided to insert the device 350. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a thermocouple 350 may be inserted along an insertion path 180 from the outer region 202 to the inner region 200. In some embodiments, any one or more of sensors, cameras, instruments, probes, detectors, and any other devices are inserted along the insertion path 180 from the outer region 202 into the inner region 200. Can be provided for In some embodiments, access to the vessel 160 (eg, access to the groove 204 of the forming vessel 143) is at least partially established by the first housing 171 and the vessel 160 therein. It may be limited or difficult depending on the presence of any one or more of the possible second housings 172. Thus, advantageously, the insertion path 180 passes from the outer region 202, through the first housing 171, into the intermediate space 201 and through the second housing 172, the second housing 172. Access may be provided to the interior region 200 including the reservoir 160 disposed therein.

  In some embodiments, the contents (eg, fluid, liquid, gas, vapor, particulates, debris, heat, condensate, etc.) in the exterior region 202 outside of the first housing 171 are removed from the exterior region 202 The intermediate space 201 can pass through the first opening 191 of the first housing 171. In some embodiments, contents may pass from the intermediate space 201 to the interior region 200 through the second opening 192 of the second housing 172. Similarly, in some embodiments, the content in the interior region 200 inside the second housing 172 is transferred from the interior region 200 to the intermediate space 201, the second opening 192 of the second housing 172. Can pass through. In some embodiments, contents may pass from the intermediate space 201 to the outer region 202 through the first opening 191 of the first housing 171. In some embodiments, when the content passes from the outer region 202 to the intermediate space 201 through the first opening 191 and from the intermediate space 201 to the inner region 200 through the second opening 192 It may be desirable to prevent passage. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent the intermediate space 201 and the inner area 200 containing material in the vessel 160 from being contaminated with contents from the outer area 202. Similarly, in some embodiments, the content passes from the inner region 200 to the intermediate space 201 through the second opening 192 and the first opening 191 from the intermediate space 201 to the outer region 202. It may be desirable to prevent passage through. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent the intermediate space 201 and the outer region 202 from being contaminated with contents from the inner region 200.

  For example, in some embodiments, when the molten material 121 is contained in the vessel 160, steam (eg, boron vapor) may be generated in the interior region 200 during the glass manufacturing process 100. The vapor passes from the interior region 200 through the second opening 192 to the intermediate space 201 where the vapor is on the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171 in some embodiments. Can be condensed. The vapor that condenses is characterized by the structural integrity and material features of the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171 and, in some embodiments, the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172. It can form condensation which can be impaired or weakened. In some embodiments, the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171 may comprise a refractory brick that may be porous and fragile, so on the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171. The vapor condensate tends to cause structural deterioration. In some embodiments, structural degradation of the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171 may be caused by the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171, the first housing wall 177, and the Any one or more of the outer surfaces 175 of 1 may be deformed, fractured, fractured and broken. Similarly, in some embodiments, structural degradation of the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172 may be caused by the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172, the second housing wall 178, And, any one or more of the second inner surfaces 174 can be deformed and broken. In some embodiments, any one or more of the first inner surface 173, the first housing wall 177, and the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171 deform, break, fracture, and Damage can affect the structural integrity of the second housing 172. For example, in some embodiments, debris of the first housing 171 may fall onto the second housing 172 and cause the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172 to be the second housing wall. 178 and any one or more of the second inner surfaces 174 can be deformed and broken.

  In some embodiments, structural degradation of the first housing 171 may cause the first housing 171 to not provide barriers among other properties that the first housing 171 may provide. . Furthermore, in some embodiments, structural degradation of the first housing 171 causes fragments of the first housing 171 to be separated from the first housing 171, and from the intermediate space 201 to the second housing Passing through the second opening 192 of the second housing 172 to the interior region 200 of 172 may, for example, contaminate the material contained in the reservoir 160. Contamination of the material contained in the vessel 160 can degrade the quality of the glass produced from the molten material 121 in some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the contents may pass from the interior region 200 of the second housing 172 to the intermediate space 201 through the second opening 192 of the second housing 172. The glass manufacturing process 100 in the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can cause problems. Such problems include component repair and replacement, which can result in downtime of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 and delays in the glass manufacturing process 100.

  A method and apparatus for closing the second opening 192 will now be described. Advantageously, in some embodiments, sealing the second opening 192 allows the contents to form an intermediate space between the interior region 200 of the second housing 172 and the outside of the second housing 172. The second opening of the second housing 172 between 201 and at least one of the intermediate space 201 outside the second housing 172 and the inner region 200 of the second housing 172. It can prevent passing through 192. In some embodiments, sealing the second opening 192 allows, for example, the vapor generated in the inner region 200 during the glass manufacturing process 100 when the molten material 121 is contained in the vessel 160. Can be prevented from passing from the inner region 200 to the intermediate space 201 through the second opening 192 of the second housing 172. In this way, sealing the second opening 192 prevents the vapor from coming into contact with the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171, and accordingly, the condensate Condensation on the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171 can be prevented. Thus, sealing the second opening 192 otherwise condenses the vapor to form a condensate on the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171. Damage or weakening of the characteristics of the first inner surface 173 of the housing 171 can be reduced and prevented. Further, sealing the second opening 192 prevents the contents from passing from the intermediate space 201 to the inner region 200 through the second opening 192, for example, the material in the tank 160. It can prevent contamination.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a seal 300. In some embodiments, the closure 300 can include a stem 301 and a protrusion 302 extending from the stem 301. A closure 300 may be provided to selectively seal the second opening 192. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusion 302 of the seal 300 can be directed to selectively seal the second opening 192. In some embodiments, seal 300 may be rotated about longitudinal axis 380 of stem 301. In some embodiments, the protrusion 302 of the closure 300 may be disposed between the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 (e.g., in the intermediate space 201). In some embodiments, the protrusion 302 of the closure 300 is directed to selectively abut the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172 along a path that surrounds the second opening 192. sell. By selectively abutting the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172 along a path that surrounds the second opening 192, the protrusion 302 of the closure 300 can be made of the second opening 192 A seal may be provided around to seal off the second opening 192.

  In some embodiments, a seal 300 may be inserted into the second opening 192 to seal the second opening 192. In some embodiments, sealing the second opening 192 by inserting the seal 300 into the second opening 192 provides a hermetic seal to the second opening 192. sell. In some embodiments, the first opening of the second opening 192 is closed (eg, in contact with the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172) to close the second opening 192. Blocking the second opening 192 by abutting on the second release portion of the second opening 192 (for example, abutting on the second inner surface 174 of the second housing 172). The seal 300 may be arranged to seal the second opening 192 by at least one of the two. In some embodiments, closing the second opening 192 with the seal 300 seals the second opening 192 to provide a hermetic seal around the second opening 192. sell. Furthermore, in some embodiments, closing the second opening 192 with the closure 300 (as opposed to, for example, inserting the closure 300 into the second opening 192), the second opening Sealing the sealing member 192 relative to the structural changes caused by the thermal mismatch (eg, expansion, contraction) of at least one of the sealing member 300 and the second housing 172, It may be provided around the opening 192. Further, in some embodiments, the seal 300 and the second housing 172 are manufactured from the same or similar material (eg, silicon carbide) such that the seal 300 and the second housing 172 are When exposed to temperature changes, the effects of thermal mismatch (eg, expansion, contraction) of at least one of the seal 300 and the second housing 172 may be reduced.

  In some embodiments (eg, different from inserting the seal 300 into the second opening 192 or causing the second inner surface 174 of the second housing 172 to abut the seal 300 By closing the second opening 192 with the closure 300, by arranging the projection 302 of the closure 300 to abut the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172). If the seal including fragments of the seal 300 is broken, chipped and separated, the seal 300 (eg, the fragment of the seal 300) may fall into the inner region 200 of the second housing 172. It can be reduced or, in some embodiments, prevented. Thus, in some embodiments, the protrusion 302 of the closure 300 is disposed to abut the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172 to block the second opening 192, It may be desirable to prevent the risk of contamination of the interior area 200 of the second housing 172 (e.g., the molten material 121 contained in the tank 160).

  Thus, unless otherwise stated, the embodiment in which the seal 300 is arranged to seal the second opening 192 (e.g. partially seal or entirely seal) is a seal. Insert object 300 into second opening 192 (e.g., partially insert or fully insert), or block second opening 192 (e.g., partially close, or Regardless of whether they are placed in a block), they are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

  In some embodiments, the method of closing the opening of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 includes inserting the apparatus 350 from the outer area 202 outside the first housing 171 to the inner area 200 of the second housing 172. Along the 180, it may include inserting through the first opening 191 of the first housing 171 and the second opening 192 of the second housing 172. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the following description describes the case where the device 350 is a thermocouple that measures temperature. However, in some embodiments, device 350 may include, but is not limited to, sensors, cameras, instruments, probes, detection that measure attributes (eg, features, quality, values, images, movies, compositions, etc.) It should be understood that any other device may be included, including any one or more of the devices.

  Thus, in some embodiments, the method may include the step of measuring the temperature of the vessel 160 with a thermocouple 350 to accommodate the molten material 121. In some embodiments, the step of measuring the temperature may be performed without containing the molten material 121 in the vessel 160. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to measure the temperature of the bath 160 during the operation of preheating the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 prior to containing the molten material in the bath 160. In some embodiments, the temperature of the interior region 200 inside the second housing 172 may correspond to the temperature of the vessel 160. In some embodiments, thermocouple 350 measures temperature at least one of instantaneously, periodically, and continuously, such as, for example, bath 160 from lower temperature to higher temperature. The temperature can be monitored as it is heated. In some embodiments, the thermocouple 350 measures the temperature of the groove 204 of the forming tank 143 comparable to the temperature of the root 145 of the forming tank 143 to determine the temperature of the groove 204 of the forming tank 143 and the root 145 The difference can be identified. In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the groove 204 and the root 145 of the forming tank 143 may be monitored, for example, during preheating to determine the tank 160, the first housing 171, and the second housing of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101. Body 172, and any one or more of the other components, may specify when to achieve a predetermined temperature.

  In some embodiments, for example, during preheating of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101, the bath 160 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 101, the first housing 171, the second housing 172, and any one of the other components. The thermocouple 350 may then be removed from the second housing 172 if one or more indicate that the predetermined temperature has been achieved. The method comprises the steps of removing the thermocouple 350 from the second opening 192 and, after removing the thermocouple 350 from the second opening 192, the second opening 19 next with the closure 300. It may also include the step of sealing. In some embodiments, the method may include the step of containing the molten material 121 in the vessel 160 after measuring the temperature of the vessel 160. In some embodiments, sealing of the second opening 192 may be performed without the molten material 121 being contained in the bath 160. In some embodiments, the method removes the thermocouple 350 from the first opening 191 and the second opening 192, and then the first opening 191 (as shown in FIG. 4). B) sealing with the plug 321 may be included. In some embodiments, the plug 321 seals the first opening 191 so that the contents pass from the outer area 202 outside the first housing 171 to the middle area 201. It can be arranged to prevent it from passing. For example, in some embodiments, the first opening 191 is sealed during the glass manufacturing process 100 in which the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 operates to manufacture the glass ribbon 103 so that the contents are the first opening. It can prevent passing through 191.

  In some embodiments, sealing the second opening 192 may include moving the seal 300 to seal the second opening 192. For example, in some embodiments, the step of moving the seal 300 comprises moving the seal 300 such that the seal 300 does not seal the second opening 192 (eg, as shown in FIG. 3) The sealing 300 may move to a sealing position 345 (eg, as shown in FIG. 4) that seals the second opening 192. In some embodiments, selectively moving the seal 300 between the close position 340 and the close position 345 any number of times to close the second opening 192, and It can be selectively done. In some embodiments, moving the seal 300 includes any one or more of translation, rotation, and inversion of the seal 300, including, but not limited to, the seal 300. May include sliding, pushing, pulling, pulling up, reversing, rotating, turning, and any other movement.

  In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 can include a third opening 193 extending through the first housing 171 at a distance from the first opening 191. For example, the third opening 193 extends through the first housing wall 177 from the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171 to the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171. sell. Any one or more of the first opening 191, the second opening 192, and the third opening 193 may be, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, and It should be understood that it may include cross-sectional profiles having any other geometry, prismatic, or any shape including polygons. In some embodiments, the cross-section of any one or more of the first opening 191, the second opening 192, and the third opening 193 has a cross-sectional profile of fixed dimensions or a variable cross-sectional profile May be included. In some embodiments, any one or more of the first opening 191, the second opening 192, and the third opening 193 have a first outer surface 175, a first inner surface 173, a first It may extend perpendicularly to any one or more of the two outer surfaces 176 and the second inner surface 174. In some embodiments, any one or more of the first opening 191, the second opening 192, and the third opening 193 have a first outer surface 175, a first inner surface 173, a first It can extend at any angle with respect to at least one of the two outer surfaces 176 and the second inner surface 174. In some embodiments, any one or more of the first opening 191, the second opening 192, and the third opening 193 is a first opening 191, a second opening 192. And third openings 193 may have the same, similar, or different shapes, sizes, orientations, cross-sectional contours, etc. as any other.

  In some embodiments, the stem 301 of the closure 300 may be disposed within the third opening 193. For example, the shank 301 may extend from the intermediate space 201 to the first inner surface 173 of the first housing 171 and further to the third opening 193. In some embodiments, the shank 301 passes from the intermediate space 201, through the third opening 193, past the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171 and further to the outer region 202. It can be stretched. Thus, the third opening 193 moves the closure 300 to an operator (e.g., a human operator, a mechanical or mechanized operator, a computer-controlled operator, etc.) to open the second opening 192. , May provide access to seal from the outside of the first housing 171. Advantageously, for example, the operator is arranged in the outer area 202 outside the first housing 171 and is thus carried out in at least one of the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 The second opening 192 may be sealed with a seal 300 without interfering with or interrupting the glass manufacturing process 100. Similarly, in some embodiments, the thermocouple 350 does not interfere with or interrupt the glass manufacturing process 100 taking place in at least one of the first housing 171 and the second housing 172. Can be selectively inserted along the insertion path 180. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, disassembling the first casing 171 and the second casing 172 is also performed in at least one of the first casing 171 and the second casing 172. The second opening 192 is selectively sealed with the seal 300 while the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 and the glass manufacturing process 100 are fully operable without interfering with or interrupting the manufacturing process 100. Include features that provide advantages including:

  In some embodiments, sealing the second opening 192 may include moving the seal 300 within the third opening 193 of the first housing 171. For example, in some embodiments, an operator may move the first end 311 of the stem 301 to similarly move the second end 312 of the stem 301 including the projection 302. In some embodiments, moving the seal 300 may include rotating the seal 300 within the third opening 193. Thus, in some embodiments, sealing the second opening 192 may include rotating the seal 300. For example, as shown by arrow 341 in FIG. 3, the closure 300 may be moved from the non-closing position 340 to the closing position 345 (FIG. 4) to close the second opening 192. Similarly, as shown by arrow 346 in FIG. 4, closure 300 may be moved from closed position 345 to closed position 340 (FIG. 3) to unblock the second opening 192.

  For example, in some embodiments, the operator rotates the first end 311 of the stem 301 of the closure 300 to similarly move the second end 312 of the stem 301 including the projection 302 It can be rotated. Therefore, by moving the first end 311 of the shaft 301, the second end 312 of the shaft 301 including the protrusion 302 is correspondingly moved, and the protrusion 302 is a second opening. The portion 192 may be selectively arranged to be sealed (or not sealed). Thus, advantageously, the seal 300 can be selectively moved to seal (or not seal) the second opening 192 when not directly accessible from the exterior region 202. For example, in some embodiments, the presence of the first housing 191 and the second housing 192 may prevent direct access from the outer area 202 to the inner area 200. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the seal 300 is selectively arranged to seal the second opening 192 so that the contents are from the inner area 200 to the middle space 201 and in the middle space The passage from 201 to the interior region 200 may be impeded. Similarly, in some embodiments, for example, the thermocouple 350 may be inserted along the insertion path 180 through the first opening 191 of the first housing 171 and the second housing 172. If it is desired to access the inner region 200 from the outer region 202 to allow insertion into the inner region 200 through the second opening 192, the closure 300 may be a second opening It may be selectively arranged to not seal 192.

  In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may include a cover 320 disposed outside the first housing 171. Cover 320 may be directed to seal off third opening 193. By sealing the third opening 193 in the same way as closing the first opening 191 and the second opening 192, the contents are likewise transferred, for example, from the outer region 202 to the intermediate space 201. And can be prevented from passing from the intermediate space 201 to the outer region 202 through the third opening 193. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 101 may include a spring 325 directed to bias the shroud 320 towards the first housing 171. In some embodiments, the cover 320 abuts the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171 along a path surrounding the third opening 193 to close the third opening 193 It can. Thus, in some embodiments, the spring 325 applies a biasing force to the shroud 320 to provide the third opening 193 between the shroud 320 and the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171. The third opening 193 may be sealed, maintaining an abutting relationship along the surrounding path.

  In some embodiments, a spring 325 may be disposed between the shroud 320 and the bracket 326, with the bracket 326 disposed to abut the surface 330. In some embodiments, the surface 330 is a biasing force of a spring 325 (eg, a spring that abuts against the bracket 326 to bias the shroud 320 in the direction of the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171) May include walls, ceilings, grids, frames, support structures, and any other structures that provide force). In some embodiments, the method may include biasing the shroud 320 against the first housing 171 to seal the third opening 193 with the shroud 320. In some embodiments, a sheet of paper 313 (e.g., fire resistant paper) is disposed between the shroud 320 and the first outer surface 175 to provide a seal around the third opening 193. And the coefficient of friction between the cover portion 320 and the contact surface of the first outer surface 175 of the first housing 171 may be reduced. For example, in some embodiments, a sheet of paper 313 may be moved relative to the first outer surface 175 while in contact with the first outer surface 175. Lower resistance may be provided between the first outer surface 175 of the housing 171.

  In some embodiments, the method may include the step of sealing the third opening 193 with a cover 320 disposed outside the first housing 171. In some embodiments, the cover 320 can be removed from the position that closes the third opening 193 so that the closure 300 can be moved to close (or not seal) the second opening 192. Can provide access to the stem 301 of the closure 300. After moving the seal 300 to seal (or unseal) the second opening 192, the shroud 320 can then be returned to close the third opening 193. Conversely, in some embodiments, the shroud 320 can be left in place to seal off the third opening 193. For example, in some embodiments, moving the shroud 320 may move the seal 300 within the third opening 193. In some embodiments, the closure 300 can be rotated by rotating the covering portion 320 disposed outside the first housing 171. For example, in some embodiments, the closure 300 may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis 380 of the stem 301, at least in part, based on a corresponding rotation of the shroud 320. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 380 of the shank 301 may be parallel to the insertion path 180. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 380 of the shank 301 may extend at an angle to the insertion path 180.

  In some embodiments, the shroud 320 can engage the stem 301 of the closure 300. For example, in some embodiments, the shroud 320 can include a recess 315 that can engage with the first end 311 of the stem 301 of the closure 300. In some embodiments, the recess 315 may include a mating slot in which the first end 311 of the stem 301 of the closure 300 may be disposed. In some embodiments, the shroud 320 can be moved to cause a corresponding movement of the closure 300. Thus, in some embodiments, the closure 300 may be positioned to seal the second opening 192 without removing the covering 320 from the position to close the third opening 193. Accordingly, the seal 300 is selectively moved between the blocking position 340 and the blocking position 345 any number of times without removing the cover 320 from the position blocking the third opening 193. In some embodiments, not shown, a spring or other biasing device is provided in the recess 315 to bias the closure 300 away from the cover 320, thereby projecting The portion 302 may be biased against the second outer surface 176 of the second housing 172 to enhance the sealed closure of the second opening at the closed position 345.

  Furthermore, in some embodiments, an indicator indicating the position of the seal 300 is provided, and the operator looks at the indicator and the seal 300 is disposed at either the blockade position 340 or the seal position 345. Can be identified. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator may be provided on the cover 320 such that the indicator corresponds to the position of the cover 320 (e.g., the rotational position), and the position of the cover 320 is , Corresponding to the position of the blockage 300 as well. In some embodiments, a restriction structure (e.g., mechanical stop) may be provided to limit movement (e.g., rotation) of the covering 320 between the closed position 340 and the closed position 345. For example, the position at which the covering portion 320 completely advanced in one direction toward the restriction structure corresponds to the closing position 340, and the position at which the covering portion 320 completely progresses in the other direction from the restriction structure , Corresponding to the closing position 345. In some embodiments, the indicator may include any one or more of a pictorial mark, a notch, an electronic image, and any other indicia conveying the position of the closure 300 to the operator.

  It will be appreciated that the various disclosed embodiments may include the specific features, elements or steps described in connection with particular embodiments. It will also be appreciated that, although particular features, elements or steps have been described in relation to one particular embodiment, combinations or permutations not shown may be interchanged or combined with other embodiments.

  As used herein, the English language definite or indefinite article means "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly stated otherwise , Should be understood. Thus, for example, "an element" includes instances having more than one such element, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

  Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, embodiments include from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, with “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Further, it will be understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

  Unless explicitly stated otherwise, none of the methods set forth herein are intended to be construed as requiring that the steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, if the method claims do not actually describe the order in which the steps are performed, or if the claims or specification do not specifically state that the steps are limited to a particular order: There is no intention that any particular order be guessed.

  The various features, elements or steps of a particular embodiment may be described using the transition phrase "including," but using the transition phrase "consisting of or" consisting essentially of It should be understood to encompass other embodiments, including possible embodiments. Thus, for example, alternative embodiments of apparatus embodiments comprising A + B + C include embodiments of apparatus consisting of A + B + C and embodiments of apparatus consisting essentially of A + B + C.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is intended to cover the modifications and variations of the present disclosure, as long as they are the appended claims and their equivalents.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described separately.

Embodiment 1
In glass manufacturing equipment,
A first case,
A second housing disposed within the first housing;
A vessel disposed within the second housing for containing the molten material;
A first opening extending through the first housing;
A second opening extending through the second housing;
A third opening spaced from the first opening and extending through the first housing;
A closure positioned within the third opening, and a closure including a projection oriented to selectively close the second opening, extending therefrom.
Including
The glass manufacturing apparatus, wherein the first opening and the second opening define an insertion path from the outside of the first housing to the inside of the second housing.

Embodiment 2
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the vessel includes a groove and a pair of downward-inclined, forming wedged surfaces having a surface that converges at a root of the vessel.

Embodiment 3
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the blocker is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Embodiment 4
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the protrusion of the closure is located between the first housing and the second housing.

Embodiment 5
Embodiment 2. The embodiment according to embodiment 1, wherein the protrusion of the closure is adapted to selectively abut the outer surface of the second housing along a path surrounding the second opening. Glass manufacturing equipment.

Embodiment 6
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second opening is separated from the inner surface of the first housing by a certain distance.

Embodiment 7
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the insertion path includes a linear axis extending from the first opening to the second opening.

Embodiment 8
A cover portion disposed outside the first housing;
In addition,
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the cover is directed to close the third opening.

Embodiment 9
A spring directed to bias the cover in a direction towards the first housing;
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 8, further comprising.

Embodiment 10
9. The glass making apparatus according to embodiment 8, wherein the cover engages with the stem of the closure.

Embodiment 11
11. A glass making apparatus according to embodiment 10, wherein the closure is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the stem, at least partially based on a corresponding rotation of the covering.

Embodiment 12
In a method of closing an opening of a glass manufacturing apparatus,
A first opening of the first housing along an insertion path from the outside of the first housing to the inside of a second housing disposed in the first housing; Inserting through the second opening of the second housing;
Measuring an attribute of a bath disposed in the second housing and containing a molten material using the apparatus;
Removing the device from the second opening;
Sealing the second opening with a seal;
Method including.

Embodiment 13
The method according to embodiment 12, wherein the device is a thermocouple.

Fourteenth Embodiment
The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the attribute is temperature.

Embodiment 15
The method according to embodiment 12, wherein the step of measuring the attribute is performed without containing a molten material in the tank.

Sixteenth Embodiment
A step of containing a molten material in the tank after measuring the attribute of the tank;
The method of embodiment 15, further comprising.

Seventeenth Embodiment
The method according to embodiment 12, wherein the step of closing the second opening is performed without containing the molten material in the tank.

Embodiment 18
Removing the device from the first opening and the second opening and then sealing the first opening;
The method of embodiment 12, further comprising.

Embodiment 19
13. The method of embodiment 12, wherein the step of sealing the second opening comprises the step of rotating the closure.

Embodiment 20
20. The method according to embodiment 19, wherein the closure is rotated by rotating a covering disposed outside the first housing.

Embodiment 21
13. The method according to embodiment 12, wherein the step of sealing the second opening comprises the step of moving the closure within a third opening of the first housing.

Embodiment 22
22. The method according to embodiment 21, wherein moving the seal comprises rotating the seal within the third opening.

Embodiment 23
Sealing the third opening with a cover disposed outside the first housing;
22. The method of embodiment 21 further comprising.

Embodiment 24
24. The method according to embodiment 23, wherein the closure is moved within the third opening by moving the covering.

Embodiment 25
Urging the cover against the first housing to seal the third opening with the cover;
24. The method of embodiment 23, further comprising.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Glass manufacturing apparatus 105 Melting tank 109 Reservoir 127 Clearing tank 131 Mixing chamber 133 Delivery tank 140 Glass forming device 143 Forming tank 171 1st case 172 2nd case 191 1st opening 192 2nd opening 193 third opening 180 insertion path 204 groove 205 molded wedge 300 sealer 301 shaft 302 protrusion 320 cover

Claims (10)

In glass manufacturing equipment,
A first case,
A second housing disposed within the first housing;
A vessel disposed within the second housing for containing the molten material;
A first opening extending through the first housing;
A second opening extending through the second housing;
A third opening spaced from the first opening and extending through the first housing;
A closure positioned within the third opening, and a closure including a projection oriented to selectively close the second opening, extending therefrom.
Including
The glass manufacturing apparatus, wherein the first opening and the second opening define an insertion path from the outside of the first housing to the inside of the second housing.   The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blocker is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the shaft.   The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion of the closure is located between the first housing and the second housing.   The said protrusion of the said closure is directed to selectively contact | abut to the outer surface of a said 2nd housing along the path | route which encloses a said 2nd opening part. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one.   The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second opening is separated from the inner surface of the first housing by a certain distance. A cover portion disposed outside the first housing;
In addition,
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover portion is directed to close the third opening. In a method of closing an opening of a glass manufacturing apparatus,
A first opening of the first housing along an insertion path from the outside of the first housing to the inside of a second housing disposed in the first housing; Inserting through the second opening of the second housing;
Measuring an attribute of a bath disposed in the second housing and containing a molten material using the apparatus;
Removing the device from the second opening;
Sealing the second opening with a seal;
Method including.   The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of closing the second opening includes the step of rotating the closure.   The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of closing the second opening includes the step of moving the sealing within a third opening of the first housing.   10. The method of claim 9, wherein moving the seal comprises rotating the seal within the third opening.

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