JP7246403B2 - wire support device - Google Patents

Description

Description of Related Application

This application is a priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/635,080, filed February 26, 2018, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein in full as if fully set forth below. It claims the benefits of rights.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to high current wire support devices and, more particularly, to wire feeding direct heating vessels for glass manufacturing.

The industrial glass manufacturing process can be divided into three stages: melting, growth, and conditioning. A conditioning step, which includes cooling the molten glass to achieve a suitable viscosity for forming a glass article, occurs within the delivery system. The delivery system can be divided into multiple zones depending on the specific function to be performed within each zone. For example, a delivery system may comprise a fining device for removing air bubbles from the molten glass, a mixing device for homogenizing the molten glass, and a feed vessel for delivering the molten glass to a forming device. The delivery system further comprises various conduits adapted to carry molten glass between zones.

For the production of optical quality glass articles, such as glass sheets for display devices (mobile phones, desktop and laptop computers, televisions, etc.), the major components of the delivery system are typically made of metal. , is heated by generating an electric current in its components. Such methods are commonly referred to as direct heating. Thus, in an exemplary glass manufacturing process, each zone of the delivery system is typically heated directly. The heat is applied to the molten glass by passing an electric current through a series of flanges (electrodes) connected to a metallic component (conduit or vessel) containing the molten glass and functioning to provide resistive (Joule) heating. Delivered in glass. This electrical energy is typically provided by a power supply connected to the flange by a series of large, high current capacity wires. The size of these wires is proportional to the magnitude of the current. These wires can be very large and heavy.

As metallic conduits and/or vessels containing molten glass are heated from room temperature to their operating conditions, they are subjected to thermal expansion and the position of the flanges can move from a cold position to a hot position. Regardless of the mass and stiffness of these wires, they are expected to follow the movement of the flange. Various thin-walled metal components can be damaged if the wires are not properly supported to accommodate their movement when the conduit and/or vessel is heated and expands.

What is needed is the freedom to move the wire vertically, horizontally and laterally without hindering the movement of the attached component (vessel, conduit) to accommodate the expansion of that component. It is a wire support device that follows the movement.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE According to the present disclosure, there is provided a metallic container adapted to carry molten glass, a flange attached to the metallic container and coupled to a wire, and a wire support device for supporting the wire, the wire supporting device engaging the wire. A glass making apparatus is disclosed that includes a wire support apparatus including a wire engaging assembly mated and movable in a first direction against a spring force.

In some embodiments, the wire engaging assembly is movable along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the first direction can be vertical.

In some embodiments, the wire engaging assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the first direction.

The spring force may be provided by a spring and the wire engaging assembly may be coupled to the spring by a post.

In some embodiments, the strut engages the support arm and is slidable within the support arm along the longitudinal axis of the strut. The support arm may be rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through the first end of the support arm.

In embodiments, the length of the support arm may be variable along the longitudinal axis of the support arm.

In some embodiments, the support arm is a locking mechanism movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, adapted to prevent variations in the length of the support arm when in the locked position. locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the strut can be parallel to the axis of rotation of the support arm.

In some embodiments, the wire engaging assembly can include a wire tray removably coupled to a support plate attached to the stanchions.

The wire engaging assembly can include an electrically insulating material.

In some embodiments, the strut can be attached to the pulley assembly. A wire rope can be used to connect the wire engaging assembly to the stanchion with a pulley.

In some embodiments, the wire engagement assembly can include at least one wire passageway extending therethrough. The wire tray may include at least two portions removably coupled together, the at least one wire passageway being divided between the at least two portions. The wire tray may include a plurality of wire passageways.

The spring force can be provided by a spring, and in some embodiments the spring force can be a non-linear function of the displacement of the spring.

In another embodiment, a glass manufacture comprising a metal container adapted to convey molten glass, a flange attached to the metal container and coupled to a wire, and a wire support device supporting the wire. A device is described. The wire support apparatus may include a wire engaging assembly that engages the wire and is movable in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the wire engaging assembly moving in the first direction. Movement of the assembly opposes the spring force.

In some embodiments, the wire engaging assembly can be rotatable about an axis of rotation.

The spring force is provided by at least one spring. In embodiments, the at least one spring may be coupled to the strut. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one spring may include multiple springs coupled to multiple struts.

In some embodiments, the strut can be slidably coupled to the support arm. According to some embodiments, the support arm may be rotatable about an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the length of the support arm is variable along the longitudinal axis of the support arm.

In yet another embodiment, a glass comprising a metal container adapted to carry molten glass, a flange attached to the metal container and coupled to a wire, and a wire support device supporting the wire. A manufacturing apparatus is disclosed. The wire support apparatus may include a wire engaging assembly that engages the wire, is movable in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and is rotatable about an axis of rotation. , movement of the wire engaging assembly in its first direction opposes the spring force.

In yet another embodiment, a glass comprising a metal container adapted to carry molten glass, a flange attached to the metal container and coupled to a wire, and a wire support device supporting the wire. A manufacturing apparatus is disclosed. The wire support apparatus may include a wire engagement assembly engageable with the wire, movable in a first direction against a spring force, and rotatable about an axis of rotation.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from, the following Detailed Description, or in part from the Detailed Description below, It will be appreciated by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the claims and accompanying drawings.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the embodiments disclosed herein. . The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, explain their principles and operation.

Schematic diagram of an exemplary glass making apparatus FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary metallic vessel for conveying molten glass, the metallic vessel fitted with flanges for conducting electrical current to the metallic vessel; 1 is a perspective view of a wire support device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary support arm for use with the embodiment of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the wire support device of FIG. 3; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another exemplary wire support apparatus according to the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is an illustration of yet another exemplary wire support apparatus according to the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary spring assembly for use in the wire support device of FIG. 7; 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary wire engagement assembly for use with the wire support apparatus of FIG. 7; FIG.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations using the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

The directional terms used herein--e.g., top, bottom, right, left, front, back, top, bottom--are used only with respect to the drawn drawings and are not intended to imply absolute orientation. .

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any method described herein should be construed to require that the steps be performed in a particular order, nor that a particular orientation be required with respect to the apparatus. is never intended. Thus, if a method claim does not materially recite the order that its steps should follow, or an apparatus claim does not materially recite the order or orientation for individual components, or if the process Unless the claims or description otherwise specifically state that they are to be limited to a particular order, or do not recite a particular order or orientation for the components of the apparatus, the order or orientation is In no way is it intended to be implied. This may relate to the sequence of steps, flow of operations, order of components, or orientation of components; explicit meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification. It applies to any possible non-representation criteria for interpretation, including logical matters.

As used herein, nouns include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an element includes aspects with two or more of such elements, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The words "exemplary," "example," or its various forms are used herein to denote an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, the examples are given for purposes of clarity and understanding only and are not intended to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of the disclosure in any way. It should be recognized that numerous additional or alternative examples of varying scope could be presented, but have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

An exemplary glass making apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. In some embodiments, the glass making apparatus 10 can include a glass melting furnace 12 that can include a melting tank 14 . In addition to melting tank 14, glass melting furnace 12 optionally heats raw materials and converts the raw materials into molten material (hereinafter "molten glass," "glass melt," or "melt"). It may include one or more additional components such as heating elements (eg, combustion burners and/or electrodes) configured to.

In further embodiments, the glass melting furnace 12 may include thermal management devices (eg, insulation) to reduce heat loss from the melting tank. In yet further embodiments, glass melting furnace 12 may include electronic and/or electromechanical devices that facilitate melting of raw materials into a glass melt. Still further, the glass melting furnace 12 may include support structures (eg, support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

The glass melter 14 is typically formed from a refractory ceramic material, such as a refractory ceramic material comprising alumina or zirconia, either selectively or in any combination. Other refractory materials such as yttrium (eg, yttria, yttria-stabilized zirconia, yttrium phosphate), zircon ( _ZrSiO4 ) or alumina-zirconia-silica or even chromium oxide may be used. In some cases, the glass melter 14 may be made from refractory ceramic bricks.

Although in some embodiments the glass melting furnace 12 may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus adapted to manufacture glass articles, e.g., glass ribbons of indeterminate length, further embodiments in glass manufacturing equipment to form other glass articles such as, without limitation, glass rods, glass tubes, glass envelopes (e.g., glass envelopes for lighting devices, e.g., light bulbs) and glass lenses. can be made, yet many other glass articles are also contemplated. In some cases, the melting furnace is a slot draw device, a float bath device, a downdraw device (e.g., a fusion downdraw device), an updraw device, a pressure device, a rolling device, a tube drawing device, or any benefit of the present disclosure. may be incorporated as a component of glassmaking equipment, including any other glassmaking equipment that may be subjected to As an example, FIG. 1 illustrates as components of a fusion downdraw glassmaking apparatus 10 for fusion drawing glass ribbons for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets or for winding the glass ribbons onto spools. 1 schematically shows a glass melting furnace 12 of FIG.

A glass making apparatus 10 (eg, a fusion downdraw apparatus 10 ) may optionally include an upstream glass making apparatus 16 located upstream relative to the glass melter 14 . In some cases, some or all of upstream glassmaking equipment 16 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12 .

As shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the upstream glassmaking apparatus 16 may comprise a raw material storage vessel 18, a raw material delivery device 20 and a motor 22 connected to the raw material delivery device. Raw material storage vessel 18 may be constructed to store a quantity of raw material 24 that can be supplied to melter 14 of glass melting furnace 12 through one or more feed ports, as indicated by arrow 26 . Raw materials 24 typically include one or more glass-forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some cases, raw material delivery device 20 may be driven by motor 22 such that raw material delivery device 20 delivers a predetermined amount of raw material 24 from storage container 18 to melter tank 14 . In a further example, motor 22 powers raw material delivery device 20 to introduce raw material 24 at a controlled rate based on the level of molten glass detected downstream of melting tank 14 relative to the flow direction of the molten glass. . Raw materials 24 in melting tank 14 may then be heated to form molten glass 28 . Typically, in the initial melting step, raw materials are added to the melting bath as particulate matter, including various "sands" for example. Raw materials may also include waste glass (ie, cullet) from previous melting and/or forming operations. Combustion burners are typically used to initiate the melting process. In the electrically boosted melting process, once the electrical resistance of the raw material is sufficiently reduced (e.g., when the raw material begins to liquefy), an electric potential is developed between electrodes positioned in contact with the raw material. The electrical boost is initiated by allowing a current to flow through the raw material, which typically enters or is in a molten state at this time.

Glass making apparatus 10 may optionally also include a downstream glass making apparatus 30 located downstream of glass melting furnace 12 relative to the direction of flow of molten glass 28 . In some cases, a portion of downstream glassmaking equipment 30 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12 . However, first connecting conduit 32 , discussed below, or other portions of downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12 . Elements of the downstream glassmaking apparatus, including the first connecting conduit 32, may be formed from precious metals. Suitable noble metals include platinum group metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glass making equipment may be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy comprising from about 70% to about 90% by weight platinum and from about 10% to about 30% by weight rhodium. However, other suitable metals for forming downstream components of glass manufacturing equipment include molybdenum, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.

The downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 includes a first conditioning (i.e., treatment) vessel, such as a fining vessel 34, located downstream of the melting vessel 14 and connected to the melting vessel 14 by the first connecting conduit 32 described above. can contain. In some cases, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34 by way of a first connecting conduit 32 . For example, gravity may carry molten glass 28 from melting vessel 14 to fining vessel 34 through the internal passageway of first connecting conduit 32 . However, it should be understood that other conditioning vessels may be positioned downstream of the melting vessel 14, eg, between the melting vessel 14 and the fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning vessel may be utilized between the melting and fining vessels, where the molten glass from the main melting vessel is further heated in a second vessel. or cooled to below the temperature of the molten glass in the main melting tank before entering the fining tank.

As previously described, air bubbles can be removed from molten glass 28 by various techniques. For example, raw material 24 may include polyvalent compounds (ie, fining agents) such as tin oxide that undergo a chemical reduction reaction to release oxygen when heated. Other suitable fining agents include, without limitation, arsenic, antimony, iron and cerium, although in some applications the use of arsenic and antimony may be discouraged for environmental reasons. The fining vessel 34 is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the melting vessel, thereby heating the fining agent. The fining vessel and, if desired, the first connecting conduit 32 can be directly heated, where an electrical flange 33 attached to the fining vessel 34 is connected to a suitable power source (not shown) by electrical wire 35. ). As best shown in FIG. 2, a flange 33 surrounds the finer vessel 34 and is attached, such as by welding, to the outer surface of the finer vessel. Wires 35 are typically connected to electrical flanges 33 with terminals 37 at the end of each wire 35 bolted to a receiving electrode 39 on each electrical flange 33 . An additional terminal 37 (see FIG. 3) is located at the opposite end of the wire 35 and can be used to bolt the wire 35 to a further conductor such as, for example, a rigid main bus. The number and location of electrical flanges can vary, depending on the number and location of individual heating zones desired along a particular conduit and/or vessel. 1 and 2 show wires and electrical flanges attached to the fining vessel 34, the electrical flanges and wires can be associated with any of the metallic components of the downstream glassmaking equipment 30 as well.

Oxygen produced in the fining tank 34 by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of one or more fining agents contained in the melt can penetrate into the bubbles that form in the melting furnace. The expanded oxygen-rich bubbles can then rise to the free surface of the molten glass within the fining vessel due to increased buoyancy and then be released from the fining vessel. As the bubbles rise through the molten glass, they can induce further mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the fining tank.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , the downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel such as a mixing vessel 36 , eg, an agitation vessel, for mixing the molten glass flowing downstream of the fining vessel 34 . The mixing vessel 36 provides a homogeneous glass melt composition, thereby reducing chemical or thermal non-uniformities that would otherwise exist in the fined molten glass exiting the fining vessel. can be used for As can be seen, the clarification vessel 34 may be connected to the mixing vessel 36 by a second connecting conduit 38 . In some embodiments, molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from fining vessel 34 to mixing vessel 36 by a second connecting conduit 38 . For example, gravity may carry molten glass 28 from fining vessel 34 to mixing vessel 36 through the internal passageway of second connecting conduit 38 . Like the clarification vessel 34, the mixing vessel 36, and optionally the second connecting conduit 38, can be directly heated, where a flange similar to flange 33 is attached to the mixing vessel 36, and optionally the second connecting conduit 38. Accordingly, it is attached to a second connecting conduit 38 and connected by electrical wires to a suitable power source (not shown).

Typically, the molten glass in mixing vessel 36 includes a free surface with a free volume extending between the free surface and the top of the mixing vessel. Although the mixing vessel 36 is shown downstream of the fining vessel 34 with respect to the flow direction of the molten glass, the mixing vessel 36 may be located upstream of the fining vessel 34 in other embodiments. should be noted. In some embodiments, the downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may include multiple mixing vessels, eg, mixing vessels upstream of the fining vessel 34 and mixing vessels downstream of the fining vessel 34 . These multiple mixing vessels may be of the same design or may be of different design. In some embodiments, one or more of the vessels and/or conduits may include static mixing blades disposed therein to facilitate mixing and subsequent homogenization of the molten materials.

Downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning vessel, such as feed vessel 40 , which may be positioned downstream of mixing vessel 36 . A feed tank 40 may condition the molten glass 28 to be fed to downstream forming equipment. For example, feed tank 40 can function as a residence device and/or flow regulator for regulating and providing a consistent flow of molten glass 28 to forming body 42 via outlet conduit 44 . The molten glass in feed tank 40 may, in some embodiments, include a free surface, where the free volume extends from the free surface to the top of the feed tank. As can be seen, the mixing vessel 36 may be connected to the feed vessel 40 by a third connecting conduit 46 . In some cases, molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from mixing vessel 36 to feed vessel 40 by a third connecting conduit 46 . For example, gravity may carry molten glass 28 from mixing vessel 36 to feed vessel 40 through the internal passageway of third connecting conduit 46 . And, like the other metallic components already described, the third connecting conduit 46 and, if desired, the feed tank 40 can be directly heated, where the third connecting conduit 46 , and optionally an electrical flange attached to the supply tub 40 are connected by wires to a suitable power source (not shown).

Downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 may further comprise forming apparatus 48 with forming body 42 as described above, including inlet conduit 50 . Outlet conduit 44 may be positioned to supply molten glass 28 from supply tank 40 to inlet conduit 50 of forming apparatus 48 . In some embodiments, the outlet conduit 44 and, optionally, the inlet conduit 50 can be directly heated, where the outlet conduit 44 and, optionally, the inlet conduit 50 are attached to The electrical flange can be connected by electrical wires to a suitable power source (not shown).

A forming body 42 in a fusion down-loading glassmaking apparatus has a trough 52 positioned on the upper surface of the forming body and a converging forming surface 54 (one side only) converging in the direction of elongation along the bottom edge (base) 56 of the forming body. shown). Molten glass fed to the forming body trough 52 via feed tank 40, outlet conduit 44 and inlet conduit 50 overflows the walls of trough 52 and descends as a separate stream of molten glass along converging forming surface 54. . The separate streams of molten glass combine along and below the base 56 to produce a single ribbon 58 of molten glass, which is the nucleus of the glass as it cools and the viscosity of the material increases. To control the dimensions, the glass ribbon is stretched in the stretch direction 60 from the base 56 by applying downward tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity, edge rolls and pulling roll assemblies. Thus, the glass ribbon 58 undergoes a viscoelastic transition and acquires mechanical properties that give the glass ribbon 58 stable dimensional characteristics. The glass ribbon 58, in some embodiments, may be split into individual glass sheets 62 by a glass splitter (not shown) when in the elastic region of the glass ribbon, while further implementations form, the glass ribbon may be wound onto a spool and stored for further processing.

As previously described, the exemplary downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 utilizes electrical heating power supplied directly to the glass containment vessels and conduits that make up the downstream components. That current is supplied by large high current carrying capacity wires 35 that connect these various components to the power converter. For example, over 15,000 amps of current may be required to heat the various metallic components of this downstream glassmaking equipment.

The wire support devices described herein, regardless of their size, stiffness, and mass, support these wires and guide the wires along at least two axes (at least two directions, such as at least two orthogonal directions). It can be moved, thereby assisting the expansion of the glass container. The wire support device described herein can reduce possible stress deformation of a metal container to which wires can be connected.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary wire support including support brackets 102, support arms 104, posts 106, and wire engagement assemblies 108 for mounting wire support apparatus 100 to a suitable frame or support member, such as a building girder or beam. 1 is a perspective view of device 100. FIG. The wire engaging assembly 108 may further include a support plate 110 and a wire tray 112 removably coupled to the support plate 110 .

In an embodiment, the support arm 104 is pivotally coupled to the support bracket 102 and rotatable about the axis of rotation 114, although in further embodiments the support arm 104 is directly attached to another support structure. For example, it can be rotatably connected directly to building girders or beams, equipment frames, or other rigid structural supports without the need for separate brackets. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, support bracket 102 includes a U-shaped passageway member 116 having openings on opposite sides of the passageway. A pair of opposed openings are provided in the first end 118 of the support arm 104 , shown as a hollow tube, such that the opening in the support bracket 102 is aligned with the opening in the support arm 104 . , are positioned within the U-shaped passage member 116 . A hinge pin 120 extends through an opening in the U-shaped passage member and an opposed opening in the first end 118 of the support arm 104 to pivotally connect the support arm 104 to the support bracket 102 . Those skilled in the art should recognize that other implementations of support bracket 102 and support arm 104 may be provided. For example, support arm 104 need not be completely hollow. Indeed, in some embodiments, the support arm may be a solid bar, or a portion of the support arm may be solid while other portions are hollow.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, support arm 104 is extendable (and/or retractable) along support arm longitudinal axis 122, as indicated by double-headed arrow 124. Sometimes. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a support arm first portion 126 including a first end 118 pivotally coupled to the support bracket 102 and rotatable about the axis of rotation 14, and a support arm second portion 128. A support arm 104 is shown including a . A first end 130 of the support arm second portion 128 is inserted into and slidable within a hollow second end 132 of the support arm first portion 126 . Thus, the support arm second portion 128 is extendable (and/or retractable) along the support arm longitudinal axis 122 within the support arm first portion 126 . However, in other embodiments, the support arm portion 126 may be sized to slidably couple within the support arm second portion 128 . In still other embodiments, the support arm 104 can be a single piece and can include a non-linear length profile.

The wire support apparatus 100 may further include a post 106 slidably engaged with a second end of the support arm 104 opposite the first end 118 . For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the post 106 extends through a passageway in the second end 132 of the support arm second portion 128 and is slidable therein. A spring 136 is captured between the support arm 104 (eg, the second portion 128 of the support arm), or a stop member 138 engaged thereto, and the first end 140 of the strut. For example, the first end 140 of the strut may be threaded, where the spring 136 engages the support arm 104, eg, the second portion 128 of the support arm, or the stop member 138, and the strut. It is captured between a washer 142 secured by a nut 144 connected to the first end 140 . Thus, downward movement of the strut 106 along the longitudinal axis 146 of the strut compresses the spring 136, where the downward movement of the strut 106 is:
F = -kx (1)
is resisted by the spring force provided by spring 136 which applies the restoring force. where F is the restoring force produced by the spring, x is the distance (displacement) that the spring is compressed, and k is the spring constant of spring 136 . The spring 136 is selected based on the expected mass of the wire (the force applied to the spring 136 by the supported wire) and the desired amount of displacement x along the longitudinal axis 146 of the strut. For example, if the spring constant and wire mass are too low, the spring will be fully compressed and further immobilize the post 106 in the downward direction. If the spring constant is too large, the spring assembly will again impede movement of the strut 106, eg, provide insufficient displacement.

Although equation (1) above describes a linear relationship between force F and displacement x, in other embodiments the relationship between F and x may be non-linear, where:
F=-f(x) (2)
f denotes a nonlinear function of displacement x.

The spring constant k (or the non-linear relationship between force and displacement, f(x)) (and/or the number of springs) of spring 136 determines that the uncompressed length L of spring 136 is the desired number in the wire tray. After the wires are supported, their uncompressed length ranges from about 0.2L to about 0.6L, e.g., after the wire tray is loaded with wires, from about 0.25L to about 0.5L. It is chosen to be compressed to _LC . The wire support apparatus 100 is configured such that when the metallic components of the downstream glassmaking equipment 30 move during thermal expansion during the heating process, the springs expand (return) and follow the movement of the downstream glassmaking equipment. It may be positioned such that a sufficient restoring force F exists.

In an embodiment, the support arm first portion 126 is provided with a locking mechanism 148 movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to prevent extension or retraction of the support arm second portion 128, if desired. There is For example, as best shown in FIG. 4, support arm 104 may be provided with one or more locking bolts 148 . One or more locking bolts 148 may be provided, for example, in the support arm first portion 126 and may be loosened away from the support arm second portion 128 during initial heating of the downstream glassmaking apparatus 30 . . However, once the downstream glassmaking equipment 30 reaches the desired operating temperature and the metallic component (metallic container) of the downstream glassmaking equipment 30 reaches full expansion, the one or more locking bolts 148 are It may be threaded inwardly through the support arm first portion 126 into engagement with the support arm second portion 128, thereby preventing further movement of the support arm second portion 128 within the support arm first portion 126. can.

A post second end 150 may be coupled to the wire engagement assembly 108 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the wire engagement assembly 108 may include a support plate 110 and a wire tray 112 removably attached thereto, such as by bolts, screws or other suitable fasteners. 3 and 5, the wire tray 112 can provide a platform adapted to support the wires when the wire tray is attached to the support plate 110. FIG. The wire tray 112 may further be provided with an electrically insulating liner 152 (see FIG. 5) on which the wires 35 rest, thereby keeping the wires 35 away from the wire support apparatus 100 and electrically insulating them. do. The backing may be formed, for example, from a glass fiber reinforced polyester material such as Glass manufactured by Roechling Glass Composites, Cleveland, Ohio, 44121, USA, although other electrical materials may be used. An insulating material may be used instead. In addition, metal components of wire support apparatus 100, such as support plate 110 and wire tray 112, are made of non-magnetic metals, such as stainless steel (e.g., SS303), to prevent induction heating of the support apparatus components. preferably formed.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the wire support apparatus 100 is capable of providing rotational motion of the wire engaging assembly 108 and the wires supported thereby about a first axis of rotation 114. can. Retraction or extension of the support arm 104 allows the wire support apparatus 100 to further provide linear motion of the wire engagement assembly 108 in a direction along the support arm's longitudinal axis 122 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 114 . In addition, the wire support apparatus 100 allows linear movement of the wire engagement assembly 108 by translation of the post 106 along a post longitudinal axis 146 that extends parallel to the axis of rotation 114 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 122 of the support arm. Motion (eg, vertical motion) can be provided. Thus, the wire support apparatus 100 is capable of providing two linear motions along the support arm longitudinal axis 122 and perpendicular strut longitudinal axis 146 , and rotational motion about the rotational axis 114 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the wire support device 200. As shown in FIG. Wire support apparatus 200 includes a wire engagement assembly 202 including a support plate 204 and a wire tray 206 removably attached thereto. More specifically, a plurality of struts 208 can be secured to the support plate 204 at a first end 210 of each strut, e.g., at a corner of the support plate 204, by suitable couplers, e.g., nuts and washers. can. The posts 208 extend through passages formed in respective corners 212 (e.g., corner tabs) of the wire tray 206, the wire tray 206 being movable along the longitudinal axis 214 of the posts, It is supported by springs 216 . A spring 216 is positioned at a second end 220 of each strut 208 such that a downward force applied by the wire tray compresses the spring 216, eg, due to the weight of the wire tray and/or wires supported therein. are captured between the capture elements 218 (eg, nuts and washers) attached to the wire tray 206 and respective corners of the wire tray 206 . Spring 216 applies an opposing restoring force according to equation (1) or (2). The spring 216 is selected based on the expected mass of the wire (the force exerted on the wire engagement assembly by the supported wire) and the desired amount of displacement along the longitudinal axis 214 of the strut.

The spring constant k (or the non-linear relationship between force and displacement, f(x)) (and/or the number of springs) of spring 216 determines that the uncompressed length L of spring 216 is the desired number in the wire tray. After the wires are supported, i.e. after the wire tray is loaded, they are compressed to a length _LC in the range of about 0.2L to about 0.6L, such as in the range of about 0.25L to about 0.5L. is selected as The wire support device 200 has sufficient restoring force F such that when the metallic components of the downstream glassmaking equipment 30 move during thermal expansion, the springs expand and follow the movement of the downstream glassmaking equipment. can be positioned to exist.

As in the previous embodiment, the wire tray 206 and, if desired, the support plate 204 may be lined with a suitable electrically insulating lining 222, such as "Glastic." Additionally, each post 208 may include an electrically insulating washer and/or grommet 224 to electrically isolate the support plate 204 from the wire tray 206 to each post 208 coupled to the support plate 204 . In the coupled position, the post first end 210 may be secured to the support plate 204 by a washer 226 and nut 228, or other suitable fastener. Additionally, as in the previous embodiment, the metal components of the wire support device 200 are made of a non-magnetic metal, such as stainless steel, to prevent induction heating by current in the wires 35 of the wire support device components. (eg SS303).

The wire support apparatus 200 may further include a mounting bracket 230 attached to the support plate 204, which attaches the wire support apparatus 200 to a support member (not shown), such as a strut, beam, girder or other mounting bracket. includes one or more slots 232 for attachment to rigid frame pieces of the . The mounting bracket 230, and hence the wire support apparatus 200, can be connected to the support member by suitable fasteners, such as nuts, bolts, and washers. However, if the mounting bolts, nuts, and washers are not sufficiently tightened to hold the mounting bracket tight, one or more of the slots may sag during the heating of the glass making. allows movement of the wire support device in a direction parallel to the Once the downstream glassmaking equipment is heated to operating temperature and the equipment is fully expanded, the mounting bolts can be tightened to secure the wire support device in place. Additionally, the wire tray 206 can be imparted with translational (eg, vertical) motion in a direction along the strut longitudinal axis 214 of the strut 208 , as indicated by double-headed arrow 236 .

While the above-described embodiments of wire support devices 100 and 200 are best suited for generally horizontal wire laying, the exemplary wire support device 300 shown in FIGS. 7-9 is suitable for generally vertical wire laying. best suited. The wire support apparatus 300 of FIGS. 7-9 includes a bracket 302 for mounting the wire support apparatus 300 to a support member 304, such as a building's structural steel (girders, beams, columns, etc.), and springs coupled thereto. Assembly 306 may be included. For example, bracket 302 may include a passageway in which spring assembly 306 is positioned. The spring assembly 306 may include a post 308 extending through the spring housing 310 (and bracket 302) that allows linear motion of the post 308 along a longitudinal axis 312 (see FIG. 8). . Spring assembly 306 may further include a spring 314 positioned within spring housing 310 and engaged with post 308 . For example, stop member 316 can be coupled to post 308 such that spring 314 is trapped between stop member 316 and base 318 of spring housing 310 . A stop member 316 , which moves downward with the strut 308 , compresses the spring 314 when the strut 308 is pulled downwardly along the axis 312 , such as by a weight, such as a wire connection to the strut 308 . In response, spring 314 applies an opposing restoring force according to equation (1) or (2). Spring 314 can be selected based on the expected mass of the wire (the force applied to the spring assembly by the supported wire) and the desired amount of displacement along longitudinal axis 312 . For example, if the spring constant is too low, the mass of the wire will completely compress the spring and prevent further movement in the downward direction. If the spring constant is too high, the spring assembly will act as a substantially rigid body, and when the mass of the wire is applied, there will be insufficient compression to accommodate the movement of the downstream glassmaking equipment. If movement requires upward movement of the wire support, there is no restoring force.

The spring constant k (or the non-linear relationship between force and displacement, f(x)) (and/or the number of springs) of spring 314 determines that the uncompressed length L of spring 314 is the desired number in the wire tray. After the wires are supported, i.e., after the wire tray is loaded with wires, the uncompressed length of the wires is in the range of about 0.2L to about 0.6L, such as in the range of about 0.25L to about 0.5L. It is chosen to be compressed to length _LC . The wire support device 300 is configured such that when the metal components of the downstream glassmaking equipment 30 move during thermal expansion, the springs expand to follow the movement of the downstream glassmaking equipment (e.g., the electrical flange 33). , may be positioned such that a sufficient restoring force F exists.

As best seen with the aid of FIG. 8, wire support apparatus 300 may further include a pulley assembly 320 , such as a rotary joint 324 , coupled to lower end 322 of strut 308 . Pulley assembly 320 includes a yoke 326 in which a pulley 328 is mounted by axle 330 and rotatable about axle 332 .

Referring now to FIG. 9, the wire support apparatus 300 may further include a wire engagement assembly 334 that includes a wire tray 336. As shown in FIG. Wire tray 336 may include a plurality of wire passages 338 extending therein and sized to receive wires 35 when assembled. Cable tray 336 may be made from multiple pieces. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, wire tray 336 includes four wire passages 338 (338a-338d) and is divided into three wire tray portions 336a, 336b, and 336c. Wire passages 338a and 338b are split between wire tray portions 336a and 336c, and wire passages 338c and 338d are split between wire tray portions 336b and 336c. Thus, the wires 35 are aligned (eg, positioned within) the wire tray portions 336c of the wire passages 338a-338d in some embodiments, and then the wire tray portions 336a and 336b are, for example, , bolts 340 connect to the wire tray portion 336c, thereby allowing the wires 35 to be captured in the now closed perimeter wire passages. To secure the wires within the wire passages 338a-338d, the wire passages can be made smaller than the wires. That is, the inner diameter of the wire passages 338a-338d is smaller than the outer diameter of the wires when the wire tray portions 336a-336c are assembled. can be made). This allows the wires to be tightly clamped within the wire tray 336 . However, it should be understood that the wire tray 336 can include less than four wire passages 338 or more than four wire passages 338 .

The wire support apparatus may further include a wire rope 342 (eg, wire cable) attached to the wire engagement assembly 334 on opposite sides of the wire tray 336 by couplings 344a, 344b, or the like. A wire rope 342 runs from one side of the wire tray 336 via a connector 344a to the pulley 328 and is attached to the opposite side of the wire tray via a connector 344b.

A wire tray 336 connected to pulleys 328 by wire ropes 342 and supported by springs 314 via posts 308 allows the wires 35 to move freely. The pulleys, wire ropes, springs and all equipment can be manufactured from non-magnetic materials such as stainless steel (eg SS303). The wire tray 336 is preferably manufactured from a suitable electrically insulating material, for example a resin impregnated fiberglass composite such as "Glastic".

7-9, wire engaging assembly 334 is capable of vertical movement along axis 312 as indicated by double arrow 350. As shown in FIG. The wire engaging assembly 334 can also be tilted such that when one attachment point (eg, coupling 344a) for attaching the wire rope 342 to the wire tray 336 is raised (see arrow 352), the pulley 328 of the wire rope 342 and engagement lowers the opposite point of attachment for wire rope 342 (eg, connector 344b) (see arrow 354). The resulting movement causes the wire tray 336 to tilt. It should be apparent that the wire tray 336 tilts in the opposite direction as well.

Wire engaging assembly 334 would also be capable of pivotal motion with pulley 328 as the axis of rotation, and rotational motion in the plane provided by rotary linkage 324 as indicated by double arrow 356 .

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

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

Embodiment 1
In the glass manufacturing equipment,
metal vessels designed to carry molten glass,
an electrical flange attached to the metallic container and coupled to an electrical wire; and an electrical wire support device for supporting the electrical wire, engaged with the electrical wire and movable in a first direction against a spring force. A wire support device including a wire engagement assembly;
A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

Embodiment 2
2. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein said wire engaging assembly is movable along a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.

Embodiment 3
2. A glass making apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein said wire engaging assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to said first direction.

Embodiment 4
2. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the first direction is vertical.

Embodiment 5
2. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the spring force is provided by a spring and the wire engagement assembly is coupled to the spring by a post.

Embodiment 6
6. A glassmaking apparatus according to embodiment 5, wherein the post is engaged with and slidable within the support arm along the longitudinal axis of the post.

Embodiment 7
7. A glass making apparatus according to embodiment 6, wherein the support arm is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through the first end of the support arm.

Embodiment 8
7. A glass making apparatus according to embodiment 6, wherein the length of the support arm is variable along the longitudinal axis of the support arm.

Embodiment 9
9. A glass making apparatus according to embodiment 8, wherein the support arm includes a locking mechanism movable from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Embodiment 10
8. A glass making apparatus according to embodiment 7, wherein the longitudinal axis of the strut is parallel to the axis of rotation of the support arm.

Embodiment 11
6. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the wire engaging assembly includes a wire tray removably coupled to a support plate attached to the post.

Embodiment 12
2. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the wire engaging assembly comprises an electrically insulating material.

Embodiment 13
6. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the strut is coupled to a pulley assembly.

Embodiment 14
14. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 13, further comprising a wire rope coupled to said wire engagement assembly and engaging said pulley.

Embodiment 15
2. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the wire engaging assembly includes at least one wire passageway extending therethrough.

Embodiment 16
The wire engaging assembly includes a wire tray, at least two wire tray portions removably coupled together, the wire tray defining at least one wire passageway divided between the at least two wire tray portions. 2. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 1, comprising:

Embodiment 17
17. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the wire tray includes a plurality of wire passages.

Embodiment 18
3. The glass making apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the spring force is provided by a spring, the spring force being a non-linear function of the displacement of the spring.

Embodiment 19
In the glass manufacturing equipment,
metal vessels designed to carry molten glass,
an electrical flange attached to the metallic container and coupled to an electrical wire; and an electrical wire support device for supporting the electrical wire, engaging the electrical wire in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. a wire support device including a wire engaging assembly movable in two directions;
with
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein movement of said wire engaging assembly in said first direction opposes a spring force.

Embodiment 20
20. A glassmaking apparatus according to embodiment 19, wherein the wire engaging assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

Embodiment 21
20. A glassmaking apparatus according to embodiment 19, wherein said spring force is provided by at least one spring.

Embodiment 22
20. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 19, wherein the at least one spring is coupled to a post.

Embodiment 23
23. The apparatus of embodiment 22, wherein the at least one spring comprises a plurality of springs coupled to a plurality of struts.

Embodiment 24
23. A glassmaking apparatus according to embodiment 22, wherein the post is slidably coupled to a support arm.

Embodiment 25
25. A glassmaking apparatus according to embodiment 24, wherein the support arm is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

Embodiment 26
26. The apparatus of embodiment 25, wherein the length of the support arm is variable along the longitudinal axis of the support arm.

Embodiment 27
In the glass manufacturing equipment,
metal vessels designed to carry molten glass,
an electrical flange attached to the metallic container and coupled to an electrical wire; and an electrical wire support device for supporting the electrical wire, engaging the electrical wire in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. a wire support apparatus movable in two directions and including a wire engaging assembly rotatable about an axis of rotation;
with
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein movement of said wire engaging assembly in said first direction opposes a spring force.

Embodiment 28
In the glass manufacturing equipment,
metal vessels designed to carry molten glass,
an electrical flange attached to the metallic container and coupled to an electrical wire; and an electrical wire support device for supporting the electrical wire, engaged with the electrical wire and movable in a first direction against a spring force. a wire support device including a wire engagement assembly rotatable about an axis of rotation;
Glass manufacturing equipment with

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 glassmaking equipment 12 glass melting furnace 14 melting tank 16 upstream glassmaking equipment 18 raw material storage vessel 20 raw material delivery device 22 motor 24 raw material 28 molten glass 30 downstream glassmaking equipment 32 first connecting conduit 33 electrical flange 34 clarifier 35 electrical wire 36 mixing tank 37 terminal 38 second connecting conduit 39 power receiving electrode 40 supply tank 42 forming body 44 exit conduit 46 third connecting conduit 48 forming apparatus 50 inlet conduit 52 gutter 54 forming surface 56 base 58 single ribbon 62 glass sheet 100 , 200, 300 wire support device 102 support bracket 104 support arm 106, 308 post 108, 208 wire engagement assembly 110, 204 support plate 112, 206, 336 wire tray 114 axis of rotation 116 U-shaped passage member 120 hinge pin 122 of support arm longitudinal axis 136, 216 springs 146, 214 longitudinal axis of strut 148 locking mechanism, bolt 222 electrical isolation lining 226 washer 228 nut 230 mounting bracket 232 slot 302 bracket 304 support member 306 spring assembly 310 spring housing 324 rotary joint 328 pulley 336a-c wire tray portion 338, 338a-338d wire passageway 342 wire rope

Claims (14)

In the glass manufacturing equipment,
metal vessels designed to carry molten glass,
An electrical flange attached to the metallic container, the electrical flange being coupled to an electrical wire, and a wire support device for supporting the electrical wire, the electrical wire supporting device engaging the electrical wire and resisting a spring force to provide a first spring force. a wire support apparatus including a wire engaging assembly movable in a direction of and rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to said first direction ;
A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: 2. The glassmaking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wire engaging assembly is movable along a second direction perpendicular to said first direction. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first direction is vertical. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spring force is provided by a spring and said wire engaging assembly is coupled to said spring by a post. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the post is engaged with and slidable within the support arm along the longitudinal axis of the post. 6. The glassmaking apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the support arm is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through the first end of the support arm. 6. The glass making apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the length of the support arm is variable along the longitudinal axis of the support arm. 8. The glass making apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said support arm includes a locking mechanism movable from an unlocked position to a locked position. 7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the longitudinal axis of said strut is parallel to the axis of rotation of said support arm. 5. The glassmaking apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said wire engaging assembly includes a wire tray removably coupled to a support plate attached to said post. 11. The glass making apparatus of any one of claims 1-10 , wherein the wire engaging assembly comprises an electrically insulating material. 5. The glassmaking apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said strut is attached to a pulley assembly. 2. The glassmaking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wire engaging assembly includes at least one wire passageway extending therethrough. 14. A glass making apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring force is provided by a spring, the spring force being a non-linear function of the displacement of the spring.

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