TW201945298A - Apparatus and methods for processing material - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrode assembly includes a plurality of blocks stacked along a first axis. The plurality of blocks span a first distance along the first axis and a second distance along a second axis. The first distance and the second distance define a first face of the electrode assembly, and the plurality of blocks span a third distance from the first face of the electrode assembly to a second face of the electrode assembly along a third axis. A first dimension of a first block of the plurality of blocks is greater than a second dimension of a second block of the plurality of blocks. An apparatus includes the electrode assembly and a vessel. Methods of processing material in the vessel are also provided.

Description

Device and method for processing materials

This case generally relates to an apparatus and method for processing materials, and more particularly, to an electrode assembly including a plurality of blocks, an apparatus including an electrode assembly and a container, and a method for processing The step of providing electrical energy by the electrode assembly.

It is known to provide a glass manufacturing apparatus that is designed to manufacture glass articles from a certain amount of molten material. Conventional glass manufacturing equipment includes a furnace that includes an electrode designed to process (eg, melt, heat) a batch into a quantity of molten material.

A simplified overview of the case is presented below to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description.

In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes a plurality of blocks stacked in a first direction along a first axis. The plurality of blocks span a first distance along a first axis and span a second distance along a second axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first distance and the second distance define a first face of the electrode assembly, and a plurality of blocks from the first face of the electrode assembly to the second face of the electrode assembly, along a third party that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction A third upward axis, spanning a third distance. A first dimension of a first block of the plurality of blocks defined along a third axis from a first end of the first block to a second end of the first block is larger than the plurality of blocks A second dimension of one of the second blocks is defined along a third axis from a first end of the second block to a second end of the second block.

In some embodiments, the first end of the first block defines a first portion of the first face, and the first end of the second block defines a second portion of the first face.

In some embodiments, the first face defines a flat surface of the electrode assembly.

In some embodiments, the first block includes a first surface extending from a first end of the first block to a second end of the first block, and the first surface defines a non-planar boundary of the first block.

In some embodiments, the second block includes a second surface extending from a first end of the second block to a second end of the second block, and a first portion of the first surface of the first block faces the second surface of the second block. a part of.

In some embodiments, a first portion of a first surface of a first block abuts a portion of a second surface of a second block at a first interface.

In some embodiments, a third dimension of the plurality of blocks is defined along a third axis from a first end of the third block to a second end of the third block. It is larger than the second size, and the first end of the third block faces the second end of the second block.

In some embodiments, the first size is equal to the third size.

In some embodiments, the third block includes a third surface extending from a first end of the third block to a second end of the third block, the third surface defines a non-planar boundary of the third block, and the third block of the first block The surface of the two-part first block faces a portion of the third surface of the third block.

In some embodiments, the first end of the third block is adjacent to the second end of the second block at the second interface, and the second portion of the first surface of the first block is adjacent to the third block at the third interface. Part of the third surface.

In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a first frame surrounding a plurality of blocks along the first axis and the second axis.

In some embodiments, the first frame is movable along a third axis.

In some embodiments, the first frame applies a first clamping force to the plurality of blocks along at least one of the first axis and the second axis.

In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first fastener that is guided to perform at least one of an increase and a decrease in the first clamping force.

In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes a second frame surrounding the plurality of blocks along the first axis and the second axis. The second frame is movable along a third axis, the second frame applies a second clamping force to a plurality of blocks along at least one of the first axis and the second axis, and the second frame includes a second fastener, The second fastener is guided to perform at least one of an increase and a decrease in the second clamping force. The first frame and the second frame are independently movable along a third axis.

In some embodiments, a device includes an electrode assembly and a container, and the container includes at least one wall defining an envelope region of the container. The at least one wall includes a hole defining an opening that receives at least a portion of the electrode assembly.

In some embodiments, the container includes a melting container for a glass manufacturing system.

In some embodiments, the position of the electrode assembly is adjustable relative to the opening of the wall.

In some embodiments, a method of processing material in a container includes the steps of supplying electrical energy to an electrode assembly and heating the material within an enclosed area of the container with electrical energy.

In some embodiments, the method includes the step of adjusting the position of the electrode assembly relative to the opening of the wall while heating the material.

Reference will now be made to the drawings to illustrate exemplary embodiments, which are described more fully hereinafter. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this case can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in this case.

It should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary and therefore non-limiting. For the purposes of this case, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may optionally include a glass forming apparatus that forms a glass article (eg, a glass ribbon and / or a glass plate) from a certain amount of molten material. For example, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing device may optionally include a glass forming device, such as a slot pull device, a flotation bath device, a pull-down device, a pull-up device, a roll-press device, or other glass-forming devices Glass forming device. In some embodiments, the glass article may include one or more optical characteristics required for various articles (eg, ophthalmic articles, display articles). For example, in some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus may be used to provide display articles (eg, display glass plates) that can be used in various display applications, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCD), electrophoretic displays (EPD), organic light emitting diodes Display (OLED), Plasma Display Panel (PDP), and other electronic displays.

As schematically shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a glass forming apparatus 101 including a forming container 140 designed to be made from a certain amount of molten material 121 Manufacture glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may include a central portion 152 disposed between oppositely thick edge beads formed along the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103. . In addition, in some embodiments, the glass plate 104 may be separated from the glass ribbon 103 along the separation path 151 through a glass separator 149 (eg, a scriber, a scribing wheel, a diamond tip, a laser, etc.). In some embodiments, the relatively thick edge beads formed along the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 may be removed before or after the glass plate 104 is separated from the glass ribbon 103 so that the central portion 152 is A high-quality glass plate 104 having a uniform thickness. In some embodiments, the resulting high-quality glass sheet 104 can then be processed or used at least in various applications.

In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive a batch 107 from a storage tank 109. The batch 107 may be introduced by a batch conveying device 111 powered by a motor 113. In some embodiments, the optional controller 115 may be operated to activate the motor 113 to introduce the required amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105 as shown by arrow 117. The melting vessel 105 may heat the batch 107 to provide a molten material 121. In some embodiments, the glass melt probe 119 can be used to measure the level of the molten material 121 in the riser 123 and transmit the measured information to the controller 115 through the communication line 125.

In addition, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a first conditioning station including a clarification vessel 127 downstream of the melting vessel 105 and connected to the melting vessel 105 through a first connection duct 129. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity-fed from the melting container 105 to the clarification container 127 through the first connection conduit 129. For example, in some embodiments, gravity may drive the molten material 121 from the melting vessel 105 to the clarification vessel 127 through the internal passage of the first connection conduit 129. In addition, in some embodiments, air bubbles may be removed from the molten material 121 within the clarification container 127 through various techniques.

In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a second conditioning station including a mixing chamber 131 that may be located downstream of the clarification container 127. The mixing chamber 131 may be used to provide a homogeneous composition of the molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating unevenness that may be present in the molten material 121 leaving the clarification container 127. As shown, the clarification container 127 may be connected to the mixing chamber 131 through the second connection pipe 135. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity-fed from the clarification container 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the second connection duct 135. For example, in some embodiments, gravity may drive the molten material 121 from the clarification container 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the internal passage of the second connection pipe 135.

In addition, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a third conditioning station including a transport container 133 that may be located downstream of the mixing chamber 131. In some embodiments, the transfer container 133 may adjust the molten material 121 to be supplied into the inlet conduit 141. For example, the transfer container 133 may be used as an accumulator and / or flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141. As shown in the figure, the mixing chamber 131 can be connected to the transport container 133 by way of the third connection duct 137. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be gravity-fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the transfer container 133 through the third connection duct 137. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can drive the molten material 121 from the mixing chamber 131 to the transport container 133 through the internal passage of the third connection duct 137. As further shown, in some embodiments, a delivery tube 139 (eg, a downcomer) may be positioned to convey the molten material 121 to the inlet conduit 141 of the forming container 140.

According to the features of the present invention, various embodiments of a forming container may be provided, including a forming container having a wedge for melt-drawing a glass ribbon, a forming container having a groove for drawing a glass ribbon out of a groove, or a pressing roller for The formed container in which the glass ribbon was rolled under pressure in the container. By way of illustration, the following illustration and disclosed forming container 140 may be provided to melt pull the molten material 121 from the root 145 of the forming wedge 209 to produce a glass ribbon 103. For example, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 may be delivered from the inlet conduit 141 to the forming container 140. Next, the molten material 121 may form the glass ribbon 103 at least in part according to the structure of the forming container 140. For example, as shown, the molten material 121 may be pulled out from the bottom edge (for example, the root 145) of the forming container 140 along a drawing path extending in the drawing direction 157 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the edge guides 163a, 163b can guide the molten material 121 away from the forming container 140, and at least partially define the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the width “W” of the glass ribbon 103 may extend between the first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the shaped container 140 may include a slot 201 that is oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet conduit 141. For illustrative purposes, the cross hatching of the molten material 121 is removed from FIG. 2 for clarity. The forming container 140 may further include a forming wedge 209 including a pair of downwardly converging converging surface portions 207a, 207b that extend between opposite ends 210a, 210b of the forming wedge 209 (see FIG. 1). The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b of the forming wedge 209 may converge in the pulling direction 157 to cross along the bottom edge of the forming wedge 209 to define the root 145 of the forming container 140. The drawing plane 213 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may extend through the root portion 145 along the drawing direction 157. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 may be stretched in the pulling direction 157 along the pulling plane 213. As shown, the drawing plane 213 may bisect the forming wedge 209 by the root 145, but in some embodiments, the drawing plane 213 may extend in other directions relative to the root 145.

In addition, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 may flow into the groove 201 of the forming container 140 in the direction 159. The molten material 121 can then overflow from the groove 201 by flowing simultaneously through the respective weirs 203a, 203b and down through the outer surfaces 205a, 205b of the respective weirs 203a, 203b. Subsequently, the flow of each molten material 121 may flow along the downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b of the forming wedge 209 to be pulled out from the root portion 145 of the forming container 140, where these flows converge and fuse to form Glass ribbon 103. Subsequently, the glass ribbon 103 can be melt-drawn from the root 145 in the drawing plane 213 along the drawing direction 157. In some embodiments, the glass separator 149 (see FIG. 1) may then subsequently separate the glass plate 104 from the glass ribbon 103 along the separation path 151. As shown, in some embodiments, the separation path 151 may extend along the width “W” of the glass ribbon 103 between the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155. In addition, in some embodiments, the separation path 151 may extend in a pulling direction 157 perpendicular to the glass ribbon 103. In addition, in some embodiments, the pulling direction 157 can define a direction, that is, a direction in which the glass ribbon 103 can be drawn by melting from the forming container 140.

As shown in FIG. 2, the glass ribbon 103 can be pulled down from the root 145 with the first major surface 215 a of the glass ribbon 103 and the second major surface 215 b of the glass ribbon 103 facing in opposite directions, and defines the thickness “T "(For example, average thickness). In some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the glass ribbon 103 may be less than or equal to about 2 mm, less than or equal to about 1 mm, and less than or equal to about 0.5 mm. For example, although other thicknesses may be provided in other embodiments, the thickness may be less than Or equal to about 300 μm, less than or equal to about 200 μm, or less than or equal to about 100 μm. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness “T” of the glass ribbon 103 may be from about 50 μm to about 750 μm, from about 100 μm to about 700 μm, from about 200 μm to about 600 μm, from about 300 μm to about 500 μm, from about 50 μm to About 500 μm, from about 50 μm to about 700 μm, from about 50 μm to about 600 μm, from about 50 μm to about 500 μm, from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, from about 50 μm to about 300 μm, from about 50 μm to about 200 μm, from about 50 μm to about 100 μm, including the thickness of all ranges and subranges in between. In addition, the glass ribbon 103 may include various compositions including, but not limited to, soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a part of a glass manufacturing apparatus 100 including a melting container 105 taken along a line 3-3 in FIG. 3. In FIG. 1, the top (eg, lid, top, top plate) of the melting container 105 is removed for clarity. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the melting vessel 105 may include a fixed or removable top without departing from the scope of the present case. In addition, unless stated otherwise, in some embodiments, the top of the melting container 105 may be open to the environment outside the melting container 105, for example, and the free surface of the molten material 121 may face the open top. In some embodiments, the melting vessel 105 may include a wall 310 that includes inner surfaces 311, 312 that at least partially define an envelope region 315 (eg, volume) of the melting vessel 105. For example, in some embodiments, the side wall inner surface 311 and the bottom wall inner surface 312 may at least partially define the encapsulation area 315 of the melting container 105. As shown, in some embodiments, the encapsulation area 315 may contain material (eg, batch 107, molten material 121); but unless otherwise noted, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the melting vessel 105 may It is empty (for example, no material is provided) and this does not depart from the scope of the case.

In some embodiments, the wall 310 of the melting vessel 105 may include (e.g., be manufactured from) metallic and / or non-metallic materials, including but not limited to one or more thermally insulating refractory materials (e.g., ceramic, silicon carbide, zirconia, Zircon, chromium oxide). In addition, in some embodiments, the inner surfaces 311, 312 of the melting vessel 105 may include a layer (not shown) of a corrosion-resistant material (eg, platinum, platinum alloy) to provide inclusion in the encapsulation area 315 and the wall 310 Corrosion resistant barrier layer between the materials 107, 121. In some embodiments, the wall 310 of the melting vessel 105 may include components selected to resist exposure to high temperatures (eg, temperatures at or below 2100 ° C), corrosive chemicals (eg, boron, phosphorus, sodium oxide), And materials that suffer from structural degradation and deformation (eg, warping, sagging, creep, fatigue, corrosion, cracking, cracking, thermal shock, mechanical shock, etc.) in the event of one or more of external forces. In some embodiments, the wall 310 may be manufactured as a solid monolithic structure; however, in some embodiments, a plurality of individual structures (eg, bricks) may be combined (eg, stacked) to provide at least a portion of the wall 310. For the purpose of this case, no matter how the wall 310 is constructed, without departing from the scope of this case, a container (eg, an encapsulation container) may include an inner surface 311 that defines at least a portion of the encapsulation area 315, 312, the inner surfaces 311, 312 are oriented to contain the material 107, 121 within the encapsulation area 315.

As indicated by arrow 117, in some embodiments, the batch material 107 may be introduced into the envelope region 315 of the melting vessel 105 by the batch conveying device 111. In some embodiments, the melting vessel 105 may heat the batch 107 to provide the molten material 121 within the encapsulation area 315. In addition, in some embodiments, the melting vessel 105 may be used to raise or lower the temperature of the molten material 121 contained within the encapsulation region 315. For example, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a heating device 300 (eg, a heater), which may include a first electrode 301 and a second electrode 302, and the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 may be operable to heat The batch 107 is (eg, melted) to provide a molten material 121. In some embodiments, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 may be the same as each other. Similarly, in some embodiments, structures and components related to and / or operable with the first electrode 301 are the same as structures and components related to and / or operable with the second electrode 302. Therefore, unless stated otherwise, for the purposes of this case, the features of the first electrode 301 and the structures and components associated with and / or operable with the first electrode 301 may be equally applicable to the features of the second electrode 302 And structures and components associated with and / or operable with the second electrode 302. In addition, although not shown, in some embodiments, the characteristics of the second electrode 302 and the structures and components associated with and / or operable with the second electrode 302 may be different from those corresponding to the first electrode 301 Features and corresponding structures and components associated with and / or operable with the first electrode 301.

In some embodiments, one or more additional heating devices (not shown) may be provided, for example, to first melt the batch 107 to provide a molten material 121. In some embodiments, the heating device 300 including the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 may then be used to further melt the batch 107 and / or further heat the molten material 121. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more additional heating devices (not shown) may be provided, including but not limited to gas heaters, electric heaters, and resistance heaters. The materials 107, 121 in the envelope region 315 of the melting vessel 105 provide additional heat without departing from the scope of this case.

In some embodiments, the heating device 300 may include a circuit including a first electrical lead 307 electrically connected to the first electrode 301 and a second electrical lead 308 electrically connected to the second electrode 302. In some embodiments, the material (eg, batch 107, molten material 121) may include material characteristics that make the material behave as a resistor, which at least based on the principle of Joule heating, converts the current 325 through the materials 107, 121 into Thermal energy. Therefore, in some embodiments, Joule heating may be based at least in part on Joule's law (P = I ² × R), where “P” is electric heating power, “I” is current 325, and “R” is current 325 through Resistivity of the material. For example, in some embodiments, a current 325 (provided by the first electrical lead 307) may pass through the front surface 303 of the first electrode 301, pass through the materials 107, 121 contained in the encapsulation area 315, and flow to the second electrode 302's front 304. Similarly, in some embodiments, a current 325 (provided by the second electrical lead 308) may flow through the front surface 304 of the second electrode 302, and through the materials 107, 121 contained in the encapsulation area 315, and flow to the first electrode 301 The positive 303. Therefore, in some embodiments, based at least in part on this conversion of the current 325 into thermal energy, one or more features of the heating device 300 are operable to increase the temperature of the materials 107, 121, and / or when operating the glass manufacturing device 100 At this time, the temperature of the materials 107 and 121 contained in the encapsulation region 315 is maintained.

In some embodiments, the heating device 300 may be used, for example, for at least one operation to control and reduce the temperature fluctuations and temperature gradients of the materials 107, 121 contained in the envelope region 315 of the melting container 105. For example, in some embodiments, one or more features of the heating device 300 may uniformly heat the batch 107 such that the molten material 121 contained within the container 105 has a uniform, controlled temperature. In some embodiments, the uniformly controlled temperature of the molten material 121 may provide a better quality glass ribbon 103 relative to a glass ribbon formed by the molten material 121 containing temperature gradients and / or temperature fluctuations. For example, as shown by arrow 317, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 may flow through the encapsulation area 315 (eg, through a current 325) while being heated by the heating device 300. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 may then be provided from the container 105 to the glass forming device 101 (eg, through the first connection conduit 129) for further processing, such as forming a glass ribbon 103 (see FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 may include (eg, manufactured from) a metal and / or non-metal material, including but not limited to tin oxide, carbon, zirconia, molybdenum Or more of platinum, platinum, and platinum alloys. In some embodiments, the front surface 303 of the first electrode 301 and the front surface 304 of the second electrode 302 may contact the materials 107, 121 contained in the encapsulation region 315 of the melting container 105. Therefore, in some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 may include a component selected to resist exposure to high temperatures (eg, a temperature equal to or lower than 2100 ° C), corrosive chemicals ( (E.g., boron, phosphorus, sodium oxide), and structural degradation and deformation (e.g., warping, sagging, creep, fatigue, corrosion, cracking, cracking, thermal shock, mechanical shock) in the case of one or more of external forces Etc). Further, in some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 may be manufactured as a solid (eg, single, monolithic) structure; however, in some embodiments, as discussed more fully below Yes, a plurality of separate structures (eg, bricks, blocks) may be combined (eg, stacked) to provide at least a part of at least one of the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302. In some embodiments, constructing the electrodes 301 and 302 by using a plurality of separate structures (eg, bricks and blocks) can help simplify and reduce the manufacturing cost of the electrodes 301 and 302.

In some embodiments, the temperature of the back surface 305 of the first electrode 301 may be less than the front surface of the first electrode 301 based on at least the thermal energy provided by the current 325 to the materials 107, 121 contained in the encapsulation region 315 of the melting container 105. 303 temperature. Similarly, in some embodiments, the temperature of the back surface 306 of the second electrode 302 may be lower than that of the second electrode 302 based at least on the thermal energy provided by the current 325 to the materials 107, 121 contained in the enclosing area 315 of the melting vessel 105. The temperature of the front side 304. In addition, in some embodiments, the back surface 305 of the first electrode 301 and / or the back surface 306 of the second electrode 302 may be made of liquid (for example, water), gas (for example, air), or solid (for example, heat sink). Cooling is performed by one or more, for example, adjusting one or more electrons electrically connected to the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 based on one or more of conductive heat transfer, convective heat transfer, and radiative heat transfer. Temperature of components (eg, electrical leads 307, 308 and related electronic components).

As further shown in FIG. 4, it shows a cross-sectional view of the melting container 105 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the first electrode 301 may be positioned in the first hole 401 defining the first opening 403 in the wall 310 of the melting container 105 and the second electrode 302 may be positioned in the wall 310 defining the melting container 105 In the second hole 402 of the second opening 404. In some embodiments, the first hole 401 may be positioned opposite to the second hole 402 in such a manner that the first opening 403 faces the second opening 404. For example, in some embodiments, the first opening 403 and the second opening 404 may be aligned along a common axis. In addition, in some embodiments, the front surface 303 of the first electrode 301 may face the front surface 304 of the second electrode 302 (eg, aligned along a common axis), and one or more surfaces of the front surfaces 303, 304 are in contact with the melting container. The materials 107, 121 within the enclosing area 315 of 105. Therefore, in some embodiments, the current 325 may pass through the front surface 303 of the first electrode 301 located in the first opening 403 of the first hole 401 and pass through the materials 107 and 121 included in the encapsulation area 315 to reach the position. The front surface 304 of the second electrode 302 within the second opening 404 of the second hole 402. Similarly, in some embodiments, the current 325 may pass through the front surface 304 of the second electrode 302 located in the second opening 404 of the second hole 402 and pass through the materials 107 and 121 included in the encapsulation area 315 to reach the position. The front surface 303 of the first electrode 301 in the first opening 403 of the first hole 401.

In some embodiments, for example, at least one of the front surface 303 of the first electrode 301 and the front surface 304 of the second electrode 302 will be for a period of time, based at least on the operation of the heating device 300 and the contact with the materials 107, 121. Wear (eg, deterioration, wear). Therefore, as explained more fully below, in some embodiments, the first electrode 301 may be selectively translated relative to the first opening 403 along an adjustment path extending in the direction 351 to move along the direction 351 Adjust the path to pan front 303. In some embodiments, translating the first electrode 301 relative to the first opening 403 in the direction 351 can compensate for structural deterioration of the front surface 303 caused by abrasion when the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is operated. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second electrode 302 can be selectively translated relative to the second opening 404 along an adjustment path extending in the direction 352 to translate the front surface 304 along the adjustment path in the direction 352. In some embodiments, translating the second electrode 302 relative to the second opening 404 in the direction 352 can compensate for structural deterioration of the front surface 304 caused by abrasion when operating the glass manufacturing apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, the inner surfaces 311 and 312 of the wall 310 and the front surface 303 of the first electrode 301 and the front surface 304 of the second electrode 302 may at least partially define the encapsulation region 315 of the melting container 105. In addition, in some embodiments, the front surfaces 303, 304 of the electrodes 301, 302 may be flush with the inner surface 311 of the wall 310. For example, in some embodiments, the front faces 303, 304 of the electrodes 301, 302 may be positioned flush with the inner surface 311 of the wall 310, and / or in individual directions 351, 352 when operating the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 It is flush with the inner surface 311 of the wall 310 during the upward translation. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the front faces 303, 304 of the electrodes 301, 302 may be positioned as concave or convex, and / or in individual directions 351, 352 when operating the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 It is translated upward to be concave or convex relative to the inner surface 311 of the wall 310. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more features 300 of the heating device may be operated to increase the temperature of the materials 107, 121, and / or remain contained within the encapsulation area 315, based at least in part on the conversion of the current 325 into thermal energy. The temperature of the materials 107, 121 inside.

Further, although the features of the melting vessel 105 have been described, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, in some embodiments, one or more features of the heating device 300 may be equipped with one or more vessels individually or in combination. (Eg, encapsulating a container, including a container that is not explicitly disclosed), such as heating the material contained in the enclosing area of one or more containers (including the material that is not explicitly disclosed), without departing from the scope of the present case. In some embodiments, the exemplary container using the heating device 300 can process molten material in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, clarification, conditioning, containment, agitation, allowing chemical reactions, injecting bubbles, cooling, heating, forming, holding, flow.

For example, in some embodiments, one or more features of the heating device 300 may be individually or combined with one or more features of the glass manufacturing device 100 (FIG. 1) and the glass forming device 101, including but not limited to the melting vessel 105 , Storage tank 109, riser 123, clarification container 127, first connection duct 129, mixing chamber 131, transport container 133, second connection duct 135, third connection duct 137, transport tube 139, and forming container 140, for example, The materials contained in these features are heated (eg, batch 107, molten material 121). In addition, although the melting vessel 105 is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 as a substantially cubic structure, unless otherwise noted, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the melting vessel 105 and other vessels incorporating the heating device 300 may include Defines the structure of one or more contours and shapes of walls, including but not limited to, spherical, rectangular frames, cylindrical, conical, or other three-dimensional shapes, which are oriented to include an encapsulating area containing material ( (For example, volume).

An exemplary embodiment of an exemplary heating device 300 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5-17. In some embodiments, the heating device 300 may be used to heat the molten material 121 contained in the enclosing area 315 of the melting container 105. Unless otherwise noted, it should be understood that in some embodiments, one or more of the heating devices 300 This feature may be applied individually or in combination to heat the material contained in the encapsulation area of one or more other containers (eg, encapsulated containers) according to embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the heating device 300 may include various configurations. Therefore, in some embodiments, the features related to the first electrode 301 and the first electrode 301 may be the same as the features related to the second electrode 302 and the second electrode 302. In this way, the embodiments of the electrodes 301 and 302 and the structures related to the electrodes 301 and 302 will be described with reference to the first electrode 301 for understanding that in some embodiments, such features and descriptions can be applied to the second electrode 302 as well.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the back surface 305 of the melting vessel 105 including the first electrode 301 of the heating device 300 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIGS. 6 to 12 illustrate various exemplary embodiments of partial cross-sectional views of the melting container 105 and the heating device 300 of FIG. 4, including a method of processing the material 121 with the heating device 300. In some embodiments, the first electrode 301 may be defined as an electrode assembly 301 including a plurality of blocks 500. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 12, fifteen blocks 501 to 515 are disclosed. It should be understood that in some embodiments, more or fewer blocks defining a plurality of blocks 500 may be provided without departing from the scope of the present application. Also, in some embodiments, with respect to shape, size, and orientation, each block may be the same, one or more blocks may be part of one or more of the same block (eg, half block), and one or more Each block may be different from one or more other blocks. In some embodiments, providing the same block and / or one or more blocks as part (eg, a half block) of one or more of the same block can reduce at least the cost of manufacturing the same number of blocks 500 One provides relative advantages, for example, can be obtained by providing a plurality of different blocks or a single block of relatively large size.

In addition, for the purpose of this case, the standard three-dimensional (right-handed) Cartesian coordinate system is provided in Figures 3-17, with a first axis ｢X｣ extending along the first direction and a second axis ｢Y｣ along the vertical Extending in a second direction in the first direction, the third axis ｢Z｣ extends in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. Unless otherwise stated, the coordinates provide the basis from which at least one of the relative spatial coordinates and the relative orientation of one or more features of the case can be determined from the basis of the embodiment of the case. In addition, in some embodiments, different coordinate systems may be provided to define at least one of a relative spatial coordinate and a relative orientation of one or more features of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of blocks 500 may be stacked along a first axis ｢X｣ extending in a first direction. In some embodiments, the stacked block 500 may span a first distance ｢D1｣ along a first axis ｢X｣ and a second axis ｢Y｣ extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second distance ｢D2｣, and a third distance ｢D3｣ extending along a third axis ｢Z｣ extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. In some embodiments, one or more of the distances ｢D1｣, ｢D2｣, and ｢D3｣ may correspond to a plurality of blocks 500 along respective axes ｢X｣, ｢Y｣, ｢Z｣. One or more of the blocks 501-515 will span the entire distance. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more of the distances ｢D1｣, ｢D2｣, and ｢D3｣ may correspond to less than a complex number along respective axes ｢X｣, ｢Y｣, ｢Z｢. The entire distance (eg, a partial distance) that one or more of the blocks 500-515 in the block 500 can span.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, in some embodiments, with respect to the first axis ｢X｣, block 501 may be stacked on half block 502 and block 507; block 503 may be stacked on half block 504 and block 508; block 505 can be stacked on half block 506 and block 509. Similarly, half blocks 502 and 507 may be stacked on block 503; half blocks 504 and 508 may be stacked on block 505, thereby providing an electrode assembly 301 including a plurality of stacked blocks 500. In some embodiments, the first distance “D1” and the second distance “D2” may define the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301. For example, in some embodiments, providing one or more half-blocks 502, 504, 506 (or other partial blocks) stacked with one or more whole blocks 501, 503, 505 (or corresponding partial blocks) can provide The electrode assembly 301 having the front surface 303 is in contact with the molten material 121 contained in the envelope region 315 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the front surface 303 may define a flat surface of the electrode assembly 301. In some embodiments, based at least in part on the stacking configuration and relative position of the plurality of blocks 500, and / or when the glass manufacturing apparatus 500 is operated, the wear of the ends of the plurality of blocks 500 defining the front side 303 of a portion of the electrode assembly 301, Other surface contours may be provided in other embodiments, including but not limited to non-planar surface contours, angled surface contours, staggered surface contours, and stepped surface contours.

In addition, in some embodiments, the first block of the stacked block 500 may be offset (eg, staggered) relative to the second block of the stacked block 500 along a third axis ｢Z｣. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, in some embodiments, the block 501 may be offset relative to the half block 502 along the third axis ｢Z｣, and the block 507 may be relative to the block along the third axis ｢Z｣ 501 offset; block 503 may be offset relative to half block 504 along the third axis ｢Z｣, and block 508 may be offset relative to block 503 along the third axis ｢Z｣; block 505 may be offset along the third axis ｢Z｣ is offset with respect to half block 506, and block 509 may be offset with respect to block 505 along the third axis ｢Z｣. Similarly, in some embodiments, block 503 may be offset relative to half block 502 along a third axis ｢Z｣, and block 507 may be offset relative to block 503 along a third axis ｢Z｣; block 505 may be Offset with respect to the half block 504 along the third axis ｢Z｣, and block 508 may be offset with respect to the block 505 along the third axis ｢Z｣. In some embodiments, the opposite back surface 305 of the electrode assembly 301 may include a non-planar profile based at least on the relative offset of the stacked blocks 500.

In some embodiments, the heating device 300 and the electrode assembly 301 may further include one or more frames 561, 562 surrounding the block 500 stacked along the first axis ｢X｣ and the second axis ｢Y｣. In some embodiments, each frame 561, 562 may apply a clamping force to the stacked block 500 along at least one of the first axis ｢X｣ and the second axis ｢Y｣. For example, in some embodiments, by applying a clamping force along at least one of the first axis ｢X｣ and the second axis ｢Y｣, in some embodiments, the frames 561, 562 are capable of holding a plurality of blocks The 500s are held together in a stacked configuration to provide a structurally stable stack of blocks 500. Similarly, in some embodiments, the frames 561, 562 may force adjacent blocks through a clamping force applied along at least one of the first axis ｢X｣ and the second axis ｢Y｣. One or more faces (eg, surfaces) form abutting relationship to provide conductivity between the plurality of blocks 500. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical lead 307 (FIGS. 3-5) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 301 and / or to one or more frames 561, 562, which may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 301 as well. One or more of the plurality of blocks 500. In some embodiments, the clamping forces provided by the frames 561, 562 may force (eg, push, press, hold) adjacent, abut the faces of the plurality of blocks 500 together to provide the plurality of blocks. 500's conductive interface. Therefore, in some embodiments, a current 325 (provided by the electrical lead 307) may pass through the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301, pass through the material 121 contained in the encapsulation area 315, and heat the material 121 based on the Joule heating principle.

In some embodiments, the frames 561, 562 are selectively movable along a path (eg, path 565 in FIGS. 6 and 7) extending on the third axis ｢Z｢. For example, in some embodiments, the frames 561, 562 may be at least one of manual and automatic selective movement along one or more guide rails 550a, 555a, 550b, 555b of the heating device 300. In some embodiments, the frames 561, 562 can be based on rolling engagements (eg, wheeled), geared engagements, grooved engagements, sliding engagements, or other mechanical engagements, or guided to provide the frames 561, 562 with the rails 550a , 555a, 550b, 555b, and selectively move relative to each other, while moving along the guide rails 550a, 555a, 550b, 555b. In addition, in some embodiments, the frame 561 may be independently movable relative to the frame 562 such that each frame 561, 562 may follow a path extending on the third axis ｢Z （(for example, FIGS. 6 and 7 Path 565) is independently and selectively movable. As explained more fully below, in some embodiments, each frame 561, 562 may follow a path 565 extending on the third axis ｢Z｣, relative to the guide rails 550a, 555a, 550b, 555b, and / or relative The plurality of blocks 500 can be independently and selectively movable.

Therefore, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, one of the clamping forces 500 is provided to the plurality of blocks 500 along at least one of the first axis ｢X｣ and the second axis ｢Y｣. The plurality of frames 561, 562 may be selectively translated relative to the first opening 403 along the adjustment path 565 extending in the direction ｢Z｣ to translate the electrode along the adjustment path 565 in the direction ｢Z｣. The front side 303 of the component 301. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, one or more frames 561, 562 of the plurality of blocks 500 of the clamp electrode assembly 301 are translated along the path 565 relative to the first opening 403, which can be adjusted along The path 565 moves the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 to compensate for structural deterioration of the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 caused by abrasion when the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is operated. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, additional blocks 510, 511, 512 (eg, stacking) may be added to the stacked blocks 500. For example, in some embodiments, when the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is operated, as the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 is worn (eg, deteriorated), as shown in FIG. 9, one or more additional blocks 510, 511, 512 replaces and supplements the structure of the electrode assembly 301.

Similarly, as schematically illustrated in Figure 10, in some embodiments, after adding one or more additional blocks 510, 511, 512 to the stacked block 500 of the electrode assembly 301, The stacked block 500 of at least one of ｣and the second axis｢ Y ｣provides one or more frames 561, 562 that provide a clamping force, and may be further moved relative to the adjustment path 565 extending in the direction｢ Z ｣. Selectively translate to translate the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 along the adjustment path 565 extending in the direction ｢Z｣ to compensate for further structural deterioration of the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 caused by abrasion during operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 . Also, as shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, additional blocks 513, 514, 515 (eg, stacking) may be added to the stacked blocks 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is operated, as the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 is worn (eg, deteriorated) over a period of time, one or more additional blocks 513, 514, 515 may be added. To replace and supplement the structure of the electrode assembly 301. As will be understood, in some embodiments, when the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is operated, the process of adding one or more additional blocks may be performed one or more times so that when the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 is worn and deteriorated The structure of the electrode assembly 301 can be replaced and supplemented selectively and continuously.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the frames 561, 562 may include a fastener 575 that is operable to selectively apply a clamping force. For example, various embodiments of exemplary fasteners relative to the frame 561 are provided in FIGS. 15-17. It should be understood that one or more fasteners, including fasteners that are not explicitly disclosed, may be selectively used in further embodiments. And each frame 561, 562 is independently provided with a clamping force without departing from the scope of the present case.

As shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, the fastener 575 may include a bolt 701 and a nut 702. In some embodiments, the bolt 701 and the nut 702 may mechanically connect the first portion 561a and the second portion 561b of the frame 561. For example, in some embodiments, the bolts 701 and nuts 702 may connect the first bracket 576 of the first portion 561a of the frame 561 to the second bracket 577 of the second portion 561b of the frame 561. Therefore, in some embodiments, the operation (eg, loosening or tightening) of the nut 702 relative to the bolt 701 may increase or decrease the distance ｢d｣ between the first portion 561a and the second portion 561b of the frame 561, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the fastener 575 may include a hook 703 and a rod 704. In some embodiments, the hook 703 and the lever 704 may mechanically connect the first portion 561a and the second portion 561b of the frame 561. For example, in some embodiments, the lever 704 and the hook 703 may connect the first bracket 576 of the first portion 561a of the frame 561 to the second bracket 577 of the second portion 561b of the frame 561. Therefore, in some embodiments, the operation of the lever 704 relative to the hook 703 (eg, rotation along the path 705) may reduce or increase the distance ｢d｣ between the first portion 561 and the second portion 561b of the frame 561, respectively. .

As shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the fastener 575 may include a tension spring 706. In some embodiments, the tension spring 706 may mechanically connect the first portion 561a and the second portion 561b of the frame 561. For example, in some embodiments, the tension spring 706 may connect the first bracket 576 of the first portion 561a of the frame 561 to the second bracket 577 of the second portion 561b of the frame 561. Therefore, in some embodiments, the tension spring 706 may apply a compressive force with respect to the first bracket 576 and the second bracket 577, and the compression force may reduce the pressure between the first portion 561a and the second portion 561b of the frame 561. Distance ｢d｣. In contrast, in some embodiments, the opposite force of the tension spring 706 relative to the first bracket 576 and the second bracket 577 may increase the distance between the first portion 561a and the second portion 561b of the frame 561. d ｣. In some embodiments, decreasing the distance ｢d｣ may increase (eg, apply) the clamping force on the stacked block 500, and increasing the distance ｢d｣ may decrease (eg, remove) the Clamping force.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the frame 561 may apply a clamping force to the stacked blocks 500 to maintain the plurality of blocks 500 in a stacked configuration. In addition, in some embodiments, the clamping force of the frame 562 may be removed, and the frame 562 may then be translated in the direction 566 to be positioned to receive the additional blocks 510, 511, 512. In some embodiments, by using at least two independent movable frames 561, 562, at least one frame (eg, frame 561) can apply a clamping force and maintain the stacked configuration of the plurality of blocks 500, which can be removed The clamping force of at least one of the other frames (eg, the frame 562) to allow the unclamped frame 562 to translate in a direction 566 relative to the stacked block 500. As shown in Figure 1. 9. Once the additional blocks 510, 511, 512 have been added to the stack of block 500, the clamping force of the frame 562 can then be applied to keep the additional blocks 510, 511, 512 in a stacked configuration with the existing block 501, 503, 505, 507, 508, 509, thereby defining 500 of the plurality of block electrode assemblies 301. Further, in some embodiments, once the clamping force of the frame 562 is applied, the clamping force of the frame 561 may be removed to allow the unclamped frame 561 to translate in the direction 566 relative to the stacked block 500. That is, in some embodiments, the frames 561, 562 may be used to selectively apply and / or remove clamping forces to the stacked blocks 500 of the electrode assembly 301 independently of each other and / or simultaneously with each other. In some embodiments, at least one frame 561, 562 may provide a clamping force to maintain the stacked configuration of the blocks 500 and ensure electrical contact between the various faces of the blocks 500, for example, to define operating glass manufacturing Device 100 for the entire time period.

In some embodiments, one or more clamping frames (eg, frames 561, 562 in FIG. 6) may apply a clamping force to maintain the stacked configuration of the blocks 500, while the electrode assembly 301 is fixed. Similarly, in some embodiments, the clamping frame (eg, the frames 561, 562 in FIGS. 6 and 7) can be translated relative to the first opening 403 along the adjustment path 565 extending in the direction ｢Z｣, The front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 is translated along the adjustment path 565 in the direction ｢Z｣ to compensate for the structural deterioration of the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 caused by abrasion when the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is operated. Similarly, in some embodiments, once additional blocks 510, 511, 512 are added (as schematically illustrated in Figures 8 and 9), the clamping frame (eg, frames 561, 562 in Figure 10) may be Translate with respect to the first opening 403 on the adjustment path 565 extending in the direction ｣Z｣ to translate the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 along the adjustment path 565 in the direction ｢Z｣ to compensate for the manufacturing of the operating glass The structure of the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 caused by abrasion during the device 100 is further deteriorated.

As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, for example, the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 is translated along the adjustment path 565 in the direction ｢Z｣ to compensate for the electrode caused by abrasion when the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is operated. After further structural deterioration of the front side 303 of the module 301, the clamping force of the frame 562 can be removed again, and the frame 562 can then be translated in direction 566 to position to receive the additional blocks 513, 514, 515, and the frame 561 can apply a clamp Tighten and keep the plurality of blocks 500 in a stacked configuration. As shown in FIG. 12, once the additional blocks 513, 514, and 515 have been added to the stack of the blocks 500, the clamping force of the frame 562 may then be applied to keep the additional blocks 513, 514, and 515 and the existing blocks 507, 508, The stacked configurations of 509, 510, 511, and 512 define a plurality of blocks 500 of the electrode assembly 301. As mentioned previously, in some embodiments, once the clamping force of the frame 562 is applied, the clamping force of the frame 561 may be removed to allow the unclamped frame 561 to translate relative to the stacked block 500 while the frame 562 A clamping force is applied to hold the block 500 in a stacked configuration. Therefore, in some embodiments, the clamped frame (eg, frames 561, 562 in FIG. 12) may then be translated relative to the first opening 403 along the adjustment path 565 extending in the direction ｢Z｣ to The front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 is translated along the adjustment path 565 in the direction ｢Z｣ to compensate for further structural deterioration of the front surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301 caused by abrasion when the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is operated. Unless otherwise stated, it should be understood that, without departing from the scope of this case, before, during, or after the operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100, the frames 561, 562 are clamped and released, and the electrode assembly 301 is translated to The process of compensating for wear, and adding additional blocks to the stacked blocks 500 may be performed multiple times (eg, repeated).

An exemplary block 525 is illustrated in FIG. 13, and it is understood that in some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of blocks 500 may be the same exemplary block 525. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of blocks 500 may include one or more features that are the same as or similar to the features of the exemplary block 525, as well as examples, without departing from the scope of the present case. The characteristics of the sexual block 525 are different from one or more characteristics. Also, in some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of blocks 500 may be provided as part of an exemplary block 525 (eg, a quarter, a third, a half, a two-thirds, a quarter Third class). For example, in some embodiments, block 525 may include first surfaces 525d, 525e that extend from a first end 525a of block 525 to a second end 525b of block 525. In some embodiments, the block 525 may include a second surface 525c opposite the first surface 525d, 525e and extending from a first end 525a of the block 525 to a second end 525b of the block 525. In some embodiments, the third surface 525f of the block 525 and the opposite fourth surface 525g of the block 525 may be defined within the first surface 525d, 525e, the second surface 525c, the first end 525a, and the second end 525b. Individual outer boundaries of block 525 are produced. In some embodiments, the first surfaces 525d, 525e may define a non-planar boundary of the block 525. For example, in some embodiments, the first planar portion 525d of the surface may intersect the second planar portion 525e of the surface at a non-zero angle to define a non-planar boundary of the block 525. In some embodiments, at least one of the first planar portion 525d and the second planar portion 525e may extend at a non-vertical angle with respect to the X-Y plane. Although not explicitly shown, it should be understood that in some embodiments, one or more planar and / or non-planar (e.g., curved) surfaces of the first surface 525d, 525e may be provided without departing from the scope of the present application. , Stepped, wavy, angled) portion to define the non-planar (eg, curved, stepped, wavy, angled) boundary of block 525.

Without being bound by theory, it can be inferred that the non-planar boundaries of the first surfaces 525d, 525e of the block 525 can be provided between adjacent abutting blocks, for example, better electrical contact than comparable planar boundaries . In addition, in some embodiments, the structural stability of the block 500 may also be increased based at least in part on the offset (eg, interlaced) stacking of the blocks and on non-planar boundaries defining one or more interfaces immediately between the blocks, Because the electrode assembly 301 is provided in a rest position, and / or compared to, for example, a stack of blocks with considerable planar boundaries, the electrode assembly 301 is translated during operation of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100.

For example, FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a plurality of blocks 500 stacked along a first axis ｢X｣ and offset (eg, staggered) along a third axis ｢Z｣ according to an embodiment of the present case. A part of the electrode assembly 301 is provided, including blocks 501, half blocks 502, and blocks 507, 510, and 513. In some embodiments, the block 501 may include a first end 501a, a second end 501b, a first surface 501d, 501e, a second surface 501c defining a non-planar boundary of the block 501, and described with respect to the exemplary block 525 Third surface 501f (Figure 13). Similarly, in some embodiments, the half-block 502 may include a first end 502a, a second end 502b, a first surface 502e, a second surface 502c, and a third surface 502f defining a portion of a non-planar boundary of the block 502. Similarly, in some embodiments, the blocks 507, 510, 513 may include a first end 507a, 510a, 513a, a second end 507b, 510b, 513b, defining a first non-planar boundary of the blocks 507, 510, 513 Surfaces 507d, 507e, 510d, 510e, 513d, 513e, second surfaces 507c, 510c, 513c, and third surfaces 507f, 510f, 513f described with respect to the exemplary block 525 (FIG. 13).

In some embodiments, the first dimension ｢d1｣ of the block 501 defined from the end 501a to the end 501b along the third axis ｢Z｣ may be larger than the definition from the end 502a to the end 502b along the third axis ｢Z｣. The second dimension of the block 502 is d2. In addition, in some embodiments, the end 501b of the first block 501 may define the first part of the first surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301, and the end 502a of the second block 502 may define the first surface 303 of the electrode assembly 301. the second part. As mentioned, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the first face 303 may define a flat surface of the electrode assembly 301. In some embodiments, the third dimension ｢d3｣ of the block 507 defined from the end 507a to the end 507b along the third axis ｢Z｣ may be larger than the second size ｢d2｣ of the block 502. In some embodiments, the first size ｢d1｣ of block 501 may be equal to the third size ｢d3｣ of block 507.

In some embodiments, a portion 501e of the surface that defines a non-planar boundary of the block 501 may face a portion 502e of the surface that defines a non-planar boundary of at least a half of the block 502. For example, in some embodiments, the portion 501E501 of the surface that defines the non-planar boundary of the block can abut the portion 502E of the surface that defines at least a portion of the non-planar boundary of the half-frame 502 on the interface 521. Similarly, in some embodiments, the portion 501d of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 501 may face the portion 507d of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 507. For example, in some embodiments, the portion 501d of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 501 may abut the portion 507d of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 507 at the interface 571. Similarly, in some embodiments, the portion 507e of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 507 may face the portion 510e of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 510. For example, in some embodiments, a portion 507e of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 507 may abut against a portion 510e of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 510 at an interface. It should be understood that the interleaved manner of the stacked blocks 500 may reuse any number of blocks and / or partial blocks without departing from the scope of the present case.

Further, in some embodiments, the portion 513d of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 513 may face the portion 510d of the surface defining the non-planar boundary of the block 510. For example, in some embodiments, a portion 513d of a surface defining a non-planar boundary of the block 513 may be positioned (eg, added to the stacked block 500) to abut an non-planar boundary defining the block 510 at an interface. Part of the surface 510d. In addition, in some embodiments, the end 501b of the block 501 and the end 502a of the half block 502 may be coplanar with the flat surface defining the front surface 303 of the electrode 301. In some embodiments, end 501a of block 501 may face (eg, abut) end 510b of block 510, end 502b of half-block 502 may face (eg, abut) end 507a of block 507 at interface 527, and An end 513a of the block 513 may face (eg, be positioned against) an end 507b of the block 507. Therefore, in some embodiments, the interface (eg, interfaces 521, 527, 571) between the abutting surfaces of the stacked blocks 500 immediately adjacent can provide an electrical connection between the plurality of blocks 500 defining the electrode assembly 301 . Also, in some embodiments, the process of stacking and / or adding blocks may be repeated to continuously replace and replenish depleted electrode material with new electrode material without interrupting the manufacturing process.

The embodiments and functional operations described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or one or more of them Combination. The embodiments described herein may be implemented as one or more computer program products, that is, one or more computer program instruction modules encoded on a tangible program carrier, for performing or controlling operations of the data processing device by the data processing device. . The tangible program carrier may be a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, or a combination of one or more of them.

The term "processor" or "controller" may include all devices, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, or a plurality of processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the processor may also include code for the computer program in question to create an execution environment, such as code that forms the processor firmware, protocol stacks, a database management system, an operating system, or one or more of them. combination.

Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, scripts, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declaration or programming languages, and can be used in any form, including as a stand-alone A program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for a computing environment. Computer programs do not necessarily correspond to files in the file system. Programs can be stored in a part of a document that holds other programs or information (for example, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in the plural In a coordination document (for example, a document that stores one or more modules, subroutines, or code sections. A computer program can be used on a computer or on one site or distributed across multiple sites and communicated through The network is executed on a plurality of computers connected to each other.

The processes described herein can be executed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic can also be performed by dedicated logic circuits, and the device can also be implemented as dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

As examples, processors suitable for running computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, the processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more data memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to one or more mass storage devices, or to store data such as magnetic disks, magnetic optical disks, Or disc. However, computers do not require such devices. In addition, the computer can be embedded in another device, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), and so on.

Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of data memory, including non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices ; Magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magnetic optical disks; and CDROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in a dedicated logic circuit.

In order to provide interaction with the user, the embodiments described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor for displaying information to the user, and A keyboard, and a pointing device such as a mouse, or trackball, or a touch screen, through which a user can provide input to a computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or haptic input.

The embodiments described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or a middleware component, such as an application server, or a front-end component, such as a client computer. With a graphical user interface or web browser, the user can interact with any combination of one or more such backends, middleware, or front-end components through the browser and the inventive subject matter described in this case. The components of the system can be connected to each other through digital data communication in any form or medium, such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (｢LAN｣) and a wide area network (｢WAN｣), such as the Internet.

The computing system may include clients and servers. The client and server are usually remote from each other and usually interact through a communication network. The relationship between the client and the server is generated by a computer program running on each computer and having a client-server relationship with each other.

It should be understood that the various disclosed embodiments may involve specific features, elements, or steps described in connection with this particular embodiment. It should also be understood that although a particular feature, element, or step has been described with respect to a particular embodiment, it can be interchanged or combined with alternative embodiments in various combinations or permutations not shown.

It should also be understood that, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, as used in this case, the terms ｢a｣, 案 a ｣, or｢ a ｣represent｢ at least one ｣and should not be limited to 指出 only one｣. Similarly, ｢plural｣ intends to indicate ｢more than one｣.

The range in this case can be expressed as from about one specific value, and / or to about another specific value. When such a range is expressed, embodiments include going from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent ｢约, the specific value will be understood to form another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoint of each range is important relative to the other endpoint and is independent of the other endpoint.

The terms ｢substantially｣, ｢substantially｣, and variations thereof are used herein to mean that the characteristic described is equal to or approximately equal to the value or the description.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, it is by no means intended to interpret any method in this case as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, the fact that a method request does not record the order in which its steps are followed, or that the request or description does not specifically state that the steps will be limited to a particular order, does not imply that any particular order must be inferred.

Although the connectives ｢include｣ may be used to disclose various features, elements, or steps of a particular embodiment, it should be understood that alternative embodiments, including the use of the connectives ｣consist of｣ or ｢consist essentially of ... composed of ｣to imply the described embodiment. Thus, for example, an implicit alternative embodiment to a device that includes A + B + C, a device that includes an embodiment in which A + B + C is included, and an embodiment in which the device consists essentially of A + B + C .

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the scope of the attached patent application. Therefore, this case intends to cover the modifications and changes of the embodiments of the present case, including falling within the scope of the attached patent application and its equivalents.

It should be understood that, although various embodiments have been described in detail for certain illustrative and specific embodiments of the invention, this case should not be considered as limited thereto, as the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the following patent applications Various modifications and combinations of features.

100‧‧‧ glass manufacturing equipment

101‧‧‧ glass forming device

103‧‧‧glass ribbon

104‧‧‧glass plate

105‧‧‧melting container

107‧‧‧ batch

109‧‧‧Storage Box

111‧‧‧batch conveying device

113‧‧‧ Motor

115‧‧‧controller

117‧‧‧arrow

119‧‧‧Glass Melt Probe

121‧‧‧ Molten Materials

123‧‧‧ riser

125‧‧‧communication line

127‧‧‧clarified container

129‧‧‧The first connection catheter

131‧‧‧ mixing room

133‧‧‧conveying container

135‧‧‧Second connection catheter

137‧‧‧Third connection catheter

139‧‧‧conveying pipe

140‧‧‧formed container

141‧‧‧Inlet conduit

145‧‧‧root

149‧‧‧ glass separator

151‧‧‧Separation path

152‧‧‧Central Section

153‧‧‧first outer edge

155‧‧‧ second outer edge

157‧‧‧pull direction

159‧‧‧direction

163a, 163b‧‧‧Edge Guide

201‧‧‧slot

203a, 203b ‧‧‧ weir

205a, 205b‧‧‧ Outer surface

207a, 207b‧‧‧ surface part

209‧‧‧shaped wedge

210a, 210b‧‧‧

213‧‧‧Pull plane

215a‧‧‧First major surface

215b‧‧‧Second major surface

300‧‧‧Heating device

301‧‧‧first electrode

302‧‧‧Second electrode

303‧‧‧front

304‧‧‧Front

305‧‧‧Back

306‧‧‧Back

307‧‧‧electric leads

308‧‧‧electric leads

310‧‧‧ wall

311‧‧‧Inner surface

312‧‧‧Inner surface

315‧‧‧ Encapsulation area

317‧‧‧arrow

325‧‧‧current

351‧‧‧direction

352‧‧‧direction

401‧‧‧first hole

402‧‧‧Second Hole

403‧‧‧first opening

404‧‧‧Second Opening

500‧‧‧ blocks

501‧‧‧block

501a‧‧‧ first end

501b‧‧‧ second end

501c‧‧‧Second surface

501e, 501d‧‧‧First surface

501f‧‧‧ Third surface

502‧‧‧block

502a‧‧‧ the first end

502b‧‧‧ second end

502c‧‧‧Second surface

502e‧‧‧first surface

502f‧‧‧ Third surface

503‧‧‧ blocks

504‧‧‧block

505‧‧‧block

506‧‧‧block

507‧‧‧block

507a‧‧‧first end

507b‧‧‧second end

507c‧‧‧Second surface

507d‧‧‧first surface

507e‧‧‧first surface

507f‧‧‧ third surface

508‧‧‧block

509‧‧‧ blocks

510‧‧‧ additional block

510a‧‧‧ first end

510b‧‧‧ second end

510c‧‧‧Second surface

510d‧‧‧First surface

510e‧‧‧First surface

510f‧‧‧ Third surface

511‧‧‧additional block

512‧‧‧ additional block

513‧‧‧additional block

513a‧‧‧First end

513b‧‧‧ second end

513c‧‧‧Second surface

513d‧‧‧first surface

513e‧‧‧first surface

513f‧‧‧ Third surface

514‧‧‧additional block

515‧‧‧additional block

521‧‧‧ interface

525‧‧‧block

525a‧‧‧first end

525b‧‧‧ second end

525c‧‧‧Second surface

525d, 525e‧‧‧First surface

525f‧‧‧ third surface

525g‧‧‧ fourth surface

527‧‧‧ interface

550a‧‧‧rail

550b‧‧‧rail

555a‧‧‧rail

555b‧‧‧rail

561‧‧‧Frame

561a‧‧‧Part I

561b‧‧‧Part Two

562‧‧‧Frame

565‧‧‧path

571‧‧‧ interface

575‧‧‧Fastener

576‧‧‧First bracket

577‧‧‧Second bracket

701‧‧‧bolt

702‧‧‧nut

703‧‧‧hook

704‧‧‧ par

705‧‧‧path

706‧‧‧tension spring

These and other features, embodiments, and advantages can be better understood when reading the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

2 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a glass manufacturing apparatus taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, which includes a glass forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

3 illustrates a plan view of a part of a glass manufacturing apparatus taken along a line 3-3 in FIG. 1, which includes a container and a heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a container and a heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

5 illustrates a side view of a container of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, which includes an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the container and the heating device of FIG. 4, which includes an electrode assembly including a plurality of blocks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a partial cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly including a plurality of blocks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure of FIG. 6; FIG.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a partial cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly including a plurality of blocks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure of FIG. 7; FIG.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a partial cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly including a plurality of blocks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure of FIG. 8; FIG.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a partial cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly including a plurality of blocks according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 9; FIG.

11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a partial cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly including a plurality of blocks according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a partial cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly including a plurality of blocks according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 11; FIG.

13 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary block of a plurality of blocks of the electrode assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure of FIGS. 6 to 12;

14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a plurality of exemplary blocks stacked according to the embodiment of the present case of FIG. 13;

15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a frame and a fastener of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure at line of sight 15 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a frame and a fastener of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure at line of sight 15 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a frame and a fastener of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure at line of sight 15 in FIG. 5.

Domestic hosting information (please note in order of hosting institution, date, and number)
no

Information on foreign deposits (please note in order of deposit country, institution, date, number)
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Claims (20)

An electrode assembly comprising: A plurality of blocks stacked along a first axis in a first direction; Wherein the plurality of blocks span a first distance along the first axis, and span a second distance along a second axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first distance and the The second distance defines a first side of the electrode assembly, and the plurality of blocks are oriented in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction from the first side of the electrode assembly to the electrode A second side of the module spanning a third distance along a third axis; and A first dimension of a first block of the plurality of blocks defined along a third axis from a first end of the first block to a second end of the first block is larger than the first dimension. A second dimension of a second block of the plurality of blocks is defined along a third axis from a first end of the second block to a second end of the second block. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the first block defines a first portion of the first face, and wherein the first end of the second block defines a first portion of the first face the second part. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first surface defines a flat surface of the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first block includes a first surface extending from the first end of the first block to the second end of the first block, and wherein the first surface defines A non-planar boundary of the first block. The electrode assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second block includes a second surface extending from the first end of the second block to the second end of the second block, and wherein the first block A first portion of the first surface faces a portion of the second surface of the second block. The electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first portion of the first surface of the first block is adjacent to the portion of the second surface of the second block at a first interface. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein a third of the plurality of blocks is defined along a third axis from a first end of the third block to a second end of the third block A third dimension of is larger than the second dimension, and wherein the first end of the third block faces the second end of the second block. The electrode assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first size is equal to the third size. The electrode assembly according to claim 7, wherein the third block includes a third surface extending from the first end of the third block to the second end of the third block, wherein the third surface defines the A non-planar boundary of the third block, and wherein a second portion of the first surface of the first block faces a portion of the third surface of the third block. The electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first end of the third block is adjacent to the second end of the second block at a second interface, and wherein the first surface of the first block is The second part, at a third interface, abuts the part of the third surface of the third block. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first frame surrounding the plurality of blocks along the first axis and the second axis. The electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first frame is movable along the third axis. The electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first frame applies a first clamping force to the plurality of blocks along at least one of the first axis and the second axis. The electrode assembly according to claim 13, wherein the first frame includes a first fastener that is guided to increase or decrease the first clamping force at least. The electrode assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a second frame circumscribing the plurality of blocks along the first axis and the second axis, wherein the second frame is movable along the third axis, wherein the The second frame applies a second clamping force to the plurality of blocks along at least one of the first axis and the second axis, wherein the second frame includes a second fastener, the second fastener being guided Is at least increased or decreased, and wherein the first frame and the second frame are independently movable along the third axis. A device comprising the electrode assembly according to claim 1, comprising a container, the container comprising at least one wall defining an envelope region of the container, the at least one wall including a hole defining an opening, The opening includes at least a portion of the electrode assembly. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the container comprises a melting container for a glass manufacturing system. The device according to claim 16, wherein a position of the electrode assembly is adjustable relative to the opening of the wall. A method of processing material in a container as in claim 16, comprising the steps of supplying electrical energy to the electrode assembly and using the electrical energy to heat the material in the envelope area of the container. The method according to claim 19, comprising the step of adjusting a position of the electrode assembly relative to the opening of the wall while heating the material.