JP2016521248A - Lamination melt drawing apparatus and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The laminating melt drawing apparatus includes a core isopipe having a first core melter, a clad isopipe having a clad melter, a first core downcomer disposed between the core melter and the core isopipe, a clad melter and a clad isolator. A second cladding downcomer disposed between the pipes, and as described herein, the second cladding downcomer adjusts separately relative to the fixed horizontal position of the first downcomer It has a possible linear horizontal position, and the core melter and the cladding melter can be moved in the same or opposite horizontal directions by linear movement. Also, a method of using an apparatus in which the first core downcomer stays approximately in the center or concentric with the first feed tube and the second clad downcomer stays substantially in the center or concentric with the second feed tube. Is also disclosed.

Description

priority

  This application claims the benefit of priority of US Patent Application No. 61 / 822,464, filed May 13, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  The entire disclosure of any patent publication or patent document mentioned in this specification is incorporated by reference.

Cross-reference of related applications

  This application is US Pat. No. 8, entitled “Laminated Glass Articles and Methods of Making Theof,” issued August 30, 2011, co-owned by Coppola et al. Copola et al., United States of America, entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Control of Glass Streams in Laminate Fusion", filed May 24, 2012, No. 007,913. Patent application No. 13/479701, filed July 26, 2012, “Refractory Liner Structure and Use in Glass Fusi” “Method and Apparatus for Laminate Fusion,” filed July 8, 2012, Kersting et al., US Patent Application No. 61/676028, entitled “Draw (Heat Resistant Linear Structures and Use in Glass Melt Stretching)”. US Pat. No. 61 / 678,218 to Coppola et al. Entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Melting” and “Methods and Apparatus for Fabricating Continuous Glass Ribbons” filed Nov. 16, 2012 (manufacturing continuous glass ribbons). Method and apparatus) ", which is related to and depends on the contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/679263 to Aurada et al. Incorporated herein, but does not claim priority to them.

  The present disclosure relates generally to the production of glass sheets in a laminating melt stretcher (LFDM).

  The present disclosure provides a glass melting apparatus for use in a laminating melt drawing machine that provides a continuous and accurate glass flow distribution over a clad isopipe. The glass melting device offsets the movement caused by the thermal expansion and mechanical adjustment of the melt drawing machine (FDM) by selectively adjusting the position of the clad downcomer pipe relative to the inlet of the clad isopipe. While achieving and maintaining, it is possible to maintain the core downcomer and core isopipe in a fixed position and in a concentric relationship.

  In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method using an apparatus capable of controlling and adjusting the quality characteristics of a molten glass stream, for example, in a laminating and melting apparatus. The apparatus can determine and adjust the quality of the properties of the molten glass stream, such as the concentricity of the glass stream from the glass source to the isopipe. This advanced control of the properties of the molten glass flow can improve the properties of the resulting laminated glass ribbon. The present disclosure provides for concentric flow control of the downcomer that favors operation and product quality, as described herein.

  In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and process for modifying a laminating melt drawing machine (LFDM) that allows adjustment of clad glass during manufacturing. Muffle suspension control system offsets multiple movements of clad and core isopipes, for example, spatially adjusting the clad downpipe to maintain a sustained and accurate glass flow and fix the core downpipe Can be maintained in position.

It is the schematic of a part of laminated molten stretched glass manufacturing apparatus which has two isopipe and an extending | stretching fall area. 2 illustrates an exemplary laminated melt draw melt system of the present disclosure including the isopipe of FIG. Figure 3 shows further details of the clad melter part or the second mobile melt part of Figure 2 with a movable housing or frame. 4A and 4B show further details of the concentric relationship of the fixed or “stationary” core downcomer and the junction with the core isopipe inlet shown in FIG.

  Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to drawings, if any. The scope of the invention is not limited by reference to various embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, any examples set forth herein are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments of the claimed invention.

  In embodiments, the disclosed devices and methods of using the devices provide one or more advantageous features or aspects, such as those discussed below. The features or aspects described in any one of the claims are generally applicable to all aspects of the invention. Any single or multiple feature or aspect described in any claim may be combined or replaced with any other recited feature or aspect in any other claim (s) It is.

Definition of Terms "Downcomer" or "downcommer" means that the molten glass is taken from a glass source or source, such as an isopipe such as a clad glass isopipe downcomer, a core glass isopipe downcomer, or both. Refers to a structural element such as a conduit that feeds a specific isopipe, such as a vertical tube that delivers molten glass to the inlet.

  The term “including” or like terms means, but is not limited to, including or excluding.

  By the expression “about”, for example, the amount, concentration, amount, processing temperature, processing time, yield, flow rate, pressure, viscosity, and the like in the composition used in describing embodiments of the present disclosure Values and their ranges, or component dimensions, and similar values and their ranges refer to the quantity variations that can occur, such as materials, compositions, composites, concentrates, component parts, manufactured articles, or Depending on the typical measurement and handling procedures used in the preparation of the drug product used, due to inadvertent errors in these procedures, differences in the manufacturing method, source or purity of the starting materials or ingredients used in carrying out these methods, and the like This can be caused by the above consideration. The term “about” also refers to the amount of difference due to aging of a particular initial concentration or mixture (ratio) of a composition or formulation, as well as the difference due to mixing or processing of a particular initial concentration or mixture (ratio) of a composition or formulation Includes quantity.

  “Optional” or “optionally” means that the event or situation described below may or may not occur, and the description includes examples as well as the occurrence of the event or situation Examples that are not included.

  As used herein, a noun refers to at least one or more objects, unless stated otherwise.

  Abbreviations well known to those skilled in the art are (for example, “h” or “hrs” is hour (s), “g” or “gm” is grams, “ml” is milliliters, and “rt” is room temperature, “nm” "Can be used as nanometer, etc.).

  The specific and preferred values disclosed for components, ingredients, additives, dimensions, conditions, and similar aspects, and ranges thereof, are merely exemplary and other defined values or defined Do not exclude other values in the range. The devices and methods of the present disclosure may be any value or combination of values, specific values, more specific values, and preferred values described herein, including intermediate values and ranges expressed or implied. A value can be included.

  In addition to the components or steps recited in the claims, the devices and methods of use of the present disclosure may include physical and novel properties of the disclosed compositions, articles, devices, or methods of making and using the devices. Such as specific device configurations, specific additives or components, specific drugs, specific constituent materials or components, specific irradiation or temperature conditions, or similar structures, materials selected, Or other components or steps, such as process variables, may be included.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,250 refers to a concentric pipe loop arrangement for use in a pressurized water reactor. The cold leg pipe 19 is placed concentrically in the hot leg pipe 13. Therefore, when the cooled reactor coolant exits the high pressure discharge 29 of the cooling water pump 17, it flows through the cold leg pipe 19, passes through the sliding connection pipe 20, and passes between the pressure tank 11 and the core barrel 34. It enters into the downcomer of the reactor equipped with 53 and then passes through the core 10. The sliding connection pipe 20 is welded to the other end 35 of the cold leg pipe 19. FIG. 4 shows a spacer bar 37 between the communication tube 20 and the reaction vessel discharge flange or inner surface 38 of the nozzle 12 that helps maintain the horizontal concentricity of the hot leg pipe 13 and the cold leg pipe 19. ing. The communication tube 20 includes two discharge ends 39 having a “Y” shape. Each discharge end part slides in the opening 40 of the wall of the discharge nozzle 12 between the reaction tank 11 and the core barrel 34. The relationship between the opening 40 and the leg 39 contributes to the concentricity of the hot leg pipe 13 and the cold leg pipe 19 in the vertical direction. An interesting point is that the core barrel flange 41 is fitted to the discharge nozzle 12 of the reaction vessel in a general manner in the art.

In embodiments, the present disclosure provides a laminating melt stretching apparatus,
A core isopipe having a first core melter, wherein the core melter is in fluid communication with the core isopipe during operation to supply molten glass to the core isopipe;
A clad isopipe located on a core isopipe and having a clad melter, wherein the clad melter is in fluid communication with the clad isopipe during operation to supply molten glass to the clad isopipe When,
A first core downcomer disposed between the core melter and the core isopipe and having an adjustable and fixable horizontal and fixed vertical position;
A second clad downcomer disposed between the clad melter and the clad isopipe having a linear horizontal position that is separately adjustable with respect to a fixed horizontal position of the first downcomer A downcomer,
With
The core melter and the clad melter can move linearly, that is, collinearly, in parallel, or both to the same or opposite horizontal relative linear movement, and in operation, the first core downcomer Remains approximately in the center of the first inlet pipe of the core isopipe, i.e. remains fixed, and the second cladding downcomer is approximately in the center of the second inlet pipe of the cladding isopipe. It stays.

  In an embodiment, the apparatus may further include, for example, a sensor for monitoring the concentricity of the second cladding downcomer and the second inlet of the cladding isopipe.

  In embodiments, the apparatus may further include, for example, a mechanism for adjusting the concentricity of the second cladding downcomer and the second inlet of the cladding isopipe.

  In an embodiment, the apparatus is responsive, for example, to a sensor for monitoring the concentricity of the second cladding downpipe and the second inlet pipe of the clad isopipe, and a sensor for reporting eccentricity from the concentric state, There may be further included a mechanism for adjusting the concentricity of the second cladding down pipe and the second inlet pipe of the cladding isopipe.

  In an embodiment, the core melter and the clad melter can be arranged, for example, on the same position of the same linear path, for example on a collinear track or two parallel tracks.

  In the embodiment, the core melter and the clad melter can be accommodated in separate movable carriages, for example.

  In the embodiment, the clad isopipe may be a plurality of stacked isopipes, for example.

In an embodiment, the clad melter (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is, for example,
Batch filling machine (101),
Dissolution tank (110),
A pre-dissolved fluid-coupled transport (PMFCT) clarifier (115), and a delivery system comprising:
A conduit (FSC) (122) from the clarification tank to the stirring chamber;
A stirring chamber (120);
A conduit (SCB) (127) from the stirring chamber to the bowl;
A delivery tank or bowl (125);
A downcomer (131a);
A delivery system comprising,
May be provided.

  In an embodiment, the basic components of a clad melter or core melter are disclosed in more detail in co-owned and co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 13/679263. See, for example, paragraphs (0021) through (0026) and (0028) through (0034), and FIG. 1 in those paragraphs.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of using the above-described apparatus,
Selecting a batch glass composition for each of the cladding melter and the core melter;
Preheating the clad melter and the core melter separately, for example, from ambient to elevated temperatures until an expansion of the clad melter, core melter and glass seal is formed between the glass bonded components;
Providing a gap between adjacent melter components in each of the cladding melter and the core melter to adjust the relative linear position of the cladding melter and the core melter and the separation between them to form a seal;
Fixing the relative position of the clad melter and the core melter;
Filling individual clad and core melters with selected batch glass compositions;
Individually starting a flow of molten glass to each of the cladding melter and the core melter;
Connecting the fixed downcomer in communication with the core melter and the inlet of the core isopipe, i.e., "hot coupling", or bringing both the cladding melter and core melter, or the melter system into function or operation in the device;
Supplying molten glass from each of the core isopipe and the clad isopipe to form a laminated glass ribbon;
Checking the centrality of the inlet of the clad downcomer and the clad isopipe, that is, the concentricity,
Adjusting the movable cladding melter so that substantial concentricity between the cladding downcomer and the inlet of the cladding isopipe is substantially maintained;
It has.

  Adjustment of the relative linear position and separation of the clad melter and core melter can be achieved, for example, by relative movement of the clad melter on a common path, or to move toward another melter, move away from another melter, or combinations thereof: This can be achieved by a vector with the previous core melter determined by at least one of the following.

  In embodiments, the method of use may further include, for example, adjusting the core melter to ensure that substantial concentricity is maintained between the downcomer and the core isopipe inlet.

  In embodiments, the adjusting step can be accomplished by at least one of, for example, linear translation of the cladding melter, tilting of the cladding melter, axial rotation of the cladding melter, or a combination thereof.

  In an embodiment, separate preheating of the first core melter and the second clad melter can be continued until, for example, thermal equilibrium is reached.

  In embodiments, separate preheating of the clad melter and core melter can be raised from about 1,200 ° C. to about 1,600 ° C., including, for example, intermediate values and ranges, and the elevated temperature is selected. It depends on the glass composition.

  In an embodiment, fixing the position of the cladding melter and the core melter in a common path or vector (eg, in the same direction and scale, but not necessarily collinear) can be achieved, for example, by a single fastener or multiple fasteners Achievable with fasteners.

  In embodiments, the substantial concentricity may be, for example, 0.01% to about 20% eccentric from a 100% concentric state.

  In embodiments, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method of use that is advantageous in a number of aspects, for example, the apparatus and method of use of the present disclosure includes changing seat shapes, changing settings during operation, and flow Avoiding breakage of the glass sheet due to profile or thickness changes provides glass flow stability and control.

  The following examples describe in more detail the manner of use of the above disclosure, and further illustrate the best mode contemplated for carrying out various aspects of the disclosure. These examples do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather are presented for illustrative purposes. The examples further describe the devices and methods of use of the present disclosure.

  Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a part of an apparatus for producing laminated molten stretched glass and a draw-down region. FIG. 1 shows, as background art, prior art (for example, US Patent Application No. 61728805 entitled “Thermal Control Of The Bead Portion Of A Glass Ribbon”). The clad glass flow (120) from the upper isopipe (113), as disclosed in the specification, from the lower isopipe (130) onto the core glass flow (140) across the gap (150). FIG. 3 shows an exemplary side view of a flowing dual melter and process. FIG. 1 further illustrates optional edge roll or edge roller pairs (ER) that can maintain and prevent the reduction in dimensions between clad dams (160), core flow or core glass sheet width dimensions, which can be varied as desired. ) (170), as well as optional pulling rolls or pulling roller pairs (PR) (180) or pulling rolls that maintain the consistency of the stacking thickness and that can further control the speed of the stacking process.

  FIG. 2 shows a transport roller for linear movement in a plane located on a rigid structure such as a rail, guide groove or track (210) that provides a common path with another movable melter (205). 202) shows an exemplary laminated melt draw melt system (200) having a first movable melt section (201) with casters attached thereto. The movement has, for example, a ball screw (217) and an encoder (219) connected to the movable dissolver (201) by a connector (220) such as a rod or similar connector, such as a servo motor or similar device, etc. For example, it can be controlled by the linear drive power unit (215). Mounted on the movable melter (201) and provided therein is a movable downcomer (131a) or "movable" clad downcomer. A “mobile” clad downcomer (131a) is mounted to transport the molten glass stream from the clad melt source to the clad feed pipe (134) and then to the clad isopipe (113). For example, one or more position sensors (232) and similar sensors may be placed at reference points on the cladding downcomer (131a), the cladding inlet (134), or both to position continuously. You can monitor and / or adjust the relative position. The position sensor (232) may be in electrical communication with the controller (230), the clad (second) moveable melter section and the “movable” clad descent relative to the position of the clad feed pipe (134) It is possible to accurately adjust the relative position of the tube (131a). The power unit (215) and the encoder (219) can be in electrical communication with the control unit (230). Further, FIG. 2 shows that the laminated melt drawing and melting system (200) of the present disclosure is on a rigid structure (210) such as a rail, a guide groove, or a track that is a shared path with other movable melting portions (201). It is shown that a transport roller or one or more casters located for linear movement in a plane has another moveable (first) melter part (205) similarly mounted. The movement includes a ball screw (not shown) and an encoder (not shown) connected to the movable dissolver (205) by a connector (not shown) such as a rod or similar connector, for example, a servo It can be controlled by, for example, a linear drive power unit (not shown), such as a motor or similar device. Mounted on the moveable melter (205) and provided therein is a fixed downcomer (131b), or "fixed" core downcomer. A “stationary” core downcomer (131b) is mounted to transport the molten glass stream from the core melting source to the core feed pipe (133) and then to the core isopipe (130). The fixed or “stationary” core downcomer (131b) and inlet tube (133) are preferably collinear to achieve or meet the concentricity of the core downcomer tube (131b) and the core inlet tube (133). Share a central line or axis (207) (see also FIG. 4). Position sensors (not shown) and similar sensors, for example, can be placed at a reference point on the core downcomer (131b), the core feed tube (133), or both to continuously monitor position It is possible to adjust the relative positions of the downcomer pipe (131b), the core feed pipe (133), or both. The position sensor (232) is in electrical communication with a control unit (not shown) to determine a relative position of the first movable melter unit (205) and the fixed descending pipe (131b) with respect to the core feeding pipe (133). It is possible to adjust accurately. The power unit and the encoder are in electrical communication with the control unit and can adjust the position of the movable unit (205). The housing (132) is an enclosure for individually heating and insulating a pair of isopipes (113, 130) such as a muffle and a dog house.

  FIG. 3 shows further details of the clad melter section or second movable melt section (201) of FIG. 2 having a movable housing or frame (201a). The glass manufacturing apparatus (200) of FIG. 2 is configured to deliver batch components to, for example, a dissolution tank (110), a clarification tank (115), a mixing tank (120), and a delivery tank (125) as shown in FIG. For example, an unheated batch filling unit (101) (not shown) can be included. A thermal barrier (102) or partition separates the unheated batch fill (101) on the left side of the barrier (102) from the heated melting equipment on the right side of the barrier (102). The dissolution tank (110) is fluidly connected to the clarification tank (115). The clarification tank (115) is fluidly connected to the mixing tank (120) by a connecting pipe (122). The mixing vessel (120) is then in fluid communication with the delivery vessel (125) by a connecting tube (127). The delivery reservoir (125) is in fluid communication with the cladding isopipe and the lower melt stretch region (not shown) through the cladding downcomer (131a). In an embodiment, the apparatus may include one or more glass seals (118), preferably disposed between the heated components, the seals increasing the dimensions of the one or more heated components. Provide a physical seal that is tolerated and placed between adjacent heated components.

  Still referring to FIG. 3, during operation, ie during operation of the glass making apparatus, the glass batch material is directed to the melting bath (110) as indicated by arrow (112). The batch material is melted in a melting tank (110) to form a molten glass (126). The molten glass (126) flows from the melting tank (110) to the clarification tank (115). The clarification tank (115) receives the molten glass (126) in a high temperature processing region where bubbles are removed from the molten glass (126). After being processed in the clarification tank (115), the molten glass (126) flows into the mixing tank (120) through the connecting pipe (122) into which the molten glass (126) is mixed. After being mixed in the mixing tank (120), the molten glass (126) flows into the delivery tank (125) via the connecting pipe (127).

  The delivery tank (125) supplies the molten glass (126) through the downcomer pipe (131a) member to the port of the melt drawing machine clad feed pipe (134) (not shown), and through the port the molten glass ( 126) is supplied to a forming bath (135) (not shown).

  One or more of the listed melt zone components can be supported by a support member (301) and further comprises one or more transport rollers (302). The transport roller, for example, allows for lateral position adjustment (eg, left and right on the plane) of the melt zone component when the component is heated and equilibrates with the molten glass at or near the operating temperature. The melter component uses, for example, a second linear drive power unit (315) attached to the housing or frame (201), thereby allowing the ball screw (317) and encoder (319), and associated control devices (FIG. The positional adjustment is possible by, for example, (not shown). A brake or connector member (330) can be attached to one or more of the listed melt zone components (indicated by 110) and adjusts the position of individual melt zone components relative to the movable housing or unit (201a). Or it can be used to fix the position. Adjusting the position of the melt zone component or fixing the position is to dimensionally offset the thermal expansion of the component and to place the clad downcomer (131a) in an arrangement close to the clad feed pipe (134). Is achievable. Additional position adjustment and position locking can be achieved, for example, by the power system described in FIG. 2 using a transport roller (202) on a guide groove, rail or track (210) surface.

  4A and 4B show further details of the relationship between the fixed or “fixed” core downcomer (131b) and the joint of the core isopipe inlet (133) described in FIG. FIG. 4A shows details of the relationship between the joint of the fixed or “fixed” core downcomer (131b) and the core isopipe inlet (133). In operation, the molten glass (131c) flows from the core downcomer (131b) and smoothly moves to the feed tube (133). The flow rate of the molten glass is preferably such that an instantaneous amount of molten glass in the feed tube is held in a predetermined “fill” line (131d) to ensure that the molten glass with sufficient flow rate (131e) and pressure is fed It is maintained as it enters the tube and toward the core isopipe. The clad downcomer pipe (131b) and the clad feed pipe (133) are preferably arranged along or shared with a common axis (207) or centerline. The arrangement of the clad downcomer pipe (131b) and the clad feed pipe (133) can be achieved during initial setup or immediately in real time, for example, during operation of a device such as in actual operation. The fixed core downcomer and the fixed core feed tube are arranged during initialization and can share a common axis or centerline. Arranging the downcomer and its corresponding isopipe delivery tube in alignment with a common axis provides 100% concentricity between the downcomer and the delivery tube. FIG. 4B shows in detail a section related to the section 4B of FIG. 4A. The concentric joining of the clad downcomer pipe (131b) and the clad isopipe feed pipe (133) provides preferably equal or nearly equal spacing (133a, 133b, 133c, 133d) between the downcomer pipe and the feed pipe. It is done. One or more sensors can be arranged to monitor the interval or equivalent means and maintain one or more intervals concentric manually, mechanically or automatically by using the monitoring results Alternatively, adjustment is possible. In embodiments, it may be preferable to intentionally decenter from the concentric state to affect certain features or non-uniformities in the resulting laminated glass sheet. Sensors and associated adjustment mechanisms are optionally installed to adjust the degree of insertion of the downcomer pipes (101a, 131b) into the feed pipes (134, 133), ie up or down on the z-axis. Can be monitored and optionally adjusted.

  FIG. 2 includes coordinate axes and provides a reference system for the various components and methods of the continuous glass ribbon manufacturing apparatus described herein. As used herein, the “lateral” or “stretch transverse” direction is defined as the positive or negative x direction of the coordinate axis shown in the drawing. The “downstream” or “stretching” direction is defined as the negative y direction of the Cartesian coordinate axis shown in FIG. The “upstream” direction is defined as the positive y direction of the coordinate axes shown in FIG.

Movable trolley of a laminating melt drawing machine to support a clad melting system In an embodiment, the movement of the trolley can be coordinated with the adjustment of the clad muffle of the laminating melt drawing machine. In embodiments, the downcomer of the core dissolution system is maintained in a fixed or set position during normal operation. The downcomer stays in the center or concentric with the core feed tube of the laminating melt stretcher. The downcomer can be held in the center by moving the downcomer of the cladding melt system in synchronism with the change in absolute motion of the clad feed tube of the laminating melt drawing machine.

Composition of Melting System for Laminating Melt and Drawing Machine In an embodiment, the melting system of the core melter and the clad melter can, for example, be adjacent to each other and horizontally aligned to match their corresponding isopipe flow It is. This position is important in avoiding problems associated with the quality of the final product glass. Each downcomer delivers a continuous flow of glass to each of the individual pipes of the isopipe cladding and core.

  In embodiments, the clad melting system can consist of, for example, a filling machine, a melter, a fining chamber, and a delivery system. For example, the cladding melting system can be supported by a movable carriage or trolley (201). This carriage can be coupled to a rigid structure frame (201a) and a track having, for example, a ball screw, a gearbox reducer and a motor of 1 horsepower (about 735 watts). The carriage is movable in one axial direction from end to end, such as front and rear, left and right, or up and down.

  In an embodiment, two melt systems can be used in a single laminate melt stretcher (LFDM) configuration. The first melting system is for forming the core glass, and the second melting system is for the process of forming the clad glass. Typically, the core glass has a higher flow rate or throughput (eg, pounds per hour (kilogram per second)) compared to the flow rate or throughput of the clad glass flow. The flow rate (or throughput) of the core glass can be made constant or set at the beginning of actual operation, and another aspect of processing can be determined. The flow rate (or throughput) of the clad glass is typically lower than that of the core glass flow, and the flow rate of the clad glass can be adjusted according to the flow rate of the core glass. In embodiments, the present disclosure can regulate and maintain a continuous and uniform glass flow over the core and clad isopipe.

Suspension System-Control Component Each of the core muffle and clad muffle can be supported separately by an individual suspension system. Four vertical struts from each muffle can be mounted on two horizontal sets of biaxial I-beams. Each strut can be manually or mechanically adjusted, for example, each strut can be mechanically adjusted using an individually controlled 1 hp electric motor. Each muffle can be moved horizontally in the direction of the glass sheet (from the inlet to the compression end) by, for example, two motors. Each muffle can be manually moved horizontally from the right side to the left side. Various differential transformers (VFDs) can be used for all 12 motors.

In embodiments, the present disclosure can provide additional or alternative control components, for example,
Contactors (eg, 12 contactors, one for each motor),
External brakes (for example, 8 external brakes with one brake for each individual Z-axis motor),
Incremental rotary encoders (eg, 12 incremental rotary encoders with one encoder for each Z-axis and X-axis input),
Axial jack screw,
Linear variable differential transformers (eg four linear variable differential transformers (LVDT) with an operating range of +/− 100 mm,
A first limit switch (e.g., 16 limit switches that place one upper limit switch and one lower limit switch on each jack screw to prevent overtravel of movement on the Z axis), and second Limit switches (e.g., eight limit switches to prevent overtravel of movement on the X axis by placing one feed limit switch and one compression limit switch on each jack screw),
There is.

Control logic for raising and lowering the laminating and stretching machine The process for raising and lowering the melting and stretching machine may include a process for raising and lowering both muffles simultaneously and in synchronization. All of the Z-axis motors will run at the same speed in the same direction (up or down). The drive parameters for speed ramping can be the same for all drives, and the motor speed during acceleration and deceleration is all the same. By placing the encoder on the jack screw, feedback can be made to ensure that the movement of both muffles is the same. The LVDT must indicate that the distance between the muffles is approximately constant throughout the movement.

  In the embodiment, two types of operating speeds, for example, high and low can be selected. These speeds can be set using, for example, a PanelView Plus graphics processing terminal (sold by Rockwell automation) and iFix industrial control software (available from General Electric Intelligent Platforms).

  The system can be run in “jJog mode” until a desired position is reached, or a specified travel distance or final position can be entered using PanelView. The programmed movement can be interrupted in any case using the stop function or the E stop function. By interlocking with the upper limit switch and lower limit switch, all system movements are stopped and an alarm is activated.

Process for Arranging Downcomers In an embodiment, the core feed tube is fixed in space. If the expansion of the core melter is away from the melt pipe isopipe, the melt stretcher expands toward the clad melter. When the clad melter is expanding in the opposite direction to the melt drawing machine, the clad melter is moved so as to be aligned with the clad downcomer and the clad feed pipe. The entire cladding melting system can be mounted on a carriage and moved or adjusted in orbit using, for example, a 1 horsepower (about 735 watt) motor.

  The control system of the clad melter and melt stretcher can be integrated and tuned. For example, both the core muffle and the clad muffle can be moved together and arranged vertically.

  The present disclosure has been described with reference to various specific embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

101 Batch Filler 102 Thermal Barrier 110 Melting Tank 112 Arrow 113 Upper Isopipe 115 Clarification Tank 118 Glass Seal 120 Stirring Chamber, Mixing Tank 122 Conduit to Stirring Chamber 125 Delivery Tank or Bowl 126 Molten Glass 127 From Stirring Chamber Conduit to bowl 130 Lower isopipe 131a Downcomer 131b Fixed downcomer 131c Molten glass 131d “Fill” line 131e Sufficient flow 132 Housing 133 Inlet 133a, 133b, 133c, 133d, 150 Spacing 140 Core glass flow 160 Clad Dimensions 170 between dams Edge roll, edge roller 180 Tensile roll, tension roller 200 Laminate melt drawing and melting system 201 First movable melting part 201a Movable housing, movable frame 202, 302 Transport roller 205 Another movable Solving section 207 Colinear center line, colinear axis 210 Rail, guide groove, track 215 Linear drive power section 217, 317 Ball screw 219, 319 Encoder 220 Connector 230 Control section 232 Position sensor 301 Support member 315 Second Linear drive power unit 330 connector member

Claims (5)

Laminating melt stretching apparatus,
A core isopipe having a first core melter, wherein the core melter is in fluid communication with the core isopipe in operation to supply molten glass to the core isopipe;
A clad isopipe located on the core isopipe and having a clad melter, wherein the clad melter is in fluid communication with the clad isopipe in operation and supplies molten glass to the clad isopipe. Pipes,
A first core downcomer disposed between the core melter and the core isopipe and having an adjustable and fixable horizontal position and a fixed vertical position;
A second clad downcomer disposed between the clad melter and the clad isopipe having a linear horizontal position that is separately adjustable with respect to a fixed horizontal position of the first downcomer. Two cladding downcomers,
With
The core melter and the clad melter can move linearly and move relative to each other in the same or opposite horizontal direction, and in operation, the first core downcomer is a first feed pipe of the core isopipe And the second cladding downcomer stays in the approximate center of the second inlet pipe of the cladding isopipe.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for monitoring concentricity of the second cladding downcomer and the second inlet tube of the cladding isopipe.   3. The mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for adjusting the concentricity of the second clad downcomer and the second feed pipe of the clad isopipe. Equipment.   In response to a sensor for monitoring the concentricity of the second cladding downcomer pipe with respect to the second feed pipe of the clad isopipe and the sensor for reporting eccentricity from a concentric state, 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for adjusting the concentricity of the second cladding downcomer with respect to a second inlet pipe. 5. The clad melter is
Batch filling machine,
Dissolution tank,
A pre-dissolved fluid-coupled transport clarifier, and a delivery system,
A conduit from the clarification tank to the stirring chamber;
A stirring chamber;
A conduit from the stirring chamber to the bowl;
A delivery tank;
A downcomer,
A delivery system comprising,
The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

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