CN113165941A

CN113165941A - Working table

Info

Publication number: CN113165941A
Application number: CN201980077580.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 奥隼人; 山木茂
Original assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-28
Filing date: 2019-11-06
Publication date: 2021-07-23
Also published as: TWI846758B; JP2020083719A; TW202026259A; WO2020110635A1; KR102708328B1; JP7174350B2; KR20210096139A

Abstract

The invention aims to realize the positioning of a glass plate easily and at low cost even if the glass plate is large in size. The present invention is a workbench (2) which is provided with a placing part (2X) for placing a glass plate (G) in order to perform a specified treatment on the glass plate (G), wherein the placing part (2X) is provided with a first convex strip part (2a) which is long along the X direction and a second convex strip part (2b) which is long along the Y direction.

Description

Working table

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a table for placing a glass sheet when a predetermined process is performed on the glass sheet.

Background

The glass plate manufacturing process includes a cutting step of cutting the glass plate into a predetermined size, and an end face machining step of performing finishing such as chamfering on the cut end face of the glass plate.

In the glass plate manufacturing process, after the cutting step and the end face machining step, a shape measuring step may be performed to measure shape data of the glass plate including the size of the glass plate, the perpendicularity of the corner portion, and the like.

In order to accurately perform the above-described various processes, measurements, and the like on the glass sheet, it is necessary to position the glass sheet at each process.

For this reason, for example, patent document 1 discloses a technique for positioning a glass plate by placing the glass plate on a fluororesin plate and then sliding the glass plate on the fluororesin plate at the time of measuring the shape of the glass plate.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2003-75121

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In patent document 1, a rectangular glass plate for a photomask having a relatively small size is used as an object, but if the glass plate is applied to a glass substrate for a flat panel display or the like whose size is increasing, a large-size fluororesin plate is required, and therefore, a cost increase is inevitable.

The invention aims to realize the positioning of a glass plate easily and at low cost even if the glass plate is large in size.

Means for solving the problems

The present invention made to solve the above problems is a stage including a mounting portion on which a glass plate is mounted to perform a predetermined process on the glass plate, the mounting portion including: a first ridge portion, a contact portion of which with the glass sheet is elongated in a first direction; and a second ridge portion that is elongated in a second direction different from the first direction at a contact portion with the glass sheet.

According to this configuration, the glass sheet is supported by the first ridge and the second ridge of the mounting portion. The contact portion of the first ridge portion is elongated in the first direction, and therefore the first ridge portion does not act as a large resistance against the glass sheet when the glass sheet is moved in the first direction. Therefore, the glass sheet can be smoothly moved in the first direction while being held supported by the first raised strip portions. Similarly, since the contact portion of the second ridge portion is elongated in the second direction, the second ridge portion does not provide a large resistance to the glass sheet when the glass sheet is moved in the second direction. Therefore, the glass sheet can be smoothly moved in the second direction while being held supported by the second raised strip portions. Therefore, the glass sheet can be smoothly moved in two different directions while being held supported by the first ridge portion and the second ridge portion, and therefore the glass sheet can be easily positioned. Further, since the first ridge portion and the second ridge portion can have a sufficiently smaller supporting area than a case where the entire surface of the glass sheet is supported by the surface, even in a case where a large-sized glass sheet is supported, an increase in cost associated with an increase in the supporting area can be suppressed.

In the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the glass sheet has a rectangular shape, the contact portion of the first ridge portion extends along a pair of opposed edges of the glass sheet, and the contact portion of the second ridge portion extends along the other pair of opposed edges of the glass sheet.

In this way, the first direction is substantially parallel to one pair of opposing edges of the glass plate, and the second direction is substantially parallel to the other pair of opposing edges of the glass plate. Therefore, the glass plate can be smoothly moved in the direction along each side, and therefore, the positioning of the glass plate becomes easier.

In the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the mounting portion further includes a spherical roller that supports the glass plate.

In this way, the movement of the glass plate on the placing portion becomes smoother.

In the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the contact portion of the first convex portion and the contact portion of the second convex portion are formed of resin.

In this way, the sliding of the glass plate becomes good, and therefore the glass plate is not easily broken.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, even a large-sized glass plate can be positioned easily and at low cost.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a glass plate measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first ridge in the short direction.

Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view in the short direction showing a modification of the first ridge portion.

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view in the short direction showing a modification of the first ridge portion.

Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view in the short direction showing a modification of the first ridge portion.

Fig. 3D is a cross-sectional view in the short direction showing a modification of the first ridge portion.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1, and is a sectional view showing an example of a contact state where the straight edge and the roller of the copying mechanism are in contact with each other.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 1, and shows a preparation process for placing a glass sheet on a work table using a placing jig.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the glass plate measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a view showing a linearity measuring step of measuring the linearity of the end face of the glass plate.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hammer is supported by the support member via the glass plate in the straightness measuring step of fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a contact state in which a contact of a distance meter is in contact with an end surface of a glass plate in the straightness measuring step of fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a glass plate measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a dimension measuring step for measuring the dimension of a glass plate.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of a glass plate measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a verticality measuring step for measuring the verticality of a glass plate.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of obtaining perpendicularity from the measurement value of the distance meter in the perpendicularity measurement step of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the glass plate measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a first calibration process for calibrating the dimension measuring instrument using the calibration jig.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of fig. 12, and shows an arrangement of the alignment jig in the alignment step.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of fig. 12, and is a view showing a positional relationship between the support portion of the correcting jig and the glass plate in the height direction.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of the glass plate measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing a state in an initial stage of the second calibration process for calibrating the distance meter using the calibration jig.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of the glass plate measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing a state in the final stage of the second calibration process in which the distance meter is calibrated using the calibration jig.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. XYZ in the figure is an orthogonal coordinate system. The X direction and the Y direction are horizontal directions, and the Z direction is a vertical direction.

As shown in fig. 1, a glass plate measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus for measuring shape data of a rectangular glass plate G. In the present embodiment, the glass plate measuring apparatus 1 measures, as shape data, the straightness of at least one of the end faces Ga to Gd of the glass plate G, the longitudinal and transverse dimensions (X-direction dimension and Y-direction dimension) of the glass plate G, and the perpendicularity of the end faces Ga to Gd of the glass plate G intersecting at least one of the corner portions G1 to G4. That is, the glass plate measuring apparatus 1 includes a linearity measuring device, a dimension measuring device, and a verticality measuring device.

(working bench)

The glass plate measuring apparatus 1 has a basic configuration of a table 2, and the table 2 has a placing portion 2x on which a glass plate G is placed. The glass plate G is placed on the placement portion 2X of the stage 2 such that the end faces Ga, Gb are substantially parallel to the X direction and the end faces Gc, Gd are substantially parallel to the Y direction.

Here, the thickness of the glass plate G is, for example, 0.2 to 10mm, and the size of the glass plate G is, for example, 700mm × 700mm to 3000mm × 3000 mm. The glass sheet G is produced by a known method such as a down-draw method (for example, an overflow down-draw method) or a float method. The glass plate G is used for a substrate of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display, or a cover glass such as a touch panel.

The mounting portion 2x may be formed of a single plane or a plurality of planes, but in the present embodiment, the mounting portion includes first ridges 2a and second ridges 2b, and the first ridges 2a and the second ridges 2b have long contact portions that contact the glass sheet G.

The contact portions of the first raised strip portions 2a extend in the X direction, which is the pair of end surfaces Ga, Gb opposed to each other on the glass sheet G, and the contact portions of the second raised strip portions 2b extend in the Y direction, which is the pair of end surfaces Gc, Gd opposed to each other on the glass sheet G.

In this way, since the contact portions of the first raised strip portions 2a are elongated in the X direction, the first raised strip portions 2a do not act as a large resistance against the glass sheet G when the glass sheet G is moved in the X direction. Therefore, the glass sheet G can be smoothly moved (slid) in the X direction while being held in a state where the glass sheet G is supported from below by the first raised strip portions 2 a. Similarly, since the contact portions of the second ridges 2b are elongated in the Y direction, the second ridges 2b do not provide a large resistance to the glass sheet G when the glass sheet G is moved in the Y direction. Therefore, the glass sheet G can be smoothly moved (slid) in the Y direction while being held in a state where the glass sheet G is supported from below by the second raised strip portions 2 b. Therefore, the glass sheet G can be smoothly moved in two different directions, i.e., the X direction and the Y direction, and easily positioned while being supported by the first raised strip portions 2a and the second raised strip portions 2 b. Further, since the first ridges 2a and the second ridges 2b can reduce the supporting area as compared with the case where the entire surface of the glass sheet G is supported by the surface, even in the case where a large-sized glass sheet G is supported, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost associated with an increase in the supporting area of the mounting portion 2 x.

The first raised strip portions 2a are provided in plurality at a plurality of positions in the Y direction at intervals in the X direction, and the second raised strip portions 2b are provided in plurality at a plurality of positions in the X direction at intervals in the Y direction. That is, the first raised strip 2a and the second raised strip 2b are scattered on the table 2 at intervals from each other so that the glass sheet G can be supported in a stable posture.

The first raised ridge 2a and the second raised ridge 2b are detachably fixed to the table 2 by a fastener (not shown) such as a screw. Therefore, any member of the plurality of raised

strips

2a, 2b can be replaced individually.

The arrangement of the first ridges 2a and the second ridges 2b is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a regular arrangement such as a grid pattern or a zigzag pattern, or an irregular arrangement. The longitudinal direction of the contact portion of the first ridge 2a and the longitudinal direction of the contact portion of the second ridge 2b are not limited to the X direction and the Y direction, and may be different directions. Further, another ridge portion having a long contact portion may be provided along a direction different from the

ridge portions

2a and 2b (for example, a direction having an angle of 45 ° with respect to the X direction).

As shown in fig. 2, the first ridge 2a has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in the short side direction (Y direction) in consideration of the posture stability on the table 2 of the first ridge 2 a. That is, the first ridge 2a has a wider width on the bottom portion 2aa side than on the upper portion 2ab side, and the bottom portion 2aa is fixed to the table 2 in a state where the table 2 is landed. Here, the upper portions 2ab of the first raised strip portions 2a (contact portions with the glass sheet G) may be flat surfaces or curved surfaces. Alternatively, the upper portions 2ab of the raised strip portions 2a may be formed in a linear shape with the width in the short side direction narrowed, and in this case, the cross-sectional shape of the first raised strip portions 2a in the short side direction (Y direction) may be, for example, a triangular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first raised strip 2a in the short side direction is not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible. The first raised strip 2a can have a cross-sectional shape as shown in fig. 3A to 3D, for example. In fig. 3A, the first raised strip 2a has a trapezoidal shape at the tip end (glass sheet G side) and a rectangular shape at the base end (table 2 side). In fig. 3B, the first convex stripe 2a is a semicircular shape constituting a convex curved surface. In fig. 3C, the first ridge portion 2a has a U shape having two ridges arranged in parallel. In fig. 3D, the first ridges 2a are brush-shaped, that is, the first ridges 2a may be formed of a brush. The cross-sectional shape of the second ridges 2b in the short side direction (X direction) is not particularly limited, but may be the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the first ridges 2a in the short side direction (Y direction).

The contact portions of the first raised strip 2a and the contact portions of the second raised strip 2b are preferably made of a resin such as nylon, for example. In this way, the glass sheet G slides easily on the raised

strip portions

2a and 2 b. In the present embodiment, the first raised strip 2a and the second raised strip 2b are entirely formed of resin.

The dimension in the longitudinal direction (dimension in the X direction) of the contact portion of the first raised strip 2a and the dimension in the longitudinal direction (dimension in the Y direction) of the contact portion of the second raised strip 2b are preferably 0.2 to 20mm, for example. Further, the dimension in the short side direction (Y-direction dimension) of the contact portion of the first raised strip 2a and the dimension in the short side direction (X-direction dimension) of the contact portion of the second raised strip 2b are preferably 5 to 400mm, for example.

As shown in fig. 1, in the present embodiment, the placement portion 2x further includes a plurality of columnar protrusions 2 c. The protrusion 2c supports the glass sheet G from below by the tip end portion. The distal end of the projection 2c is provided with a floating mechanism for facilitating the positioning of the glass sheet G, but is constituted by a spherical roller in the present embodiment. The projections 2c are scattered on the table 2 at intervals. The arrangement of the protrusions 2c is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a regular arrangement such as a grid pattern or a zigzag pattern, or an irregular arrangement. The tip end of the projection 2c may be a non-rolling element, and may have any shape such as a convex curved surface or a flat surface. The projection 2c may be omitted.

(straightness measuring device)

As shown in fig. 1, the glass plate measuring apparatus 1 includes a distance meter 3, a holding mechanism 4, a straight edge 5, and a copying mechanism 6 on a table 2, and is configured to measure the straightness (straightness) of the end faces Ga to Gd of the glass plate G. Here, the straightness means a deviation of a straight shape from a geometrically true straight line.

The distance meter 3 measures the distance from the end face Ga of the glass sheet G placed on the placement portion 2x of the table 2, that is, the displacement of the end face Ga of the glass sheet G from the reference position. Here, in the present embodiment, the reference positions are set at the positions of both ends in the X direction of the end face Ga of the glass plate G. That is, the distance meter 3 is calibrated so that the measurement value of the distance meter 3 shows zero at both ends in the X direction of the end face Ga of the glass plate G, and the mounting position of the glass plate G is adjusted.

The distance meter 3 is a contact type distance meter (e.g., a dial gauge) including a contact 3a that contacts the end face Ga of the measurement object and a spindle 3b that holds the contact 3a so as to be movable forward and backward in the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the contact 3a is a cylindrical roller and rolls while contacting the end face Ga of the glass plate G (see fig. 8 described later). The contact 3a is biased toward the end face Ga of the measurement object, and can trace the end face Ga of the measurement object. The contact 3a may be, for example, a rolling element (for example, a spherical roller) having a shape other than a cylindrical shape, or a non-rolling element (for example, a needle-like member or a cylindrical member) that slides on the end face Ga of the glass plate G.

The holding mechanism 4 holds the distance meter 3 to be movable in the Y direction (the direction of separation from the end face Ga of the glass plate G) and the X direction (the direction along the end face Ga of the glass plate G).

The holding mechanism 4 includes a first stage 4b movable in the X direction along a guide rail 4a provided on the table 2, and a second stage 4d movable in the Y direction along a guide rail 4c provided on the first stage 4 b. The first stage 4b can be moved in the X direction manually or automatically. The distance meter 3 is mounted on the second stage 4 d. The moving direction of the second stage 4d is parallel to the Y direction, but may have an angle with respect to the Y direction.

The holding mechanism 4 further includes a scale 4e provided on the table 2 and indicating a position of the distance meter 3 in the X direction. In the present embodiment, predetermined marks indicating the measurement position of the distance meter 3 are marked on the scale 4e at equal intervals. The position of the scale 4e can be set to any position such as the straight edge 5. The scale 4e may be omitted.

The straightedge 5 is arranged on the table 2 in the X-direction. The straightness of the straightedge 5 is pre-measured and recorded.

The copying mechanism 6 is a mechanism for making the distance meter 3 attached to the holding mechanism 4 along the straight edge 5. The copying mechanism 6 includes a pressing member 6a and a spring 6 b.

The pressing member 6a has a base end attached to the second stage 4d and a tip end in contact with the straight edge 5.

The spring 6b is provided so as to extend between the first stage 4b and the second stage 4d so as to pull the second stage 4d toward the straight edge 5 side. Due to the pulling force of the spring 6b, the pressing member 6a is pressed against the straight edge 5, and thus the X-direction position of the distance meter 3 is stabilized. The spring 6b may be provided so as to press the second stage 4d closer to the straight edge 5. The spring 6b may be made of another elastic material such as rubber, or may be omitted.

As shown in fig. 4, the pressing member 6a includes a cylindrical roller 6c at the distal end portion. The straight edge 5 includes a concave guide groove 5a for accommodating the roller 6 c. That is, the roller 6c rolls on the straight edge 5 in a state of being accommodated in the guide groove 5 a. In the present embodiment, the straightness of the guide groove 5a is measured and recorded in advance as the straightness of the straight edge 5. The distal end portion of the pressing member 6a may be, for example, a rolling element (for example, a spherical roller) having a shape other than a cylindrical shape, or a non-rolling element (for example, a spherical member, a cylindrical member, or the like) that slides on the straight edge 5.

(measurement device)

As shown in fig. 1, the glass plate measuring apparatus 1 includes a first pin 7, a second pin 8, a first dimension measuring device 9, and a second dimension measuring device 10 on a table 2, and is configured to measure the X-direction dimension and the Y-direction dimension of a glass plate G.

The first pin 7 is in contact with an end surface Gc of the glass sheet G placed on the placement portion 2x of the table 2, which is substantially parallel to the Y direction. The second pin 8 is in contact with an end face Ga of the glass sheet G placed on the placement portion 2X of the stage 2, the end face Ga being substantially parallel to the X direction. That is, the second pin 8 contacts the end face Ga intersecting at substantially right angles with the end face Gc contacting the first pin 7.

The first dimension measuring instrument 9 measures a dimension between the end surfaces Gc and Gd substantially parallel to the Y direction, that is, a dimension (first dimension) in the X direction of the glass sheet G. The second dimension measuring instrument 10 measures a dimension between the end faces Ga and Gb substantially parallel to the X direction, that is, a dimension (second dimension) in the Y direction of the glass plate G.

The first dimension measurement instrument 9 is a contact type distance meter (for example, a dial indicator) including a contact 9a that contacts the end face Gd, and a spindle 9b that holds the contact 9a so as to be movable forward and backward in the X direction. Similarly, the second dimension measurement instrument 10 is a contact type distance measurement instrument (for example, a dial gauge) including a contact 10a that contacts the end surface Gb and a spindle 10b that holds the contact 10a so as to be movable forward and backward in the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the

contacts

9a and 10a are cylindrical non-rolling elements. The

contacts

9a and 10a may be, for example, non-rolling elements (e.g., spherical members or needle-like members) or rolling elements (e.g., cylindrical rollers or spherical rollers) having shapes other than cylindrical shapes.

The first dimension measuring instrument 9 is provided on a first position adjusting mechanism F capable of adjusting the position thereof in the X direction. This makes it possible to easily change the position of the first dimension measuring instrument 9 and measure glass sheets G having different dimensions. Further, when measuring shape data other than the size of the glass sheet G, the first dimension measuring instrument 9 can be retracted to a position not to be an obstacle. The first position adjustment mechanism F is not particularly limited as long as the position of the first dimension measurement instrument 9 in the X direction can be adjusted, but in the present embodiment, the first position adjustment mechanism F includes a first guide rail Fa provided on the table 2 and a first slider Fb movable in the X direction along the first guide rail Fa. The first slider Fb can be moved in the X direction manually or automatically. A first sizer 9 is mounted on the first slider Fb.

The second dimension measuring instrument 10 is provided on a second position adjusting mechanism S capable of adjusting the position in the Y direction. This makes it possible to easily change the position of the second dimension measuring instrument 10 and measure glass sheets G having different dimensions. Further, the second dimension measuring instrument 10 can be retracted to a position not to be an obstacle when measuring shape data other than the size of the glass sheet G. The second position adjustment mechanism S is not particularly limited as long as it can adjust the Y-direction position of the second dimension measurement instrument 10, but in the present embodiment, it includes a second guide rail Sa provided on the table 2 and a second slider Sb movable in the Y direction along the second guide rail Sa. The second slider Sb can be moved in the Y direction manually or automatically. A second dimension measuring instrument 10 is attached to the second slider Sb.

Two sets of first pins 7 and first sizers 9 are provided, and two sets of second pins 8 and second sizers 10 are provided. That is, the X-direction dimension and the Y-direction dimension of the glass sheet G are measured at two positions, respectively. The X-direction dimension and the Y-direction dimension may be an average value of two positions.

The first pins 7 of the set and the contacts 9a of the first sizer 9 are aligned in the X direction. That is, the Y-direction positions of the first pins 7 and the contacts 9a of the first dimension measuring instrument 9 in the set are substantially the same. Likewise, the set of second pins 8 and the contacts 10a of the second sizer 10 are aligned in the Y direction. That is, the positions of the contacts 10a of the set of second pins 8 and the second dimension measuring instrument 10 in the X direction are substantially the same.

The first pin 7 and the second pin 8 are detachably held by the table 2. In the present embodiment, engagement holes (not shown) for holding the pins 7 and 8 are provided in the table 2. The engaging holes are preferably provided at a plurality of positions on the table 2 so that the attachment positions of the pins 7 and 8 can be adjusted when the size of the glass sheet G is changed.

Note that, either one of the set of first pins 7 and first dimension measuring instruments 9 and the set of second pins 8 and second dimension measuring instruments 10 may be omitted, and only either one of the first dimension and the second dimension may be measured. From the viewpoint of efficiently measuring the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the glass sheet G, it is preferable to provide both the first pin 7 and the first dimension measuring instrument 9 in a set and the second pin 8 and the second dimension measuring instrument 10 in a set.

(verticality measuring device)

As shown in fig. 1, the glass plate measuring apparatus 1 includes a first pin 11, a second pin 12, and a distance meter 13 on a table 2, and is configured to measure the perpendicularity of the end surfaces Ga to Gd of the glass plate G. In the figure, reference numeral 14 denotes a calibration distance meter for calibrating the distance meter 13.

The first pin 11 is in contact with an end surface Gc (first end surface) of the glass sheet G placed on the placement portion 2x of the table 2, which is substantially parallel to the Y direction. The second pins 12 contact an end surface Gb (second end surface) of the glass sheet G placed on the placement portion 2X of the stage 2, the end surface Gb being substantially parallel to the X direction. That is, the first pin 11 and the second pin 12 contact the end surfaces Gc and Gb intersecting at the corner G1, which is the object of measuring perpendicularity, respectively.

The first pin 11 is formed of a pair of pins spaced apart in the Y direction, and the second pin 12 is formed of a single pin provided with only one pin in the X direction. The end surface Gc is held in parallel with a straight line connecting the pair of first pins 11 by being in contact with the pair of first pins 11. That is, the end surface Gc is held at a predetermined inclination set in advance. The second pin 12 maintains such inclination of the end surface Gc and contacts the end surface Gb. Thereby, the glass sheet G is positioned by three points in total, i.e., the pair of first pins 11 and the pair of second pins 12.

The first pin 11 and the second pin 12 are detachably held on the table 2. In the present embodiment, engagement holes (not shown) for holding the

pins

11 and 12 are provided in the table 2. Preferably, the engagement holes are provided at a plurality of positions on the table 2 so that the attachment positions of the

pins

11, 12 can be adjusted when the size of the glass sheet G is changed.

The distance meter 13 measures a displacement (a shift from a reference position in the Y direction) of the actual position of the end surface Gb with respect to a reference position (see a position indicated by an alternate long and short dash line in fig. 11) where the end surface Gc is located when the end surface Gc is perpendicular to the end surface Gb, with respect to the glass plate G positioned by the first pin 11 and the second pin 12.

The distance meter 13 is a contact type distance meter (for example, a dial indicator) including a contact 13a that contacts the end surface Gb and a spindle 13b that holds the contact 13a so as to be able to advance and retreat in the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the contact 13a is a cylindrical non-rolling element. The contact 13a may be, for example, a non-rolling element (for example, a spherical member or a needle-like member) or a rolling element (for example, a cylindrical roller or a spherical roller) having a shape other than a cylindrical shape.

The distance meter 13 contacts the end surface Gb at a position different from the position where the second pin 12 contacts the end surface Gb. In the present embodiment, the distance meter 13 is in contact with the end surface Gb between a position where the second pin 12 is in contact with the end surface Gb and a position where the end surface Gb intersects with the end surface Gc.

The correction distance meter 14 is also a contact type distance meter (for example, a dial indicator) including a contact 14a that contacts the end surface Gb and a spindle 14b that holds the contact 14a so as to be movable forward and backward in the Y direction, similarly to the distance meter 13.

The correction distance meter 14 contacts the end surface Gb at a position different from the position where the second pin 12 and the distance meter 13 contact the end surface Gb. In the present embodiment, the distance meter for correction 14 is in contact with the end surface Gb between the position where the second pin 12 is in contact with the end surface Gb and the position where the distance meter 13 is in contact with the end surface Gb.

The

distance meters

13 and 14 are held by a holding mechanism (e.g., a slide mechanism) so as to be movable in the Y direction. Thus, when measuring shape data other than the perpendicularity of the glass plate G, the

distance meters

13 and 14 can be retracted to positions that do not become obstacles. In addition, when the size of the glass plate G is changed, the positions of the

distance meters

13 and 14 can be easily adjusted.

(carrying clamp)

As shown in fig. 1, the glass plate measuring apparatus 1 includes a mounting jig 15 for supporting a glass plate G from below as a structure for mounting the glass plate G on a mounting portion 2x of the table 2. The placing jig 15 is a ladder-shaped member having an opening 15a through which the projected

rims

2a and 2b and the projection 2c of the table 2 can be inserted. The placing jig 15 is configured to place the glass sheet G on the table 2 after the glass sheet G is replaced from the placing jig 15 to the

ridge portions

2a, 2b and the protrusion portions 2 c. The raised strips 2a, 2b and/or the protrusions 2c may be provided outside the opening 15a in addition to inside the opening 15a, as long as they do not interfere with the placement jig 15. The placement jig 15 may be, for example, a lattice-shaped member or the like, and may have any shape having an opening through which the

ridge portions

2a and 2b and the protrusion portion 2c can pass.

Next, a glass plate measuring method using the glass plate measuring apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

The glass plate measuring method of the present embodiment includes a preparation step of placing a glass plate G on a placing portion 2x of a table 2, a straightness measuring step of measuring the straightness of the end face of the glass plate G, a dimension measuring step of measuring the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the glass plate G, and a verticality measuring step of measuring the verticality of the end face of the glass plate G in this order. For example, the order of the steps after the preparation step may be changed such as the order of the dimension measurement step, the straightness measurement step, and the perpendicularity measurement step.

(preparation Process)

As shown in fig. 5, in the preparation step, first, the glass sheet G is carried to a position above the table 2 (indicated by a chain line in the figure) while being placed on the placing jig 15. Then, from this state, the placing jig 15 is lowered, and the

convex portions

2a and 2b and the protruding portions (spherical rollers) 2c of the placing portion 2x of the table 2 are inserted through the opening 15a of the placing jig 15. In this process, the glass sheet G placed on the placing jig 15 is pushed up by the

ridges

2a, 2b and the protrusions 2c, and the glass sheet G is replaced from the placing jig 15 to the

ridges

2a, 2b and the protrusions 2 c. The placement jig 15 is lower than the

ridges

2a, 2b and the protrusion 2c in the state of being placed on the table 2. Therefore, after the glass sheet G is replaced from the placing jig 15 to the

ridge portions

2a, 2b and the protrusion portions 2c, the placing jig 15 can be placed on the table 2 and stored.

(straightness measuring step)

As shown in fig. 6, in the straightness measuring step, first, the glass sheet G supported by the mounting part 2x is positioned. In the present embodiment, the glass plate G is positioned such that one end portion in the X direction and the other end portion in the X direction of the end face Ga of the glass plate G come to predetermined reference positions. Specifically, the glass sheet G is positioned such that the displacement from the reference position measured by the distance meter 3 at the first position P1 and the second position P2 for measuring both ends in the X direction of the end face Ga is zero. In the positioning operation of the glass plate G, when the distance meter 3 is moved between the first position P1 and the second position P2, it is preferable to set the contact 3a in a state retracted from the end face Ga of the glass plate G in order to prevent the contact 3a of the distance meter 3 from being worn. Next, in a state where the glass plate G is positioned, the weight 16 is placed on the glass plate G so that the glass plate G does not move. Thereafter, the distance meter 3 is moved by a predetermined distance in the X direction by the holding mechanism 4 while the position is checked by the scale 4e, and the straightness of the end face Ga of the glass plate G is measured. The hammer 16 is removed from above the glass plate G at the stage after the linearity measuring step is completed.

As shown in fig. 7, in the present embodiment, the weight 16 placed on the glass plate G is disposed along the end face Ga (i.e., the straight edge 5) in the vicinity of the end face Ga of the glass plate G. A support member 17 is disposed on the table 2, and the support member 17 extends along the end face Ga (i.e., the straight edge 5) in the vicinity of the end face Ga of the glass sheet G, and supports the weight 16 via the glass sheet G. This prevents the vicinity of the end face Ga of the glass sheet G, whose straightness is to be measured, from being bent downward by the load of the hammer 16.

In the straightness measuring step, the

pins

7, 8, 11, and 12 are preferably removed from the table 2, and the

dimension measuring instruments

9 and 10 and the

distance measuring instruments

13 and 14 are preferably retracted to positions that do not become obstacles. Examples of the retraction method of the

size measuring instruments

9 and 10 and the

distance measuring instruments

13 and 14 include a method of retracting the entire

size measuring instruments

9 and 10 and the

distance measuring instruments

13 and 14 to the retracted position, and a method of retracting only the

contactors

9a, 10a, 13a and 14a to the retracted position (the state of fig. 6).

As shown in fig. 8, the contact 3a of the distance meter 3 is a cylindrical roller and rolls while contacting the end face Ga of the glass plate G. In this way, as the contact 3a rotates, the contact portion of the contact 3a that contacts the end face Ga of the glass plate G changes in sequence, and therefore wear of the contact 3a can be suppressed. Further, since the contact 3a is cylindrical, even when the end face Ga of the glass plate G is inclined, the displacement of the most projecting portion of the end face Ga is always measured. Therefore, the measurement error of the straightness of the distance meter 3 becomes small. The rotation axis of the contact 3a is substantially parallel to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the glass plate G.

As shown in fig. 6, since the position of the distance meter 3 in the Y direction is determined with reference to the straight edge 5, the displacement (linearity) of the end face Ga of the glass plate G measured by the distance meter 3 is affected by the linearity of the straight edge 5. Therefore, the difference (S1 to S2) between the measured straightness S1 of the end face Ga of the glass sheet G and the known straightness S2 of the straight edge 5 is recorded as the straightness of the end face Ga of the final glass sheet G.

After the measurement of the straightness of the end face Ga of the glass sheet G, the end face Ga of the glass sheet G is preferably measured again by the distance meter 3 at the positions P1 and P2 to confirm the presence or absence of the positional deviation of the glass sheet G. That is, when the displacement from the reference position measured by the distance meter 3 is zero at both positions P1 and P2, it can be confirmed that no positional deviation occurs between the glass sheet G before and after the measurement.

In the above, the case where the straightness of the end face Ga of the glass plate G is measured is exemplified, but it is preferable to measure the respective straightness of the four end faces Ga to Gd of the glass plate G. In this case, after the straightness of the end face Ga of the glass sheet G is measured, the orientation of the glass sheet G with respect to the table 2 is changed by the placing jig 15 or other means, and the straightness of the remaining end faces Gb to Gd is measured in the same order. When the respective straightness of the four end surfaces Ga to Gd of the glass sheet G is measured, for example, in the end surface machining step included in the manufacturing step of the glass sheet G, the position of the machining tool can be accurately adjusted based on the straightness of the end surfaces Ga to Gd of the glass sheet G. Therefore, the end faces Ga to Gd of the glass plate G can be easily machined at a constant grinding amount. The method of adjusting the position of the machining tool based on the straightness can be applied to the case of performing constant pressure grinding.

(measurement procedure)

As shown in fig. 9, in the dimension measuring step, first, the first pins 7 and the second pins 8 are brought into contact with the end faces Ga and Gc of the glass sheet G, and the glass sheet G supported by the mounting portion 2x is positioned. In this state, the

contacts

9a and 10a of the

dimension measuring instruments

9 and 10 are brought into contact with the end surfaces Gb and Gd of the glass sheet G, and the X-direction dimension and the Y-direction dimension of the glass sheet G are measured. Since the

contactors

9a and 10a of the

dimension measuring instruments

9 and 10 are cylindrical, the positions of the most protruding portions of the end surfaces Gb and Gd of the glass plate G are measured in the same manner as the contactor 3a of the distance meter 3.

The dimension of the glass sheet G in the X direction and the dimension of the glass sheet G in the Y direction may be measured simultaneously or separately. In the case of the individual measurement, for example, after the first pin 7 is brought into contact with the end face Gc of the glass sheet G and the dimension of the glass sheet G in the X direction is measured by the first dimension measuring instrument 9, the contact between the first pin 7 and the first dimension measuring instrument 9 with the glass sheet G is released and the second pin 8 is brought into contact with the end face Ga of the glass sheet G and the dimension of the glass sheet G in the Y direction is measured by the second dimension measuring instrument 10.

In the present embodiment, the X-direction dimension and the Y-direction dimension are measured at two positions, respectively, but the number of sets of pins and the dimension measuring instruments facing the pins can be changed as appropriate. That is, the X-direction dimension and the Y-direction dimension may be measured at only one position or at three or more positions.

Preferably, in the dimension measuring step, the

distance meters

3, 13, and 14 are retracted to a position where they do not become obstacles. Examples of the retraction method of the

distance meters

3, 13, and 14 include a method of retracting the

entire distance meters

3, 13, and 14 to the retraction position, a method of retracting only the

contacts

3a, 13a, and 14a to the retraction position (the state of fig. 9), and the like.

(procedure for measuring verticality)

As shown in fig. 10, in the perpendicularity measuring step, first, the first pins 11 and the second pins 12 are brought into contact with the end surfaces Gb and Gc of the glass sheet G, and the glass sheet G supported by the mount portion 2x is positioned. In this state, the contact 13a of the distance meter 13 is brought into contact with the end surface Gb of the glass plate G, and the displacement (displacement in the Y direction) of the end surface Gb from the reference position is measured. Since the contact 13a of the distance meter 13 is cylindrical, the position of the most protruding portion of the end face Ga of the glass plate G is measured, similarly to the contact 3a of the distance meter 3.

The displacement measured by the distance meter 13 is converted into an inclination of the end surface Gb with respect to a vertical plane of the end surface Gc, and the inclination indicates perpendicularity. As shown in fig. 11, the inclination (perpendicularity) of the end surface Gb with respect to the vertical surface of the end surface Gc is, for example, a displacement M (d1 × d3/d2) in the Y direction from the position where the end surface Gc intersects the end surface Gb to the position where the end surface Gb intersects the end surface Gb, or an angle θ (tan) formed by the vertical surface of the end surface Gc and the end surface Gb^-1(d1/d 2)). Here, d1 is the displacement in the Y direction measured by the distance meter 13, d2 is the known distance in the X direction between the distance meter 13 and the second pin 12, and d3 is the known dimension (design value) in the X direction of the glass sheet G. The inclination of the vertical surface of the end surface Gb with respect to the end surface Gc may be automatically calculated by the calculation device based on the displacement measured by the distance meter 13, or may be read from a conversion table prepared in advance and converted into an inclination from the displacement measured by the distance meter 13.

By measuring the perpendicularity and controlling the perpendicularity of the produced glass sheet G in this manner, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of misalignment (positioning) of the glass sheet G in various processes (including a process at a delivery site) such as processing, cleaning, and inspection.

In the above description, the perpendicularity of the end surfaces of the glass sheet G intersecting at the corner G1 was exemplified, but the perpendicularity of the end surfaces of the glass sheet G intersecting at the four corners G1 to G4 may be measured in its entirety. In this case, after the perpendicularity of the end surfaces of the glass sheet G intersecting at the corner G1 is measured, the orientation of the glass sheet G with respect to the table 2 is changed by the mounting jig 15 or other means, and the perpendicularity of the end surfaces intersecting at the remaining corners G2 to G4 is measured in the same order.

In the perpendicularity measuring step, the pins 7 and 8 are preferably removed from the table 2, and the

distance meters

3 and 14 and the

dimension meters

9 and 10 are preferably retracted to positions that do not become obstacles. Examples of the retraction method of the

distance meters

3 and 14 and the

size meters

9 and 10 include a method of retracting the

entire distance meters

3 and 14 and the

size meters

9 and 10 to the retracted position, a method of retracting only the

contactors

3a, 9a, 10a, and 14a to the retracted position (the state of fig. 10), and the like.

(correction procedure)

The glass plate measuring method of the present embodiment further includes, before the preparation step, a first correction step of correcting the

dimension measuring instruments

9 and 10 used in the dimension measuring step, and a second correction step of correcting the distance measuring instrument 13 used in the perpendicularity measurement. These correction steps may be performed every time the glass sheet G is measured, or may be performed after the measurement of the glass sheet G is performed a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined time. Further, the measurement may be performed while changing the size of the glass plate G to be measured. Of course, only the first correction step may be performed, or only the second correction step may be performed.

As shown in fig. 12 and 13, in the first calibration step, the first dimension measuring instrument 9 is calibrated using the first calibration jig 18 having a rod shape, and the second dimension measuring instrument 10 is calibrated using the second calibration jig 19 having a rod shape. Fig. 12 shows a state in which the first size measuring instrument 9 is corrected using the first correction jig 18 in a solid line, and a state in which the second size measuring instrument 10 is corrected using the second correction jig 19 in a dot-dash line. The calibration of the first size measuring instrument 9 and the calibration of the second size measuring instrument 10 are performed separately.

The lengths of the first correction jig 18 and the second correction jig 19 are known. In the present embodiment, the length of the first correcting jig 18 is set to a reference dimension (design dimension) of the X-direction dimension of the glass sheet G, and the length of the second correcting jig 19 is set to a reference dimension (design dimension) of the Y-direction dimension of the glass sheet G. It is preferable that the correction of the correction jigs 18 and 19 themselves is also performed periodically (for example, once every year).

At the time of calibration of the first sizer 9, one end of the first calibration jig 18 is brought into contact with the first pin 7, and the other end of the first calibration jig 18 is brought into contact with the contact 9a of the first sizer 9. At the time of calibration of the second dimension measuring instrument 10, one end of the second calibration jig 19 is brought into contact with the second pin 8, and the other end of the second calibration jig 19 is brought into contact with the contact 10a of the second dimension measuring instrument 10.

The reference position (e.g., zero point) of the first size measuring instrument 9 is corrected to the position where the feeler 9a contacts the first correcting jig 18, and the reference position (e.g., zero point) of the second size measuring instrument 10 is corrected to the position where the feeler 10a contacts the second correcting jig 19.

In the present embodiment, the first dimension measuring instrument 9 measures the displacement of the end face Gd of the glass sheet G from the reference position, and the second dimension measuring instrument 10 measures the displacement of the end face Gb of the glass sheet G from the reference position. That is, the sum of the reference dimension in each direction and the measured displacement (negative displacement when shorter than the reference dimension and positive displacement when longer than the reference dimension) is recorded as the X-direction dimension and the Y-direction dimension of the glass sheet G. Therefore, when the reference positions of the

dimension measuring instruments

9 and 10 are corrected as described above, the measurement accuracy of the X-direction dimension and the Y-direction dimension is improved.

The first correction jig 18 includes a small diameter portion 18a and a large diameter portion 18b having a diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 18 a. Similarly, the second correction jig 19 includes a small diameter portion 19a and a large diameter portion 19b having a diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 19 a. The materials of the

small diameter portions

18a, 19a and the

large diameter portions

18b, 19b are not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the

small diameter portions

18a, 19a are formed of metal, and the

large diameter portions

18b, 19b are formed of rubber.

The table 2 is provided with a first support portion 20 that supports the large diameter portion 18b of the first correction jig 18, and a second support portion 21 that supports the large diameter portion 19b of the second correction jig 19. The upper surfaces of the

support portions

20 and 21 are formed with semi-cylindrical recesses for supporting the cylindrical

large diameter portions

18b and 19 b. The

large diameter portions

18b and 19b of the correction jigs 18 and 19 are supported by the

support portions

20 and 21, whereby the heights of the correction jigs 18 and 19 are automatically adjusted. Therefore, the calibration work of the

dimension measuring instruments

9 and 10 becomes easy.

The first support portion 20 and the second support portion 21 are lower than the placement portion 2X of the table 2, that is, the

ridges

2a and 2b and the protrusion 2 c. Thus, as shown in fig. 14, when the correction work is not performed, these

support portions

20 and 21 do not come into contact with the glass plate G placed on the placement portion 2 x.

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, in the second calibration step, the distance meter 13 is calibrated using a calibration jig (e.g., a square) 22 and a calibration distance meter 14, the calibration jig 22 having a first securing surface 22a and a second securing surface 22b that are capable of contacting the first pin 11 and the second pin 12 and are perpendicular to each other, and the calibration distance meter 14 measuring the displacement of the position of the second securing surface 22b from the reference position in a state where the first securing surface 22a is in contact with the first pin 11. It is preferable that the calibration of the calibration jig 22 itself is also performed periodically (for example, once every year).

It is very difficult to accurately set the correction jig 22 at the time of correction of the distance meter 13, and this operation requires skill. Therefore, in a state where the first securing surface 22a of the correction jig 22 is brought into contact with the pair of first pins 11, the correction jig 22 is moved toward the second pin 12 (Y direction) while confirming that the values of the distance meter 13 and the correction distance meter 14 with respect to the second securing surface 22b of the correction jig 22 match. In this way, the second securing surface 22b of the correction jig 22 can be brought into contact with the second pin 12 while maintaining the correction jig 22 in the correct posture. As a result, the setting of the correction jig 22 can be performed easily and accurately. Then, by measuring the position of the second securing surface 22b of the calibration jig 22 thus provided by the distance meter 13 and calibrating the reference position (zero point), the distance meter 13 can be accurately calibrated.

After the second correction step is completed, the correction distance meter 14 is preferably retracted to a position where it does not contact the end face Gb of the glass plate G. In this way, when the distance meter 13 measures the end face Gb of the glass plate G, the correction distance meter 14 does not become an obstacle to the measurement by the distance meter 13. At this time, the correction rangefinder 14 may be removed from the table 2 and retracted, in addition to the retraction by the above-described method.

Here, the glass plate measuring method of the present embodiment is performed, for example, in a glass plate manufacturing process. The glass plate manufacturing step includes a forming step of forming a glass plate, a cutting step of cutting the formed glass plate into a predetermined size, and an end face machining step of performing finishing such as chamfering on the cut end face of the glass plate. The glass plate measuring method is performed after the cutting step and/or the end face machining step, for example. In this case, as a measurement sample of the glass plate measurement method, one or more glass plates are selected from among glass plates in the middle of production. The selected glass plate (measurement sample) is discarded after the shape data is measured, and is reused as cullet, for example.

As described above, according to the glass plate measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily and reliably measure shape data including the straightness of the end face, the vertical and horizontal dimensions, and the perpendicularity of the end face of the glass plate G without using advanced image processing or the like. Further, since all of the shape data of the glass plate G can be measured on the mounting unit 2x, space saving can be achieved. Further, the glass sheet G is supported by the raised

strip portions

2a, 2b and the projection portions 2c, and therefore, even in the case where the glass sheet G is large-sized, positioning thereof can be achieved easily and at low cost.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the straightness of the end face of the glass sheet G is intermittently measured at a plurality of positions on the end face has been described, but the straightness may be continuously measured at the end face. Similarly, the description has been given of the case where the size of the glass sheet G is measured at two positions on one end face, but the size of the glass sheet G may be measured at one position on the end face, or may be measured at three or more positions or continuously along the end face.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the straightness, the dimension, and the perpendicularity are measured as the shape data of the glass plate G has been described, but the shape data is not limited thereto. For example, the shape data may include only one of the straightness, the dimension, and the perpendicularity, or may include other data such as the thickness and the warp of the glass sheet G.

In the above-described embodiment, the

distance meters

3, 13, and 14 and the

size measuring instruments

9 and 10 may be non-contact distance meters of an optical type (for example, laser distance meters) or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the shape data of the glass sheet G is measured in a state where the glass sheet G is placed on the placement portion 2x of the table 2, but the table 2 having the placement portion 2x may be used for placing the glass sheet G at the time of other manufacturing-related processes such as cutting and end face processing of the glass sheet G.

Description of the reference numerals

1 glass plate measuring apparatus

2 working table

2x placing part

2a first raised strip

2b second raised strip

2c protruding part (spherical roller)

3 distance measuring apparatus (for straightness)

4 holding mechanism

5 straight ruler

6 profiling mechanism

7 first pin (for measuring size)

8 second Pin (for measuring size)

9 first size measuring instrument

10 second size measuring instrument

11 first pin (for verticality measurement)

12 second pin (for verticality)

13 distance measuring instrument (for verticality measuring)

14 distance measuring instrument for correction

15 carry the clamp

16 hammer

17 support member

18 first correcting jig (for measuring size)

19 second correcting jig (for dimension measurement)

20 first support part

21 second support part

22 jig for calibration (for verticality measurement)

G glass plate

End faces of Ga-Gd

Corners G1-G4

F first position adjusting mechanism

S a second position adjustment mechanism.

Claims

1. A work table having a placement portion on which a glass plate is placed for performing a predetermined process on the glass plate,

the working table is characterized in that the working table is provided with a plurality of working tables,

the placement unit includes: a first raised strip portion, a contact portion of which with the glass sheet is in a long shape along a first direction; and a second ridge portion that is elongated in a second direction different from the first direction at a contact portion with the glass sheet.

2. The table of claim 1,

the glass plate is in a rectangular shape,

the contact portions of the first raised strip extend along a pair of opposed edges of the glass sheet and the contact portions of the second raised strip extend along the other pair of opposed edges of the glass sheet.

3. The table according to claim 1 or 2,

the mounting portion further includes a spherical roller that supports the glass plate.

4. A workbench according to any of claims 1-3,

the contact portion of the first convex portion and the contact portion of the second convex strip portion are formed of resin.