CN220485542U - Apparatus for manufacturing glass plate - Google Patents

Abstract

A glass plate manufacturing apparatus comprising a cutting device for cutting a glass raw plate suspended and supported in a vertical posture in a vertical direction to obtain a glass plate, wherein the cutting device comprises a measuring device for measuring the warp of the glass raw plate in the vertical direction.

Description

Apparatus for manufacturing glass plate

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a method for producing a glass sheet, including a step of cutting a glass raw sheet suspended and supported in a vertical posture to obtain a glass sheet, a step of conveying the glass raw sheet, and a step of conveying the glass sheet.

Background

As a method for producing a glass sheet, a downdraw method, a float method, typified by an overflow downdraw method, a slot downdraw method, and a redraw method, are widely used as known methods. As a procedure for producing a glass sheet by these methods, for example, a procedure disclosed in patent document 1 is cited.

First, a longer glass ribbon is continuously formed. At this time, ears having a thickness greater than that of the center side thereof are formed at both ends in the width direction of the glass ribbon. Next, the glass ribbon is cut in the width direction by a predetermined length, and a glass raw sheet, which is a raw material of the glass sheet, is cut from the glass ribbon. Ears remain at both ends of the glass raw plate in the width direction.

After that, the glass raw sheet is transported in the lateral direction and then stopped in the arrangement region of the cutting device (in this document, the breaking device). In this region, the unnecessary portion including the ear portion is removed from the glass original plate by the cutting device. Thus, a glass plate as a product portion (effective portion) was obtained from the glass raw plate. The glass sheet obtained here is transported in the lateral direction for receiving various treatments at the downstream side.

This document also discloses that the conveyance of the glass raw sheet, the cutting of the glass raw sheet, and the conveyance of the obtained glass sheet are all performed in a state in which they are suspended and supported in a vertical posture from the viewpoint of saving space.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent application laid-open No. 2017-206407

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the utility model

When a glass raw plate and an obtained glass plate are suspended and supported in a vertical posture as disclosed in patent document 1, there is a case where warpage occurs in the vertical direction. The occurrence of such warpage is remarkable along with the thinning of a glass plate in recent years (for example, a glass plate used for a display or the like). Therefore, in practice, there is a problem in that the glass raw plate is cut and the glass raw plate and the obtained glass plate are transported.

From the above viewpoints, an object of the present utility model is to properly cut and convey a glass raw plate and a glass plate suspended and supported in a vertical posture while reliably coping with the warp in the vertical direction.

Means for solving the problems

A first aspect of the present utility model, which has been made to solve the above-described problems, is a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus including a cutting device for cutting a glass raw sheet suspended and supported in a vertical posture in a vertical direction to obtain a glass sheet, wherein the cutting device includes a measuring device for measuring warp in the vertical direction of the glass raw sheet.

According to this method, when the cutting process is performed by the cutting device, the warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate is measured, and the structure of the cutting device is changed based on the measurement result, so that the measurement result is effectively reflected in the next and subsequent cutting processes. Thus, the glass raw plate warped in the longitudinal direction can be cut continuously and appropriately.

In this method, in the measuring step, the warp may be measured by a plurality of distance sensors arranged in correspondence with a plurality of portions in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate.

In this way, since a plurality of distance sensors are arranged corresponding to a plurality of portions in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw sheet, the arrangement direction of the distance sensors coincides with the warp direction. This makes it possible to accurately measure the warp of the glass substrate.

In the above method, the glass raw sheet may have a first region corresponding to the glass sheet, a second region arranged adjacent to the first region in a width direction, and a scribe line formed on a surface side of a boundary portion of the regions, and the cutting device may include: a back support member that supports the first region from a back side; a pressing member that faces the back surface support member and presses the first region from a front surface side; and a breaking member that breaks the glass raw plate along the scribe line by applying a force to the second region toward the back surface side, wherein in the measuring step, a warp in the longitudinal direction of the first region of the glass raw plate is measured while the first region is sandwiched between the back surface support member and the pressing member, and in the changing step, a relative position of the back surface support member with respect to the first region and/or a relative position of the pressing member with respect to the first region is changed, thereby changing a structure of the cutting device.

In this way, the warp in the longitudinal direction of the first region (for example, the effective portion of the product) in the state in which the first region of the glass original plate is sandwiched by the support member and the pressing member is measured, and the structure of the breaking device described below is changed based on the measurement result, so that the measurement result is effectively reflected in the breaking steps subsequent to the next time. For example, in the case where a failure such as chipping or breakage occurs in the breaking step and glass frit adheres to the first region, the relative position of the support member to the first region or the relative position of the pressing member to the first region is changed in accordance with the magnitude of warpage or the like shown in the measurement result. This makes it possible to properly perform the next and subsequent cutting steps.

A second aspect of the present utility model, which has been made to solve the above-described problems, is a method for manufacturing a glass plate, comprising: a front conveying step of conveying the glass original plate suspended and supported in a vertical posture in a lateral direction; and a cutting step of cutting the glass raw sheet conveyed in the preceding conveying step in a suspended state in a longitudinal direction to obtain a glass sheet, wherein the glass sheet manufacturing method comprises: a measurement step of measuring warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate before the cutting step is performed; and a changing step of changing the state of the member disposed on the conveyance path of the glass raw plate based on the measurement result in the measuring step. Here, "lateral" includes both directions parallel to the front and rear surfaces of the glass raw plate and directions perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of the glass raw plate (hereinafter, the same applies).

According to this method, the warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate is measured before the cutting step is performed, and the state of the member disposed on the conveyance path of the glass raw plate is changed based on the measurement result, so that the measurement result is effectively reflected in the next and subsequent preceding conveyance steps. This makes it possible to continuously and properly convey the glass raw plate, which is warped in the longitudinal direction. Further, since the glass raw plate can be properly conveyed in the preceding conveyance step, the conveyance speed of the glass raw plate can be increased and the production interval time can be shortened.

In this method, in the measuring step, the warp may be measured by a plurality of distance sensors arranged in correspondence with a plurality of portions in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate.

As described above, the warp of the glass sheet can be accurately measured.

In the above method, in the changing step, a gap between guide members disposed on the conveyance path and guiding the front surface side and the rear surface side of the glass raw plate and/or a height position of a member disposed on the conveyance path and suspending and supporting the glass raw plate may be changed to change a state of the member disposed on the conveyance path of the glass raw plate.

In this way, when a large shake, collision, or the like occurs in the glass raw sheet in the preceding conveying step, the gap between the guide members that are disposed on the conveying path and guide the front and rear sides of the glass raw sheet, respectively, or the height position of the member that is disposed on the conveying path and suspends the glass raw sheet is changed in accordance with the magnitude of warp or the like shown in the measurement result. This makes it possible to convey the glass raw plate appropriately in the next and subsequent preceding conveyance steps. The term "rocking" means rocking in a direction perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of the glass raw plate (hereinafter, the same applies).

A third aspect of the present utility model, which has been made to solve the above-described problems, is a method for manufacturing a glass plate, comprising: a cutting step of cutting the glass original plate suspended and supported in a vertical posture in a vertical direction by a cutting device to obtain a glass plate; and a post-conveying step of conveying the glass sheet in a lateral direction in a suspended state, wherein the glass sheet manufacturing method comprises: a measurement step of measuring warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass sheet after the cutting step is performed; and a changing step of changing the state of the member disposed on the conveyance path of the glass sheet based on the measurement result in the measuring step.

According to this method, after the cutting step is performed, the warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass sheet is measured, and the state of the member disposed on the conveyance path of the glass sheet is changed based on the measurement result, so that the measurement result is effectively reflected in the subsequent conveyance steps. This makes it possible to continuously and properly convey the glass plate that has been warped in the longitudinal direction. Further, since the glass sheet can be properly conveyed in the post-conveyance step, the conveyance speed of the glass sheet can be increased and the production interval time can be shortened.

In this method, in the measuring step, the warp may be measured by a plurality of distance sensors arranged in correspondence with a plurality of portions in the longitudinal direction of the glass plate.

In this case as well, similarly to the case already described, the warp of the glass sheet can be accurately measured.

In the above method, in the changing step, a gap between guide members disposed on the conveyance path and guiding the front surface side and the rear surface side of the glass sheet and/or a height position of a member disposed on the conveyance path and suspending and supporting the glass sheet may be changed to change a state of the member disposed on the conveyance path of the glass sheet.

In this way, when a large shake, collision, or the like occurs in the glass sheet in the post-conveyance step, the gap between the guide members that are disposed on the conveyance path and guide the front and rear sides of the glass sheet, respectively, or the height position of the member that is disposed on the conveyance path and suspends and supports the glass sheet is changed in accordance with the magnitude of the warp or the like shown in the measurement result. This makes it possible to carry out appropriate conveyance of the glass sheet in the subsequent conveyance step. The term "rocking" means rocking in a direction perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of the glass plate (hereinafter, the same applies).

Effects of the utility model

According to the present utility model, it is possible to reliably cope with warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate or the glass plate suspended and supported in the longitudinal posture, and to appropriately cut and convey the glass raw plate or the glass plate.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view schematically showing the overall structure of a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

Fig. 2 is a schematic front view schematically showing the overall configuration of the apparatus for manufacturing a glass sheet according to the embodiment of the present utility model.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the structure of the cleaving apparatus included in the apparatus for producing a glass sheet according to the embodiment of the present utility model, as viewed from the front surface side of the glass sheet.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the structure of the cleaving apparatus included in the apparatus for producing a glass sheet according to the embodiment of the present utility model, as viewed from the back side of the glass sheet.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the operation of a cleaving device included in the apparatus for manufacturing a glass sheet according to the embodiment of the present utility model.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the operation of a cleaving device included in the apparatus for manufacturing a glass sheet according to the embodiment of the present utility model.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter, simply referred to as a manufacturing apparatus) and a glass sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present utility model will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view schematically showing the overall structure of a manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present utility model, and fig. 2 is a schematic front view schematically showing the overall structure of the same manufacturing apparatus 1. As shown in the above figures, the manufacturing apparatus 1 includes, as main components: a cutting device 2 for cutting out the glass raw plate G; a cutting device 3 for cutting the glass raw plate G; a front conveying device 4 for conveying the glass raw sheet G from the cutting device 2 to the cutting device 3; and a rear conveyance device 5 that conveys the glass sheet GP, from which the unnecessary portion is cut off by the cutting device 3, toward the downstream side.

The cutting device 2 is a device for cutting the glass raw sheet G by cutting a glass ribbon formed by a down-draw method and a float method along a width direction by a predetermined length. The two ends Ge of the cut glass raw plate G in the width direction are formed with ears (details will be described later) having a thickness larger than that of the central side in the width direction. Here, the "width direction" refers to the X direction shown in fig. 1 and 2 (hereinafter, the same applies).

The front conveying device 4 is a device for conveying the glass raw sheet G in the lateral direction. Here, "lateral" means a horizontal direction or a direction slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction to an extent that may be generally generated (hereinafter, the same). The front conveying device 4 is roughly divided into: an initial conveyance device 4a that conveys the glass raw sheet G from the cutting device 2 in a direction orthogonal to the front and rear surfaces thereof (in the direction of arrow a in fig. 1); and a main conveying device 4B for conveying the glass raw plate G to the cutting device 3 in a direction parallel to the front and rear surfaces thereof (arrow B direction in fig. 1).

The initial conveyance device 4a includes a pair of supporting bodies 6 for holding and supporting the upper end of the glass raw sheet G so as to vertically suspend and support the glass raw sheet G. The pair of support bodies 6 travel along a track outside the figure to convey the glass original plate G to the direction change region 4 x.

The main conveying device 4b includes a pair of holding bodies 7 for holding and holding the upper end portions of the glass raw sheet G so as to maintain a state in which the glass raw sheet G is suspended and supported in a vertical posture. The composition is as follows: the pair of holders 7 has a smaller separation length in the width direction than the pair of holders 6, and the glass raw sheet G is transferred from the pair of holders 6 to the pair of holders 7 in the direction conversion region 4 x. As shown in fig. 2, the pair of holding bodies 7 are connected to the traveling member 8 located above the holding bodies via the suspending member 9. The traveling member 8 travels along an off-drawing track extending in the width direction.

The main conveying device 4b is provided with a guide member 10 that is disposed on the conveying path 4r of the glass raw sheet G reaching from the direction change region 4x and stopping at the cutting device 3, and guides the glass raw sheet G. Specifically, as shown in fig. 1, a pair of guide members 10 are disposed at a plurality of positions in the conveying direction of the conveying path 4r of the glass raw plate G. The pair of guide members 10 are disposed on the front face Ga side and the rear face Gb side of the glass raw plate G, respectively, and the distance therebetween decreases from the upstream side toward the downstream side. As shown in fig. 2, the pair of guide members 10 are each disposed corresponding to the lower end portion of the glass raw plate G.

A scribe line forming region 4E is provided on the upstream side of the cutting device 3 in the conveyance path 4r of the glass raw sheet G. In the scribe line forming region 4E, a scribe line S along the up-down direction is formed in the glass original plate G. Score lines S are formed on both sides in the width direction of the surface Ga side of the glass original plate G. In the example shown in fig. 2, the score lines S do not reach the upper and lower ends of the glass raw sheet G, but may reach the upper and lower ends of the glass raw sheet G.

The cutting device 3 is a breaking device 3 for breaking the glass raw plate G in the present embodiment. The breaking device 3 is configured to break the glass raw plate G along the two scribe lines S while maintaining a state in which the glass raw plate G is suspended and supported in a vertical posture. By this breaking, unnecessary portions including the ear portions at both end portions in the width direction of the glass raw plate G are removed (details will be described later).

The post-conveying device 5 conveys the glass sheet GP obtained by cutting off unnecessary portions from the glass original sheet G toward the downstream side. The rear conveying device 5 continues to use the pair of holding bodies 7, the suspension member 9, and the traveling member 8 as the constituent elements of the main conveying device 4 b. Thus, the glass plate GP is conveyed in the same direction (in the direction of arrow C in fig. 1) while being suspended by the main conveying device 4 b. The rear conveyance device 5 is also provided with a pair of guide members 11 having the same configuration as described above at a plurality of positions in the conveyance direction of the conveyance path 5r of the glass sheet GP.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the breaking device 3 in detail and the form of the glass raw plate G. The figure illustrates the configuration of one end side (left end side) of the glass raw plate G in the width direction and the components of the breaking device 3 corresponding to the position for convenience, but the configuration of the other end side (right end side) of the glass raw plate G in the width direction and the components of the breaking device 3 corresponding to the position are also the same as those of the illustrated example. As shown in the figure, the glass original plate G has a first region G1 and a second region G2 that are adjacently arranged in the width direction. The first region G1 is a region (effective portion) of the glass raw plate G to be a product, and has uniform plate thickness throughout the entire region. The second region G2 is a region (unnecessary portion) cut out from the glass original plate G and discarded, and has an ear Ge thicker than the effective portion G1 in thickness at one end (left end in the drawing) in the width direction. A scribe line S is formed on the surface Ga side of the boundary between the effective portion G1 and the unnecessary portion G2.

The thickness of the glass raw plate G (the thickness of the region other than the ear portion Ge) is, for example, 50 to 1000. Mu.m, but the upper limit of the thickness is preferably 500. Mu.m, more preferably 300. Mu.m. In the present embodiment, the glass raw plate G has flexibility. Warp is generated in the glass raw plate G in the longitudinal direction. This warp is particularly likely to occur in the glass original plate G having the ear Ge, and becomes particularly large at the periphery of the ear Ge. The specific shape of the warp is a shape in which a scribe line S in the surface Ga of the glass original plate G and an arbitrary virtual straight line parallel to the scribe line S are curved. Further, the shape of the warp in the longitudinal direction generated in the glass raw plate G is not uniform, and there is a deviation in each glass raw plate G.

The breaking device 3 includes: a holding body 7 for holding an upper end portion of the effective portion G1; a back surface support member 12 disposed on the back surface Gb side of the effective portion G1; a pressing member 13 disposed opposite to the back surface support member 12 on the front surface Ga side of the effective section G1; an adsorbent 14 disposed on the back face Gb side of the unnecessary portion G2; and a press-fitting member 15 disposed to face the adsorbent 14 on the surface Ga side of the unnecessary portion G2.

The holding body 7 has a pair of holding pieces 7a, and the pair of holding pieces 7a are configured to be close to and distant from each other. Thus, the pair of gripping pieces 7a grip the upper end portion of the effective portion G1 in a closed state by approaching each other, and release the grip of the upper end portion of the effective portion G1 in an open state by separating from each other. A suspension member 9 extending upward is fixedly provided to the grip base 7b coupled to the pair of grip pieces 7a, and the suspension member 9 is extendable and retractable in the up-down direction. The height position of the pair of holding pieces 7a is changed by the expansion and contraction of the suspension members 9, and the height position of the glass raw plate G is changed. The configuration in which the pair of grip pieces 7a are set to the open state and the closed state is not limited to the above example.

The back surface supporting member 12 is a member that supports the effective portion G1 from the back surface Gb side contact side when the glass original plate G breaks, and is disposed at an end portion of the effective portion G1 on the scribe line S side in the width direction. The back surface support member 12 moves closer to and farther from the back surface Gb of the effective portion G1 by operation of a fluid pressure cylinder such as an air cylinder, a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a ball screw mechanism or a robot arm. The rear support member 12 is also movable in the width direction by the operation of the same driving mechanism as described above. The back support member 12 is a columnar body or a plate-like body (stage) long in the up-down direction. The distance between the back surface support member 12 and the scribe line S in the width direction (the distance between the back surface support member 12 and the effective portion G1 in contact therewith) is, for example, 10 to 30mm, preferably 10 to 20mm. In the illustrated example, the back support member 12 extends from the upper end and the lower end of the effective portion G1, but may not extend from the upper end and the lower end of the effective portion G1.

The pressing member 13 presses the effective portion G1 toward the back surface support member 12 when the glass original plate G breaks. The pressing member 13 moves closer to and farther from the surface Ga of the effective section G1 by the operation of a fluid pressure cylinder such as an air cylinder, a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a ball screw mechanism or a robot arm. The pressing member 13 is also movable in the width direction by the operation of the same driving mechanism as described above. The pressing member 13 is a columnar body or a plate-like body long in the up-down direction. The length of the pressing member 13 in the up-down direction is the same as that already described for the back surface support member 12.

Further, a distance sensor 16 for measuring warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass original plate G from the side of the surface Ga thereof is disposed on the pressing base 13a fixed to the surface side of the pressing member 13. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an arrangement state of the distance sensor 16, and when the glass original plate G is viewed from the back face Gb side. As shown in the figure, the pressing base 13a is fixed in a state protruding toward the widthwise center side on the front surface side of the pressing member 13, and a plurality of (four in the drawing) distance sensors 16 are arranged on the rear surface side of the protruding portion 13 aa. These distance sensors 16 are arranged in correspondence with a plurality of portions in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate G. As the distance sensor 16, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, or the like can be used.

As shown in fig. 3, the adsorbent 14 includes: a holding base material 14a which is long in the up-down direction; and adsorption pads 14b that are attached to a plurality of portions (four portions in the drawing) of the holding base material 14a in the up-down direction, respectively. The holding base material 14a is rotated (for example, rotated in the direction of arrow D) by the operation of a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a robot arm. The suction pad 14b is formed of an elastic member such as rubber or resin that can expand and contract while sucking and holding the back face Gb of the unnecessary portion G2 by negative pressure.

The press-fitting member 15 has a flat surface portion 15a that contacts the surface Ga of the unnecessary portion G2, and is a plate-like body that is long in the up-down direction. The press-fitting member 15 is rotated (for example, rotated in the direction of arrow D) by the operation of a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a robot arm, and thereby a press-fitting force toward the back face Gb side is applied to the unnecessary portion G2. The press-fit member 15 applies bending stress to the formation region of the scribe line S by the press-fit force, and breaks the glass original plate G along the scribe line S. In the illustrated example, the press-in member 15 extends from the upper and lower ends of the unnecessary portion G2, but may not extend from the upper and lower ends of the unnecessary portion G2.

Next, a first example, a second example, and a third example of a glass plate manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

< first example >

The first example of the glass sheet manufacturing method includes a pre-conveyance step, a measurement step, and a change step. The front conveying step is a step of conveying the glass original plate G suspended and supported in a vertical posture to the breaking device 3 along the conveying path 4r by the initial conveying device 4a and the main conveying device 4b of the front conveying device 4 shown in fig. 1 and 2. At the time when the glass raw plate G reaches the breaking device 3 by performing the pre-conveyance step, the pressing member 13 and the pressing base 13a are positioned on the surface Ga side of the glass raw plate G as shown in fig. 3. At this time, the pressing member 13 and the back surface support member 12 are separated from the front surface Ga and the back surface Gb of the glass original plate G, respectively. The press-fitting member 15 and the adsorbing body 14 are also separated from the front face Ga and the rear face Gb of the glass raw plate G.

The measurement step is performed in this state. That is, the measurement step is performed before the breaking step of breaking the glass raw plate G. Specifically, in the measurement step, the distance between the surfaces Ga of the glass raw plate G, which is in a state where the glass raw plate G is held and warped in the longitudinal direction, is detected by the plurality of distance sensors 16. Then, for example, the difference between the detected distances is calculated by a calculation means (not shown), and the warp (the size, shape, etc. of the warp) in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw sheet G is measured. In the drawings, the warp in the longitudinal direction generated in the effective portion G1 of the glass raw plate G is measured. Instead of this, the pressing member 13 may be positioned on the surface Ga side of the unnecessary portion G2 of the glass original plate G, and the warp in the longitudinal direction generated in the unnecessary portion G2 may be measured. In these measurements, since the arrangement direction of the plurality of distance sensors 16 matches the warp direction, the warp of the glass raw sheet G can be accurately measured.

The changing step changes the state of the member disposed on the conveyance path 4r of the glass raw plate G based on the measurement result in the measuring step. Specifically, in the changing step, all or part of the pair of guide members 10 disposed at the plurality of portions of the conveyance path 4r of the glass raw sheet G is changed. This change is performed, for example, by adjusting the gap between the pair of guide members 10. Specifically, when the warp of the glass raw plate G is large, a large shake occurs in the glass raw plate G during the conveyance in the preceding conveyance step, and the glass raw plate G is scratched by the pair of guide members or the glass raw plate G collides with the pair of guide members 10 and is damaged. In this case, the gap between the pair of guide members 10 is increased in accordance with the magnitude, shape, and the like of the warp shown in the measurement result, and the occurrence of the defect that scratches or damages are caused to the glass raw sheet G in the next and subsequent preceding conveyance steps is avoided. Examples of other modifications include replacement of the guide member 10, fine adjustment of the conveyance direction, and the like.

Here, the degree to which the gap between the pair of guide members 10 increases is determined based on various data or the like in the case where the preceding conveying process has been performed in the past.

On the other hand, when the warp of the glass raw plate G is small, the glass raw plate G is not greatly vibrated, and defects such as scratches and damages accompanying the large shake are not generated. In this case, the gap between the pair of guide members 10 is set to be the original state, or when the gap is too large and the pair of guide members 10 cannot properly guide the glass raw sheet G, the gap is reduced according to the size and shape of the warp. In this case, the degree to which the gap between the pair of guide members 10 is reduced is also preferably determined based on the above-described various data and the like.

More specifically, when determining the degree of increase and the degree of decrease of the gap between the pair of guide members 10 based on various data and the like, it is preferable to record various data and the degree of change in the past in advance in the database and automatically determine based on the past data. Further, the gap between the pair of guide members 10 is preferably automatically adjusted to a value determined based on past data.

In the changing step, the hanging member 9 fixed to the holding base material 7b may be extended and contracted in the vertical direction to change the height position of the holding piece 7a, thereby adjusting the height position of the glass original plate G. In this case, when the lower end portion of the glass raw sheet G is the portion where warpage of the glass raw sheet G and the vibration at the time of conveyance are the greatest, and the pair of guide members 10 guide the lower end portion of the glass raw sheet G, the following adjustment is preferably performed. That is, when the warp of the glass raw plate G is large, the height position of the grip piece 7a is lowered and the height position of the glass raw plate G is lowered in accordance with the size and shape of the warp shown in the measurement result. On the other hand, when the warp of the glass raw plate G is small, the height positions thereof are set to the original state or are raised according to the size and shape of the warp. The other points are the same as in the case described above.

As described above, according to the first example of the method for producing a glass sheet, the glass raw sheet G, which has been longitudinally warped, can be continuously and appropriately conveyed in the preceding conveyance step. In addition, even if the glass raw plate G is rocked in the preceding conveying step, scratches, damages, and the like are less likely to occur, and therefore the conveying speed of the glass raw plate G can be increased and the production interval time can be shortened.

< second example >

The second example of the glass plate manufacturing method includes a breaking step, a measuring step, and a changing step. As shown in fig. 5, the breaking step is as follows: the pressing member 15 presses the unnecessary portion G2 in the direction of arrow D in a state in which the effective portion G1 of the glass original plate G is sandwiched by the back surface support member 12 and the pressing member 13 and the unnecessary portion G2 is sucked and held by the adsorbing body 14, thereby breaking the glass original plate G along the scribing line S. In this case, a facing gap F larger than the thickness of the unnecessary portion G2 exists between the back surface support member 12 and the pressing member 13.

The measurement step is performed when the breaking step is performed. Specifically, the measurement step is performed before the glass raw plate G is broken while the breaking step is being performed. Accordingly, the measurement step is performed with the opposing gap F provided between the back support member 12 and the pressing member 13, and with the effective portion G1 slightly remaining warped in the longitudinal direction. The method of measuring warpage by the plurality of distance sensors 16 is the same as in the first example.

The changing step changes the configuration of the breaking device 3 based on the measurement result in the measuring step. Specifically, in the changing step, the relative positions of the back surface support member 12 and the pressing member 13 with respect to the effective portion G1 are changed. In the present embodiment, for example, the amount of warpage is adjusted by changing the positions of the back support member 12 and the pressing member 13 in the width direction. Specifically, when breakage, chipping, breakage, or the like occurs at the time of breaking the glass raw plate G in the breaking step, and a defect such as glass frit adhering to the effective portion G1 occurs, the positions of the back surface support member 12 and the pressing member 13 are changed in accordance with the magnitude, shape, or the like of warpage shown in the measurement result. In this case, the warpage of the effective portion G1 is adjusted so as to avoid chipping, cracking, or the like in the subsequent breaking step. Here, how the warp of the effective portion G1 is adjusted is preferably performed in accordance with various data (including a case of automatically determining based on past data) as in the case of the first example. On the other hand, when the glass raw plate G is broken by the breaking step, breakage, cracking, or the like does not occur, the warp of the effective portion G1 at the time of breaking is maintained in the original state.

In the changing step, the amount of movement of the adsorbing body 14, the amount of adsorption of the adsorption pad 14b, or the distance between the adsorbing body 14 and the back surface support member 12 and the pressing member 13 may be changed. In addition, the order in which the plurality of suction pads 14b arranged in the vertical direction are suctioned to the glass raw sheet G may be changed. The order of adsorbing the glass raw sheet G by the plurality of adsorbing pads 14b arranged in the vertical direction is preferably performed in accordance with various data (including the case of automatically determining based on the past data) as in the case of the first example.

As described above, according to the second example of the method for producing a glass sheet, the glass raw sheet G, which has been subjected to the warp in the longitudinal direction, can be continuously subjected to the appropriate breaking operation in the breaking step. In addition, the quality of the glass plate GP obtained in the breaking step is improved, and the yield of the product is improved.

< third example >

The third example of the glass sheet manufacturing method includes a post-conveyance step, a measurement step, and a modification step. The post-conveying process is as follows: the glass plate GP obtained in the breaking step and suspended and supported in a vertical posture is conveyed downstream along the conveyance path 5r by the rear conveyance device 5 shown in fig. 1 and 2. At the start of the post-conveyance process, as shown in fig. 6, the pressing member 13 and the back surface support member 12 are separated from the front surface GPa and the back surface GPb of the glass plate GP, respectively.

The measurement step is performed in this state. That is, the measurement step is performed after the breaking step of breaking the glass raw plate G is performed. Specifically, in the measurement step, the distance between the surfaces GPa of the glass plate GP is detected by the plurality of distance sensors 16, respectively, for the glass plate GP in a state where the warp in the longitudinal direction remains. The method of measuring the warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass plate GP by the plurality of distance sensors 16 is the same as that of the first example.

The changing step changes the state of the member disposed on the conveyance path 5r of the glass plate GP based on the measurement result in the measuring step. Specifically, in the changing step, all or part of the pair of guide members 11 disposed at the plurality of portions of the conveyance path 5r of the glass sheet GP is changed. This modification is performed by adjusting the gap between the pair of guide members 11 as in the first example. As a specific example, when the warp of the glass plate GP is large, a large shake occurs in the glass plate GP during the conveyance in the post-conveyance step, and the glass plate GP is scratched by the pair of guide members 11 or the glass plate GP collides with the pair of guide members 11 to be damaged. In this case, the gap between the pair of guide members 11 is increased in accordance with the magnitude, shape, and the like of the warp shown in the measurement result, and the occurrence of the defect that scratches or damages are caused to the glass sheet GP in the subsequent conveyance step is avoided. Here, the degree to which the gap between the pair of guide members 11 is increased is preferably determined based on various data or the like when the post-conveyance process has been performed in the past (including automatically determined based on past data) as in the first example. Further, the gap between the pair of guide members 11 is preferably automatically adjusted to a value determined based on past data. Examples of other modifications include replacement of the guide member 11, fine adjustment of the conveyance direction, and the like.

On the other hand, when the warp of the glass plate GP is small, the glass plate GP is not greatly vibrated, and the defects such as scratches and damages accompanying this are not generated. In this case, the gap between the pair of guide members 11 is set to be the original state, or when the gap is too large and the pair of guide members 11 cannot properly guide the glass plate GP, the gap is reduced according to the size and shape of the warp. In this case, the degree to which the gap between the pair of guide members 11 is reduced is preferably determined based on various data and the like, as in the case described above. Further, the gap between the pair of guide members 11 is preferably automatically adjusted to a value determined based on past data.

In the changing step, the height position of the glass original plate G may be adjusted by expanding and contracting the suspension member 9 fixed to the grip base 7b in the up-down direction, thereby changing the height position of the grip piece 7 a. This adjustment is performed in the same manner as in the first example.

As described above, according to the third example of the method for producing a glass sheet, the glass sheet GP, which has been longitudinally warped, can be continuously and appropriately conveyed in the post-conveyance step. In addition, even if the glass plate GP is rocked in the post-conveying step, scratches, damages, and the like are less likely to occur, and therefore, the conveying speed of the glass plate GP can be increased and the production interval time can be shortened.

The method for producing a glass sheet and the apparatus for producing a glass sheet according to the embodiments of the present utility model have been described above, but the present utility model is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as described below.

The measurement step and the change step in the first to third examples may be performed on all or part of the glass raw sheet G and the glass sheet GP. In the case of applying the glass raw sheet G and the glass sheet GP to a part, it is preferable to apply the glass raw sheet G and the glass sheet GP to each of X minutes or Y sheets, for example.

In addition, the measurement step may be performed on all of the glass raw sheet G and the glass sheet GP, and the modification step may be performed on a part of the glass raw sheet G and the glass sheet GP. In this case, for example, the glass raw plate G and the glass plate GP may be subjected to the measurement step every X minutes or every Y minutes or subjected to the change step as a result of the determination.

In the above embodiment, the cutting step is a breaking step, but a step of performing laser cutting or laser ablation may be used.

In the above embodiment, the second region of the glass sheet is set to have an unnecessary portion having an ear portion, but the second region may be an unnecessary portion having no ear portion or may be an effective portion to be a product.

In the above embodiment, the distance sensor is disposed on the rear surface of the pressing base material fixed to the front surface side of the pressing member, but instead of this, the distance sensor may be disposed on the front surface of the base material fixed to the rear surface side of the rear surface support member.

In the above-described embodiment, the guide member disposed in the conveyance path in the direction of arrow B in fig. 1 was targeted in the preceding conveyance step, but the guide member (not shown) disposed in the conveyance path in the direction of arrow a in fig. 1 may be targeted.

In the above embodiment, the pressing member and the adsorbing body are used as the breaking member, and the pressing force toward the rear surface side is applied to the second region, but the pulling force toward the rear surface side may be applied to the second region by the adsorbing body as the breaking member without using the pressing member.

In the above embodiment, the upper end portion of the first region of the glass original plate is held by the holding piece, but may be held by another member such as a suction cup instead of this.

In the above embodiment, the first to third examples are executed separately, but the first, second, and third examples may be executed in appropriate combination. For example, the first example may be executed in combination with the second example, the first example may be executed in combination with the third example, the second example may be executed in combination with the third example, or all of the first example to the third example may be executed in combination.

Description of the reference numerals

1. Apparatus for manufacturing glass plate

3. Cutting device (breaking device)

4. Front conveying device

Conveying path of 4r glass original plate

5. Rear carrying device

Conveying path for 5r glass plate

10. Guide member for conveying path of glass raw plate

11. Guide member for conveyance path of glass sheet

12. Back support member

13. Pressing member

14b adsorption pad

15. Press-in member

16. Distance sensor

G glass original plate

G1 First region of glass sheet (effective portion)

G2 Second region of glass sheet (no part is needed)

Surface of Ga glass original plate

Back of Gb glass original plate

Ear parts at two end parts of Ge glass original plate in width direction

GP glass plate

Surface of GPa glass plate

Back of GPb glass plate

S is marked.

Claims (7)

1. A glass plate manufacturing apparatus is provided with a cutting device for cutting a glass raw plate suspended and supported in a vertical posture along a vertical direction to obtain a glass plate,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the cutting device includes a measuring device for measuring warp in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate.

2. The apparatus for manufacturing glass sheets according to claim 1, wherein,

the measuring device includes a plurality of distance sensors arranged in correspondence with a plurality of portions in the longitudinal direction of the glass raw plate.

3. The apparatus for producing a glass sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the glass raw plate has a first region corresponding to the glass plate, a second region arranged adjacently in the width direction of the first region, and a scribe line formed on the surface side of the boundary portion of these regions,

the cutting device is provided with: a back support member that supports the first region from a back side; a pressing member that faces the back surface support member and presses the first region from a front surface side; and a breaking member for breaking the glass original plate along the scribe line by applying a force toward the back surface side to the second region,

the glass plate manufacturing apparatus can change the relative position of the back support member with respect to the first region and/or the relative position of the pressing member with respect to the first region.

4. The apparatus for producing a glass sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the glass plate manufacturing device is provided with a front conveying device for conveying a glass original plate suspended and supported in a vertical posture along a transverse direction.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing glass sheets according to claim 4, wherein,

the front conveying device is provided with a guide member which is arranged on a conveying path and guides the front side and the back side of the glass original plate respectively, and a member which is arranged on the conveying path and suspends and supports the glass original plate,

the glass plate manufacturing apparatus can change the mutual clearance of the guide members and/or the height position of the members for suspending and supporting the glass raw plate.

6. The apparatus for producing a glass sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the glass plate manufacturing device is provided with a rear conveying device for conveying the glass plate in a suspended and supported state along the transverse direction.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing glass sheets according to claim 6, wherein,

the rear conveying device comprises a guide member arranged on a conveying path and guiding the front side and the back side of the glass plate respectively, and a member arranged on the conveying path and suspending and supporting the glass plate,

the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus is capable of changing the gap between the guide members and/or the height position of the member suspending and supporting the glass sheet.