JP2015044712A - Transportation method and transportation device for sheet glass - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet glass transportation method and device at the time when a sheet glass molded into a long belt-like shape is cut (or split) while being transported in a longitudinal direction, in which said sheet glass can be stably cut (or broken) to improve the quality of the sheet glass cut (or broken).SOLUTION: A method for transporting a sheet glass 100 molded into a long belt-like shape in the longitudinal direction, comprises an arch step to be executed in a first arch zone 13 (or a second arch zone 16) while an intermediate part in the transfer direction of the sheet glass 100 at a predetermined position on the transfer direction of the sheet glass 100 is being deformed into and held in an arch shape curved upward in the longitudinal direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for transporting a sheet glass and a technology of a transport apparatus when cutting (cleaving) a sheet glass formed into a long band shape while transporting in the longitudinal direction.

In recent years, the field of use of flat glass has been increasing, and in fields such as flat panel displays and smartphones, the demand for thin (thin) thin glass has been rapidly increasing.
The thin glass is formed into a long and strip shape by, for example, an overflow / down-draw method. At this time, a thick bead is formed at both end portions in the width direction of the formed thin glass compared to the center portion in the width direction.

By the way, conventionally, the glass sheet formed by the overflow down-draw method is cut (cleaved) in the width direction while having a bead while being conveyed in the longitudinal direction, and then cut into sheets of a predetermined size, and thereafter The both side ends including the beads are cut (cleaved) in the longitudinal direction of the thin glass to be removed, thereby forming a glass substrate having a uniform thickness.
Here, as a method for cutting (cleaving) a plate glass, conventionally, a method of forming a scribe on a glass with a cutter and cleaving the glass is known.
Specifically, the cutter blade is pressed against the glass surface of the plate glass to form a scribe line, and the plate glass is cut (cleaved) by bending along the scribe line.

However, when the scribing method using a cutter is applied to a thin plate glass that is horizontally conveyed, the plate glass is bent when the cutter blade is pressed against the plate glass, and thus it becomes difficult to stably form the scribe line.
As a result, there has been a problem that the glass sheet is easily broken during the scribe formation or bending.
Further, unless the pressing pressure of the cutter blade is precisely adjusted, there is also a problem that the plate glass is damaged only by pressing the cutter blade.
Furthermore, the scribing by the cutter tends to form minute cracks in the glass. For example, when the thin glass is wound in a roll shape in the subsequent process, there is a problem that such minute cracks cause damage.

In consideration of such problems, a cleaving method for forming a scribe with a laser has recently attracted attention as a method for cutting (cleaving) a sheet glass (see, for example, “Patent Document 1”).
In the cleaving method for forming a scribe by a laser, it is not necessary to press the cutter blade against the plate glass, so that the plate glass is not damaged due to the pressing force of the cutter blade.

JP 2000-335928 A

However, as the plate thickness of the plate glass becomes thinner, bending and wrinkles are more likely to occur, so that even with a cutting method using a laser, the plate glass may not be cut well.
For example, as described above, in order to stably form a scribe on a plate glass using a laser, it is generally necessary to transport the plate glass so that the surface of the plate glass is positioned at the focal point of the laser. However, when the plate glass is thin and easily bent, the glass surface tends to be out of focus of the laser. In particular, when the plate glass is conveyed in the horizontal direction as in Patent Document 1, the sheet-like thin plate glass is likely to be wrinkled, so that the flatness of the glass surface is lowered and the glass surface is likely to be out of focus of the laser. Become. That is, there is a problem that it is difficult to stably form the scribe on the plate glass, and the plate glass is easily damaged at the time of cutting.
In addition, for example, if a wrinkle that intersects the scribe line is generated in the plate glass, the crack may be separated from the scribe line when it is broken and propagate along the wrinkle, or the progress of the crack stops at the position of the wrinkle. There is a case. That is, there is a problem that it is difficult to stably cut the plate glass at a desired position.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described current problems, and transport of thin glass when cutting (cleaving) a thin glass sheet formed into a long strip shape while transporting it in the longitudinal direction. A method and a conveying device, which can stably cut (cleave) the thin glass and can improve the quality of the thin glass after cutting (cleaving), and a method for conveying the thin glass It is an object to provide a transport device.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

  That is, the thin glass transport method according to claim 1 of the present invention is a thin glass transport method for transporting a thin glass sheet formed in a long strip shape in the longitudinal direction, and on the transport path of the thin glass. In the predetermined position, an arch step is provided in which the intermediate portion in the conveyance direction of the thin glass is conveyed while being deformed and held in an arch shape curved upward along the longitudinal direction.

  Moreover, the conveyance method of the thin glass which concerns on Claim 2 of this invention is a catenary process which deform | transforms and hold | maintains the said thin glass in the catenary shape which curves below along a longitudinal direction as a process immediately before the said arch process. Is further provided.

  Further, in the method for transporting the thin glass according to claim 3 of the present invention, the thin glass is deformed and held into the arch shape by a plurality of support mechanisms arranged in parallel in the width direction of the thin glass. It is performed by supporting both ends in the width direction on the lower surface side of the thin glass, and each of the support mechanism portions is arranged in a convex arc shape along the conveying direction of the thin glass, and the lower surface of the thin glass And a plurality of support members that come into contact with each other.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sheet glass conveyance method, wherein the support mechanism portion includes an arrangement variable mechanism that changes a position of the support member to change a radius of the arc shape. The plurality of support mechanism portions further support a central portion in the width direction on the lower surface side of the thin glass plate.

  Moreover, the thin glass conveying method according to claim 5 of the present invention is characterized in that the support member is a ball caster.

  Moreover, the conveyance method of the thin glass which concerns on Claim 6 of this invention WHEREIN: By pressing at least any one of the side end surfaces of the said thin glass to the inner side of the width direction of the said thin glass in the said arch process, The position of the thin glass sheet in the width direction is controlled.

  Moreover, the conveyance method of the thin glass which concerns on Claim 7 of this invention supports the both ends of the width direction of the said thin glass in the upstream part and / or downstream part of the said arch process, and conveys the said thin glass. By disposing a feeding roller that feeds in a direction, and changing a feeding direction of the thin glass by the feeding roller in a direction inclined with respect to the transport direction according to a width direction position of the thin glass, the thin plate The position of the width direction of glass is controlled.

  On the other hand, the thin glass conveyance device according to claim 8 of the present invention is a thin glass conveyance device for conveying the thin glass formed into a long band shape in the longitudinal direction, and is on the conveyance path of the thin glass. Characterized in that it comprises an arch zone in which an arch step is carried out while deforming and holding an intermediate portion in the conveyance direction of the thin glass in an arch shape that curves upward along the longitudinal direction at a predetermined position. To do.

  As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, according to the thin glass conveyance method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the thin glass is held in an arch shape along the longitudinal direction, whereby the rigidity against the bending of the thin glass can be improved.
As a result, even if bending or wrinkles occur on the glass surface of the thin glass in the middle of conveyance, by deforming it into an arch shape, while suppressing the occurrence of bending and wrinkles of the thin glass, on the downstream side of the arch process The glass surface of the thin glass plate can be made flat.
Therefore, on the downstream side of the arch process, for example, by providing a cutting process of the thin glass by laser cleaving or the like, it is possible to stably cut the thin glass without damaging it. Can improve quality.

  Further, according to the method for transporting thin glass in claim 2 of the present invention, for example, even when the flow rate per unit time of the thin glass gradually changes, or even when meandering occurs in the flowing thin glass. It is possible to prevent breakage of the thin glass.

Moreover, according to the thin glass conveyance method in claim 3 of the present invention, it is possible to support the thin glass with high rigidity by a simple mechanism at both end portions in the width direction.
Therefore, it is not necessary to contact the supporting member with the effective surface used as a product, that is, the glass surface in the center in the width direction of the thin glass, and the occurrence of scratches on the effective surface and adhesion of dust etc. can be avoided, and the thin glass Can improve quality. In addition, the cost of the transport facility can be reduced.

  Further, according to the method for transporting thin glass according to claim 4 of the present invention, by appropriately changing the radius of the arc shape according to the arrangement of the plurality of support members, for example, when the glass surface is put into the transport device By supporting the support member in contact with the whole, the burden on the operator for the operation of loading the thin glass is reduced, while the support member is contacted only on both side edges in the width direction after the completion of the loading. By supporting it in such a way, it is possible to realize an effective support method that conforms to the actual work procedure, such as preventing the occurrence of scratches or the like in the center in the width direction.

  Moreover, according to the thin glass conveyance method in claim 5 of the present invention, when the lower surface side of the thin glass is supported by the support mechanism portion, the frictional force applied to the lower surface of the thin glass can be reduced.

  Further, according to the method for transporting the thin glass according to claim 6 of the present invention, the thin glass is held in the arch shape along the longitudinal direction and the rigidity against the external force in the width direction is improved in the width direction. Since both end portions of the sheet glass are pressed toward the inside in the width direction, the meandering of the sheet glass can be corrected effectively without causing scratches or defects on the sheet glass.

  Further, according to the method for transporting thin glass according to claim 7 of the present invention, the feeding roller necessary for transporting the thin glass can be provided with the function of correcting the meandering of the thin glass. This is economical because it is not necessary to provide such a device.

Moreover, according to the thin-glass conveyance apparatus in Claim 8 of this invention, the rigidity with respect to bending of this thin glass can be improved by hold | maintaining thin glass in the arch shape along a longitudinal direction.
Thereby, even if bending, wrinkles, etc. occur on the glass surface of the thin glass during conveyance, it is possible to eliminate the bending and wrinkles by deforming into an arch shape. Moreover, since it becomes the aspect which inclines and supports diagonally below after the vertex of an arch, there is little influence of a weight and it is hard to generate | occur | produce new bending and wrinkles. Therefore, in the downstream side of the location hold | maintained at the arch shape, the bending and wrinkle of the glass surface of thin glass can be suppressed.
Therefore, on the downstream side of the arch process, for example, by providing a cutting process of the thin glass by laser cleaving or the like, it is possible to stably cut the thin glass without damaging it. Can improve quality.

The schematic side view which showed the whole structure of the conveying apparatus of the sheet glass which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the conveying apparatus. It is the figure which showed the meandering correction means which consists of various structures with which a holding | maintenance apparatus is equipped, Comprising: (a) is a top view which showed the whole structure of the meandering forced means which consists of a pressing device, (b) is a steering function. The top view which showed the whole structure of the meandering forced means which consists of a feeding apparatus which had. It is the figure which showed the whole structure of the 1st holding | maintenance apparatus, Comprising: (a) is the top view, (b) is the side view, (c) is the cross section seen from the direction of arrow B in (a) Side view. It is the figure which showed the state of the bending to the conveyance direction of a sheet glass, (a) is the side view which showed the state of the bending of the sheet glass hold | maintained in the horizontal state, (b) was hold | maintained in the arch state The side view which showed the state of the bending of thin glass.

  Next, embodiments of the invention will be described.

[Conveyor 1]
First, the whole structure of the conveying apparatus 1 which embodies this invention is demonstrated using FIG.1, FIG.2, FIG.3 and FIG.
In the following description, for convenience, the vertical direction in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 is described as the vertical direction of the transfer device 1 or the thin glass 100.
1, 2, 3, and 5, the direction of the arrow A is defined as the conveyance direction of the thin glass 100.

The conveying device 1 in the present embodiment continuously conveys the thin glass plate 100 having a thickness of, for example, 0.2 mm or less and formed into a long band shape along the longitudinal direction, and the thin glass plate 100 has a thickness dimension of 0.2 mm or less. It is an apparatus for performing a cutting process (more specifically, a cleaving process).
As shown in FIG. 1, the transport device 1 is disposed in order along the transport direction of the thin glass 100 (the direction of the arrow A), the descending zone 11, the first catenary zone 12, the first arch zone 13, the first The cutting zone 14, the second catenary zone 15, the second arch zone 16, and the second cutting zone 17 are configured.

The descending zone 11 is a zone provided as an introduction path when the thin glass plate 100 is supplied to the transport apparatus 1.
For example, a molding device (not shown) based on the overflow / down-draw method is disposed upstream of the lowering zone 11 in the transport direction, that is, upstream and above the transport device 1.

  The thin glass 100 is drawn vertically downward while being formed into a strip shape by the forming device, and is supplied to the descending zone 11 of the transport device 1.

  In addition, about supply of the thin glass 100 to the conveying apparatus 1, it is not limited to the case where the thin glass 100 immediately after shape | molding by the said shaping | molding apparatus is shown as this embodiment, For example, it winds beforehand. The thin glass 100 may be supplied while being sequentially fed from a roll (not shown) of the thin glass 100 thus formed, and in that case, the product can be divided in the width direction.

By the way, a thick bead is formed at both side end portions in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction) of the thin glass plate 100 formed by the overflow down draw method.
Here, since the thickness of the central portion of the thin glass 100 is as thin as 0.2 mm or less, a straight scribe line (breaking line) is formed in the width direction so as to cross to the beads at both end portions having a large thickness difference. ) Is difficult to form stably.

Therefore, when the long and strip-shaped thin glass plate 100 having beads on both side ends is cut (cleaved) into sheets of a predetermined size, the side ends are cut (cleaved) in advance. It can be considered.
Then, as will be described later, in the transport device 1 in the present embodiment, the first cutting is performed before the thin glass 100 is cut (cleaved) into sheets of a predetermined size in the second cutting step of the second cutting zone 17. In the first cutting step of the zone 14, both end portions of the thin glass 100 are cut (cleaved) in advance while improving quality after cutting (cleaving).

Next, the first catenary zone 12 will be described.
The first catenary zone 12 is a zone serving as a buffer region of the thin glass 100 supplied to the transport device 1 and passed through the descending zone 11.

In the first catenary zone 12, the thin glass plate 100 is suspended so as to have a catenary shape that curves downward along the transport direction (longitudinal direction).
That is, when the thin glass 100 passes through the first catenary zone 12, it is suspended at the upstream end and the downstream end of the first catenary zone 12, and is deformed and held in a catenary shape.

As described above, the first catenary zone 12 includes a first catenary process in which the thin glass 100 is deformed and held in a catenary shape curved downward along the longitudinal direction as a process immediately before the first arch process described later. The zone to be implemented.
Thereby, for example, in the descending zone 11 located on the upstream side of the first catenary zone 12, the transport speed of the flowing thin glass 100 gradually changes, and the flow rate per unit time of the thin glass 100 changes. In the first catenary zone 12, the lower end of the catenary shape of the thin glass 100 moves up and down in accordance with the change in the flow rate, so that the action of stress on the thin glass 100 in the middle of conveyance can be suppressed.
That is, the influence of the fluctuation of the flow rate per unit time of the thin glass 100 can be absorbed in the first catenary zone 12, and the influence of the fluctuation of the flow quantity reaches the downstream first arch zone 13 and the like which will be described later. Can be prevented.

  Further, for example, even if meandering occurs in the flowing down thin glass 100 in the descending zone 11, the catenary shape of the thin glass 100 is twisted in the first catenary zone 12, thereby causing the influence of the meandering to It can absorb in the 1st catenary zone 12, and it can prevent that the influence by the said meandering reaches the downstream 1st arch zone 13 grade | etc., Mentioned later.

  In this way, the first catenary zone 12 is a buffer that cuts off the relationship of the conveyance state such as fluctuations in the flow rate per unit time and meandering between the descending zone 11 on the upstream side and the first arch zone 13 on the downstream side. It is provided as a region.

Next, the first arch zone 13 will be described.
The first arch zone 13 is a zone for correcting only wrinkles generated on the glass surface of the thin glass 100 and transporting only at both end portions without touching the effective surface (surface used later as a product). .

The first arch zone 13 is provided with a first holding device 31 to be described later.
The thin glass plate 100 is supported from below by the first holding device 31 in the first arch zone 13. Thus, the thin glass plate 100 is deformed and held in an arch shape that curves upward along the transport direction (longitudinal direction).
That is, the thin glass plate 100 is deformed and held in an arch shape by the first holding device 31 when passing through the first arch zone 13.

As described above, the first arch zone 13 is deformed and held at a predetermined position on the conveyance path of the thin glass 100 in an arch shape that is curved upward along the longitudinal direction in the conveyance direction of the thin glass 100. It is a zone in which the first arch process is carried out.
And by deform | transforming into the arch shape in the 1st arch zone 13, the tension | tensile_strength along a conveyance direction will be applied to the upper glass surface of the thin glass 100, and the wrinkles etc. which generate | occur | produced on this glass surface are carried out. Corrected effectively.
Further, by being held in the arch shape in the first arch zone 13, the rigidity of the thin glass plate 100 with respect to the bending in the width direction is generally improved, and the rigidity with respect to the bending in the transport direction is also improved as described later. For this reason, generation of new bending and wrinkles on the glass surface of the thin glass plate 100 is suppressed.
Thus, the thin glass 100 can make the glass surface flat on the downstream side of the first arch zone 13.

By the way, by deform | transforming into such an arch shape, the rigidity in the width direction of the sheet glass 100 improves remarkably.
That is, since the thin glass 100 held in the horizontal state has low rigidity in the width direction, for example, due to its own weight, the thin glass 100 is likely to be bent at the center in the width direction.
On the other hand, since the thin glass 100 held in the arch shape has drastically improved rigidity in the width direction, for example, it is difficult for the center portion in the width direction to be bent by its own weight or an external load.
In addition, these things are clear from the fact that the cylindrical member or the like is generally more excellent in rigidity with respect to the external force in the axial direction than the plate-like member.

On the other hand, by being held in the arch shape, the rigidity in the transport direction of the thin glass plate 100 is also dramatically improved. This is considered to be due to the following reason.
That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, in a thin glass 100 held in a horizontal state (hereinafter referred to as “thin glass 100X”), for example, when a vertical load W is applied, the thin glass 100X The bending stress m is generated inside and a bending X that curves in the conveying direction occurs.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, in a thin glass 100 held in an arch shape (hereinafter referred to as “thin glass 100Y”), for example, when a vertical load W is applied, the thin glass 100Y , A compressive stress p is generated, and the compressive stress p resists the vertical load W, so that the occurrence of bending is reduced.
For this reason, the value of the vertical load (withstand load) W that can be held while preventing the occurrence of bending as much as possible is larger in the arch-shaped thin glass 100Y than in the horizontal thin glass 100X. It can be said that the rigidity in the conveyance direction of the thin glass plate 100 is improved by being held in the arch shape.

As described above, in the thin glass 100Y held in the arch shape, the rigidity in the width direction and the conveyance direction is improved and the load resistance is increased. Even against this, it becomes possible to fully compete.
The degree of rigidity of the thin glass plate 100Y in the width direction and the conveyance direction is determined based on the radius of the arch shape.

  In view of such points, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a first feeding device 32 is disposed at the downstream end of the first arch zone 13, and the first feeding device 32 is used to form a thin plate. The thin glass 100 is transported toward the first cutting zone 14 described later while supporting only both side ends of the glass 100 in the width direction.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first feeding devices 32 and 32 are disposed at both side ends of the thin glass plate 100 in the width direction.
Each first feeding device 32 is provided with two feeding rollers 32a and 32b.

The two feeding rollers 32a and 32b are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the side end portion in the width direction of the thin glass plate 100.
The two feeding rollers 32a and 32b are supported so as to be rotatable about an axis, and a driving mechanism (not shown) is connected to one feeding roller 32a.

The feeding roller 32a is rotationally driven by the driving force transmitted from the driving mechanism.
As a result, the thin glass plate 100 is fed out in the carrying direction by the two feeding rollers 32a and 32b while supporting the respective side end portions in the width direction, and conveyed to the first cutting zone 14 (see FIG. 1). The

Thus, in this embodiment, when conveying the thin glass 100, it does not support the whole glass surface of the thin glass 100, but supports only the both ends of the glass surface in the width direction.
That is, in this embodiment, while avoiding the effective surface, that is, the glass surface at the center in the width direction, as the location for supporting the thin glass 100, the left and right side ends including the beads that are finally discarded are supported. For this reason, generation of scratches and adhesion of dust on the glass surface can be avoided, and the quality of the thin glass plate 100 can be improved.

By the way, the first arch zone 13 is provided with a pressing device 35 (see FIG. 3A) for controlling (correcting) the meandering of the thin glass 100 being conveyed.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the pressing device 35 is provided with, for example, a plurality (two in this embodiment) of pneumatic cylinders 35a and 35a, and the pneumatic cylinders 35a and 35a are provided with telescopic rods. Abutting rollers 35b and 35b are respectively pivotally supported at the tip portion.

And the two pressing devices 35 and 35 are each arrange | positioned on the both sides of the width direction of the sheet glass 100 hold | maintained by the 1st holding | maintenance apparatus 31 in the arch shape.
At this time, each pressing device 35 is disposed such that the abutting rollers 35b and 35b face the side end surface of the thin glass 100 and are close to and away from the side end surface along the width direction of the thin glass 100. The

By the pressing device 35 having such a configuration, the thin glass 100 passing through the first arch zone 13 is controlled (corrected) in meandering.
Specifically, the pressing device 35 is disposed with any one side end portion as a reference side.
Then, the glass side end face of the reference side is pressed against the cylinder rods of the reference side pneumatic cylinders 35a and 35a by the cylinder rods of the pneumatic cylinders 35a and 35a opposite to the reference side. At this time, it is preferable to control the pressing force of the cylinders on the reference side and the opposite side so that the pneumatic cylinders 35a and 35a on the reference side do not move.
Thereby, the meandering of the thin glass plate 100 is controlled (corrected).
In other words, in the first arch zone 13, at least one of the side end surfaces of the thin glass 100 is pressed inward in the width direction of the thin glass 100, thereby controlling the position in the width direction of the thin glass 100. The conveyance direction is corrected.

  In addition, about the structure of the press apparatus 35, it is not limited to the thing of this embodiment, For example, if it is a structure which can press the both-sides edge part of the thin glass 100 hold | maintained in the arch shape in the width direction, any It may be a thing.

  As described above, in the first arch zone 13 (see FIG. 1), the following advantages can be obtained by correcting the meandering of the thin glass plate 100 by the pressing devices 35 and 35.

That is, as described above, the rigidity in the width direction of the thin glass plate 100 is dramatically improved by being held in the arch shape by the first holding device 31.
That is, the thin glass plate 100 held in the arch shape is in a state that is not easily damaged even when an external force in the width direction is applied.
Further, the thin glass 100 when passing through the first arch zone 13 is still in a state of being molded by the above-described molding apparatus, and still has beads at both side ends, and usually has no cracks. Even if an external force in the width direction is applied to both end faces of the thin glass 100, the thin glass 100 is hardly damaged by cracks.

From these, in the first arch zone 13, it is possible to press the both side end surfaces of the thin glass 100 without damaging them, so that the meandering of the thin glass 100 is controlled by pressing the both side end surfaces. And can be corrected.
Further, since the first catenary zone 12 (see FIG. 1) is provided on the upstream side of the first arch zone 13, a slight amount is required when correcting the meandering of the thin glass 100 in the first arch zone 13. Even if twisting occurs, the first catenary zone 12 can absorb the influence of the twisting.

As will be described later, the first holding device 31 is provided with a plurality of ball casters 37A, 37A,... 37B, 37B, and so on, and these ball casters 37A, 37A,. The bottom surface of the thin glass plate 100 having an arch shape is supported via
Thereby, when correcting the meandering of the thin glass plate 100, the frictional force applied to the lower surface of the thin glass plate 100 is reduced, and the pressing force on both side end faces can be reduced.

Next, the first cutting zone 14 will be described.
The 1st cutting zone 14 is a zone for cut | disconnecting (cleaving) the both ends of the width direction containing the bead in the thin glass 100 along a conveyance direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, a laser cleaving device 41 and a guide member 42 are disposed upstream of the first cutting zone 14.
The laser cleaving device 41 is a cleaving device using a laser beam, and immediately after the thermal stress is generated by the irradiation of the laser beam, the portion where the thermal stress is generated is rapidly cooled to generate a crack. It is an apparatus for cleaving the glass 100.

On the other hand, the guide member 42 is a member for maintaining the posture of the thin glass 100 when the thin glass 100 is cleaved by the laser cleaving device 41.
The guide member 42 is formed of, for example, a rectangular plate member.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) guide members 42, 42, 42, and 42 are provided on each side end in the width direction of the thin glass 100. It is arranged in the vicinity of the downstream side of the first feeding device 32 so as to extend obliquely downward along the transport direction.
At this time, these guide members 42, 42, 42, and 42 are provided in pairs as two sets at each side end, and the two guide members 42 and 42 in each set have the thin glass 100 interposed therebetween. While being sandwiched, they are arranged so as to face each other.
Further, the two sets of guide members 42, 42, 42, 42 are arranged in parallel to the width direction of the thin glass 100 while sandwiching the breaking line 100 a of the thin glass 100 formed by the laser cutting device 41. Is done.

  A laser cleaving device 41 is disposed above these guide members 42, 42, 42, 42 slightly spaced from the guide members 42, 42, 42, 42.

In the 1st cutting zone 14 which consists of such a structure, the sheet glass 100 drawn | fed out from the 1st arch zone 13 (refer FIG. 1) of an upstream by the 1st drawing | feeding apparatus 32 is the guide members 42 * 42 * 42. -It is conveyed diagonally downward while the conveyance direction is regulated by 42.
At this time, the thin glass 100 is laser-cleaved by the laser cleaving device 41 by passing directly under the laser cleaving device 41.

  As a result, the thin glass 100 is located at the center in the width direction with the breaking line 100a formed by the laser cleaving device 41 as a boundary, and is used as a product later (hereinafter referred to as “product part thin glass appropriately”). 100A ") and a portion including a bead that is finally discarded (hereinafter, referred to as" discarded portion thin glass 100B ") at both ends in the width direction.

In this way, the first cutting zone 14 is subjected to the first cutting step of dividing the thin glass 100 into the product part thin glass 100A and the discarding part thin glass 100B at a predetermined position on the transport path of the thin glass 100. Zone.
Then, the divided product part thin glass 100A is provided by the second feeding devices 43 and 43 disposed at the downstream end of the first cutting zone 14 and the both end parts in the width direction of the product part thin glass 100A. It is transported to a second catenary zone 15 (see FIG. 1) described later.
On the other hand, the divided discarding part thin glass 100B is forcibly conveyed obliquely downward by, for example, the belt conveyor 44 and the driving roller 45, and then folded and discarded as scrap.

In addition, when breaking discard part thin plate glass 100B, you may break after shaping | molding a scribe with a cutter, and you may break without forming a scribe.
Further, when the discarding portion thin glass 100B is folded, it may be broken by its own weight, or may be mechanically broken by pressing a bar-like member or the like.

As described above, in the first cutting zone 14, the thin glass 100 is fed by the first feeding device 32 and then conveyed obliquely downward, and the both ends in the width direction are cleaved by the laser cleaving device 41. It is the composition which becomes.
That is, since the thin glass 100 is held in a state of extending obliquely downward from the first feeding device 32 immediately before the laser cleaving device 41, the thin glass 100 is hardly affected by its own weight, and a new bend in the glass surface or The generation of wrinkles is suppressed, and the glass surface is maintained in a flat state corrected by the first arch zone 13.
Therefore, in the conveying apparatus 1 in this embodiment, since the laser cutting can be performed on the thin glass 100 in which the glass surface is maintained in such a flat state, the quality of the thin glass 100 after the cutting is improved. Can be achieved.

Further, as described above, in the first catenary zone 12 and the first arch zone 13 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the upstream side of the first cutting zone 14, the thin glass 100 has a catenary shape and an arch shape. In addition, by being held continuously, they are respectively curved downward and upward along the transport direction.
Therefore, even if a cutting error occurs in the laser cutting by the laser cutting device 41 in the first cutting zone 14, the adverse effects (for example, cracks) of the cutting error are caused by the first catenary zone 12 and the first arch zone. It is possible to prevent transmission to the upstream descending zone 11 (see FIG. 1).

Incidentally, the second feeding device 43 is configured substantially the same as the first feeding device 32 described above.
That is, the second feeding device 43 is provided with two feeding rollers 43a and 43b arranged to face each other, and a driving mechanism (not shown) is connected to one feeding roller 43a.

The feeding roller 43a is rotationally driven by the driving force transmitted from the driving mechanism.
Thereby, 100 A of product part thin glass is drawn | fed out to a conveyance direction, supporting each side edge part of the width direction by the two feeding rollers 43a * 43b, and to the 2nd catenary zone 15 (refer FIG. 1). Be transported.

The product part thin glass 100A fed by the second feeding device 43 may be wound immediately without being transported to the second catenary zone 15 to form the roll 100C.
In this case, instead of the second catenary zone 15 to be described later, a roll (glass roll) is obtained by winding and cutting the central portion (more specifically, the product portion thin glass 100A) of the thin glass with a predetermined length. The zone where the winding and cutting step for obtaining the body 100C is carried out is arranged in the downstream portion of the first cutting zone.

Next, the second catenary zone 15 will be described.
The second catenary zone 15 is a zone serving as a buffer region of the product-part thin glass 100 </ b> A cleaved by the first cutting zone 14 described above.

The second catenary zone 15 is configured substantially the same as the first catenary zone 12 described above.
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, in the second catenary zone 15, the product part thin glass 100 </ b> A is suspended so as to have a catenary shape that curves downward along the transport direction (longitudinal direction).
That is, when the product part thin glass 100A passes through the second catenary zone 15, the product part thin glass 100A is suspended at the upstream end and the downstream end of the second catenary zone 15, and is deformed and held in a catenary shape. .

Thus, the second catenary zone 15 is a second catenary that deforms and holds the product-part thin glass 100A into a catenary shape that curves downward along the longitudinal direction as a step immediately before the second arch step described later. This is the zone where the process is performed.
Thereby, for example, even if the conveyance of the product part thin glass 100A is stopped by the second cutting step of the second cutting zone 17 located on the downstream side of the second catenary zone 15 or the conveyance speed fluctuates, the catenary shape When the lower end moves up and down, the action of stress on the product-part thin glass 100A during conveyance can be suppressed.

  For example, even if meandering occurs in the product-part thin glass 100A in the middle of conveyance downstream of the first cutting zone 14, a twist occurs in the catenary shape of the product-part thin glass 100A in the second catenary zone 15. Thus, the influence of the meandering can be absorbed in the second catenary zone 15.

  In this way, the second catenary zone 15 is a buffer area that cuts off the relationship of the conveyance state such as the variation in the conveyance speed and the meandering between the first cutting zone 14 on the upstream side and the second arch zone 16 on the downstream side. It is provided as.

And as shown in FIG. 2, the 3rd feeding apparatus 51 which consists of a structure equivalent to the 2nd feeding apparatus 43 * 43 mentioned above in the downstream edge part of the 2nd catenary zone 15, and the both ends of the width direction is mentioned. -51 is arranged.
Thus, the product-part thin glass 100A is fed out in the transport direction by the third feeding devices 51 and 51 while supporting the respective side end portions in the width direction to the second arch zone 16 (see FIG. 1). It is conveyed.

Next, the second arch zone 16 will be described.
The second arch zone 16 is a zone for preventing transmission to the first cutting process such as vibration generated in the second cutting process described later.
Moreover, the 2nd arch zone 16 also has a function which ensures the space which provides a 2nd cutting process by raising the product part thin glass 100A.

The second arch zone 16 is configured substantially the same as the first arch zone 13 described above.
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the second arch zone 16 is provided with a second holding device 61 having a configuration substantially equivalent to a first holding device 31 described later.

The product thin glass plate 100 </ b> A is supported from below by the second holding device 61 in the second arch zone 16. As a result, the product-part thin glass 100A is deformed and held in an arch shape that curves upward along the transport direction (longitudinal direction).
That is, the product thin glass plate 100 </ b> A is deformed and held in an arch shape by the second holding device 61 when passing through the second arch zone 16.

In this way, the second arch zone 16 has an arch shape that curves upward in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined position on the conveyance path of the product-part thin glass 100A in the conveyance direction of the product-part thin glass 100A. It is a zone in which a second arch process is performed in which the sheet is conveyed while being deformed and held.
By holding the arch shape in the second arch zone 16, the rigidity of the product-part thin glass 100 </ b> A with respect to the bending in the width direction is generally improved, and as described above, the rigidity with respect to the bending in the transport direction is also improved. Since it improves, generation | occurrence | production of the new bending and wrinkles on the glass surface of 100 A of product part thin glass are suppressed.
Thus, the product-part thin glass 100 </ b> A can make the glass surface flat on the downstream side of the second arch zone 16.

In consideration of such points, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a fourth feeding device 62 is disposed at the downstream end of the second arch zone 16, and the fourth feeding device 62 provides a product. While avoiding the central part of the glass surface of the partial thin glass 100A, only the both side ends in the width direction are supported, and the product thin glass 100A is conveyed toward the second cutting zone 17 described later.
Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the damage | wound with respect to the glass surface of 100 A of product part thin glass, adhesion of dust, etc. can be avoided, and the quality improvement of 100 A of product part thin glass can be aimed at.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, at the downstream end of the second arch zone 16 and at both ends in the width direction, a fourth structure having the same structure as the second feeding devices 43 and 43 described above. The feeding devices 62 and 62 are provided.
As a result, the product-part thin glass 100A is fed out in the transport direction by the fourth feeding devices 62 and 62 while supporting the respective side end portions in the width direction, to the second cutting zone 17 (see FIG. 1). It is conveyed.

Incidentally, in the second arch zone 16, a steering mechanism for controlling (correcting) the meandering of the product-part thin glass 100A to be conveyed is added to the fourth feeding devices 62 and 62, respectively.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, the rotation shaft of each fourth feeding device 62 is configured to be rotatable in a substantially vertical direction (the width direction of the product thin glass sheet 100A).

  For example, when meandering of the product part thin glass 100A is detected by an optical sensor (not shown) that detects the positions of both side ends of the product part thin glass 100A, the rotation shaft of each fourth feeding device 62 is detected. Is swung horizontally in an appropriate direction by an appropriate angle, and the meandering of the product sheet glass 100A is controlled (corrected).

  As described above, in the downstream portion of the second arch zone 16, the both ends in the width direction of the product part thin glass 100A are supported, and the fourth feeding devices 62 and 62 for feeding the product part thin glass 100A in the transport direction. And the feeding direction of the product part thin glass 100A by the fourth feeding device 62, 62 is changed to a direction inclined with respect to the transport direction according to the position in the width direction of the product part thin glass 100A. By doing so, the position of the product part thin glass 100A in the width direction is controlled, and the meandering of the product part thin glass 100A is corrected.

  Further, by providing a speed difference in the feeding speed between the fourth feeding devices 62 and 62, it is possible to more smoothly correct the meandering of the product part thin glass 100A.

  By correcting the meandering of the product part thin glass 100A by the fourth feeding devices 62 and 62 having such a steering mechanism, the product part thin glass 100A in which both side ends already having beads are cut off is obtained. However, meandering correction can be performed while preventing the occurrence of cracks and breakage as much as possible.

In the present embodiment, the fourth feeding devices 62 and 62 including the steering mechanism are disposed only in the downstream portion of the second arch zone 16, but the present invention is not limited to this.
That is, even in the upstream portion of the second arch zone 16, a feeding device having a steering mechanism may be separately provided together with the fourth feeding devices 62 and 62 or in place of the fourth feeding devices 62 and 62. Good. Alternatively, the third feeding devices 51 and 51 positioned on the upstream side of the second arch zone 16 may be provided with a steering mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the second holding device 61 includes a plurality of ball casters 67A, 67A,... 67B, 67B,. The lower surface of the product-part thin glass 100A having an arch shape is supported through the ball casters 67A, 67A, 67B, 67B,.
Thereby, when correcting the meandering of the product part thin glass 100A, the frictional force applied to the lower surface of the product part thin glass 100A is reduced as much as possible, and the turning force of the rotating shaft of the fourth feeding device 62 can be reduced. It is.

Next, the second cutting zone 17 will be described.
The second cutting zone 17 is a zone for cutting (cutting) the product-part thin glass 100A into sheets of a predetermined size.

As shown in FIG. 1, a cutter cleaving device 71 is disposed upstream of the second cutting zone 17.
The cutter cleaving device 71 is a cleaving device using a wheel tool 71A. The cutter cleaving device 71 is moved while pressing the wheel tool 71A to form a scribe line 100b (see FIG. 2) and bends along the scribe line 100b. By this, it is an apparatus which cleaves product part sheet glass 100A.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the cutter cutting (cleaving) by the cutter cleaving apparatus 71 is employ | adopted as a cutting (cleaving) method of the product part thin glass 100A in the 2nd cutting zone 17, it is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as employ | adopting the laser cutting (cleaving) by a laser beam known conventionally.

The cutter cleaving device 71 includes a wheel tool 71A that is rotatably supported around an axis, and a plurality of holding means 71B, 71B,... That hold the product thin glass 100A.
In the present embodiment, each holding means 71B is configured with a known chucking mechanism, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured with another mechanism such as a suction pad.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the upstream portion of the second cutting zone 17, the wheel tool 71 </ b> A has the axial direction directed in the vertical direction, the width direction of the product part thin glass 100 </ b> A, and the product part thin glass 100 </ b> A. Are arranged so as to be able to reciprocate in the approaching and separating directions.
Further, the holding means 71B, 71B,... Are arranged on the both sides in the width direction of the product-part thin glass 100A with a predetermined interval in the vertical direction, and the side end portions of the product-part thin glass 100A are arranged. Each is arranged so as to be sandwiched.

In the second cutting zone 17 having such a configuration, the product-part thin glass 100A is fed out from the second arch zone 16 described above by the fourth feeding device 62 and is conveyed in the downward direction.
And if the conveyance distance of 100 A of product part thin glass reaches | attains the predetermined distance defined beforehand, the 4th feeding apparatus 62 will stop once.
As a result, the product-part thin glass 100A is suspended in a state where the product-part thin glass 100A is fed out by the predetermined lengthwise dimension from the fourth feeding device 62.

When the fourth feeding device 62 is stopped, the product-part thin glass 100A is sandwiched by the holding means 71B, 71B.
Thereafter, a straight scribe line 100b extending in the width direction is formed on the upstream side of the product thin glass plate 100A by the pressing operation of the wheel tool 71A.

When the scribe line 100b is formed on the product part thin glass 100A, the holding means 71B, 71B... Are in a predetermined direction (for example, in this embodiment, the thickness direction of the product part thin glass 100A) while being synchronized with each other. ) Start moving slightly.
Thereby, the product-part thin glass 100A is bent along the scribe line 100b and is cut (cleaved) into sheets of a predetermined size.

  Thereafter, when the cutting (cleaving) of the product part thin glass 100A is finished, the fourth feeding device 62 is driven again, and the conveyance and the cutting (cleaving) of the product part thin glass 100A are repeated.

As described above, the second cutting zone 17 is subjected to the second cutting step of cutting (cleaving) the product part thin glass 100A into sheets of a predetermined size at a predetermined position on the conveyance path of the product part thin glass 100A. Zone.
That is, in the second cutting zone 17, the product-part thin glass 100 </ b> A is transported in the downward direction while being fed by the fourth feeding device 62, and then held in a vertical state. It is configured to be cut (cleaved).

In the second cutting zone 17, when the fourth feeding device 62 is stopped and the product part thin glass 100A is cut (cleaved), the slack of the product part thin glass 100A in the second arch zone 16 is generated. In order to prevent this, the third feeding device 51 is also stopped.
At this time, the second feeding device 43 is still in a driving state, and the product-part thin glass 100A is continuously fed out from the first cutting zone 14.

Here, in the second catenary zone 15, when the position of the lower end portion of the product part thin glass 100A in the catenary shape is lowered, the product part thin glass 100A that is newly fed out from the first cutting zone 14, Since it can be absorbed in the second catenary zone 15, the effects of stopping the third feeding device 51 and the fourth feeding device 62 are affected by the upstream zones 11, 12, including the first cutting zone 14. 13 can be prevented.
In other words, in the second catenary zone 15, the operation in the upstream zones 11, 12, 13, 14 is stopped by temporarily holding the product-part thin glass 100 </ b> A fed out from the first cutting zone 14. In the second cutting zone 17, the product-part thin glass 100A can be stopped and cut (cleaved) into sheets of a predetermined size.

Further, as described above, in the second catenary zone 15 and the second arch zone 16 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the upstream side of the second cutting zone 17, the product part thin glass 100A has a catenary shape and By being continuously held in the arch shape, it is curved downward and upward, respectively, along the transport direction.
Therefore, even if vibration occurs in the second cutting zone 17 due to cutting (cleaving) by the cutter cleaving device 71, the adverse effect (for example, resonance) of the vibration is reduced by the second catenary zone 15 or the second arch zone. Therefore, it is possible to prevent transmission to the upstream first cutting zone 14 (see FIG. 1).

[First holding device 31]
Next, the configuration of the first holding device 31 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the following description, the vertical direction of FIGS. 4B and 4C is described as the vertical direction of the first holding device 31 for convenience.
In FIG. 4, the direction of the arrow A is defined as the conveyance direction of the thin glass plate 100.

The first holding device 31 is provided in the first arch zone 13, and supports the lower surface of the thin glass 100 when the thin glass 100 in the middle of conveyance passes through the first arch zone 13. It is an apparatus for temporarily changing and holding 100 conveyance shapes into an arch shape.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the first holding device 31 is mainly composed of a side end support mechanism 31A, a center support mechanism 31B, and the like.

The side end support mechanism 31A is for supporting both side ends in the width direction on the lower surface of the thin glass 100 when the thin glass 100 in the middle of conveyance is changed and held in an arch shape.
The side end support mechanism 31A includes a plurality of (for example, two in the present embodiment) base plates 36A and 36A.

Each of the base plates 36A is formed of a rectangular plate member made of an elastic material.
Further, on the upper surface of the base plate 36A, a plurality of ball casters 37A, 37A, etc. as support members, which are in direct contact with the lower surface of the thin glass plate 100, are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 36A. Is disposed.

  The two base plates 36 </ b> A and 36 </ b> A having such a configuration are curved so as to be convex upward, and the width direction of the thin glass 100 depends on the posture of the longitudinal direction along the conveying direction of the thin glass 100. Arranged at both ends. At this time, the respective base plates 36A and 36A are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the thin glass plate 100 so as to be parallel to each other.

Here, the first guide blocks 33A and 33A are fixed to the lower surfaces of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of each base plate 36A.
Further, below these first guide blocks 33A and 33A, the two first guide rails 34A and 34A are thin glass 100 so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other with the longitudinal direction thereof being in the width direction of thin glass 100. Are spaced apart in the transport direction.
Further, the first guide blocks 33A and 33A are attached to the corresponding first guide rails 34A and 34A so as to be slidable in the width direction of the thin glass plate 100, respectively.

  Then, by sliding the first guide blocks 33A, 33A,... On the first guide rails 34A, 34A, the two base plates 36A, 36A are moved in the width direction of the thin glass 100, respectively. Is possible.

  By having such a configuration, for example, even if the width dimension of the thin glass plate 100 is arbitrarily changed by a specification change or the like, according to the side end support mechanism 31A in the present embodiment, each base plate 36A. -36A can be moved in the width direction and placed at an appropriate position.

On the other hand, second guide blocks 38A and 38A are respectively fixed to the lower surfaces of the first guide rails 34A at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
Further, below these second guide blocks 38A and 38A, the two second guide rails 39A and 39A are arranged so that the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other with the longitudinal direction thereof being directed to the conveying direction of the thin glass 100. Are spaced apart in the width direction.

The two first guide rails 34A, 34A can slide on the second guide rails 39A, 39A in the conveying direction of the thin glass 100 via the second guide blocks 38A, 38A. It has become.
Thereby, the two first guide rails 34 </ b> A and 34 </ b> A are configured to be close to and away from each other along the conveyance direction of the thin glass plate 100.
Therefore, both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the respective base plates 36A connected to the first guide rails 34A and 34A via the first guide blocks 33A and 33A are mutually connected along the conveying direction of the thin glass 100. It is configured to be able to approach and separate.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the two first guide rails 34A and 34A are moved in the proximity direction, so that both end portions in the longitudinal direction of each base plate 36A are moved in the proximity direction. .
In this case, in each arch-shaped base plate 36A that is curved upward, the degree of curvature of the virtual surface S1 that simultaneously includes the apexes of the plurality of ball casters 37A, 37A,.
On the contrary, when the two first guide rails 34A and 34A are moved in the separating direction, both ends in the longitudinal direction of each base plate 36A are moved in the separating direction.
In this case, in each arch-shaped base plate 36A that is curved upward and convex, the degree of curvature of the virtual surface S1 that simultaneously includes the apexes of the plurality of ball casters 37A, 37A,.
That is, when the positions of the two first guide rails 34A and 34A are close to each other, the dimension of the bending radius of the virtual surface S1 (the dimension R1 in FIG. 4B) is obtained via each base plate 36A. It can be changed freely.
The change of the radius R1 of the bending radius can be easily realized by deforming the base plate by a driving mechanism such as a servo motor.

As described above, the side end support mechanism 31A includes a plurality of base plates 36A, 36A, ball casters 37A, 37A,... Is provided.
Specifically, the support mechanism portion is disposed in a convex arc shape (that is, an arch shape) upward along the conveyance direction of the thin glass 100, and both end portions in the width direction on the lower surface of the thin glass 100. A support member composed of a plurality of ball casters 37A, 37A, and the like, and an arrangement variable mechanism capable of changing the radial position of the arch shape by changing the arrangement position of the support member, The arrangement changing mechanism can change the shape and position of the plurality of base plates 36A and 36A, the base plates 36A and 36A, the first guide blocks 33A and 33A, the first guide rails 34A and 34A, Two guide blocks 38A, 38A ..., second guide rails 39A, 39A, and the like.

Next, the center support mechanism 31B will be described.
The center support mechanism 31B is configured substantially the same as the side end support mechanism 31A described above, but differs from the side end support mechanism 31A in the arrangement positions of the base plates 36B, 36B, and 36B.
Therefore, in the following description, differences from the side end support mechanism 31A are mainly described, and descriptions of portions having the same configuration as the side end support mechanism 31A are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the center support mechanism 31B supports the central portion in the width direction on the lower surface of the thin glass 100 when changing and holding the thin glass 100 in the middle of the arch shape. Is.
The center support mechanism 31B is provided with a plurality of (for example, three in the present embodiment) base plates 36B, 36B, and 36B.

  On the upper surface of the base plate 36B, a plurality of ball casters 37B, 37B,... As a supporting member, which are in direct contact with the lower surface of the thin glass plate 100, have a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 36B. Arranged.

  These base plates 36B, 36B, and 36B are convex upward in the gap between the two base plates 36A and 36A (the central portion in the width direction of the thin glass 100) provided in the side end support mechanism 31A. And the longitudinal direction is arranged in a posture along the conveyance direction of the thin glass plate 100. At this time, the base plates 36B, 36B, and 36B are juxtaposed in the width direction of the thin glass plate 100 so as to be parallel to each other.

  The three base plates 36B, 36B, 36B arranged at such positions slide and move the first guide rails 34B, 34B via the first guide blocks 33B, 33B,. Each of the glass 100 is movable in the width direction.

  Therefore, for example, even if the width dimension of the thin glass plate 100 is arbitrarily changed due to a specification change or the like, according to the center support mechanism 31B in the present embodiment, the base plates 36B, 36B, 36B It is possible to move it in the direction and arrange it at an appropriate position.

On the other hand, the two first guide rails 34B and 34B are configured to be slidable on the second guide rails 39B and 39B via the second guide blocks 38B, 38B.
Thereby, the two first guide rails 34 </ b> B and 34 </ b> B are configured to be close to and away from each other along the conveyance direction of the thin glass plate 100.
Therefore, both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base plates 36B connected to the first guide rails 34B and 34B and the first guide blocks 33B and 33B are mutually connected along the conveyance direction of the thin glass 100. It is configured to be able to approach and separate.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, the two first guide rails 34B and 34B are moved in the proximity direction, so that both end portions in the longitudinal direction of each base plate 36B are moved in the proximity direction. .
In this case, in each of the arch-shaped base plates 36B that are convexly curved upward, the degree of curvature of the virtual surface S2 including the vertices of the plurality of ball casters 37B, 37B,.
On the contrary, when the two first guide rails 34B and 34B are moved in the separating direction, both ends in the longitudinal direction of each base plate 36B are moved in the separating direction.
In this case, in each arch-shaped base plate 36B that is convexly curved upward, the degree of curvature of the virtual surface S2 that simultaneously includes the apexes of the plurality of ball casters 37B, 37B,.
That is, when the positions of the two first guide rails 34 and 34B are separated from each other, the dimension of the bending radius of the virtual surface S2 (dimension R2 in FIG. 4B) is obtained via each base plate 36B. It can be changed freely.
The change of the radius R2 of the bending radius can be easily realized by deforming the base plate by a drive mechanism such as a servo motor.

As described above, the central support mechanism 31B includes a plurality of base plates 36B, 36B, 36B, ball casters 37B, 37B,... Is provided.
Specifically, the support mechanism portion is arranged in a convex arc shape (that is, an arch shape) upward along the conveyance direction of the thin glass 100, and the width direction central portion of the lower surface of the thin glass 100, A support member composed of a plurality of ball casters 37B, 37B,... That contact, and an arrangement variable mechanism that can change the radial dimension of the arch shape by changing the arrangement position of the support member. The change mechanism can change the shape and position of the plurality of base plates 36B, 36B, and 36B, and the base plates 36B, 36B, and 36B, the first guide blocks 33B, 33B, and the first guide rails 34B and 34B. And second guide blocks 38B, 38B... And second guide rails 39B and 39B.

As described above, the first holding device 31 according to the present embodiment includes the side end support mechanism 31A, the center support mechanism 31B, and the like that can operate independently of each other.
Therefore, in the first holding device 31, the virtual surface S1 formed by the plurality of ball casters 37A, 37A,... Of the side end support mechanism 31A that holds both side ends of the thin glass 100 in the width direction. The radius R1 of the imaginary surface S2 formed by the plurality of ball casters 37B, 37B,... Of the central support mechanism 31B, which holds the radius R1 of the curvature radius and the central portion of the glass surface of the thin glass 100. Can be changed independently of each other.

When the thin glass 100 is put into the transport apparatus 1, the radius R1 of the virtual surface S1 and the radius R2 of the virtual surface S2 are adjusted to be equal to each other. The thin glass 100 is supported by both the side end support mechanism 31A and the center support mechanism 31B over the entire glass surface.
Thereby, in the loading operation | work to the conveying apparatus 1 of the sheet glass 100, the burden on an operator can be reduced.

On the other hand, when the conveyance state of the thin glass 100 put into the conveyance device 1 is stabilized and the good product part thin glass 100A (see FIG. 2) can be collected, as shown in FIG. The radius R2 of the imaginary surface S2 is adjusted to be larger than the radius R1 of the imaginary surface S1 (R1 <R2), and the thin glass 100 has both sides in the width direction of the glass surface. Only at the end, it is supported by the side end support mechanism 31A.
Thereby, it can prevent that a crack etc. generate | occur | produce in the center part of the glass plane of the thin glass 100, and can aim at the quality improvement of the thin glass 100. FIG.

In addition, about the structure of the 1st holding | maintenance apparatus 31, it is not limited to the thing of this embodiment, At least the thin glass 100 in the middle of conveyance is arch-shaped through only the width direction both-sides edge part of a glass surface. Any configuration is possible as long as it can be deformed and retained.
That is, as the configuration of the first holding device 31, it is sufficient that at least the side end support mechanism 31A is provided.

Further, regarding the retracting mechanism from the thin glass 100 in the side end support mechanism 31A and the center support mechanism 31B, in the present embodiment, the bending of each virtual plane S1, S2 is performed by the above-described variable arrangement mechanism. Although it is set as the structure which changes the dimensions R1 and R2 of a radius, it is not limited to this.
That is, for example, by forming a base plate with an inelastic member and moving the base plate downward, the side end support mechanism 31A and the center support mechanism are retracted from the thin glass 100. It is good also as comprising 31B.

By the way, as described above, the second holding device 61 provided to temporarily hold the product-part thin glass 100A in the middle of conveyance in the second arch zone 16 in an arch shape is substantially equivalent to the first holding device 31. On the other hand, it differs from the 1st holding | maintenance apparatus 31 about the point comprised compactly with respect to the width direction of the said product part thin glass 100A.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), in the second holding device 61, the number of the base plates 66B and 66B provided in the central support mechanism 61B is set to two so that the central portion The structure of the support mechanism 61B is made compact in the width direction.

And also about the 2nd holding | maintenance apparatus 61, similarly to the said 1st holding | maintenance apparatus 31, 61 A of side edge part support mechanisms and the center part support mechanism 61B become a structure which can operate | move independently of each other.
Therefore, in the second holding device 61, a virtual surface S3 (formed by a plurality of ball casters 67A, 67A... Of the side end support mechanism 61A that holds both side ends of the thin glass 100 in the width direction. A virtual surface S4 (not shown) formed by a plurality of ball casters 67B, 67B,... Of the center support mechanism 61B, which holds the radius R3 of the curvature radius and the center of the glass surface of the thin glass 100. The radius R4 of the radius of curvature (not shown) can be changed independently of each other.

When the thin glass 100 is put into the transport apparatus 1, the radius R3 of the virtual surface S3 and the radius R4 of the virtual surface S4 are adjusted to be equal to each other. The thin glass 100 is supported by both the side end support mechanism 61A and the center support mechanism 61B over the entire glass surface.
Thereby, in the loading operation | work to the conveying apparatus 1 of the sheet glass 100, the burden on an operator can be reduced.

On the other hand, when the transport state of the thin glass 100 put into the transport device 1 is stabilized and a good product part thin glass 100A (see FIG. 2) can be collected, the radius R4 of the imaginary surface S4 has a curvature radius R4. The sheet glass 100 is adjusted so as to have a larger value than the radius R3 of the imaginary surface S3 (R3 <R4), and the thin glass plate 100 has a side end support mechanism only at both ends in the width direction of the glass surface. It is supported by the body 61A.
Thereby, it can prevent that a crack etc. generate | occur | produce in the center part of the glass plane of the thin glass 100, and can aim at the quality improvement of the thin glass 100. FIG.

12 First Catenary Zone 13 First Arch Zone 15 Second Catenary Zone 16 Second Arch Zone 31 First Holding Device 31A Side End Support Mechanism 31B Center Support Mechanism 33A First Guide Block 33B First Guide Block 34A First One guide rail 34B First guide rail 36A Base plate 36B Base plate 37A Ball caster 37B Ball caster 38A Second guide block 38B Second guide block 39A Second guide rail 39B Second guide rail 61 Second holding device 62 Fourth feeding device 100 Thin plate Glass 100A Product part thin glass

Claims (8)

A thin glass transport method for transporting a thin glass sheet formed into a long strip in the longitudinal direction,
In a predetermined position on the conveyance path of the thin glass,
An intermediate part in the conveyance direction of the thin glass is conveyed while being deformed and held in an arch shape that is curved upward along the longitudinal direction.
A method for transporting thin glass, characterized in that. As a process immediately before the arch process,
Further comprising a catenary step of deforming and holding the thin glass into a catenary shape that curves downward along the longitudinal direction;
The method for conveying thin glass according to claim 1, wherein: Deformation and holding of the thin glass into the arch shape,
By supporting a width direction both ends of the lower surface side of the thin glass by a plurality of support mechanism portions arranged in parallel in the width direction of the thin glass,
Each of the support mechanisms is
A plurality of support members that are arranged in an upwardly convex arc shape along the conveyance direction of the thin glass plate and abut the lower surface of the thin glass plate,
The thin glass conveying method according to claim 1, wherein the thin glass is transported. The support mechanism is
An arrangement variable mechanism that changes an arrangement position of the support member to change a radius dimension of the arc shape;
The plurality of support mechanism portions are:
Furthermore, the width direction center part of the lower surface side of the thin glass is supported,
The method for conveying thin glass according to claim 3, wherein: The support member is a ball caster;
The method for transporting a thin glass according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: In the arch process,
By controlling at least one of the side end surfaces of the thin glass to the inner side in the width direction of the thin glass, the position in the width direction of the thin glass is controlled.
The method for conveying a thin glass according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: In the upstream part and / or downstream part of the arch process,
Supporting both side ends in the width direction of the thin glass, disposing a feeding roller for feeding the thin glass in the transport direction,
By controlling the feeding direction of the thin glass by the feeding roller in a direction inclined with respect to the transport direction according to the width direction position of the thin glass, the position in the width direction of the thin glass is controlled.
The method for conveying a thin glass according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: A sheet glass conveying device for conveying a thin glass sheet formed into a long strip in the longitudinal direction,
In a predetermined position on the conveyance path of the thin glass,
An arch zone is provided in which an arch step is carried out while deforming and holding the intermediate portion in the conveyance direction of the thin glass in an arch shape that curves upward along the longitudinal direction;
A thin glass conveying device.

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