JP6432796B2 - Glass plate manufacturing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a glass plate manufacturing apparatus and method.

  A method is known in which a glass ribbon (band glass plate) is continuously formed from molten glass, and the resulting glass ribbon is cut to produce a single glass plate.

  Since the glass ribbon has a non-uniform thickness at the ears (both edges in the width direction), the glass plate cut from the glass ribbon is cut into the ears to be a product or an intermediate product.

  The cutting of the ear part is performed by processing a cut line (scribe line) at the boundary between the ear part and the product part (part to be a product or an intermediate product) and folding the ear part along the cut line. The process of folding the ear portion is performed using an ear folding device, and is performed on the conveyance line of the glass ribbon. For this reason, if the glass ribbon meanders and / or changes in the width of the glass ribbon, the ear folding operation cannot be performed at an appropriate position, and the glass plate is damaged (scratches or breakage in appearance). There was a problem.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for controlling the meandering of the glass ribbon by detecting the positional deviation of both ends in the width direction of the glass ribbon and correcting the position of the glass ribbon in the float bath according to the positional deviation amount. Have been described.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-114041

  By the way, in order to improve productivity, it is necessary to raise the conveyance speed of a glass ribbon.

  However, the meandering control of the glass ribbon becomes more difficult as the conveyance speed of the glass ribbon increases. For this reason, the method of controlling the meandering of the glass ribbon and optimizing the ear folding operation has a drawback that the productivity cannot be improved.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a glass plate manufacturing apparatus and method capable of manufacturing a high-quality glass plate even when the conveyance speed of the glass ribbon is increased. And

  Means for solving the problems are as follows.

  A 1st aspect has a conveyance path extended in the longitudinal direction of a glass ribbon, while conveying a glass ribbon to a longitudinal direction along a conveyance path, the conveyance means which conveys the glass plate cut out from a glass ribbon, and a conveyance path A vertical cutting line is processed along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon at both edges in the width direction of the glass ribbon with respect to the glass ribbon being conveyed along the glass ribbon. Vertical cutting line processing means to divide into, and horizontal cutting line processing means for processing a horizontal cutting line in the width direction of the glass ribbon with respect to the glass ribbon being transported along the transport path, and glass being transported along the transport path Fold the ribbon along the cross-cut line, cut the glass plate from the glass ribbon, and fold the glass plate being transported along the transport path along the vertical cut line to separate the ears from the product part of the glass plate Do A position adjusting means for adjusting the installation position of the ear folding means by moving the folding means, the ear folding means in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the glass plate, and a width direction of the glass ribbon being conveyed along the conveying path; Detection means for detecting the position of the end portion, and position adjustment means based on the detection result of the detection means so that the installation position of the ear folding means changes following the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon. And a control means for controlling the glass plate manufacturing apparatus.

  According to this aspect, the glass ribbon is transported in the longitudinal direction along the transport path, and the longitudinal cutting lines are processed at both edges in the width direction along the longitudinal direction by the longitudinal cutting line processing means during the transportation. The Thereby, a product part and an ear | edge part are divided by the vertical cutting line. Further, the transverse line is machined in the width direction by the transverse line processing means during conveyance. The glass ribbon in which the vertical cutting line and the horizontal cutting line are processed is folded along the horizontal cutting line by the horizontal folding means while being transported along the transport path. Thereby, a glass plate is cut out from a glass ribbon. The glass plate cut out from the glass ribbon is conveyed as it is along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon through the conveyance path, and is folded along the vertical cutting line by the vertical folding means during the conveyance. Thereby, an ear | edge part is isolate | separated from the product part of a glass plate.

  Here, when the glass ribbon meanders, the position of the glass plate conveyed in the conveyance path changes (the position shifts in the width direction), and the glass plate cannot be appropriately folded by the ear folding means. Similarly, when the width of the glass ribbon is changed, the positions of both end portions in the width direction of the glass plate are changed, and the glass plate cannot be appropriately folded by the ear folding means.

  Therefore, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of this aspect, the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon is detected, and the installation position of the ear fold means changes following the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon. It is configured as follows. Thereby, even if the glass ribbon meanders and / or changes in width, the ear folding means can always be positioned at an appropriate position, and a stable ear folding operation can be performed. As a result, a high-quality glass plate can be manufactured. Moreover, since the conveyance speed of a glass ribbon can be raised compared with the case where the meandering of a glass ribbon is controlled, productivity of a glass plate can be improved.

  According to a second aspect, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first aspect, the transverse line processing means includes a moving body that moves in the width direction of the glass ribbon, and a cutter that is provided in the moving body and that is pressed against the glass ribbon. The detecting means is provided in the moving body and moves together with the cutter to detect the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon that is being conveyed on the conveying path.

  According to this aspect, the crossing line is processed by the cutter that moves in the width direction of the glass ribbon. And the position of the edge part of the width direction of a glass ribbon is detected by the detection means which moves with the cutter. Thereby, the position of the edge part of a glass ribbon can be detected in the whole area of the width direction of a conveyance path, and the meandering of a glass ribbon and / or the change of the width of a glass ribbon can be detected easily.

  According to a third aspect, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the second aspect, the transverse line processing means includes a guide member that guides the landing of the cutter with respect to the glass ribbon, and a change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon. And a guide member position adjusting means for adjusting the installation position of the guide member so as to follow the above.

  According to this aspect, the guide member that guides the landing of the cutter with respect to the glass ribbon is provided. The installation position of the guide member is adjusted by the guide member position adjusting means so as to follow the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon. That is, even when the glass ribbon is meandering and / or when the width changes, the installation position of the guide member is adjusted so that the guide member is always installed at a fixed position with respect to the glass ribbon. Thereby, the damage given to a glass ribbon can be reduced and a high quality glass plate without a damage can be manufactured. Moreover, since the cutter travels on the guide member in the uneven ear portion, the cutter can be prevented from being damaged.

  According to a fourth aspect, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the third aspect, the guide member position adjusting means includes a support means for supporting the guide member movably along the moving direction of the cutter, and one of the width directions of the glass ribbon. It is an aspect provided with the contact member contact | abutted to the end surface of this, the connection member which connects a contact member and a guide member, and the urging means which urges | biases a contact member toward a glass ribbon.

  According to this aspect, the installation position of the guide member mechanically changes in accordance with the change in the position of one end in the width direction of the glass ribbon. Thereby, a guide member can be made to follow the meandering and / or width change of a glass ribbon with a simple structure.

  According to a fifth aspect, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, a cutter advancing / retreating movement means for moving the cutter forward / backward relative to the main surface of the glass ribbon, and the glass ribbon moves from one side to the other in the width direction. When it is detected that the cutter has reached one ear and that it has passed through one ear, and the cutter has detected that the cutter has reached one ear, the pressing force of the cutter When the cutter advancing / retreating means is controlled so that the first pressing force is controlled and it is detected that the cutter has passed through one of the ears, the pressing force of the cutter is stronger than the first pressing force. A cutter pressing force control means for controlling the cutter advance / retreat movement means so as to be the second pressing force.

  According to this aspect, when the cutter moves in the width direction of the glass ribbon and processes the crossing line, the cutter has reached one ear (ear part on the cutting start side), and one of the ears. Is detected. Based on the detection result, the pressing force of the cutter is controlled. That is, when it is detected that the cutter has reached one of the ears, the pressing force of the cutter is controlled so as to be the first pressing force. When it is detected that the cutter has further moved and passed through one of the ears, the pressing force of the cutter is controlled so that the second pressing force is stronger than the first pressing force. Thereby, a cutter will land on a guide member and an ear | edge part with a weak pressing force, and will press a glass ribbon with a strong pressing force after that, and will process a crossing line. By controlling the pressing force of the cutter in this way, damage to the glass ribbon can be reduced, and breakage of the cutter can be prevented.

  According to a sixth aspect, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the cutter detection means indicates that the cutter moving from one side to the other side in the width direction of the glass ribbon has passed the first cutter detection point. The first cutter detection means for detecting and detecting that the cutter has reached one of the ears, and the cutter moving from one side to the other side in the width direction of the glass ribbon have the second cutter detection point. A second cutter detecting means for detecting that the cutter has passed and detecting that the cutter has passed through one of the ears, and is connected to the guide member to move together with the guide member.

  According to this aspect, it is detected by the first cutter detection means and the second cutter detection means that the cutter has reached one ear portion and has passed through the one ear portion. Since the first cutter detecting means and the second cutter detecting means move together with the guide member, even when the glass ribbon meanders and / or changes in width, the cutter has reached one of the ears, and , It can be detected that one of the ears has passed.

  A seventh aspect further includes a cutter processing range setting means for setting a processing start point and a processing end point of the crossing line by the cutter in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the fourth aspect, and the cutter processing range setting means includes glass Based on the detection result of the detection means, start the cutting of the crossing line by the cutter so that the processing start point and the processing end point of the crossing line by the cutter change following the change in the position of the end of the ribbon in the width direction. This is a mode in which a point and a processing end point are set.

  According to this aspect, the processing start point and the processing end point of the transverse line L by the cutter change following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon.

  In the eighth aspect, the glass ribbon being conveyed in the longitudinal direction along the conveyance path extending in the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon is vertically cut along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon at both edges in the width direction of the glass ribbon. The process of processing the wire and dividing the glass ribbon into the product part and the ear part by the longitudinal cutting line, and the process of processing the transverse line in the width direction of the glass ribbon with respect to the glass ribbon being transported along the transport path Folding the glass ribbon being transported along the transport path along the transverse line, cutting the glass plate from the glass ribbon, and using the ear folding means to cut the glass plate being transported along the transport path And a step of separating the ear portion from the product portion of the glass plate, and detecting the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon being transported along the transport path The end of the glass ribbon in the width direction Installation position of the ear folding means following the change in the position of a glass plate manufacturing method of altering.

  According to this aspect, the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon is detected, and the installation position of the ear fold means is changed following the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon. Thereby, even if the glass ribbon meanders and / or changes in width, the ear folding means can always be positioned at an appropriate position, and a stable ear folding operation can be performed. As a result, a high-quality glass plate can be manufactured. Moreover, since the conveyance speed of a glass ribbon can be raised compared with the case where the meandering of a glass ribbon is controlled, productivity of a glass plate can be improved.

  A ninth aspect is the glass plate manufacturing method according to the eighth aspect, wherein the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon is a detecting means for detecting the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon. It is the aspect detected by moving to.

  According to this aspect, the position of the edge part of the width direction of a glass ribbon is detected by moving a detection means to the width direction of a glass ribbon. Thereby, the position of the edge part of a glass ribbon can be detected in the whole area of the width direction of a conveyance path, and the meandering and / or width change of a glass ribbon can be detected easily.

  According to a tenth aspect, in the glass plate manufacturing method according to the ninth aspect, the transverse line is processed by moving the cutter in the width direction of the glass ribbon, and the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon is detected together with the cutter. In this mode, the means is moved for detection.

  According to this aspect, the detection means is moved together with the cutter that processes the transverse line, and the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon is detected. Thereby, the position of the edge part of the width direction of a glass ribbon can be detected efficiently.

  According to an eleventh aspect, in the glass plate manufacturing method according to the tenth aspect, a guide member for guiding the landing of the cutter with respect to the glass ribbon is provided, and the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon is followed. It is an aspect which adjusts the installation position of a guide member.

  According to this aspect, the guide member for guiding the landing of the cutter with respect to the glass ribbon is provided, and the installation position of the guide member is adjusted so that the cutter always lands at a certain landing point. Thereby, the damage given to a glass ribbon can be reduced and a high quality glass plate without a damage can be manufactured. Moreover, since the cutter travels on the guide member in the uneven ear portion, the cutter can be prevented from being damaged.

  According to a twelfth aspect, in the glass plate manufacturing method according to the eleventh aspect, the cutter moving from one side to the other side in the width direction of the glass ribbon has reached one ear part, and one ear part is When it detects that it has passed and the cutter reaches one ear, the pressing force of the cutter is controlled so that the pressing force of the cutter becomes the first pressing force, and when the cutter passes one ear, This is a mode in which the pressing force of the cutter is controlled so that the pressing force of the cutter becomes a second pressing force that is stronger than the first pressing force.

  According to this aspect, when the cutter moves in the width direction of the glass ribbon and processes the crossing line, the cutter has reached one ear (ear part on the cutting start side), and one of the ears. Is detected. Based on the detection result, the pressing force of the cutter is controlled. Thereby, the damage given to a glass ribbon can be reduced and breakage of a cutter can also be prevented.

  A thirteenth aspect is an aspect in which, in the glass plate manufacturing method according to the eleventh aspect, the processing start point and the processing end point of the transverse line by the cutter are changed following the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon. It is.

  According to this aspect, the processing start point and the processing end point of the transverse line by the cutter change following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon.

  According to this invention, even if it is a case where the conveyance speed of a glass ribbon is raised, an ear folding operation | movement can be performed appropriately and a high quality glass plate can be manufactured.

The top view which shows one Embodiment of a glass plate manufacturing apparatus Plan view of transverse line processing equipment Front view of horizontal line processing equipment Plan view of cutter guide unit Front view of cutter guide unit (A) Front view of ear fold device (during standby), (B) Front view of ear fold device (during ear fold operation) Side view of the ear fold device Front view showing a first modification of the ear folding device Front view showing a second modification of the ear folding device

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<< Configuration of glass plate manufacturing equipment >>
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a glass plate manufacturing apparatus.

  This glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10 is configured as an apparatus that cuts the glass ribbon 1 continuously conveyed along the longitudinal direction and manufactures a glass plate as a product or an intermediate product. In particular, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, one side used in a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display has a side of 1000 mm or more, a plate thickness of 1 mm or less, preferably 0.7 mm or less, more preferably 0.00. It is configured as an apparatus for producing a thin glass plate of 5 mm or less, most preferably 0.3 mm or less.

  The glass ribbon 1 includes a product part 1A located at the center in the width direction and ear parts 1B located on both sides in the width direction of the product part 1A. The product portion 1A has a uniform plate thickness, and the ear portion 2B has a non-uniform plate thickness.

  The glass ribbon 1 is manufactured by a general glass ribbon manufacturing method such as a float method or a fusion method, and is continuously conveyed to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. For example, in the case of a glass ribbon manufactured by the float process, the glass ribbon continuously drawn out from the float bath and cooled by the layer is conveyed to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a glass ribbon 1 and a roller conveyor (conveying means) 20 that conveys a glass plate 2 cut out from the glass ribbon 1, and a glass ribbon 1 that is conveyed by the roller conveyor 20. A vertical cutting line processing device (vertical cutting line processing means) 30 for processing the vertical cutting line L1 and a horizontal cutting line processing device (cross cutting) for processing the horizontal cutting line L2 on the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20 Line processing means) 40, the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20 is folded along the transverse line L2, and the horizontal folding device 80 for cutting out the glass plate 2 from the glass ribbon 1, and the glass plate conveyed by the roller conveyor 20. The ear | edge part 2B is folded along the vertical cutting line L1, and the ear | edge part 2B is isolate | separated from the product part 2A of the glass plate 2 Controller 90, position detector (detection means) 130 for detecting the positions of both ends in the width direction of glass ribbon 1 conveyed by roller conveyor 20, and controller for overall control of the entire operation of glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10. (Control means) 140.

<Roller conveyor>
The roller conveyor 20 has a conveyance path extending in the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 1, and conveys the glass ribbon 1 in the longitudinal direction along the conveyance path. Moreover, the glass plate 2 cut out from the glass ribbon 1 is conveyed.

  In FIG. 1, the direction indicated by the arrow A is the conveyance direction of the glass ribbon 1 and the glass plate 2. As shown in the figure, the glass ribbon 1 and the glass plate 2 are conveyed linearly along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 1.

  The roller conveyor 20 includes a plurality of rollers 22 arranged at regular intervals along the conveyance path. The roller 22 rotates by being driven by a rotation driving means (not shown). The glass ribbon 1 and the glass plate 2 are placed on the rotating roller 22 and are transported horizontally on the same straight line.

<Vertical cutting line processing equipment>
The vertical cutting line processing device 30 processes the vertical cutting line L1 along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 1 at both edge portions of the glass ribbon 1 with respect to the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20. The vertical cut line L1 is a scribe line for separating the product part 1A and the ear part 1B, and is placed at the boundary between the product part 1A and the ear part 1B. The glass ribbon 1 is divided into a product portion 1A and an ear portion 1B by processing the vertical cutting line L1. Since the ear part 1B exists on both sides of the product part 1A, two vertical cut lines L1 are processed.

  The longitudinal cutting line processing device 30 includes a pair of disk-shaped cutters 32. The vertical cutting line processing device 30 processes the vertical cutting line L <b> 1 on the glass ribbon 1 by pressing and contacting the pair of cutters 32 against the glass ribbon 1.

  Each cutter 32 is provided so as to be movable forward and backward in the vertical direction with respect to the main surface of the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20. Further, the cutter 32 is provided so as to be movable in a direction (width direction of the glass ribbon 1) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20.

  By sending each cutter 32 toward the glass ribbon 1, the cutter 32 is brought into contact with the glass ribbon 1 with a specified pressing force. Thereby, the longitudinal cutting line L1 is processed into the glass ribbon 1.

  In addition, by adjusting the position of each cutter 32 in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1, the position for processing the vertical cutting line L1 is adjusted.

<Crossing line processing device>
The transverse line processing apparatus 40 processes the transverse line L2 on the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20. The transverse line L2 is a scribe line for cutting out the glass plate 2 from the glass ribbon 1 and is inserted at the boundary between the front and rear glass plates 2.

  2 and 3 are a plan view and a front view, respectively, of the transverse line processing apparatus.

  The transverse line processing device 40 includes a frame 42, a cutter driving unit 44 provided in the frame 42, a cutter 46, a cutter guide unit 48, and a cutter detection unit 50. The horizontal line processing device 40 processes the horizontal line L2 in the glass ribbon 1 by moving the cutter 46 from one end in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 toward the other end by the cutter driving unit 44.

  Here, the crossing line L2 is put in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (conveying direction) of the glass ribbon 1. The transverse line L2 is processed during the conveyance of the glass ribbon 1. For this reason, the cutter 46 moves obliquely with respect to the conveyance direction of the glass ribbon 1 along the movement trajectory T indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 2 to process the transverse line L2.

[flame]
The frame 42 has a gate shape including a pair of support columns 42A and a beam 42B. The frame 42 is installed across the roller conveyor 20. The pair of support posts 42A is installed vertically. The beam 42B is hollow and is installed horizontally on the top of the support post 42A. The frame 42 is disposed along the traveling direction of the cutter 46 and is inclined with respect to the conveying direction of the glass ribbon 1.

[Cutter drive unit]
The cutter drive unit 44 moves the cutter 46 in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1. As described above, the cutter 46 moves obliquely with respect to the conveyance direction of the glass ribbon 1 to process the crossing line L2, so that the cutter drive unit 44 has the cutter 46 inclined with respect to the conveyance direction of the glass ribbon 1. Drive to move to.

  The cutter drive unit 44 includes a horizontal drive unit 44A that moves the cutter 46 in the horizontal direction, and a vertical drive unit 44B that moves the cutter 46 forward and backward in the vertical direction with respect to the main surface of the glass ribbon 1.

  The horizontal drive unit 44A includes a rail 51, a table 52 that moves along the rail 51, a linear motor 54 that moves the table 52, and a sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the table 52. The The rail 51 is provided in parallel with the moving direction of the cutter 46. The rail 51 is laid inside the beam 42B. The table 52 is slidably provided on the rail 51 via a slider 52A. The linear motor 54 linearly moves the table 52 along the rail 51. In addition, the mechanism for moving the table 52 can also be constituted by a drive mechanism using a so-called ball screw.

  The vertical drive unit 44B includes a cylinder 56 and a cutter holder 58. The vertical drive unit 44B functions as a moving body that moves in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1, and is driven by the horizontal drive unit 44A to move in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1.

  A cylinder 56 which is an example of a cutter advance / retreat means moves the cutter holder 58 forward and backward in the vertical direction with respect to the main surface of the glass ribbon 1. The cylinder 56 is installed on the table 52 of the horizontal drive unit 44A.

  The cutter holder 58 is provided at the tip of the rod of the cylinder 56. The cutter 46 is rotatably and detachably attached to the cutter holder 58.

  The cutter 46 is driven by the horizontal drive unit 44 </ b> A and moves in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1. Further, it is driven by the vertical drive unit 44 </ b> B to move forward and backward in the vertical direction with respect to the main surface of the glass ribbon 1. By bringing the cutter 46 into contact with the glass ribbon 1 by the vertical drive unit 44B and moving it from one end in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 toward the other end by the horizontal drive unit 44A. 1 is processed with a transverse line L2.

[Cutter guide unit]
The cutter guide unit 48 is configured so that the crossing line L2 is always processed from a certain position, that is, at a constant landing point (a point away from the one end in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 by a predetermined distance). The traveling of the cutter 46 is guided so that 46 lands.

  4 and 5 are a plan view and a front view of the cutter guide unit, respectively.

  The cutter guide unit 48 has a running plate 60 as a guide member for guiding the landing of the cutter 46 with respect to the glass ribbon 1, and the installation position of the running plate 60 so as to follow the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1. And a running plate position adjusting mechanism (guide member position adjusting means) 62 that automatically adjusts.

  The run-up plate 60 is configured by a plate having a wedge shape when viewed from the front, and has an inclined runway on the upper surface portion. At the beginning of cutting, the cutter 46 travels on the upper surface portion of the runway configured as a slope and lands on the glass ribbon 1 (main surface). Thereby, the impact of landing can be relieved. In addition, it is possible to prevent the cutter 46 from traveling on the ear portion 1B having the unevenness and damaging the cutter 46.

  The run-up plate position adjusting mechanism 62 adjusts the meandering and / or width of the glass ribbon 1 so that the transverse line L2 is always processed from a certain position even when the glass ribbon 1 meanders and / or changes in width. It is made to follow and the installation position of the run-up board 60 is changed. The run-up plate position adjusting mechanism 62 includes a run-up plate guide portion 64 that supports the run-up plate 60 so as to be movable back and forth along the moving direction of the cutter 46, and a roller (contact member) 66 that comes into contact with the end surface of the glass ribbon 1. And a connecting member 68 that connects the running plate 60 and the roller 66, and a spring (biasing means) 70 that biases the roller 66 toward the glass ribbon 1.

  The running plate guide part (support means) 64 includes a guide shaft 64A and a bearing 64B that supports the guide shaft 64A so as to be movable along the axial direction.

  The bearing 64B is attached to the support 42A on one side of the frame 42. The guide shaft 64 </ b> A is disposed along the moving direction of the cutter 46. The run-up plate 60 is attached to the tip of the guide shaft 64A. Thereby, the run-up plate 60 is supported so as to be movable along the moving direction of the cutter 46.

  The roller 66 has a disk shape and is rotatably supported by the bearing member 72. The roller 66 is disposed so that the rotation axis thereof is orthogonal to the glass ribbon 1, and is disposed so that the end surface in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface thereof.

  The connecting member 68 connects the running plate 60 and the bearing member 72 of the roller 66. Thereby, the roller 66 is supported so as to be movable along the moving direction of the cutter 46 together with the running plate 60.

  The spring 70 is provided on the guide shaft 64A. One end of the spring 70 is locked to the bearing 64B of the running plate guide portion 64, and the other end is locked to a stopper 64C provided on the guide shaft 64A. As a result, the guide shaft 64 </ b> A is urged toward the glass ribbon 1. Since the roller 66 is connected to the guide shaft 64 </ b> A, the roller 66 is biased toward the glass ribbon 1 when the guide shaft 64 </ b> A is biased toward the glass ribbon 1.

  By urging the roller 66 toward the glass ribbon 1, the outer peripheral surface of the roller 66 is always brought into contact with the end surface in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1. Thereby, the roller 66 is displaced following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1. When the roller 66 is displaced following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1, the run-up plate 60 connected to the roller 66 is also displaced following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1. To do.

[Cutter detection unit]
The cutter detection unit (cutter detection means) 50 detects that the cutter 46 moving in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 has passed through a first cutter detection point and a second cutter detection point set in advance. The first cutter detection point is located on one ear 1B (on the left side in FIG. 2) of the glass ribbon 1 with respect to the traveling direction of the cutter 46 (the direction of the arrow t in FIG. 2) during processing of the transverse line L2. Is set on the upstream side of the ear of the crossing line L2 on the cutting start side). Further, the second cutter detection point is set on the downstream side of the one ear portion 1 </ b> B of the glass ribbon 1. That is, the cutter detection unit 50 detects that the cutter 46 has passed the first cutter detection point, thereby detecting that the cutter 46 has reached one ear 1B, and the second cutter detection point. Is detected by passing through the ear portion 1B.

  The cutter detection unit 50 includes a first cutter detection sensor (first cutter detection means) 74 that detects that the cutter 46 has passed the first cutter detection point, and the cutter 46 has passed the second cutter detection point. And a second cutter detection sensor (second cutter detection means) 76 for detecting the fact that the first cutter detection sensor 74 and the second cutter detection sensor 76 are attached. Is done.

  The sensor attachment frame 78 includes a sensor attachment portion 78A to which the first cutter detection sensor 74 and the second cutter detection sensor 76 are attached, and a support portion 78B that supports the sensor attachment portion 78A. .

  The sensor attachment portion 78A has a rod shape and is disposed horizontally along the moving direction of the cutter 46. At one end of the sensor attachment portion 78A, a first attachment portion (not shown) for attaching the first cutter detection sensor 74 is provided. The other end of the sensor attachment portion 78A is provided with a second attachment portion (not shown) for attaching the second cutter detection sensor 76. The first attachment portion is provided with a position adjustment mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the installation position of the first cutter detection sensor 74. The second attachment portion is provided with a position adjustment mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the installation position of the second cutter detection sensor 76.

  The support portion 78B is attached to the guide shaft 64A of the running plate 60. By attaching this support portion 78B to the guide shaft 64A, the cutter detection unit 50 and the run-up plate 60 are connected. Thereby, the cutter detection unit 50 is displaced following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1 together with the running plate 60.

  The first cutter detection sensor 74 detects that the cutter 46 has passed the first cutter detection point. The second cutter detection sensor 76 detects that the cutter 46 has passed the second cutter detection point. The cutter holder 58 is provided with a detection body (not shown) that can be detected by the first cutter detection sensor 74 and the second cutter detection sensor 76. The 1st cutter detection sensor 74 detects that the cutter 46 passed the 1st cutter detection point by detecting this detection body. Moreover, the 2nd cutter detection sensor 76 detects that the cutter 46 passed the 2nd cutter detection point by detecting this detection body.

  For example, a proximity sensor or a photoelectric sensor can be used as this type of sensor.

  Since the cutter detection unit 50 configured as described above is connected to the running plate 60, it is displaced along with the running plate 60 following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1. For this reason, the relative positional relationship between the glass ribbon 1 and the first cutter detection sensor 74 and the second cutter detection sensor 76 is always constant. Thereby, even when the glass ribbon 1 meanders and / or changes in width, the cutter 46 always reaches one ear 1B of the glass ribbon 1 and passes through the one ear 1B. Can be detected.

  The controller 140 functions as a cutter pressing force control means, controls the driving of the cylinder 56 based on the outputs from the first cutter detection sensor 74 and the second cutter detection sensor 76, and at the time of processing the transverse line L2. The pressing force of the cutter 46 is controlled. This control of the pressing force is performed as follows.

[Control method of the pressing force of the cutter accompanying the processing of the crossing line]
The cutter 46 moves between a preset movement start point and a movement end point, and processes the crossing line L2 on the glass ribbon 1 in the process of moving from the movement start point toward the movement end point.

  The movement start point and the movement end point are set to positions on the outer side in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 conveyed on the roller conveyor 20, respectively.

  At the position of the movement start point and the movement end point, the cutter 46 is located at a preset reference height position. The position of this reference height is set to a position where the cutter 46 does not contact the main surface of the glass ribbon 1 conveyed on the roller conveyor 20.

  First, the cutter 46 starts moving from the movement start point toward the movement end point.

  The cutter 46 that has started moving first passes the first cutter detection point. When the cutter 46 passes the first cutter detection point, a detection body (not shown) is detected by the first cutter detection sensor 74. Thereby, it is detected that the cutter 46 has passed the first cutter detection point, that is, has reached one ear 1B.

  When it is detected that the cutter 46 has passed the first cutter detection point, the controller 140 drives the cylinder 56 and depresses the cutter 46 (moves it downward). The cutter 46 moves downward while moving in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 and lands on the running plate 60 with a predetermined pressing force (first pressing force).

  The cutter 46, which has landed on the run-up plate 60, travels on the run-up plate 60 as it is and lands on the ear 1B. Thereby, the process of the transverse line L2 to the ear | edge part 1B is started.

  The cutter 46 that has landed on the ear 1B moves toward the movement end point as it is, and eventually passes through the second cutter detection point. When the cutter 46 passes the second cutter detection point, a detection body (not shown) is detected by the second cutter detection sensor 76. Thereby, it is detected that the cutter 46 has passed through the second cutter detection point, that is, has passed through one ear 1B.

  When the passage of the cutter 46 is detected by the second cutter detection sensor 76, the controller 140 drives the cylinder 56 and increases the pressing force of the cutter 46. As a result, the cutter 46 is pressed against and brought into contact with the glass ribbon 1 with a pressing force (second pressing force) stronger than the pressing force (first pressing force) when landing on the running plate 60, and crosses the glass ribbon 1. Line L2 is processed.

  The cutter 46 is pulled up before reaching the end of the glass ribbon 1 (up to the reference position in the height direction), and reaches the movement end point. Thereafter, the cutter 46 returns to the movement start point.

  As described above, the cutter 46 lands on the run-up plate 60 with a weak pressing force, and then the pressing force is increased to process the transverse line L <b> 2 on the glass ribbon 1.

  As described above, the cutter 46 is pulled up from the glass ribbon 1 before reaching the end of the glass ribbon 1. That is, the timing of pulling up the cutter 46 is also controlled in conjunction with the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1.

  At the right end of the glass ribbon of the beam 42B (above the right side of the glass ribbon 1 in FIG. 3, for example, above the right ear 1B), third cutter detecting means for detecting the cutter 46 is installed. ing. When the third cutter detecting means detects the cutter 46, the cutter 46 is pulled up by the cylinder 56. That is, the cutter 46 is set to move up a certain distance after passing through the second cutter detection point and to be lifted when detected by the third cutter detection means. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cutter 46 from traveling to an area where the glass ribbon 1 does not exist and damaging the cutter 46.

<Horizontal folding device>
The horizontal folding device 80 applies a bending stress to the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20, and folds the glass ribbon 1 along a transverse line L2.

  The horizontal folding device 80, for example, presses the glass ribbon 1 from below the glass ribbon 1 with a pressing roller (not shown), thereby causing a bending stress along the conveying direction around the transverse line L2 to act. 1 is folded along a transverse line L2. Thereby, the glass plate 2 is cut out from the glass ribbon 1.

  The glass plate 2 cut out from the glass ribbon 1 is conveyed by the roller conveyor 20 in the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 1.

<Ear fold device>
The ear folding device 90 folds the ear portion 2B of the glass plate 2 cut out from the glass ribbon 1 along the vertical cutting line L1, and separates the ear portion 2B from the product portion 2A of the glass plate 2.

  6A and 6B are front views of the ear folding device, in which FIG. 6A is a front view during standby, and FIG. 6B is a front view during an ear folding operation. FIG. 7 is a side view of the ear folding device.

  The ear fold device 90 includes an ear fold (ear fold means) 92 that performs an ear fold operation on the glass plate 2 and a position adjustment section (position adjustment means) 94 that adjusts the position of the ear fold 92. Composed.

  The ear fold 92 includes a moving table 96, a swing frame 98 installed on the move table 96, a support roller 100 provided on the swing frame 98, a pressing protrusion 102 provided on the swing frame 98, And a motor 104 that swings the swing frame 98.

  The moving table 96 is supported so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the glass plate 2 by a position adjusting unit 94 described later. The moving table 96 is provided with a column 106 for supporting the swing frame 98.

  The swing frame 98 includes a swing arm 98A, a support frame 98B, an upper arm 98C, and a lower arm 98D. The swing arm 98A includes a rotation shaft 98E at the base end. The rotating shaft 98E is disposed horizontally along the conveying direction of the glass plate 2, and is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the support column 106. The support frame 98B is provided at the tip of the swing arm 98A. The upper arm 98C and the lower arm 98D are provided in the support frame 98B. The upper arm 98C and the lower arm 98D are arranged in parallel to each other, and the support frame 98B, the upper arm 98C, and the lower arm 98D are configured in a U shape as a whole. The swing frame 98 swings about the rotation shaft 98E.

  The support roller 100 functions as a means for supporting the ear 2 </ b> B of the glass plate 2. The support roller 100 is provided on the lower arm 98 </ b> D of the swing frame 98 and is supported so as to be rotatable along the conveyance direction of the glass plate 2.

  The pressing protrusion 102 functions as a pressing member that presses the ear portion 2B from above when the ear portion 2B of the glass plate 2 is folded. The pressing protrusion 102 has a hemispherical shape and is provided on the upper arm 98 </ b> C of the swing frame 98.

  The motor 104 is provided on the support column 106 and is connected to the rotary shaft 98E so as to be able to transmit rotation. The motor 104 is configured to be able to rotate forward and reverse. The rotating shaft 98E rotates forward and backward by driving the motor 104. As a result, the swing frame 98 swings. In FIG. 6A, the direction indicated by arrows B-C is the swinging direction of the swinging frame 98.

  The swing frame 98 swings and moves between a “standby position” and a “folding position”.

  When the swing frame 98 is located at the standby position, as shown in FIG. 6A, the upper arm 98C and the lower arm 98D are held in a horizontal posture. In this state, the height of the upper end portion of the support roller 100 provided in the lower arm 98D and the height of the upper end portion of the roller 22 of the roller conveyor 20 are the same. Thereby, the ear | edge part 2B of the glass plate 2 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20 can be supported with the support roller 100. FIG.

  On the other hand, when located at the folding position, the swing frame 98 is inclined downward as shown in FIG. In the process of swinging from the horizontal position to the folding position, the pressing protrusion 102 provided on the upper arm 98C comes into contact with the ear portion 2B of the glass plate 2, and the ear portion 2B is directed downward (in the direction indicated by the arrow C). Press. Thereby, a bending stress acts on the ear | edge part 2B, and the ear | edge part 2B is bent along the vertical cut line L1.

  Note that, as described above, the glass plate 2 is supported by the support roller 100 at the ear folding device 90 where the ear 2B is supported. For this reason, in the installation part of the ear folding device 90, the width of the roller conveyor 20 is set narrower than the width of the roller conveyor 20 that conveys the glass ribbon, and only the product part 2A of the glass plate 2 is placed on the roller 22. Configured to be

  The position adjustment unit 94 includes a base 110, a rail 112, a slider 114, a screw rod 116, a nut 118 that is screwed to the screw rod 116, and a motor 120 that rotates the screw rod 116. .

  The base 110 is fixedly installed at a fixed position.

  The rail 112 is laid on the base 110. The rail 112 is disposed along a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the glass plate 2 by the roller conveyor 20.

  The slider 114 is slidably provided on the rail 112. The moving table 96 is attached to the slider 114. Thereby, the movement table 96 is supported so that a movement in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the glass plate 2 is possible.

  The screw rod 116 is disposed along the rail 112. Both ends of the screw rod 116 are rotatably supported by bearings 122 provided on the base 110.

  The nut 118 is screwed onto the screw rod 116. The nut 118 is fixed to the moving table 96. Accordingly, when the screw rod 116 is rotated, the moving table 96 moves in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the glass plate 2 according to the rotation amount and the rotation direction.

  The motor 120 is installed on the base 110 and is connected to the screw rod 116 so as to be able to transmit rotation.

  When the motor 120 is driven, the screw rod 116 rotates. Thereby, the moving table 96 moves in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the glass plate 2. When the moving table 96 moves, the ear folds 92 move in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the glass plate 2 and the installation position thereof is adjusted.

<Position detector>
The position detector 130 detects the positions of both ends in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the position detector 130 is provided in the cutter holder 58, and moves along the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 together with the cutter 46. Detect position. Specifically, the presence or absence of the glass ribbon 1 is detected, and the positions of both ends of the glass ribbon 1 are detected. That is, by moving along the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 together with the cutter 46, the glass ribbon 1 is detected at a certain point, and the glass ribbon 1 is not detected at a certain point, so the detection of the glass ribbon 1 is started. A point and a point at which the glass ribbon 1 is no longer detected are detected, and the positions of both ends in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 are detected.

  This type of position detector 130 can be configured using a known optical sensor such as a laser displacement meter, for example.

<controller>
The controller 140 controls the overall operation of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10. That is, operations of the roller conveyor 20, the vertical line processing device 30, the horizontal line processing device 40, the horizontal folding device 80, and the ear folding device 90 are controlled.

  In particular, with respect to the ear fold device 90, the position adjusting unit 94 is controlled based on the position information of both ends in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 obtained from the position detector 130, and the installation position of the ear fold 92 is determined by the glass ribbon. Follow 1 meandering and / or width change.

<< Glass plate manufacturing method by glass plate manufacturing apparatus >>
As described above, the glass ribbon 1 is manufactured by a general glass ribbon manufacturing method such as a float method or a fusion method, and is continuously fed to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10.

  The glass ribbon 1 fed to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10 is conveyed horizontally along the longitudinal direction by the roller conveyor 20.

  First, the vertical cutting line L1 is processed into the both ends of the glass ribbon 1 by the vertical cutting line processing apparatus 30 in the width direction. That is, the cutter 32 is pressed and brought into contact with the boundary between the product portion 1A and the ear portion 1B. Thereby, the longitudinal cutting line L1 is continuously processed along the longitudinal direction.

  Next, the horizontal cutting line L2 is processed by the horizontal cutting line processing apparatus 40 on the glass ribbon 1 in which the vertical cutting line L1 has been processed.

  The transverse line L2 is placed at the front and back boundaries of the glass plate 2 cut out from the glass ribbon 1. The transverse line processing device 40 moves the cutter 46 obliquely with respect to the glass ribbon 1 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20, and presses and contacts the obliquely moving cutter 46 against the glass ribbon 1, so that the glass ribbon 1 The crossing line L2 is processed.

  The controller 140 controls the cutter drive unit 44 and controls the movement of the cutter 46 so that the crossing line L2 is processed at a predetermined interval.

  Here, the traveling of the cutter 46 is guided by the running plate 60 at the beginning of cutting. That is, it travels on the run-up plate 60 configured as a slope, lands on the glass ribbon 1, and starts processing the transverse line L2. Thereby, the impact of landing can be relieved. In addition, it is possible to prevent the cutter 46 from traveling on the ear portion 1B having the unevenness and damaging the cutter 46.

  Moreover, the cutter 46 is landed on the run-up plate 60 with a weak pressing force, and then the pressing force is increased and the pressing force is controlled so as to process the transverse line L2. This can also prevent the glass ribbon from being damaged.

  The run-up plate 60 that guides the landing of the cutter 46 is displaced by the run-up plate position adjusting mechanism 62 following the change in the position of the end of the glass ribbon 1 in the width direction. Therefore, even when the glass ribbon 1 meanders and / or changes in width, the glass ribbon 1 is always arranged at a certain position from the end in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1. Thereby, the process of the crossing line L2 can always be started from a fixed position. Thereby, the breakage of the glass ribbon 1 can be prevented.

  As described above, the crossing line L2 is processed by the cutter 46 that moves so as to cross the glass ribbon 1. The position detector 130 detects the positions of both ends in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1 when processing the transverse line L2.

  The glass ribbon 1 processed with the transverse line L2 is then folded along the transverse line L2 by the transverse folding device 80. Thereby, the glass plate 2 is cut out from the glass ribbon 1.

  The glass plate 2 cut out from the glass ribbon 1 is conveyed horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon 1 by the roller conveyor 20 as it is. And the ear | edge part 2B is folded along the vertical cutting line L1 by the ear | edge folding apparatus 90, and the ear | edge part 2B is isolate | separated from the product part 2A.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, the ear folding device 90 stands by with the swing frame 98 positioned at the standby position. When the glass plate 2 is conveyed to the ear folding device 90, the ear portion 2B is supported by the support roller 100 and is disposed between the upper arm 98C and the lower arm 98D. When the glass plate 2 is conveyed to a predetermined processing position, the ear folding device 90 swings the swing frame 98 as shown in FIG. 6B. Thereby, the ear | edge part 2B is pressed by the protrusion 102 for a press, and the ear | edge part 2B is folded from the product part 2A.

  Here, when the glass ribbon 1 meanders and / or changes in width, the position of the end in the width direction of the glass plate 2 conveyed on the roller conveyor 20 changes. And if the position of the edge part of the width direction of the glass plate 2 changes, the position which the protrusion 102 for press will contact will change, and it will become impossible to apply a pressing force correctly. In the worst case, the glass plate 2 comes into contact with the ear folding device 90 and breaks the glass plate 2.

  Therefore, in the ear folding device 90, the installation position of the ear folding unit 92 changes following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1. Specifically, the controller 140 controls the position adjustment unit 94 based on the detection result of the position detector 130 (position information of both ends of the glass ribbon 1), and the positions of both ends of the glass ribbon 1 in the width direction are controlled. The installation position of the ear fold 92 is changed in accordance with the change. Thereby, the ear folding operation can always be performed at an appropriate position, and the glass plate to be manufactured can be prevented from being damaged.

  A glass plate is manufactured in the series of steps described above. The product part 2A from which the ear part 2B is separated is conveyed to a predetermined branch (accommodating part) by the roller conveyor 20 as it is. Each piece is stored in a pallet or the like by a branch, and is picked as a product or an intermediate product.

  As described above, according to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the installation position of the ear fold portion 92 of the ear fold device 90 changes following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1. Therefore, the ear folding operation can always be performed at an appropriate position. Thereby, damage of the glass plate manufactured can be prevented effectively.

  Also in the crossing line processing apparatus 40 that processes the crossing line L2, the run-up plate 60 that guides the landing of the cutter 46 that processes the crossing line L2 is displaced following the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1. . Thereby, the transverse line L2 can be processed stably, and the breakage of the glass ribbon 1 can be effectively prevented.

  Furthermore, the meandering of the glass ribbon 1 is not controlled, but the position on the processing apparatus side is controlled. Therefore, even when the conveyance speed of the glass ribbon 1 is increased, it is possible to improve productivity.

<Modification>
<Modification of runner plate position adjustment mechanism>
Unlike the above embodiment, the run-up plate position adjusting mechanism of this example is a mechanism that does not contact the end face of the glass ribbon 1. The running plate adjusting mechanism of this example is provided on the end of at least one of the glass ribbons 1 in the width direction (the side on which the running plate 60 is installed), and measuring means for measuring the position of the end surface of the glass ribbon 1; And a moving means for moving the run-up plate 60 in accordance with the measured position of the end face of the glass ribbon 1.
The type of the measurement means is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the position of the end face of the glass ribbon 1 in a non-contact manner, and a laser sensor is exemplified. The installation location of the measuring means is not particularly limited as long as it is installed on the upstream side of the run-up plate 60 in the conveyance direction of the glass ribbon 1, and may be on the upstream side of the vertical line processing device 30. It may be next to the run-up plate 60.
The kind of said moving means will not be specifically limited if it is a means which can move the run-up board 60 according to the position of the end surface of the glass ribbon 1, A servomotor is illustrated.
In the case of the running plate adjusting mechanism that contacts the end face of the glass ribbon 1, when the end face of the glass ribbon 1 breaks, the roller 66 comes into contact with the damaged end face of the glass ribbon 1, and the damage of the glass ribbon 1 increases or Damage may occur. If it is a run-up plate adjustment mechanism which is non-contact with the end surface of the glass ribbon 1, the said subject will not arise.
<Modification of ear fold device>
[First Modification]
FIG. 8 is a front view showing a first modification of the ear folding device.

  The ear fold device 170 of this example is different from the ear fold device 90 of the above embodiment in the configuration of the ear fold part 172. Therefore, only the configuration of the ear fold 172 will be described here.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the ear fold 172 of this example includes a moving table 174, a swing arm 176 installed on the move table 174, a support roller 178 provided in the swing arm 176, and a swing arm. And a motor (not shown) that swings 176.

  The moving table 174 is supported by the position adjusting unit 94 so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the glass plate 2. The moving table 174 is provided with a column 180 for supporting the swing arm 176.

  The swing arm 176 includes a rotation shaft 176A at the base end. The rotating shaft 176A is horizontally disposed along the conveying direction of the glass plate 2, and is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the support column 180.

  The support roller 178 is configured as a support means for the ear portion 2 </ b> B, and is provided at the distal end portion of the swing arm 176.

  The motor is provided in the support column 180 and connected to the rotation shaft 176A of the swing arm 176 so as to be able to transmit the rotation. The motor is configured to be rotatable forward and backward. The rotating shaft 176A rotates forward and backward by driving this motor. As a result, the swing arm 176 swings in the swing direction. In FIG. 8, the direction indicated by the arrow DE is the swinging direction of the swinging arm 176.

  The swing arm 176 swings and moves between a “swing arm standby position” and a “folding position”.

  When the swing arm 176 is positioned at the swing arm standby position, the swing arm 176 is held in a horizontal posture. In this state, the height of the upper end portion of the support roller 178 and the height of the upper end portion of the roller 22 of the roller conveyor 20 are the same, and the ear portion 2B of the glass plate 2 conveyed by the roller conveyor 20 is supported by the support roller 178. It becomes possible to support.

  On the other hand, when located at the folding position, the swing arm 176 is inclined downward. Thereby, the support of the ear | edge part 2B by the support roller 178 is lost.

  The ear folding device 170 of this example is configured as described above.

  In the steady state, the swing arm 176 is located at the swing arm standby position. When the glass plate 2 is conveyed to the ear folding device 170, the ear portion 2 </ b> B is supported by the support roller 178.

  When the glass plate 2 is conveyed to a predetermined processing position, the motor is driven and the swing arm 176 moves to the folding position. As a result, the support roller 178 retracts downward (in the direction indicated by the arrow E).

  As the support roller 178 retracts downward, the glass plate 2 loses the support of the ear portion 2B. The glass plate 2 loses the support of the ear portion 2B, so that the ear portion 2B is bent by its own weight, and is bent along the vertical cutting line L1. That is, the ear folding device 170 of the present example is configured to bend the ear 2B with the weight of the ear 2B.

  In addition, the point by which the installation position of the ear fold part 172 is controlled so that the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1 may be controlled is the same as the ear fold apparatus 90 of embodiment mentioned above.

[Second Modification]
FIG. 9 is a front view showing a second modification of the ear folding device.

  The ear folding device 190 of this example is obtained by adding a pressing mechanism 192 of the ear portion 2B to the ear folding device 170 of the first modified example. Since the configuration of the ear folding device 170 according to the first modification is the same as that of the first modification except that the pressing mechanism 192 is added, only the configuration of the pressing mechanism 192 will be described here.

  The pressing mechanism 192 is in contact with the upper surface of the ear portion 2B and presses the ear portion 2B vertically downward (in the direction indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 9), and the drive for moving the pressing member 194 up and down in the vertical direction. Means (not shown).

  The pressing member 194 has a plate shape having a certain width, is disposed perpendicular to the main surface of the glass plate 2, and is disposed along the conveyance direction of the glass plate 2. Further, the pressing member 194 is arranged so as to press a position inside the support position of the ear portion 2B by the support roller 178.

  The drive means is composed of, for example, an air cylinder, and moves the pressing member 194 up and down in the vertical direction (the direction indicated by the arrow FG in FIG. 9). The drive means is attached to the column 180 via a bracket (not shown).

  The pressing member 194 is driven by driving means and moves between the “pressing member standby position” and the “pressing position”. When the pressing member 194 moves to the pressing position, the pressing member 194 presses the ear part 2B vertically downward, and when it moves to the pressing member standby position, the pressing member 194 retracts from the ear part 2B.

  The ear folding device 190 of this example is configured as described above.

  In the steady state, the swing arm 176 is positioned at the swing arm standby position, and the pressing member 194 is positioned at the pressing member standby position. When the glass plate 2 is conveyed to the ear folding device 190, the ear portion 2 </ b> B is supported by the support roller 178.

  When the glass plate 2 is conveyed to a predetermined processing position, the motor is driven and the swing arm 176 swings in the direction indicated by the arrow E and moves to the folding position. As a result, the support roller 178 retracts downward (in the direction indicated by the arrow E). Further, in synchronization with the swing of the swing arm 176, the pressing member 194 moves vertically downward (in the direction indicated by the arrow F). Thereby, the ear | edge part 2B is pressed by the press member 194, and is bent along the vertical cutting line L1.

  Thus, in the ear folding device 190 of this example, the ear part 2B is pressed by the pressing member 194 and folded. Thereby, the ear | edge part 2B can be folded more reliably.

  In addition, the point by which the installation position of the ear fold part 172 is controlled so that the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1 may be controlled is the same as the ear fold apparatus 90 of embodiment mentioned above.

  In this example, the movement of the pressing member 194 is performed in synchronization with the swing of the swing arm 176, but the movement of the press member 194 and the swing of the swing arm 176 are not necessarily synchronized. Absent. The pressing member 194 can be moved behind the swing of the swing arm 176. Moreover, when the ear | edge part 2B cannot be bent with dead weight, it can also be set as the structure which moves the press member 194 and folds the ear | edge part 2B.

  Moreover, although it is set as the structure which presses the ear | edge part 2B with the single press member 194 which has a plate shape in this example, it presses the ear | edge part 2B with the some pressing member arrange | positioned along the conveyance direction of the glass plate 2. It can also be set as a structure.

[Other variations]
The ear folding device only needs to be configured to apply bending stress to the ear portion 2B and be separated from the product portion 2A, and the configuration is not limited to the above form.

<Modification of position detector>
In the above embodiment, the position detector 130 is moved together with the cutter 46. However, the position detector alone may be moved.

  Further, the detection form is not limited to that in the above embodiment, and other detection forms may be employed. That is, the position detector only needs to be able to detect the position of the end of the glass ribbon 1 in the width direction. For example, a position detector may be provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the ear folding device.

<Modification of vertical cutting line processing device>
Although the vertical cutting line processing apparatus 30 of the said embodiment is set as the structure which processes only the vertical cutting line for isolate | separating an ear | edge part, the structure which further processes the vertical cutting line for isolate | separating a product part into multiple You can also In this case, a cutter for processing a longitudinal line for separating the product part into a plurality of parts is separately provided.

<Layout>
In the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 10 of the said embodiment, after processing the vertical cutting line L1 to the glass ribbon 1 with the vertical cutting line processing apparatus 30, it processes as the horizontal cutting line L2 to the glass ribbon 1 with the horizontal cutting line processing apparatus 40. However, after the horizontal cutting line L2 is processed into the glass ribbon 1 by the horizontal cutting line processing device 40, the vertical cutting line L1 may be processed into the glass ribbon 1 by the vertical cutting line processing device 30.

<Cross-cutting processing control by cutter>
Processing control of the transverse line L2 by the cutter 46 can also be performed using information from the position detector 130. That is, the position detector 130 can detect the positions of both end portions in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1, and uses the information detected by the position detector 130 to push down the cutter 46 (processing start point). The point where the cutter 46 is pulled up (processing end point) is set, and the transverse line L2 is processed.

  Here, the point at which the cutter 46, which is the processing start point, is pressed down is set on the inner side in the width direction of the glass ribbon 1, and is on the run-up plate 60 that is displaced in conjunction with the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1. The cutter 46 is set to land on.

  The point at which the cutter 46 that is the processing end point is pulled up is also set at a position inside the glass ribbon 1 in the width direction, and is set so that the cutter 46 is pulled up before passing through the end of the glass ribbon 1.

  The controller (cutter processing range setting means) 140 sets a point for pressing the cutter 46 (processing start point) and a point for lifting the cutter 46 (processing end point) based on information obtained from the position detector 130. Thereby, the processing range of the horizontal cutting line L2 by the cutter 46 can be made to follow the meandering and / or width change of the glass ribbon 1, and the horizontal cutting line L2 can be processed appropriately. This also prevents the cutter 46 from being damaged.

  Note that it is preferable to control the pressing force of the cutter 46 also when the transverse line L2 is processed using the information from the position detector 130 in this way. In this case, the cutter 46 controls the pressing force so that the pressing force increases after moving a predetermined distance after the start of processing (after pressing down). That is, the pressing force is controlled so that the pressing force is increased when the ear portion 1B is passed.

Although the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-251234 filed on Dec. 4, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  According to this invention, even if it is a case where the conveyance speed of a glass ribbon is raised, an ear folding operation | movement can be performed appropriately and a high quality glass plate can be manufactured.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Glass ribbon, 1A ... Product part of glass ribbon, 1B ... Ear part of glass ribbon, 2 ... Glass plate, 2A ... Product part of glass plate, 2B ... Ear part of glass plate, 10 ... Glass plate manufacturing apparatus, 20 ... Roller conveyor (conveying means), 22 ... Roller, 30 ... Vertical cutting line processing device (vertical cutting line processing means), 32 ... Cutter, 40 ... Transverse cutting line processing apparatus (transverse cutting line processing means), 42 ... Frame, 42A ... Support column, 42B ... Beam, 44 ... Cutter drive unit, 44A ... Horizontal drive unit, 44B ... Vertical drive unit, 46 ... Cutter, 48 ... Cutter guide unit, 50 ... Cutter detection unit (cutter detection means), 51 ... Rail, 52 ... Table, 52A ... Slider, 54 ... Linear motor, 56 ... Cylinder, 58 ... Cutter holder, 60 ... Running plate, 62 ... Traveling plate position adjusting mechanism (guide member position adjusting means), 64 ... Advancing plate guide part (supporting means), 64A ... Guide shaft, 64B ... Bearing, 64C ... Stopper, 66 ... Roller (contact member), 68 ... Connecting member , 70 ... Spring (biasing means), 72 ... Bearing member, 74 ... First cutter detection sensor (first cutter detection means), 76 ... Second cutter detection sensor (second cutter detection means), 78 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Sensor mounting frame, 78A ... Sensor mounting part, 78B ... Support part, 80 ... Lateral folding apparatus, 90 ... Ear folding apparatus, 92 ... Ear folding part (ear folding means), 94 ... Position adjustment part (position adjusting means), DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 96 ... Moving table, 98 ... Swing frame, 98A ... Swing arm, 98B ... Support frame, 98C ... Upper arm, 98D ... Lower arm, 98E ... Rotating shaft, 100 ... Support roller , 102 ... Protrusion for pressing, 104 ... Motor, 106 ... Column, 110 ... Base, 112 ... Rail, 114 ... Slider, 116 ... Screw rod, 118 ... Nut, 120 ... Motor, 122 ... Bearing, 130 ... Position detector ( Detection means), 140 ... Controller (control means, cutter processing range setting means), 170 ... Ear folding device, 172 ... Ear folding unit, 174 ... Moving table, 176 ... Oscillating arm, 176A ... Rotating shaft, 178 ... Support roller , 180 ... posts, 190 ... ear fold device, 192 ... pressing mechanism, 194 ... pressing member, L1 ... vertical line, L2 ... transverse line

Claims (13)

A transport unit that includes a transport path extending in a longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon, transports the glass ribbon in the longitudinal direction along the transport path, and transports a glass plate cut out from the glass ribbon;
With respect to the glass ribbon being conveyed along the conveyance path, vertical cutting lines are processed along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon at both edges in the width direction of the glass ribbon, and the glass is cut by the vertical cutting lines. Vertical line processing means for dividing the ribbon into a product part and an ear part;
A transverse line processing means for processing a transverse line in the width direction of the glass ribbon with respect to the glass ribbon being conveyed along the conveyance path;
Horizontal folding means for folding the glass ribbon being conveyed along the conveyance path along the transverse line, and cutting the glass plate from the glass ribbon;
Folding means that folds the glass plate being conveyed along the conveying path along the longitudinal cutting line, and separates the ear portion from the product portion of the glass plate;
Position adjusting means for adjusting the installation position of the ear folding means by moving the ear folding means in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the glass plate;
Detecting means for detecting a position of an end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon being conveyed along the conveying path;
Control means for controlling the position adjustment means based on the detection result of the detection means so that the installation position of the ear fold means changes following the change in the position of the end in the width direction of the glass ribbon;
A glass plate manufacturing apparatus comprising: The transverse line processing means includes:
A moving body that moves in the width direction of the glass ribbon;
A cutter provided in the moving body and pressed against the glass ribbon;
With
The said detection means is provided in the said mobile body, moves with the said cutter, The glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Claim 1 which detects the position of the edge part of the width direction of the said glass ribbon which is conveying the said conveyance path. . The transverse line processing means includes:
A guide member for guiding the landing of the cutter with respect to the glass ribbon;
Guide member position adjusting means for adjusting the installation position of the guide member so as to follow the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon;
The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The guide member position adjusting means includes
Support means for supporting the guide member movably along the moving direction of the cutter;
A contact member that is in contact with one end face of the glass ribbon in the width direction;
A connecting member that connects the contact member and the guide member;
Biasing means for biasing the abutting member toward the glass ribbon;
The glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Claim 3 provided with this. Cutter advance / retreat moving means for moving the cutter forward / backward relative to the main surface of the glass ribbon;
A cutter detecting means for detecting that the cutter moving from one side to the other side in the width direction of the glass ribbon has reached one of the ears, and has passed through one of the ears;
When it is detected that the cutter has reached one of the ears, the cutter advancing / retreating means is controlled so that the pressing force of the cutter becomes the first pressing force, and the cutter Cutter pressing force control for controlling the cutter advancing / retreating means so that the pressing force of the cutter becomes a second pressing force stronger than the first pressing force when it is detected that the ear has passed. Means,
The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: The cutter detecting means is
The cutter moving from one side of the glass ribbon in the width direction to the other detects that the cutter has passed the first cutter detection point, and detects that the cutter has reached one of the ears. First cutter detection means;
The cutter moving from one side of the glass ribbon in the width direction to the other detects that the cutter has passed the second cutter detection point, and detects that the cutter has passed one of the ears. A second cutter detecting means;
The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the apparatus is connected to the guide member and moves together with the guide member. A cutter processing range setting means for setting a processing start point and a processing end point of the transverse line by the cutter;
The cutter processing range setting means follows the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon so that the processing start point and the processing end point of the transverse line by the cutter change. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Claim 4 which sets the process start point and process end point of the said crossing line by the said cutter based on a detection result. For the glass ribbon that is being transported in the longitudinal direction along the transport path extending in the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon, the vertical cutting lines are processed along the longitudinal direction of the glass ribbon at both edges in the width direction of the glass ribbon. And dividing the glass ribbon into a product part and an ear part by the longitudinal cutting line;
For the glass ribbon being transported along the transport path, a step of processing a transverse line in the width direction of the glass ribbon;
Folding the glass ribbon being transported along the transport path along the transverse line, and cutting out a glass plate from the glass ribbon;
Folding the glass plate being transported along the transport path along the longitudinal cutting line using an ear fold means, and separating the ear portion from the product portion of the glass plate;
A glass plate manufacturing method comprising:
The position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon being transported along the transport path is detected, and the installation position of the ear folding means is changed following the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon. A glass plate manufacturing method.   The glass plate according to claim 8, wherein the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon is detected by moving detection means for detecting the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon in the width direction of the glass ribbon. Production method. The transverse line is processed by moving the cutter in the width direction of the glass ribbon,
The position of the edge part of the width direction of the said glass ribbon is a glass plate manufacturing method of Claim 9 which moves the said detection means with the said cutter.   The guide position which guides the landing of the cutter to the glass ribbon is provided, and the installation position of the guide member is adjusted so as to follow the change in the position of the end in the width direction of the glass ribbon. The glass plate manufacturing method of description. Detecting that the cutter moving from one to the other in the width direction of the glass ribbon has reached one of the ears, and has passed one of the ears;
When the cutter reaches one of the ears, the pressing force of the cutter is controlled so that the pressing force of the cutter becomes the first pressing force,
The pressing force of the cutter is controlled so that the pressing force of the cutter becomes a second pressing force that is stronger than the first pressing force when the cutter passes through one of the ears. Glass plate manufacturing method.   The glass plate manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein the processing start point and the processing end point of the transverse line by the cutter are changed following the change in the position of the end portion in the width direction of the glass ribbon.

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