JP7842380B2 - Apparatus and method for manufacturing glass plates - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a manufacturing apparatus and method for glass plates.

One method for manufacturing glass plates involves cutting a glass ribbon formed by a down-draw method while transporting it vertically downwards, thereby cutting the glass plate from the ribbon. An example of this method is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

In the method disclosed in the document, first, a scribe line (referred to as a notched line in the document) is formed along the width direction on one side of a glass ribbon being transported downward in a vertical position. Then, the glass ribbon is folded and cut by curving the portion where the scribe line is formed so that one side is convex. This cuts out the portion of the glass ribbon below the scribe line as a glass plate. Glass powder generated from the cut portion formed during the folding process is collected by suction. For glass powder collection, the powder is sucked in from a suction port (referred to as a vacuum port on the notched line side, etc.) that extends in the width direction and faces the cut portion.

Special Publication No. 2018-516223

The airflow velocity (suction force) generated when the suction port draws in glass powder varies and is not uniform depending on its position along the width of the port. In this case, a higher airflow velocity is required where a larger amount of glass powder is generated along the width of the port. However, due to the non-uniformity of the airflow velocity, the positions with high airflow velocity and those with high glass powder generation may be misaligned along the width. In this case, the suction port may not be able to completely draw in the glass powder, resulting in glass powder adhering to the glass plate cut from the glass ribbon.

In light of the circumstances described above, the technical challenge to be addressed is to ensure reliable collection of glass dust generated during the folding and cutting process when a glass ribbon is being transported downwards in a vertical position to produce glass plates.

(1) A glass plate manufacturing apparatus for solving the above problems comprises: a scribe mechanism that forms a scribe line along the width direction on one side of a glass ribbon being conveyed downward in a vertical position; a folding mechanism that curves the portion of the glass ribbon where the scribe line is formed so that one side is convex, and then folds and cuts it, cutting out the portion of the glass ribbon below the scribe line as a glass plate; and a dust collector that sucks up and collects glass powder generated from the cut portion formed by the folding and cutting process. The dust collector comprises a suction nozzle that widens in the width direction and has a suction port facing the cut portion; a negative pressure generating source that generates negative pressure in the internal space of the suction nozzle; and a connecting pipe that connects the suction nozzle and the negative pressure generating source, and the opening degree of the suction port can be adjusted for each position in the width direction.

This manufacturing apparatus allows for adjustment of the suction port opening at each position in the width direction. This adjustment enables control over the airflow velocity (suction force) at each position in the width direction. Therefore, the desired airflow velocity can be generated at positions in the width direction where a large amount of glass powder is generated and a high airflow velocity is required. As a result, reliable collection of glass powder becomes possible.

(2) In the manufacturing apparatus described in (1) above, it is preferable that the adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of the opening dimensions of the suction port along the vertical direction for each position in the width direction, and that the opening degree of the suction port for each position in the width direction is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism.

In this way, the opening degree of the suction port at each position in the width direction can be easily adjusted using the adjustment mechanism.

(3) In the manufacturing apparatus described in (2) above, the adjustment mechanism is preferably a blocking member that partially closes the suction port, and the blocking member is preferably attachable to and detachable from the suction port.

In this way, by simply attaching the blocking member to the suction port, the opening dimensions along the vertical direction of the suction port can be adjusted for each position in the width direction. Furthermore, since the blocking member is removable, the opening dimensions at each position in the width direction can be easily changed by replacing it with a blocking member that has a different shape for blocking the suction port.

(4) In the manufacturing apparatus described in (3) above, it is preferable that the closing member is divided into multiple members along the width direction.

In this configuration, because the occluding member is divided into multiple components, adjusting the opening degree of the suction port at a specific position in the width direction (the opening dimension along the vertical direction) only requires replacing the component corresponding to that specific position. Therefore, the amount of work required to adjust the opening degree of the suction port at a specific position can be reduced.

(5) In any of the manufacturing apparatuses described in (1) to (4) above, it is preferable that the connecting pipe is connected to the end portion in the width direction of the suction nozzle.

This design places the connecting tube at the end of the suction nozzle, eliminating the need for a connecting tube in the central, inner part of the width. In this case, it becomes easier to install sensors, cameras, and other devices around the central area where the connecting tube is absent.

(6) In the manufacturing apparatus described in (5) above, it is preferable that the connection portion of the connecting pipe with the suction nozzle faces the suction port, or that the connection portion is parallel to the suction port, and that when observed from a direction along the vertical direction, the angle between the widthwise centerline of the suction nozzle and the pipe axis of the connection portion is 10° or more and 90° or less.

This method makes it easier to increase the airflow velocity even around the center of the suction port in the width direction. When the connecting pipe is connected to the end portion of the suction nozzle, the area around the center of the suction port in the width direction is the furthest from the connecting part. However, if the connecting part is directed towards the suction port, and the angle between the width-direction centerline of the suction nozzle and the pipe axis of the connecting part is between 10° and 90°, it becomes easier to increase the airflow velocity even around the center of the suction port in the width direction.

(7) In any of the manufacturing apparatuses described in (1) to (6) above, it is preferable that multiple connecting pipes are provided, the internal space of the suction nozzle is divided into the same number of flow paths as the number of connecting pipes by partition members, a connecting pipe is connected to each of the multiple flow paths, and in each flow path, the suction port is located at the upstream end and the connecting pipe is located at the downstream end.

In this configuration, the internal space of the suction nozzle is divided into multiple flow paths, and each flow path is connected by a connecting pipe. This prevents large pressure differences between the flow paths. As a result, it is possible to minimize pressure differences within the internal space. Consequently, excessive differences in airflow velocity at different positions along the width of the suction port can be avoided.

(8) In any of the manufacturing apparatuses described in (1) to (7) above, it is preferable that the suction nozzle is movable between an operating position for sucking up glass powder and a standby position further away from the glass ribbon than the operating position.

By doing this, the suction nozzle can be moved to a standby position when glass powder is not being aspirated, thus preventing unnecessary contact between the suction nozzle and the glass ribbon.

(9) In any of the manufacturing apparatuses described in (1) to (8) above, it is preferable that the suction port is wider than the glass ribbon.

This method ensures that the suction port opposite the cut portion formed during the bending and cutting of the glass ribbon is wider than the cut portion itself, which is advantageous for reliably collecting glass dust.

(10) Furthermore, by using any of the manufacturing apparatuses described in (1) to (9) above, it is possible to obtain the same effects and benefits as those of the above-described manufacturing apparatus.

According to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method described herein, when cutting a glass plate by folding and cutting a glass ribbon being transported downward in a vertical position, reliable collection of glass dust generated during the folding and cutting process becomes possible.

This is a front view showing a glass plate manufacturing apparatus. This is a cross-sectional view showing the section A-A in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view showing a dust collector. This is a front view showing the suction port formed in the suction nozzle. This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing glass plates. This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing glass plates. This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing glass plates. This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing glass plates.

The glass plate manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the X, Y, and Z directions shown in the drawings referenced in the description of the embodiment are mutually orthogonal directions.

<Glass plate manufacturing equipment>
First, let's explain the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as manufacturing apparatus 1).

The manufacturing apparatus 1 is equipped with a cutting mechanism 2 for cutting the glass ribbon G, which is being transported downward in a vertical position, along the width direction (X direction) of the section to be cut Gp, thereby cutting out the section to be cut Gx located below the section to be cut Gp from the glass ribbon G. When the glass ribbon G is cut by the cutting mechanism 2, the section to be cut Gx is cut out as a glass plate Gs.

Here, the glass ribbon G is glass formed by a down-draw method (e.g., overflow down-draw, redraw, slot down-draw, etc.). The glass ribbon G includes an effective portion G1 located in the center in the width direction and non-effective portions G2 located at both ends in the width direction. The effective portion G1 includes the part that will later become the finished glass sheet, while the non-effective portion G2 is the part that is discarded without becoming the finished glass sheet. The non-effective portion G2 includes thicker edges Gm (see Figure 3). Note that in Figure 1, the boundary between the effective portion G1 and the non-effective portion G2 is indicated by a dashed line.

The cutting mechanism 2 includes a scribe mechanism 3 for forming a scribe line S (see Figure 5) on one surface Ga of the portion to be cut Gp extending in the width direction of the glass ribbon G, and a folding mechanism 4 for folding and cutting the glass ribbon G along the scribe line S (see Figures 6 to 8).

The scribe mechanism 3 includes a scribe auxiliary member 5 that supports the portion Gp of the glass ribbon G to be cut from the other side Gb, and a scribe wheel 6 that forms the scribe line S while moving (traveling) on one side Ga of the portion Gp to be cut.

Both the scribe auxiliary member 5 and the scribe wheel 6 can move up and down in the vertical direction (Y direction) by a lifting device (not shown). During the formation of the scribe line S, both 5 and 6 follow the glass ribbon G downwards at the same speed as the downward transport speed of the glass ribbon G. In other words, during the formation of the scribe line S, the relative vertical positional relationship between both 5 and 6 and the glass ribbon G remains unchanged and is maintained.

The scribe auxiliary member 5 is formed to be elongated along the width direction of the glass ribbon G. The scribe auxiliary member 5 has a contact portion 5a that directly contacts the glass ribbon G (the portion to be cut Gp). The contact portion 5a can contact the entire width of the glass ribbon G (the portion to be cut Gp), or the portion excluding the tabs Gm at both ends in the width direction.

The scribe wheel 6 is a disc-shaped member with a blade-like peripheral portion. The scribe wheel 6 travels on the contact portion 5a of the scribe auxiliary member 5 via the glass ribbon G (the portion to be cut Gp). As the scribe wheel 6 travels, it forms a scribe line S along the entire width of the glass ribbon G (the portion to be cut Gp), or in the portion excluding the ear portions Gm at both ends in the width direction. The scribe auxiliary member 5 may also be roller-shaped; in this case, the scribe auxiliary member 5 is configured to move in the width direction, following the scribe wheel 6.

Both the scribe auxiliary member 5 and the scribe wheel 6 are movable along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the glass ribbon G. More specifically, both 5 and 6 can move between a contact position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2) where they are in contact with the glass ribbon G, and a standby position (shown by a solid line in Figure 2) where they are separated from the glass ribbon G. Both 5 and 6 are in the contact position when the scribe line S is being formed, and in the standby position when the scribe line S is not being formed.

The folding mechanism 4 bends the glass ribbon G, where the scribe line S is formed, so that one side Ga is convex, and applies bending stress to the portion Gp to be cut, thereby folding and cutting the glass ribbon G. As a result, the folding mechanism 4 cuts out the portion Gx from the glass ribbon G as a glass plate Gs.

The folding mechanism 4 comprises a support member 7 that supports the glass ribbon G from the other side Gb, and a holding member 8 that holds the portion Gx of the glass ribbon G to be cut. Although the holding member 8 belongs to the folding mechanism 4, it operates not only during the folding and cutting of the glass ribbon G but also during the formation of the scribe line S (details will be described later).

The support member 7 can move up and down vertically by a lifting device (not shown). The holding member 8 can move vertically by a moving device (not shown). Both the support member 7 and the holding member 8 follow the glass ribbon G downwards at the same speed as the downward transport speed of the glass ribbon G during the bending and cutting of the glass ribbon G. As a result, the relative vertical positional relationship between the two members 7 and 8 and the glass ribbon G does not change during the bending and cutting of the glass ribbon G.

The support member 7 is a fulcrum that curves the portion Gp to be cut when the glass ribbon G is broken or cut. The support member 7 is formed to be elongated along the width direction of the glass ribbon G. The support member 7 has a contact portion 7a that directly contacts the glass ribbon G. The contact portion 7a can contact the entire width of the glass ribbon G, or the portion excluding the tabs Gm at both ends in the width direction.

The support member 7 is movable along the thickness direction of the glass ribbon G. Specifically, the support member 7 can move between a contact position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2) where it is in contact with the glass ribbon G and a standby position (shown by a solid line in Figure 2) where it is separated from the glass ribbon G. The support member 7 is in the contact position when the glass ribbon G is folded or cut, and is in the standby position at other times.

The holding member 8 has a pair of arms 9, 9 facing each other at one end and the other end in the width direction of the cutting target portion Gx. Each of the pair of arms 9, 9 has an arm body 10 extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of chucks 11 attached to the arm body 10 in a vertically arranged manner.

Each of the multiple chucks 11 is equipped with a pair of claws 11a, 11a that grip the non-effective portion G2 of the cutting target Gx in the thickness direction (Z direction). The pair of claws 11a, 11a are capable of opening and closing. By closing each claw 11a to the closed state (shown by a solid line in Figure 2), the cutting target Gx is gripped, and by opening each claw 11a to the open state (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2), the grip on the cutting target Gx is released.

The arm body 10 is capable of rotational movement around an axis extending in the X direction, via a guide mechanism (not shown). The axis that serves as the center of rotation is located above the arm body 10. As it rotates, the arm body 10 can assume a vertical position parallel to the vertical direction (shown by a solid line in Figure 2) and an inclined position tilted relative to the vertical position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2). This allows the arm body 10 to curve the portion Gp of the glass ribbon G by transitioning from the vertical to the inclined position while the multiple chucks 11 are gripping the portion Gx to be cut.

The manufacturing apparatus 1 further includes a gas injection nozzle 12 and a suction nozzle 13 (not shown in Figure 1). The gas injection nozzle 12 has the function of injecting gas 12a (see Figures 7 and 8), such as air (including clean air or clean dry air), to blow away the glass powder Gk generated during the folding and cutting of the glass ribbon G. The suction nozzle 13 has the function of sucking the glass powder Gk from one side Ga of the glass ribbon G. Here, the suction nozzle 13 is part of a dust collector 14 (see Figure 3) provided in the manufacturing apparatus 1. The dust collector 14 is a device for collecting the glass powder Gk sucked up by the suction nozzle 13, and its details will be described later.

Both the gas injection nozzle 12 and the suction nozzle 13 can be moved up and down in the vertical direction (Y direction) by a lifting device (not shown). When the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, both 12 and 13 descend at the same speed as the downward transport speed of the glass ribbon G. In other words, when the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, the relative vertical positional relationship between both 12 and 13 and the glass ribbon G remains unchanged and is maintained.

The gas injection nozzle 12 is positioned on the other side Gb of the glass ribbon G and below the contact portion 7a of the support member 7. The gas injection nozzle 12 is positioned to inject gas 12a towards the ineffective portion G2 of the glass ribbon G. More specifically, when observed from the Y direction, the gas injection nozzle 12 is inclined with respect to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the glass ribbon G, and the tip of the nozzle is tilted outward in the width direction (X direction).

In this embodiment, the gas injection nozzle 12 is configured to inject gas 12a towards the ineffective portion G2, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, a gas injection nozzle 12 with an elongated nozzle in the width direction (X direction) of the glass ribbon G may be used to inject gas 12a over the entire width direction of the glass ribbon G.

The suction nozzle 13 is positioned opposite the gas injection nozzle 12, sandwiching the glass ribbon G in the thickness direction (Z direction). The suction opening 13a formed in the suction nozzle 13 extends in the width direction (X direction) of the glass ribbon G, and the suction opening 13a is wider than the glass ribbon G (see Figure 3). An elastic member 15 is attached to the suction opening 13a. In this embodiment, three elastic members 15 are attached to the suction opening 13a in three vertical rows, and each elastic member 15 extends across the entire width of the suction opening 13a. The elastic members 15 act as cushioning materials to absorb the impact when the glass ribbon G, or glass plates Gs cut from the glass ribbon G, come into contact with the suction nozzle 13. The number of elastic members 15 may be increased or decreased as appropriate.

Both the gas injection nozzle 12 and the suction nozzle 13 are movable along the thickness direction of the glass ribbon G. More specifically, both 12 and 13 can move between an operating position close to the glass ribbon G (see Figures 6-8) and a standby position further away from the glass ribbon G (the position shown in Figure 2). Both 12 and 13 are in the operating position when the glass powder Gk is being sucked (blown away), and in the standby position at all other times.

The dust collector 14 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

As shown in Figure 3, the dust collector 14 comprises a suction nozzle 13, a negative pressure source 16 (e.g., a blower or vacuum tank) that generates negative pressure in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, and a connecting pipe 17 that connects the suction nozzle 13 and the negative pressure source 16. The arrows in Figure 3 indicate the flow of gas from the suction port 13a into the internal space 13b to its outflow through the connecting pipe 17. The dust collector 14 may also include a collector (e.g., a bag filter) between the suction nozzle 13 and the negative pressure source 16 to collect glass powder Gk.

As shown in Figure 4, the suction port 13a (indicated by a thick line representing the opening's contour) formed in the suction nozzle 13 allows for adjustment of the opening degree at each position in the width direction (X direction). In other words, the suction port 13a allows for varying opening areas per unit width at each position in the width direction.

In this embodiment, with the aim of maximizing the airflow velocity at the center of the suction port 13a in the width direction, the opening of the suction port 13a is maximized at the center of the width direction, and the opening of the suction port 13a is gradually reduced as it moves from the center to both ends of the width direction.

Here, the configuration shown in Figure 4 is adapted for cases where a large amount of glass powder Gk is generated at the center in the width direction when the glass ribbon G is folded and cut. To adapt to this, the opening of the suction port 13a is maximized at the center in the width direction. Therefore, for example, if a large amount of glass powder Gk is generated at a position offset from the center in the width direction or at both ends in the width direction, it is preferable to maximize the opening of the suction port 13a at that offset position or at both ends in the width direction. Note that positions where a large amount of glass powder Gk is generated in the width direction are, for example, positions where the scribe line S is deeply formed or positions corresponding to the ear portion Gm.

The opening degree of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism 18 that allows adjustment of the opening dimension H along the vertical direction (Y direction) of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction.

In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 18 is a plate 19 acting as a blocking member that partially closes the upper region of the suction port 13a. Alternatively, the plate 19 may partially close the lower region of the suction port 13a (for example, a configuration that is an inverted version of the configuration shown in Figure 4). The plate 19 is divided into multiple members (eight plate pieces 20 in this embodiment) along its width. In the following description, the eight plate pieces 20 may be distinguished by being referred to as plate pieces 20a, 20b, ... 20g, 20h in their order of arrangement. While the material of the plate pieces 20 is not limited, metal plates such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy plates are preferred considering heat resistance and durability.

The eight plate pieces 20 can each be attached to and detached from the suction port 13a. Each plate piece 20 has a through-hole (not shown) running along its thickness direction (Z direction). Fasteners (e.g., bolts) are inserted through these through-holes, and these fasteners are tightened and secured to a partition member 21 (see Figure 3) located in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. In this manner, each plate piece 20 is attached to the suction port 13a. Of course, other configurations may be used for attaching each plate piece 20 to the suction port 13a.

Since each plate piece 20 can be attached to and detached from the suction port 13a, the configuration in which the plate body 19 closes the suction port 13a can be changed by replacing some or all of the eight plate pieces 20. In other words, it becomes possible to adjust the opening degree of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction.

The eight plate pieces 20 are arranged in the width direction either without gaps between them or with the gaps between them sealed. One example of sealing the gaps is to seal them with a sheet material (such as tape). In this embodiment, the eight plate pieces 20 have the same width dimension (X-direction dimension). Of course, this is not the only option; the width dimensions of the eight plate pieces 20 may differ.

The eight plate pieces 20 are all formed in a rectangular shape. Among the eight plate pieces 20 are three types with mutually different vertical dimensions (Y-direction dimensions). The four plate pieces 20a, 20b, 20g, and 20h, located near both ends in the width direction, have the largest vertical dimensions, while the two plate pieces 20d and 20e, located near the center in the width direction, have the smallest vertical dimensions. The remaining two plate pieces 20c and 20f have vertical dimensions intermediate between the two types. Note that the shape of each plate piece 20 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 4 and may be appropriately modified to match the desired opening dimension H.

Here, if we define H0 as the dimension of the suction port 13a along the vertical direction (the opening dimension when the plate body 19 is removed), and H (H1 to H _max ) as the opening dimension of the suction port 13a along the vertical direction, then the opening degree of the suction port 13a (H1/H0) at the positions corresponding to the four plate pieces 20a, 20b, 20g, and 20h is, for example, 2.5% to 15%. Furthermore, the opening degree of the suction port 13a (H2/H0) at the positions corresponding to the two plate pieces 20c and 20f is, for example, 2.5% to 20%. In addition, the opening degree of the suction port 13a at the center in the width direction (H _max /H0) is, for example, 2.5% to 50%.

As shown in Figure 3, there are multiple connecting pipes 17 (four in this embodiment). All connecting pipes 17 are connected to the same negative pressure source 16. In this embodiment, a blower is used as the negative pressure source 16. The negative pressure source 16 is installed at a position sufficiently far from the suction nozzle 13. When the negative pressure source 16 is activated, gas is discharged from the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, generating negative pressure in the internal space 13b. This causes suction by the suction nozzle 13 (suction port 13a).

Each of the connecting pipes 17 is connected to the end portion in the width direction of the suction nozzle 13. Here, "end portion" refers to the portion of the suction nozzle 13 that has a width of 5% to 30% of the width direction edge of the suction nozzle 13, where W is the total width of the suction nozzle 13.

The internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13 has a bottom wall 13ba, a ceiling wall (not shown) facing the bottom wall 13ba, and a side wall 13bb that connects the bottom wall 13ba and the ceiling wall. The connecting portion 17a of each connecting pipe 17 to the suction nozzle 13 is connected to the side wall 13bb of the internal space 13b in a state that points towards the suction port 13a, or in a state that is parallel to the suction port 13a. Note that "the connecting portion 17a points towards the suction port 13a" means that when the pipe axis 17aa of the connecting portion 17a is extended, that extension line passes through the suction port 13a, and "the connecting portion 17a is parallel to the suction port 13a" means that the pipe axis 17aa of the connecting portion 17a is parallel to the suction port 13a.

In this embodiment, multiple (four in this embodiment) connecting portions 17a are arranged symmetrically with respect to the widthwise centerline 13c of the suction nozzle 13. Here, when observed from the Y direction, the lower limit of the angles θ1 and θ2 between the widthwise centerline 13c of the suction nozzle 13 and the pipe axis 17aa of the connecting portion 17a is preferably 10°, more preferably 20°. The upper limit is preferably 90°, more preferably 30°. In this embodiment, angles θ1 and θ2 are the same, but angles θ1 and θ2 may be different.

Multiple partition members 21 (seven in this embodiment) are arranged in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. In this embodiment, the multiple partition members 21 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the widthwise center line 13c of the suction nozzle 13. Each partition member 21 has a screw hole (not shown) for tightening the fasteners mentioned above.

The internal space 13b and each partition member 21 have the same dimensions in the vertical direction (Y-direction dimension). That is, the upper end of each partition member 21 contacts the ceiling wall of the internal space 13b, and the lower end contacts the bottom wall 13ba. Therefore, in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, the passage of gas or glass powder Gk through the partition members 21 is impossible. Furthermore, each partition member 21 also serves as a reinforcing material to prevent the internal space 13b from collapsing due to the generation of negative pressure.

The internal space 13b is divided into the same number of flow paths 22 as the number of connecting pipes 17 (four in this embodiment) by the multiple partition members 21 described above. Each of the flow paths 22 is connected to a corresponding connecting pipe 17. In each flow path 22, a suction port 13a is located at its upstream end, and a connecting pipe 17 is located at its downstream end. Of the four flow paths 22, the two flow paths 22 at both ends in the width direction are primarily for collecting glass powder Gk generated from the non-effective portion G2 during the folding and cutting of the glass ribbon G. On the other hand, the two flow paths 22 on the inside in the width direction are primarily for collecting glass powder Gk generated from the effective portion G1 during the folding and cutting.

Here, the number of connecting pipes 17 and the number of flow paths 22 are not limited to the numbers in this embodiment and may be increased or decreased as appropriate. In this case, the number of partition members 21 may also be increased or decreased in accordance with the increase or decrease in the number of connecting pipes 17 and flow paths 22. The number of connecting pipes 17 can be, for example, 2 to 8, and preferably 2 to 6. The number of flow paths 22 can be, for example, 2 to 8, and preferably 2 to 6. The number of connecting pipes 17 and the number of flow paths 22 may be different, but preferably the same. Furthermore, the connection portion 17a of each connecting pipe 17 to the suction nozzle 13 is preferably connected to the side wall 13bb of the internal space 13b as in this embodiment, but it may also be connected to the bottom wall 13ba or the ceiling wall.

<Method of manufacturing glass plates>
The following describes a method for manufacturing glass plates using the above-mentioned manufacturing apparatus 1.

In this manufacturing method, when cutting glass plates Gs from glass ribbon G formed by the down-draw method, a scribing step P1 (Figure 5) is performed to form scribe lines S on the glass ribbon G, and a folding step P2 (Figures 6-8) is performed to fold and cut the glass ribbon G along the scribe lines S.

In the scribing process P1 shown in Figure 5, first, the glass ribbon G being transported downward after molding is held by a pair of arms 9, 9 that descend following the glass ribbon G, specifically by changing the pair of claws 11a, 11a on each of the multiple chucks 11 on each of the arms 9, 9 from an open state to a closed state, thereby gripping the portion to be cut Gx.

Next, both the scribe auxiliary member 5 and the scribe wheel 6 are lowered in accordance with the glass ribbon G, moving them from their respective standby positions to contact positions. Then, the scribe wheel 6 is moved along one surface Ga of the section to be cut Gp to form the scribe line S. This completes the scribe process P1.

Furthermore, after the completion of the scribing process P1, both the scribe auxiliary member 5 and the scribe wheel 6 are moved from the contact position to the standby position. Then, both 5 and 6 are raised to the height position before the formation of the scribe line S. Meanwhile, the downward movement of the pair of arms 9, 9 following the glass ribbon G and the holding of the cutting target Gx are continued.

In the folding process P2 shown in Figure 6, the support member 7 is first moved from the standby position to the contact position while being lowered in accordance with the glass ribbon G. Similarly, the gas injection nozzle 12 and suction nozzle 13 are moved from the standby position to the operating position while being lowered in accordance with the glass ribbon G. In this embodiment, the contact portion 7a is brought into contact with the glass ribbon G above the portion to be cut Gp. Of course, this is not the only option; the contact portion 7a may also be brought into contact with the portion to be cut Gp.

Next, as shown in Figure 7, the injection of gas 12a by the gas injection nozzle 12 and suction by the suction nozzle 13 are started. In this embodiment, suction by the suction nozzle 13 is performed only during the folding process P2, but suction may also be performed at times other than the folding process P2. In this case, it is preferable to reduce the air velocity (suction force) compared to when the folding process P2 is performed. That is, it is preferable to reduce the negative pressure generated in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. This is to avoid the glass ribbon G oscillating in the thickness direction due to the suction of the suction nozzle 13.

After injecting gas 12a and initiating suction by the suction nozzle 13, the arm body 10 is rotated to change its orientation from vertical to inclined. This causes the portion of the glass ribbon G to be curved at the cutting point Gp. As bending stress acts on the cutting point Gp due to the curvature, the glass ribbon G is cut along the scribe line S. Then, as shown in Figure 8, a glass plate Gs is cut from the glass ribbon G. The upper edge of the cut glass plate Gs is supported from the other side Gb by an elastic member 15 attached to the suction port 13a.

Glass powder Gk is generated from the cut portion (the cut end surface of the glass ribbon G and glass plate Gs) formed during the folding and cutting of the glass ribbon G. The generated glass powder Gk is blown away towards the suction nozzle 13 by the gas 12a injected by the gas injection nozzle 12, and is also sucked in through the suction port 13a of the suction nozzle 13, which is facing the cut portion. This completes the folding and cutting process P2.

After the folding process P2 is completed, the support member 7 is moved from the contact position to the standby position. The gas injection nozzle 12, which has stopped injecting gas 12a, and the suction nozzle 13, which has stopped suction, are also moved from the operating position to the standby position. Furthermore, the support member 7, gas injection nozzle 12, and suction nozzle 13 are raised to the height position before the glass ribbon G was folded and cut. The cut glass plates Gs are then transferred to a transfer device (not shown) for transporting the glass plates Gs to a downstream process. After the glass plates Gs are transferred to the transfer device, the pair of arms 9, 9 return to their positions before the formation of the scribe line S.

Herein, the following modifications can also be applied to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, a plate 19 (multiple plate pieces 20) that partially closes the suction port 13a is used as the adjustment mechanism 18 to adjust the opening degree of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction. Alternatively, a flap may be attached to the suction port 13a as the adjustment mechanism 18, and the opening degree of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction may be adjusted according to the change in the position of the flap.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the suction port 13a is divided into eight sections along the width direction by eight plate pieces 20, allowing for adjustment of the opening degree for each section. However, the number of sections dividing the suction port 13a along the width direction can be multiple, for example, 2 to 20, and preferably 4 to 16.

In the scribe step P1 of the above embodiment, the scribe line S was formed while the portion Gx to be cut from the glass ribbon G was held by a pair of arms 9, 9. However, the method is not limited to this. The scribe line S may also be formed without the portion Gx to be cut from the glass ribbon G being held by the pair of arms 9, 9.

In the above embodiment, the glass powder Gk is blown away by the gas injection nozzle 12 and sucked up by the suction nozzle 13. However, suction by the suction nozzle 13 alone may also be performed. This suppresses oscillation of the glass ribbon G in the thickness direction. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the suction nozzle 13 is configured to suck up the glass powder Gk from one side Ga of the glass ribbon G, but it may also be configured to suck it up from the other side Gb.

1. Glass plate manufacturing apparatus 3. Scribing mechanism 4. Folding mechanism 13. Suction nozzle 13a. Suction port 13b. Internal space 13c. Widthwise centerline 14. Dust collector 16. Negative pressure source 17. Connecting pipe 17a. Connecting part 17aa. Pipe axis 18. Adjustment mechanism 19. Plate body (closing member)
20a-20h Plate piece 21 Partition member 22 Flow path G Glass ribbon Ga One side of the glass ribbon Gk Glass powder Gs Glass plate H Opening dimensions S Scrib line W Total width of the suction nozzle

Claims (10)

A scribe mechanism that forms a scribe line along the width direction on one side of a glass ribbon being transported downward in a vertical position,
A folding mechanism that bends and cuts the portion of the glass ribbon where the scribe line is formed so that one side is convex, and cuts the portion of the glass ribbon below the scribe line as a glass plate,
A dust collector that sucks up and collects glass powder generated from the cut section formed during the folding and cutting process,
A glass plate manufacturing apparatus equipped with,
The aforementioned dust collector,
A suction nozzle having a suction port that widens in the width direction and faces the cut portion,
A negative pressure source that generates negative pressure in the internal space of the suction nozzle,
A connecting pipe that connects the suction nozzle and the negative pressure source,
Equipped with,
A glass plate manufacturing apparatus in which the opening degree of the suction port can be adjusted for each position in the width direction. The suction port has an adjustment mechanism that allows the opening dimensions along the vertical direction to be adjusted for each position in the width direction,
The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening degree of the suction port at each position in the width direction is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is a blocking member that partially closes the suction port,
The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the blocking member is attachable to and detachable from the suction port. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the closing member is divided into a plurality of members along the width direction. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting pipe is connected to the end portion in the width direction of the suction nozzle. The connecting portion of the connecting pipe with the suction nozzle is directed toward the suction port, or the connecting portion is parallel to the suction port.
The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when observed from a direction along the vertical direction, the angle between the widthwise center line of the suction nozzle and the pipe axis of the connecting portion is 10° or more and 90° or less. The system includes multiple connecting pipes,
The internal space of the suction nozzle is divided by a partition member into the same number of flow paths as the number of connecting pipes.
Each of the plurality of flow paths is connected to the connecting pipe,
The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in each flow path, the suction port is located at the upstream end and the connecting pipe is located at the downstream end. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction nozzle is movable between an operating position for suctioning glass powder and a standby position further away from the glass ribbon than the operating position. A glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction port is wider than the glass ribbon. A method for manufacturing a glass plate using the glass plate manufacturing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 4.