KR101267668B1 - Restraining dense packaging system for lcd glass sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

A reusable high density packaging system used for the transport of large display substrates is provided consisting of three main components: a pallet frame, a lid, and a restraint. The restraining means stably fixes the glass sheet inside the lid on the pallet frame. The restraining means comprise one or more restraining bars and a mechanical system that move toward and away from the front of the glass sheet. The mechanical system may use a pressing panel, a belt device, a scissor-like mechanism, a placement device or a restraining bar pulling system and may move at an angle toward and away from the front of the glass sheet. Each embodiment contemplates flexible and stable packaging of glass sheets from 1 to N in manual and automatic operation.

Container, Packaging, Glass Sheet, Glass Restraint, Glass Transfer, Glass Substrate

Description

High density restraint packaging system for LCD glass sheets {RESTRAINING DENSE PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR LCD GLASS SHEETS}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to packaging, and more particularly to the packaging of large display substrates, such as stacks of glass sheets.

Recently, as the size of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel increases, the size of the glass substrate used for the liquid crystal display panel increases.

Conventional non-contact packaging, such as PP-case and L-supports, is dominated by small glass substrate delivery models that are less than or equal to 730 mm x 920 mm Gen. 4 (Gen). Looking at the limitations of packing density, the need for significant storage space, and the difficulty of expanding applications for increasing sizes, conventional non-contact or space type packages are in fact subject to practical limitations for glass sizes equal to or larger than the fifth generation. do.

In light of the tendency to require larger sized liquid crystal displays, there has been a need for suitable or intrinsic packaging for transferring large glass sheets from glass manufacturers to display manufacturers. This is not limited to the provision of thin film transistor panels and / or color filter panels.

In some prior art, for example, when glass sheets are transferred from a liquid crystal display manufacturing plant to a thin film transistor (TFT) manufacturer or a color filter (CF) manufacturer, the glass sheets are typically made from a glass sheet manufacturing plant. A protective plastic film or other separating material is placed in a box or rectangular box with removable side panels and typically placed on each side of the glass sheet prior to transport. However, when this type of container is used, the size of the glass sheet to be conveyed is limited. In addition, these containers are of low mechanical strength, even if they are suitable for delivery. For these reasons, the high density safe conveyance of glass sheets in the prior art could be improved. Moreover, glass sheets are often undesirably contaminated during transport and crates or boxes are often weather resistant, so overlapping packaging (eg boxes in boxes) is often required. In a liquid crystal display manufacturing plant, the transported glass sheet is taken out of the box, the protective film or the separation material located on each side of the glass sheet is removed, and the glass sheet is washed and then manufactured into the substrate of the liquid crystal panel. In addition, there is a problem that takes a long time in the cleaning process to remove the deposits, such as deposits remaining on the glass sheet after removal of the contaminants attached to the glass sheet or the protective film attached to the glass sheet during the transfer process. If some non-adhesive material such as polyethylene or polymeric film is used, it may leave some residual organic material that needs to be cleaned using detergents or other cleaning materials and the like. However, these non-adhesive residues are typically time consuming or difficult to clean, such as residues by deposits.

The prior art known in the art to perform the above-described preferred function includes, but is not limited to the following examples.

Japanese Patent Application No. P2000-142856A, filed by Nippon electric Glass Co. Ltd. on November 13, 1998 and published May 23, 2000, is a glass-plate storage method. Provided is a glass plate storage method for storing a plurality of glass plates obtained at high storage efficiency, which is obtained by sandwiching papers in between to essentially separate the glass plate surface and reduce the degree of surface damage and contamination.

In addition, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-203679, filed by Nippon Electric Glass Co. Ltd., filed on Nov. 12, 1999, which is a glass-plate storage method, shows a flat display in which a glass panel is stored. When used in the substrate material of a panel, there is provided a glass panel storage method in which the separation materials are inserted only at the surface edge of the glass panel. Thus, there is no contamination on the effective surface and storage efficiency is achieved.

In addition, US Pat. No. 6,527,120, entitled "Glass Substrate Packaging Container," registered March 4, 2003, describes an arc-shaped groove that applies elastic deformation to reduce damage during transfer of the substrate to the substrate. It provides a packaging of a flexible LCD substrate comprising a).

However, these and other prior art solutions still have some limitations. First, there is a limit to protecting container contents from weather during transportation. Although conventional conventional containers effectively meet the transport test specification, the container lid may be “vulnerable” to the liquid and the container must be covered or wrapped in plastic using other means to seal off the elements. In addition, the use of such consumable items creates environmental and cost concerns. Second, the sidewall structure of the corrugated plastic material limits the mechanical strength of the container.

If no tilting is required (for example in conventional containers of conventional PP or L type), the loading of the glass sheet is complicated by the accuracy of the placement in the slots. The vertical type of this glass sheet when the container is in the "vertical" or upward position requires an additional device to tilt the container to load and unload. Also, conventional PP or L type containers typically hold only about 20 sheets of glass, which require frequent entry and exit of the container. In addition, the surface-painted mildsteel structures found in the prior art are susceptible to cracking, flaking and particle generation as well as corrosion leading to marginal cleaning room compatibility. The structure is also modified in handling the reservoir.

In other prior art solutions, it is difficult to handle containers on truck beds and conveyors due to the limited contact area of the pallet base. In addition, the glass cushion material shows significant deformation over time and requires periodic packing changes and control of the load unloading robot, as well as periodic front changes that are peculiar to permanent deformation. Moreover, in other prior art solutions it is not possible to scale up large glass without the inclusion of a material handling device (overhead lift). This may require an operator to handle two or more assemblies and disassembly. In addition, most prior art solutions that include a large number of separate portions (consisting of 10 or more pieces of hardware) are foldable but expensive to assemble and maintain. A large limitation of the prior art is that there is a marginal constraint of glass movement within the container. Prior art for avoiding movement and securing a pile of glass sheets during transport after packing or shipment has not been sufficient to retain the glass sheet from movement under all conditions such as conveying conditions of excessive vibration and impact. Therefore, there was a risk of breaking.

As will be clear, the larger the glass sheet, the fewer sheets can be packaged in the container. The existing method of packaging glass sheets has substantial limitations on scaling beyond the fifth generation glass sheet size [about 1100 mm x 1300 mm]. They have spatial and logistics constraints due to the small number of sheets per container volume.

This has prompted the need for high density packaging and uses one or more surface protective layers between glass sheets. For example, the building and automotive industry recognized this need and began using high density packed vertical boxes called L-frames for loading glass substrate products.

As fifth generation is supported for conventional packaging and high density packaging, "high density packing" is emerging as a future transportation model of fifth generation glass sheet size, which is known and growing in the art. High density packaging has proven to be a viable shipping model, but as the size of substrates becomes larger, such as in 7th generation and beyond, new problems are emerging for high density packaging. In particular, the weight or circumferential size of the container components has become too large for the operator to handle, as well as, for example, the transport of containers through standard size doors, the available sizes of loading containers, and transports such as reference trucks. There was a problem with constraints.

There is a need for a new approach to provide safety, high density, and cost-effectiveness of large glass sheet transfer, and to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art solutions, while reducing the time required for the cleaning process of the glass sheet after transfer.

In addition, the difficulty arising from the ever-increasing size of glass sheets and containers, as well as the unpacking work of glass users, as well as the need for the manufacture of containers that are optionally "automation compatible" for the packaging work of LCD glass manufacturers. This raises a new approach.

If the leverages features of a manually or automatically compatible packaging system are desired, a new approach is needed that takes into account a fully automated container system.

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a frame comprising a pallet with a base, a cover fixed to the pallet such that one or more glass sheets are hermetically covered, a support panel and sheet having a cushion member, and the one or more pieces. And a container for packaging and transporting one or more glass sheets including restraining means for constrainably and controlably restraining the glass sheet to the support panel of the pallet.

In one aspect of the invention, the restraining means comprises one or more restraining bars that move toward and away from the front of the one or more glass sheets and a mechanical system for moving the one or more restraining bars. In another aspect of the invention, the restraining means is preferably integrated into the cover. In another aspect of the invention, the restraining means comprises a pressing panel connected to the restraining bar.

In another aspect of the invention, the mechanical system comprises a plurality of belts and belt restraining means. In another aspect of the invention, the restraining means comprises at least one scissor-like mechanical system connected to one or more restraining bars or a plurality of mechanical positioning devices connected to one or more restraining bars. In another aspect of the invention, the mechanical system is integrated into the frame and includes a restraining bar pulling system. The creative aspect of the restraining means is that it can be operated manually or automatically. In another aspect of the invention, the lid is hermetically attached to the frame with a gasket seal.

In another aspect of the invention, the pressing panel is removable. In another aspect of the invention, the restraining bars operate independently of each other. In another aspect of the invention, the frame and cover are made of metal or other synthetic material.

In another aspect of the invention, the one or more glass sheets are stacked with no spaces in between. In another aspect of the invention, a scratch-resistant inclusion material is positioned between the glass sheets. In another aspect of the invention, the inclusion material comprises a non-adhesive plastic film attached to each side of each glass sheet, wherein the paper sheet is disposed between each adjacent plastic film.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in detail in the description which follows, and by the invention as set forth herein, including the appended drawings, as well as from the description or the claims, and the following detailed description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention are provided in their entirety or schematically for the purpose of understanding the nature and principles of the claimed invention. The accompanying drawings are included for the purpose of understanding the invention and are incorporated in part in the description. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the description provide a description of the operation and principles of the invention.

1 is a perspective view of an entire container structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a rear view of the container of FIG. 1.

4 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

5 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a glass sheet pile according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a front view of a container with a restraint system integrated in a lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a rear view of the structure shown in FIG. 7 showing a container cover with an internal scissor restraint system.

9 is a plan view of the structure of FIGS. 7 and 8 showing an unexpanded internal scissor restraint system.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the structure of FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrating an extended internal scissor restraint system.

11 is a front view of a container having a restraining bar integrated in a lid according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a side view of the structure of FIG.

13 is a rear view of the structure of FIG.

14 is a rear view of a container having a restraining bar integrated into a lid according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

15 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 14 showing a preferred contraction mechanism.

FIG. 17 shows the interior of the structure of FIG. 14 showing a preferred point of attachment. FIG.

The restraining packaging system of the present invention not only improves the overall organization by reducing the number of containers required for the same number of glass sheets, but also requires container space with a factor of 10x-20x for the same amount of glass. Overcoming the problems of the prior art with a high density packaging system in which the glass is easily packaged and easily unwrapped by the manufacturer at a reduced cost. The present invention also provides for control and repeatable storage of glass suitable for many transfer conditions.

As will be explained, the high density packing of LCD substrates allows for more glass to be packaged in a given container and requires less container package, resulting in smaller storage of these packages. For example, the typical space of a conventional L-support is about 20 mm for 5 generations (typically one container can hold 20 sheets of glass). Relatively, high density packing is substantially free of space since it is only the thickness of two layers of paper and film between glass sheets, and this thickness is typically less than 200 microns (0.2 mm).

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals throughout the drawings are used to refer to the same or similar parts.

1 to 5 show the overall configuration of the container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred container with a lid; 2 is a side view; 3 is a rear view of the container; 4 is a side view of the container with the cover removed, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the container shown in FIG. 4.

1 to 5, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a container, referred to by reference numeral 100 throughout the present description, is a pallet which is loaded or lifted by a forklift truck. 110; preferably metal), preferably a laminated aluminum polymer composite, metal, high strength polymer or metal / polymer, positioned on a pile of glass sheets 120 supported on pallet 110 to seal the interior of the container; A cover 130 comprised of a laminate or other synthetic material (see description for FIG. 5 below). The container is preferably not painted and does not easily break or flare on its own.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an aluminum frame and aluminum composite panel, such as square tubing or extrusions, is provided with a weatherproof cover 130 for sealingly covering the glass sheet pile 120 from the front thereof. Formed into a box shape, which is formed from the front and back and down using the front panel 131, which may comprise one or more areas, top panel 132 and side panels 133a, 133b (133a shown). It is preferable to be. A plurality of handles 134 are provided on the front panel 131 and handles 135, such as grooved handles or grooved handles, are provided on each side panel 133a, 133b. The edges of the cover 130 are arranged in intimate contact with the support panel 112 and corresponding portions of the pallet 110 with a gasket seal 112a. The lid 130 is preferably provided on two sides on each side of the support panel 112 such that the cover 130 is spaced along the rear end of the side plates 133a and 133b and the opposite end of the support panel 112 in a simple operation. Removably installed on the pallet 110 by means. Cover 130 preferably includes four wheels (not shown) at its bottom corners to facilitate installation or removal of cover 130 from pallet 110. The wheel may be inside or outside the cover 130.

The pallet 110, which is preferably made of stainless steel material, can be transported with high flexibility and conveyed by a conveyor employing substantially planar rollers, chains, walking-beams, or similar methods. Or a bottom plate including an insertion slot 111a capable of receiving a fork of a forklift truck on the rear or other side thereof; A support panel 112 fixed to the pallet 110 tilted rearward 19 degrees or more as shown in FIG. 4; And a lid sealing gasket 112a adhesively attached to surround the periphery of the lid support 111 and the pallet 110 and the support panel 112 as shown in FIG. 4.

Container 100 is durable for long term use and provides many advantages that allow for robust and repeatable reuse, cleaning and recovery.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the container 100 shown in FIG. 1 with the cover 130 positioned above the container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The side view of the container shows the different components. For example, four posts 115 are provided extending between the support panel 112 and the pallet 110 (one is shown in FIGS. 2, 1 and 4) and the support panel 112 is tilted. It is securely fixed to the pallet 110 while maintaining the true position. Alternative embodiments having the same effect may include different numbers of posts 115 and may have any number of other structures as a matter of simple choice for those skilled in the art. In addition, a belt take-up type restraint device 151 is shown and will be described in the description below with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5.

3 shows the structure of a container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, showing the structure of four posts 115 extending between the lid support 111 and the frame 114 of the support panel 112. Rear view. Four clamping members 136 are also shown. Two restraint belt arrangements 151 are also shown in the upper portion of the lid in the rear view and described in detail below.

4, the side view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably made of EPDM rubber (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer based elastic elastomer) with the cover 130 removed; It is shown to include a cushion member 116 attached over the seat 113 and the support panel 112 by suitable bonding means, which preferably has a strength of about 60 on the Shore scale. Equally providing differently shaped cushion members, different strengths, cushions, using materials such as other polymers with similar properties, with or without a glue, or using foams or, for example, laminated foams. Ways of operation can be further considered as alternative designs of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the glass sheet pile 120 is disposed on the surface of the sheet 113 with the cushion member 116 and fixed in a tilted position by the pressing panel 440.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a removable pressing panel 440, preferably made of lightweight aluminum and having a cushion member 116 thereon, is provided with a pallet 110 and a support panel 112. The front surface of the glass sheet pile 120 disposed at an inclined position on the sheet 113 is contacted.

A pair of braces 442a, 442b (leg standoff) of the frame 441 (see FIG. 5) fixed above and around the front of the pressing panel 440 to support the pressing panel 440 on the seat 113. It is provided above the lower edge. Handles 443a and 443b (the handle 443a is shown in FIG. 4 and both handles are shown in FIG. 5) are also provided in the frame 441. The vertical post 460 prevents the glass sheet from breaking when the cover is removed. Glass sheets of different sizes within a given generation of sets are received in the container 100. The pressing panel 440 preferably includes frames 441, braces 442a and 442b, handles 443a and 443b and vertical posts 460.

The pressing panel 440 is preferably constrained relative to the support panel 112 by means of two belts 450a and 450b. More specifically, the belts 450a and 450b are attached to the lower part of the support panel 112 one by one on each side of the support panel 112. They extend forwardly towards the pressing panel 440, from the rear side (the glass sheet pile 120 side) to the front side, past the pressing panel 440 and extend along the lower side of the glass sheet pile 120 one on each side. And upwardly along the front side of the pressing panel 440. Substantially, the belts 450a and 450b rewrap the back of the pressing panel 440 and support the support panel 112 rearward toward the support panel 112 along the top surface of the stack of glass sheets 120, one on each side. Extend toward. As a result, the belts 450a and 450b are, for example, of the tightening device 151a, 151b (belt restraint device 151b is shown in Fig. 4) and winch type, which are preferably adjustable for tightening of the belt. The belt take-up device is releasably fastened to the rear surface of the support panel 112. These restraint devices provide adjustable and controllable means for restraining the glass sheet relative to the support panel of the pallet, or controllable tension acting on the glass sheet, and the necessary restraint tightening force. The belt is preferably made of a high strength polymer strap material such as polyester, nylon and the like. Other numbers of belts and restraint devices may be desirable due to design efficiency and selection.

To access the glass, the pressing panel 440 is easily removed from the glass stack 120 by releasing the belts 450a and 450b from the winch type tightening devices 151a and 151b.

5 shows the other elements described above for the front view of the container 100 with the lid 130 removed and the pressing panel 440 located.

In the cross-sectional view of the glass pile 120 shown in FIG. 6, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, but is between paper or a hybrid of paper or paper, such as a polymer, non-bonded or adhesive type material. Demonstrates the use of a non-scraching interleaf material located at.

6 is shown as having a vertical direction for convenience of description, it is typically understood that the glass pile 120 is tilted when placed in the container.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the glass sheet pile 120 herein comprises: a glass sheet 621 or glass substrate arranged such that the surfaces of the plurality of glass sheets are parallel to the surface of the glass sheet proximate thereto; A non-adhesive plastic film 622 attached between or on one side of the sheets to act as a protective interleaving to protect the pristine surface and control moisture exposure of each glass sheet 621; And a paper sheet 623 disposed between two adjacent plastic films 622, respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, the top edge of the paper sheet 623 protrudes beyond the top edge of the glass sheet 621, which facilitates the removal of the paper sheet 623 before the manufacturing process after transfer. The upper edge of the film 622 may protrude or not protrude beyond the upper edge of the paper sheet 621 as desired.

The implementation of the preferred embodiment preferably consists of dimensions of width 1600 mm × height 1600 mm × depth 970 mm. The container 100 has a dimension extending to 1200 mm x 1300 mm and can accommodate 500 glass sheets 621 having a long surface of the sheet extending horizontally.

The packaging system of the present invention can be adjusted to easily accommodate the increase in glass size and container size.

From the foregoing, in the container 100 of the present embodiment, the glass sheet pile 120 is disposed on the rigid metal pallet 110, fixed in place by the pressing panel 440, and also the metal cover 130. Covered with). Thus, safe high-density transfer of the large glass sheet 621 that was previously impossible is possible, and the transfer cost per glass sheet 621 is significantly reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the glass sheet pile 120 is conveyed in a sealed state and substantially reduces the risk of contamination of the glass sheet 621 during normal transfer. This, together with the non-adhesive protective film 622 attached to each side of the glass sheet 621, contributes to significantly reducing the time required for the cleaning process prior to the use of the glass sheet.

In addition, the glass sheet pile 120 is fixed to the container 100 in an inclined position, so that the glass sheet pile 120 is kept stable, and the introduction and extraction of the glass sheet pile 120 into and out of the container is facilitated. do.

As described above and in accordance with one preferred aspect of the present invention, an embodiment includes an insertion slot 111a provided in a metal pallet 110 for receiving a fork of a forklift truck, such as a substrate 621, a paper sheet 623, and a film. The container 100 including the glass sheet pile 120 including 622 therein may be easily transferred to a warehouse and a storage facility, and may be easily loaded on a delivery vehicle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each cushion member 116 is provided over the support panel 112 and the seat 113 and the pressing panel 116 (shown in FIG. 4) to the glass substrate 621. There is no risk of damage and it absorbs vibrations that may occur during transport.

In addition, the pressing panel 440 disposed in contact with the front face of the glass sheet pile 120 is constrained to the supporting panel 112 of the pallet 110 by means of two belts 450a and 450b, so that the glass is transported. The seat is unlikely to move. In addition, belt restraining devices 151a and 151b are provided so that the container can flexibly accommodate the change in the amount and size of the glass sheet 621 (including the change in the thickness of the glass sheet pile 120), and the glass sheet. It allows the control of the restraining force acting on the surface.

With reference to FIGS. 7-10, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a container 700 is shown that includes other features beyond those shown in FIGS. 1-6. These additional features relate to other glass restraint systems that primitively include a lid 710 with an integrated automated scissor restraint system 720. For example, it should be understood that many of the components shown in FIGS. 1-6, such as the overall frame design, the mechanical principles of the restraint system, the base materials of the structures described above, may be transferred to FIGS. It should be understood that certain elements, such as belts and pressing panels, have been removed in other embodiments.

In addition, although the container lid 710 is shown transparently to better illustrate the combined internal restraint system in FIGS. 7-10, it is constructed of the same material as described above with respect to the container described in FIGS. It must be understood. However, a transparent lid may be desirable to those skilled in the art to be able to see the cavity of the container, and the transparent lid may be used to aid the use of the container to show how much glass sheets are packaged in the container. It may be fully considered to be used.

7 shows the lid 710 in its final stop position completely covering the glass support area with the glass sheet therein.

A restraint system 720, inter lid / glass restraint type container 700, designed with a lid 710 shown in FIGS. 7-10, is provided to promote automation, flexibility, and stability. The integrated automated scissor restraint system 720 has an important element called an integrated scissor, which will be described in detail below. The lid 710 may include a lifting attachment, not shown, to facilitate installation and removal of the lid.

The structural features of the restraint system 720 designed with the lid 710 are shown in more detail in FIG. 8, which is a rear perspective view of the container 700. Referring to FIG. 8, a novel feature of the system 720 is a clamping member 820 (latch / unlatch) of the restraining scissor 810, the restraining bar 815, and the lid (the clamping member 136 described above). And a locking mechanism (not shown) for securing the restraining bar following application of a certain amount of glass restraining force. Upon unlocking, the restraining bar 815 is retracted from the glass to allow removal of the lid.

Preferably, restraint system 720 includes a lightweight scissor-like mechanism that provides for widespread movement, and its approach is simple. Scissor mechanism 810 is preferably composed of aluminum tubes or extrudates. Constrainment system 720 also includes a constraining bar 815, preferably consisting of an aluminum tube or extrudate, having a glassy surface that includes a cushion similar to that of pressing panel 440. Constraints bar 815 is beneficial by being able to accommodate a wide number of glass substrate needs ranging from 1 to N. Where N represents the design count total for a given container.

For example, in a preferred embodiment, the cover 710 is installed on the main frame and operates at the bottom of the cover when it touches behind the support panel 730 and after being attached to the frame by the clamping member 820. The integrated procedure-like mechanism 810 inside the restraint system is activated, and the "procedure" begins to expand or open. This scissor 810 opens until the restraining bar 815 touches the top surface of the glass sheet resting on top of the pile of glass sheets. The glass sheet is then fixed and constrained. This provides stability regardless of how full the container is, since the glass sheet is not free to move inside the container. This embodiment can be used even if there is only one sheet of glass as well as a case where there is no space for the glass sheet to fill the capacity of the container with N glass sheets. In the case of the former with a piece of glass or a small number of glass sheets, the scissor 810 is further extended so that the restraining bar 815 presses against the front of the foremost glass sheet, as shown in FIG. 10. And, in the latter case where there are many glass sheets in the container, the scissor does not expand widely until the restraining bar 815 presses on the front of the foremost glass sheet, as shown in FIG. One or more scissor mechanisms 810 and one or more restraining bars 815 may be considered in the present invention, which is a matter of simple design choice and efficiency.

The mechanism used to operate the scissor-like mechanism is either automatically by a device via a suitable drive system, such as an electric motor or similar device, or via a hand wheel or simple mechanical crank (not shown) for manual operation. Can be applied by the user. This mechanism has the function of setting and maintaining (ie locking) a certain amount of restraint with respect to the full capacity of a sheet or a container or any amount of glass sheet interposed therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown another preferred embodiment of the present invention that includes a container 1100 that includes a crank or handle wheel 1110 designed over a cover 1120 for use in operating the restraint system. As shown, the crank 1110 may require manual operation. It is contemplated in the present invention that the crank 1110 may be replaced with a medium for a robot or instrument that automatically operates the system. Also provided with a cover 1120 is a counter-rotating right-angle gear box 1130 that transmits the rotational movement of the vertical drive shaft 1140 to the rotational movement of the horizontal drive shaft 1141. Each side rotates in the opposite direction. Four torque-limiting devices 1150 on the horizontal drive shaft 1141 ensure that a suitable restraining force acts on the glass pile inside the container 1100. In addition, four locking devices 1160 on the horizontal drive shaft 1141 remain constrained after proper force is applied. A mechanical placement device, such as a dove-tail linear placement stage 1170, is shown at four corners of the horizontal shaft 1141 with lead-screws (not shown), and the drive shaft It is provided as a means of converting the rotational movement of 1141 into a linear movement of the integrated constraining bar (shown parallel to the glass in FIG. 13) to the glass pile front. The restraining bar is attached to the linear placement stage 1170 at each end of the bar, preferably in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 12 (shown transparently for illustrative purposes only), these stages include a right angle gearbox 1180 for interface with the horizontal drive shaft 1141. Also shown in FIG. 12 is another right angle gearbox 1181 under crank 1110 that transmits rotational motion from crank 1110 to drive shafts 1140 and 1141, respectively. Also included in the design are shaft supports and coupling type devices.

The integrated constrained bar 1190 shown in FIG. 13 may move in and out from the front interior of the lid 1120 depending on the amount of glass sheets stacked on the container 1100. Constrainment bar 1190 preferably includes a cushion member (not shown) described above in connection with another embodiment. In FIG. 13, two restraining bars 1190 are shown in the inner lower and upper vicinity of the lid 1120. While two support bars 1190 are shown, consider the use of one or more support bars 1190 required for desired efficiency. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these upper and lower support bars 1190 preferably operate independently of each other. As such, when the thickness of the glass top is not equal to the thickness of the bottom, an appropriate restraining force is provided to the glass pile under conditions commonly referred to as panning. The torque limiting device 1150 also allows each end of the restraining bar 1190 to operate independently. This solves the case where the support bar 1190 and the glass surface are not parallel to each other, which can potentially be caused not only from the glass packing process itself but also from the manufacturing errors of the lid and frame.

In another embodiment according to the invention, a restraint system, which is somewhat similar to the front-mounted system described in FIGS. 11 to 13, such as the restraint bar pulling system shown in FIG. Can be installed backwards. The system includes a gear box 1420, a torque limiter 1430, a lead screw device or a drive shaft 1450 and a threaded shaft 1440 that rotate in the same direction. The pulling system 1410 is shown in FIG. 14, which remains attached to the restraining bar (coupled to the lid) with the detachable cable 1510 and hook 1520 shown in FIG. 15, so that it can be removed when the cover needs to be removed. Not connected). Also shown in FIG. 15 is an attachment point of the restraining bar 1530. The back-mounted embodiment includes many nuances of the above-described front-mounted embodiment.

The lid of the back-installation embodiment pulls the restraining bar 1610 inwardly into the front of the lid to facilitate removal and installation of the lid, preferably spring 1620, cable 1630 or similar means of providing automatic retraction. Constraints Bar Retraction mechanism 1600 shown in FIG. The attachment point 1640 of the shrinkage mechanism to the restraint bar is shown at the end of the cable 1630 and the attachment point of the shrinkage back-installation mechanism system to the restraint bar is shown at 1650 through the cable 1510 and the hook 1520. .

FIG. 17 is another interior view showing the contraction mechanism 1600 for the restraining bar 1610 integrated into the cover as shown and the aforementioned attachment points 1620 and 1650 of the cable 1510 and hook 1520 device. to be.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are automated by those skilled in the art, where essential and practical (i.e. size and weight limitations are perceived as potential problems with the installation or removal of the cover and / or installation and removal of the glass). It allows the handling technique to be applied and in another preferred embodiment system includes the advantage of enabling manual operation which can be selected at any time instead of automatic operation if desired.

A major advantage of the invention embodiments described herein is that the overall system design provides unlimited access to the glass, which provides maximum flexibility for removing glass or removing paper or other inclusions. Another major advantage is the ability to provide a controllable and adjustable glass restraint pressure that limits the movement of the glass during transport.

Embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 17, the size of the glass sheet, the accommodation of glass sheets of different sizes within the defined range represented by the generation set, the horizontal direction of the glass in the container, Maintenance of basic criteria for glass orientation such as tilted position, design structure for resistance to dust and weather, and at least one (1) sheet of glass sheet (mechanical spacers or fittings to fill the gap between the restraint and the glass sheet) Consider the ability to pack with high transport and storage efficiencies, up to N glass sheets. The container described here is a reusable and cost-effective approach to packaging and transport.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, such modifications or variations will have to belong to the claims of the present invention.

According to the present invention, the glass sheet can be transported stably and conveniently.

Claims (11)

A container for packaging and transporting one or more glass sheets, A frame comprising a pallet having a base; A lid fixed to the pallet such that the one or more glass sheets are hermetically covered; A support panel and a seat having a cushion member; And Restraining means for restraining controllably and adjustablely restraining said one or more glass sheets with respect to said support panel of said pallet, The frame and the lid are made of a metal or other synthetic material, the container can accommodate the range of sizes of the one or more glass sheets, the one or more glass sheets are stacked with no space in between, The restraining means comprises one or more restraining bars moving towards and away from the front of the one or more glass sheets, and a mechanical system for moving the one or more restraining bars, Works manually or automatically, The restraining means further comprises a plurality of mechanical positioning devices integrated into the cover and coupled to the one or more restraining bars, and Each of the mechanical positioning devices includes a torque limiting device, the torque limiting device individually limiting the restraining force applied to the one or more glass sheets by a restraining bar coupled with the mechanical positioning device. delete delete The method of claim 1, The restraining means further comprises a releasable pressing panel coupled to the restraining bar, The mechanical system further comprises a plurality of belts and belt restraints. 5. The method of claim 4, And the mechanical system includes a confinement bar pulling system and is integrated with the frame. The method of claim 1, And the lid is hermetically attached to the frame through a gasket seal. The method of claim 1, And said confinement bars operate independently of each other. The method of claim 1, The restraining means further comprises a vertical post. The method of claim 1, And wherein the scratch-resistant inclusion material comprising a non-stick plastic film attached to each side of the glass sheet is positioned between the glass sheets. 10. The method of claim 9, A container, characterized in that a paper sheet is disposed between each intervening material. A container for packaging and transporting one or more glass sheets, A frame comprising a pallet having a base; A lid fixed to the pallet such that the one or more glass sheets are hermetically covered; A support panel and a seat having a cushion member; And Restraining means for restraining controllably and adjustablely restraining said one or more glass sheets with respect to said support panel of said pallet, The frame and the lid are made of a metal or other synthetic material, the container can accommodate the range of sizes of the one or more glass sheets, the one or more glass sheets are stacked with no space in between, Said restraining means comprising a scissor-like mechanism and a restraining bar, said scissor-like mechanism extending such that said restraining bar presses against the front of the foremost glass sheet.

Images