WO2024004634A1 - Device and method for producing glass plate - Google Patents

Abstract

A glass plate production device 1 comprising: a scribing mechanism 3 that forms a scribe line S along the width direction of a glass ribbon G that is being conveyed downward in a vertical position; a bending and breaking mechanism 4 for cutting out a glass plate Gs from the glass ribbon G, by warping a portion of the glass ribbon G at which the scribe line S is formed to break and cut the portion; and a dust collector 14 that collects, by suction, glass powder Gk generated due to the breaking and cutting, wherein the dust collector 14 comprises a suction nozzle 13 in which a suction opening 13a extending in the width direction is formed, a negative pressure generation source 16 that generates a negative pressure in an internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, and a connection tube 17 that connects the suction nozzle 13 to the negative pressure generation source 16, and the opening degree of the suction opening 13a can be adjusted at each position in the width direction.

Description

Glass plate manufacturing equipment and manufacturing method

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

One method for manufacturing glass plates is to cut a glass ribbon from a glass ribbon by transporting the glass ribbon formed by the down-draw method downward in a vertical position and cutting it in the width direction. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of the same method.

In the method disclosed in the same document, first, a scribe line (scorched line in the same document) is formed along the width direction on one side of a glass ribbon that is being conveyed downward in a vertical position. Thereafter, the glass ribbon is cut by bending the scribe line forming portion so that one side is convex. As a result, a portion of the glass ribbon below the scribe line is cut out as a glass plate. Glass powder generated from the cut portion formed during the splitting is collected by suction. When collecting glass powder, the glass powder is sucked through a suction port that extends in the width direction and faces the cutting portion (eg, a vacuum port on the scored line side in the document).

Special Publication No. 2018-516223

The magnitude of the wind speed (suction force) when the suction port sucks glass powder varies depending on the position of the suction port in the width direction and is not uniform. Here, at a position where a large amount of glass powder is generated in the width direction, a high wind speed is required as it is necessary to suction a large amount of glass powder. However, as described above, due to the fact that the wind speed is not uniform, a position where the wind speed is high and a position where a large amount of glass powder is generated may be misaligned in the width direction. In this case, there was a problem in that the suction port was unable to suction the glass powder and the glass powder adhered to the glass plate cut out from the glass ribbon.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the technical problem to be solved is how to reliably collect the glass powder that is generated as a result of breaking and cutting a glass ribbon that is being conveyed downward in a vertical position to cut out a glass plate. is to enable dust.

(1) A glass plate manufacturing apparatus for solving the above problems includes a scribing mechanism that forms a scribe line along the width direction on one side of a glass ribbon that is being conveyed downward in a vertical position, and a glass ribbon. A folding mechanism that bends and breaks the scribe line forming part so that one side becomes convex, and cuts out the part below the scribe line from the glass ribbon as a glass plate; A manufacturing device comprising: a dust collector that suctions and collects glass powder generated from a cutting section, the dust collector comprising a suction nozzle that extends in the width direction and is formed with a suction port facing the cutting section; , a negative pressure 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 source, and the opening degree of the suction port can be adjusted for each position in the width direction. It is.

According to this manufacturing apparatus, the opening degree of the suction port can be adjusted for each position in the width direction. With this adjustment, it becomes possible to adjust the magnitude of the wind speed (suction force) for each position in the width direction. Therefore, a desired wind speed can be generated at a position in the width direction where a large amount of glass powder is generated and a high wind speed is required. As a result, reliable collection of glass powder becomes possible.

(2) The manufacturing device in (1) above has an adjustment mechanism that can adjust the vertical opening dimension of the suction port for each position in the width direction, and the adjustment mechanism allows the suction port to be adjusted for each position in the width direction. It is preferable that the opening degree of the opening is adjusted.

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

(3) In the manufacturing apparatus of (2) above, it is preferable that the adjustment mechanism is a closing member that partially closes the suction port, and that the closing member can be attached to and removed from the suction port.

In this way, by simply attaching the closing member to the suction port, the opening size of the suction port in the vertical direction can be adjusted for each position in the width direction. Furthermore, since the closing member can be attached and removed, the opening size for each position in the width direction can be easily changed by replacing the closing member with a closing member that has a different form of closing the suction port.

(4) In the manufacturing apparatus of (3) above, it is preferable that the closing member is divided into a plurality of members along the width direction.

In this way, since the closing member is divided into a plurality of members, when adjusting the opening degree (opening size along the vertical direction) of the suction port only at a specific position in the width direction, it is possible to All you have to do is replace the corresponding parts. Therefore, when adjusting the opening degree of the suction port at a specific position, it is possible to reduce the number of steps.

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

In this way, since the connecting pipe is arranged at the end portion of the suction nozzle, there is no need to arrange the connecting pipe at the inner central part in the width direction. In this case, for example, it becomes easier to install sensors, cameras, etc. around the central portion where there is no connecting pipe.

(6) In the manufacturing device described in (5) above, the connection part of the connecting pipe with the suction nozzle is oriented toward the suction port, or the connection part is parallel to the suction port, and when observed from the vertical direction. It is preferable that the angle between the widthwise center line of the suction nozzle and the tube axis of the connecting portion is 10° or more and 90° or less.

In this way, it becomes easier to increase the wind speed even around the center in the width direction of the suction port. When the connecting pipe is connected to the end portion of the suction nozzle, among the various positions in the width direction of the suction port, the periphery of the center in the width direction is the position furthest from the connecting portion. However, since the connecting part is oriented toward the suction port, and the angle between the widthwise center line of the suction nozzle and the pipe axis of the connecting part is 10° or more and 90° or less, even around the widthwise center of the suction port can be used. It becomes easier to increase the wind speed.

(7) The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) above is equipped with a plurality of connecting pipes, and 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. It is preferable that a connecting pipe is connected to each of the channels, and in each channel, the suction port is located at the upstream end and the connecting pipe is located at the downstream end.

In this way, the internal space of the suction nozzle is divided into multiple flow paths, and each flow path is connected to a connecting pipe, so there can be a large difference in pressure within the flow paths between the multiple flow paths. can be prevented from occurring. This makes it possible to suppress the pressure difference within the internal space as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to avoid excessive differences in wind speed depending on the position in the width direction of the suction port.

(8) In any of the manufacturing equipment described in (1) to (7) above, the suction nozzle is located between the operating position for sucking glass powder and the standby position which is further away from the glass ribbon than the operating position. Preferably, it is movable.

In this way, by moving the suction nozzle to the standby position when glass powder is not being suctioned, it is possible to prevent unnecessary contact between the suction nozzle and the glass ribbon.

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

In this way, compared to the cut part formed when the glass ribbon is broken and cut, the suction port facing the cut part will be wider, making it easier to reliably collect glass powder. It is advantageous.

(10) Furthermore, according to the method for manufacturing a glass plate using any of the manufacturing apparatuses described in (1) to (9) above, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as those of the manufacturing apparatus described above.

According to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method according to the present disclosure, when a glass ribbon being conveyed downward in a vertical position is broken and cut to cut out a glass plate, it is possible to ensure that glass powder generated due to the breaking and cutting is removed. dust collection is possible.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a glass plate manufacturing apparatus. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. It is a sectional view showing a dust collector. It is a front view showing the suction port formed in the suction nozzle. It is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a glass plate. It is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a glass plate. It is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a glass plate. It is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a glass plate.

Hereinafter, a glass plate manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction shown in each drawing referred to in the description of the embodiments are directions orthogonal to each other.

<Glass plate manufacturing equipment>
First, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as manufacturing apparatus 1) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be explained.

The manufacturing apparatus 1 cuts the glass ribbon G, which is being conveyed downward in a vertical position, in the width direction (X direction) along the planned cutting section Gp, thereby cutting out the cutting target section Gx that exists below the planned cutting section Gp. A cutting mechanism 2 for cutting out the glass ribbon G is provided. When the glass ribbon G is cut by the cutting mechanism 2, the cutout target portion Gx is cut out as a glass plate Gs.

Here, the glass ribbon G is glass formed by a downdraw method (for example, an overflow downdraw method, a redraw method, a slot downdraw method, etc.). The glass ribbon G includes an effective part G1 located at the center in the width direction and ineffective parts G2 located at both ends in the width direction. The effective portion G1 is a portion that includes a portion that will later become a product glass plate, and the ineffective portion G2 is a portion that will not become a product glass plate and will be discarded. The ineffective portion G2 includes an ear portion Gm (see FIG. 3) that is thicker than other portions. In addition, in FIG. 1, the boundary between the effective part G1 and the ineffective part G2 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

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

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

Both the scribing auxiliary member 5 and the scribing wheel 6 can be moved up and down in the vertical direction (Y direction) by a lifting device (not shown). Both 5 and 6 follow the glass ribbon G and descend at the same speed as the downward conveyance speed of the glass ribbon G when the scribe line S is formed. That is, when forming the scribe line S, the relative positional relationship in the vertical direction between both 5 and 6 and the glass ribbon G is maintained without changing.

The scribing auxiliary member 5 is formed to be elongated along the width direction of the glass ribbon G. The scribing 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 is capable of contacting the entire width of the glass ribbon G (the portion to be cut Gp) or a portion excluding the ears Gm at both ends in the width direction.

The scribe wheel 6 is a disc-shaped member with a blade-shaped periphery. The scribing wheel 6 runs on the contact portion 5a of the scribing 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 over the entire width of the glass ribbon G (portion Gp to be cut) or at a portion excluding the ears Gm at both ends in the width direction. Note that the scribing auxiliary member 5 may have a roller shape, and in this case, the scribing auxiliary member 5 is configured to be movable in the width direction following the scribing wheel 6.

Both the scribing auxiliary member 5 and the scribing wheel 6 are movable along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the glass ribbon G. To be more specific, both 5 and 6 have a contact position where they contact the glass ribbon G (the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) and a standby position where they are separated from the glass ribbon G (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2). It is possible to move between. Both 5 and 6 exist in a contact position when the scribe line S is formed, and exist in a standby position at times other than when the scribe line S is formed.

The folding mechanism 4 bends the cut portion Gp of the glass ribbon G on which the scribe line S is formed so that one surface Ga side is convex, and applies bending stress to the cut portion Gp to bend the glass ribbon G. Cut into pieces. Thereby, the folding mechanism 4 cuts out the cutting target portion Gx from the glass ribbon G as a glass plate Gs.

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

The support member 7 can be moved up and down in the vertical direction by a lifting device (not shown). The holding member 8 can be moved in the vertical direction by a moving device (not shown). Both the supporting member 7 and the holding member 8 descend to follow the glass ribbon G at the same speed as the downward conveyance speed of the glass ribbon G when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut. Thereby, when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut, the relative positional relationship in the vertical direction between both members 7 and 8 and the glass ribbon G does not change.

The support member 7 is a member that serves as a fulcrum for curving the portion Gp to be cut when cutting the glass ribbon G. 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 comes into direct contact with the glass ribbon G. The contact portion 7a is capable of contacting the entire width of the glass ribbon G or a portion excluding the ears 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 has a contact position where it contacts the glass ribbon G (the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) and a standby position where it is separated from the glass ribbon G (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2). It is possible to move between. The support member 7 exists at the contact position when the glass ribbon G is being broken and cut, and is located at the standby position at times other than when the glass ribbon G is being broken and cut.

The holding member 8 has a pair of arms 9, 9 that face each other at one end and the other end in the width direction of the section to be cut out 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 state.

Each of the plurality of chucks 11 includes a pair of claws 11a, 11a that grips the ineffective portion G2 of the cutout target portion Gx in the thickness direction (Z direction). The pair of claws 11a, 11a can be opened and closed. As a result, each claw 11a is brought into the closed state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2) to grip the cutout target part Gx, and each claw 11a is opened into the open state (the state shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2). ), the grip on the cutting target portion Gx is released.

The arm body 10 is rotatable about an axis extending in the X direction by a guide mechanism (not shown). The axis that is the center of rotation is located above the arm body 10. As the arm body 10 rotates, the arm body 10 assumes a vertical posture parallel to the vertical direction (the posture shown by the solid line in FIG. 2) and an inclined posture inclined with respect to the vertical posture (the posture shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2). ). Thereby, the attitude of the arm body 10 shifts from the vertical attitude to the inclined attitude while the plurality of chucks 11 grip the cutting target part Gx, thereby bending the intended cutting part Gp of the glass ribbon G.

The manufacturing apparatus 1 further includes a gas injection nozzle 12 and a suction nozzle 13 (not shown in FIG. 1). The gas injection nozzle 12 injects a gas 12a (see FIGS. 7 and 8) such as air (including clean air and clean dry air) to blow away glass powder Gk generated when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut. Has a function. The suction nozzle 13 has a function of suctioning the glass powder Gk from one surface Ga side of the glass ribbon G. Here, the suction nozzle 13 is part of a dust collector 14 (see FIG. 3) provided in the manufacturing apparatus 1. The dust collector 14 is a device for collecting the glass powder Gk sucked by the suction nozzle 13, and the details will be described later.

Both the gas injection nozzle 12 and the suction nozzle 13 can be moved up and down along the vertical direction (Y direction) by a lifting device (not shown). Both 12 and 13 descend to follow the glass ribbon G at the same speed as the downward conveyance speed of the glass ribbon G when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut. That is, when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut, the relative positional relationship in the vertical direction between both 12 and 13 and the glass ribbon G is maintained without changing.

The gas injection nozzle 12 is disposed on the other surface Gb side of the glass ribbon G, and is disposed below the contact portion 7a of the support member 7. The attitude of the gas injection nozzle 12 is adjusted so as to direct the gas 12a toward the ineffective portion G2 of the glass ribbon G. To be more specific, 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 in the width direction (X direction). tilted outwards.

Here, in the present embodiment, the gas injection nozzle 12 is configured to inject the gas 12a toward the ineffective portion G2, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the gas 12a is injected over the entire width of the glass ribbon G using a gas injection nozzle 12 having an elongated injection port in the width direction (X direction) of the glass ribbon G. .

The suction nozzle 13 is arranged on the opposite side of the gas injection nozzle 12 across the glass ribbon G in the thickness direction (Z direction). The suction port 13a formed in the suction nozzle 13 extends in the width direction (X direction) of the glass ribbon G, and the suction port 13a is wider than the glass ribbon G (see FIG. 3). An elastic member 15 is attached to the suction port 13a. In this embodiment, three elastic members 15 are attached to the suction port 13a in a state in which they are arranged in three stages, upper and lower, and each elastic member 15 extends over the entire width of the suction port 13a. The elastic member 15 serves as a buffer material that absorbs the impact when the glass ribbon G or the glass plate Gs cut from the glass ribbon G comes into contact with the suction nozzle 13. Note that 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. Specifically, both 12 and 13 have an operating position close to the glass ribbon G (see FIGS. 6 to 8) and a standby position farther from the glass ribbon G than the operating position (the position shown in FIG. 2). It is possible to move between. Both 12 and 13 are in the operating position when the glass powder Gk is being sucked (blown away), and are in the standby position at other times.

Hereinafter, the dust collector 14 will be explained based on FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dust collector 14 includes a suction nozzle 13, a negative pressure generation source 16 (for example, a blower or a vacuum tank) that generates negative pressure in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, and a suction nozzle 13 and a negative pressure generation source 16 (for example, a blower or a vacuum tank). A connecting pipe 17 is provided to connect the power source 16. Each arrow shown in FIG. 3 indicates a flow of gas flowing from the suction port 13a into the internal space 13b until it flows out through the connecting pipe 17 to the outside of the internal space 13b. Note that the dust collector 14 may include a collector (for example, a bag filter) that collects the glass powder Gk between the suction nozzle 13 and the negative pressure generation source 16.

As shown in FIG. 4, the suction port 13a formed in the suction nozzle 13 (the outline of the opening is indicated by a thick line) can adjust the opening degree of the suction port 13a for each position in the width direction (X direction). It is possible. That is, the suction port 13a can have an opening area per unit width different depending on the position in the width direction.

In this embodiment, the opening degree of the suction port 13a at the center in the width direction is made the largest in order to increase the wind speed at the center in the width direction of the suction port 13a as much as possible. The opening degree of the suction port 13a is gradually reduced as it moves toward both ends.

Here, the form shown in FIG. 4 is a form adapted to the case where a large amount of glass powder Gk is generated at the center in the width direction when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut. The opening degree is set to the maximum. Therefore, for example, when a large amount of glass powder Gk is present at a position deviated from the center in the width direction or at both ends in the width direction, it is preferable to make the opening degree of the suction port 13a largest at the position deviated from the center in the width direction or at both ends in the width direction. Note that positions where a large amount of glass powder Gk is present in the width direction are, for example, positions where the scribe line S is formed deeply or positions corresponding to the ears Gm.

Adjustment of the opening degree of the suction port 13a for each position in the width direction is performed by an adjustment mechanism 18 that can adjust the opening dimension H of the suction port 13a along the vertical direction (Y direction) for each position in the width direction.

The adjustment mechanism 18 in this embodiment is a plate 19 that serves as a closing member that partially closes the upper region of the suction port 13a. Note that, contrary to the present embodiment, the plate body 19 may partially close the lower region of the suction port 13a (for example, a form in which the form shown in FIG. 4 is turned upside down). The plate body 19 is divided into a plurality of members (eight plate pieces 20 in this embodiment) along the width direction. In the following description, the eight plate pieces 20 may be distinguished by being expressed as plate pieces 20a, 20b, . . . 20g, 20h in the order of arrangement. Although the material of the plate piece 20 does not matter, a metal plate such as a stainless steel plate or an aluminum alloy plate is preferable in consideration of heat resistance and durability.

The eight plate pieces 20 can be attached to and removed from the suction port 13a, respectively. Each plate piece 20 is provided with a through hole (not shown) along the thickness direction (Z direction). A fastener (such as a bolt) is inserted into the through hole, and the fastener is tightened and fixed to a partition member 21 (see FIG. 3) arranged in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. Along with this, each plate piece 20 is attached to the suction port 13a. Of course, other forms may be adopted as the form for attaching each plate piece 20 to the suction port 13a.

Since each plate piece 20 can be attached to and removed from the suction port 13a, the form in which the plate body 19 closes the suction port 13a can be changed by replacing part or all of the eight plate pieces 20. Can be done. That is, it becomes possible to adjust the opening degree of the suction port 13a for each position in the width direction.

The eight plate pieces 20 are arranged in the width direction with no gaps or with the gaps between them closed. An example of a form of closing the mutual gap is a form of closing the gap with a sheet body (tape or the like). In this embodiment, the eight plate pieces 20 have the same width dimension (X direction dimension). Of course, this is not the case, and the eight plate pieces 20 may have different widths.

All eight plate pieces 20 are formed in a rectangular shape. The eight plate pieces 20 include three types of plate pieces 20 having mutually different vertical dimensions (Y-direction dimensions). The four plate pieces 20a, 20b, 20g, and 20h arranged near both ends in the width direction have the largest vertical dimension, while the two plate pieces 20d and 20e arranged near the center in the width direction have the largest vertical dimension. small. The remaining two plate pieces 20c and 20f have vertical dimensions intermediate between the above two types. Note that the shape of each plate piece 20 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 4, and may be changed as appropriate according to the desired opening size H.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) connecting pipes 17 are provided. All connecting pipes 17 are connected to the same negative pressure source 16. In this embodiment, a blower is used as the negative pressure generation source 16. The negative pressure generation source 16 is installed at a position sufficiently distant from the suction nozzle 13. When the negative pressure generation source 16 operates, gas is discharged from the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, and negative pressure is generated in the internal space 13b. Thereby, suction is performed by the suction nozzle 13 (suction port 13a).

The plurality of connecting pipes 17 are each connected to an end portion of the suction nozzle 13 in the width direction. The term "end portion" as used herein means a portion having a width of 5% or more and 30% or less of the dimension W from the width direction edge of the suction nozzle 13, where the entire width of the suction nozzle 13 is the dimension W.

The internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13 includes a bottom wall 13ba, a ceiling wall (not shown) that faces 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 with the suction nozzle 13 is connected to the side wall 13bb of the internal space 13b in a state facing the suction port 13a or in a state parallel to the suction port 13a. In addition, "the connecting part 17a is oriented toward the suction port 13a" means that when the tube axis line 17aa of the connecting part 17a is extended, the extension line passes through the suction port 13a, and "the connecting part 17a is oriented toward the suction port 13a" "The suction port 13a is parallel" means that the tube axis 17aa of the connecting portion 17a and the suction port 13a are parallel.

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

A plurality of (seven in this embodiment) partition members 21 are arranged in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. In this embodiment, the plurality of partition members 21 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the width direction center line 13c of the suction nozzle 13. Each partition member 21 is formed with a screw hole (not shown) for tightening the above-mentioned fastener.

The internal space 13b and each partition member 21 have the same dimension along the up-down direction (Y-direction dimension). That is, the upper end of each partition member 21 is in contact with the ceiling wall of the internal space 13b, and the lower end is in contact with the bottom wall 13ba. Therefore, in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, it is impossible for gas and glass powder Gk to pass through with the partition member 21 in between. Note that each partition member 21 also serves as a reinforcing member 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 plurality of partition members 21 described above. Each of the plurality of channels 22 is connected to a corresponding connecting pipe 17 . In each flow path 22, the suction port 13a is located at the upstream end, and the connecting pipe 17 is located at the downstream end. Of the four channels 22, the two channels 22 at both ends in the width direction are channels that mainly collect glass powder Gk generated from the ineffective portion G2 when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut. . On the other hand, the two channels 22 on the inner side in the width direction are channels that mainly collect glass powder Gk generated from the effective portion G1 during the breaking and cutting.

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

<Method for manufacturing glass plate>
Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a glass plate using the above-mentioned manufacturing apparatus 1 will be explained.

In this manufacturing method, when cutting out the glass plate Gs from the glass ribbon G formed by the down-draw method, there is a scribing step P1 (FIG. 5) in which a scribe line S is formed on the glass ribbon G, and a scribing step P1 (FIG. 5) in which a scribe line S is formed on the glass ribbon G. A folding step P2 (FIGS. 6 to 8) of cutting along the edges is performed.

In the scribing step P1 shown in FIG. 5, first, the glass ribbon G that is being conveyed downward after forming is held by a pair of arms 9, 9 that follow the glass ribbon G and descend to hold the part Gx to be cut out of the glass ribbon G. let Specifically, in each of the plurality of chucks 11 that each of the pair of arms 9, 9 has, the pair of claws 11a, 11a is changed from the open state to the closed state, thereby gripping the cutout target portion Gx.

Next, while lowering both the scribing auxiliary member 5 and the scribing wheel 6 to follow the glass ribbon G, both 5 and 6 are moved from the standby position to the contact position. Then, the scribe line S is formed by causing the scribe wheel 6 to run on one surface Ga of the portion Gp to be cut. With the above steps, the scribing process P1 is completed.

Note that after the scribing step P1 is completed, both the scribing auxiliary member 5 and the scribing wheel 6 are moved from the contact position to the standby position. Furthermore, both 5 and 6 are raised to the height position before the scribe line S is formed. On the other hand, the pair of arms 9, 9 continues to follow the glass ribbon G and hold the part to be cut out Gx.

In the folding step P2 shown in FIG. 6, first, the support member 7 is lowered to follow the glass ribbon G and moved from the standby position to the contact position. Similarly, the gas injection nozzle 12 and the suction nozzle 13 are moved down to follow the glass ribbon G from the standby position to the operating position. In this embodiment, the contact portion 7a is brought into contact with the glass ribbon G above the scheduled cutting portion Gp. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact portion 7a may be brought into contact with the scheduled cutting portion Gp.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, injection of the gas 12a by the gas injection nozzle 12 and suction by the suction nozzle 13 are started. Here, in this embodiment, suction is performed by the suction nozzle 13 only when performing the folding process P2, but suction may be performed at times other than when performing the folding process P2. In this case, it is preferable to reduce the wind speed (suction force) compared to when performing the folding process P2. In other words, it is preferable to reduce the negative pressure generated in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. This is to prevent the glass ribbon G from swinging in the thickness direction due to suction by the suction nozzle 13.

After the injection of the gas 12a and the suction by the suction nozzle 13 are started, the posture of the arm body 10 is shifted from the vertical posture to the inclined posture by rotating the arm body 10. As a result, the portion Gp of the glass ribbon G to be cut is curved. When bending stress acts on the cut portion Gp due to curving, the glass ribbon G is broken along the scribe line S. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, a glass plate Gs is cut out from the glass ribbon G. Note that the upper side of the cut out glass plate Gs is supported from the other surface Gb side by an elastic member 15 attached to the suction port 13a.

Glass powder Gk is generated from the cut portion (cut end surfaces of the glass ribbon G and the glass plate Gs) formed when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut. The generated glass powder Gk is blown away toward the suction nozzle 13 by the gas 12a jetted by the gas jet nozzle 12, and is sucked from the suction port 13a of the suction nozzle 13 facing the cutting section. With the above steps, the folding process P2 is completed.

Note that after the folding process P2 is completed, the support member 7 is moved from the contact position to the standby position. Further, the gas injection nozzle 12 whose injection of gas 12a has been stopped and the suction nozzle 13 whose suction has been stopped are moved from the operating position to the standby position. Further, the support member 7, the gas injection nozzle 12, and the suction nozzle 13 are raised to the height position before the glass ribbon G is broken and cut. Further, the cut glass plate Gs is delivered to a transfer device (not shown) for transferring the glass plate Gs to a downstream process. After the glass plate Gs is delivered to the transfer device, the pair of arms 9, 9 returns to the position before the scribe line S was formed.

Here, it is also possible to apply the following modifications to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 18 is a plate 19 (a plurality of plate pieces 20) that partially closes the suction port 13a, and the opening degree of the suction port 13a is adjusted for each position in the width direction. There is. 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 for each position in the width direction may be adjusted as the posture of the flap changes.

Further, in the above embodiment, the suction port 13a is divided into eight parts along the width direction by the eight plate pieces 20, and the opening degree can be adjusted for each part. The number of parts into which the mouth 13a is divided may be plural, for example, 2 to 20, preferably 4 to 16.

In the scribing step P1 of the above embodiment, the scribe line S is formed while the cutout target portion Gx of the glass ribbon G is held by the pair of arms 9, 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. The scribe line S may be formed in a state where the cutout target portion Gx of the glass ribbon G is not 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 the glass powder Gk is sucked by the suction nozzle 13, but only the suction by the suction nozzle 13 may be performed. Thereby, swinging of the glass ribbon G in the thickness direction can be suppressed. Further, in the above embodiment, the suction nozzle 13 is configured to suction the glass powder Gk from one surface Ga side of the glass ribbon G, but it may be configured to suction the glass powder Gk from the other surface Gb side.

1 Glass plate manufacturing device 3 Scribe mechanism 4 Breaking mechanism 13 Suction nozzle 13a Suction port 13b Internal space 13c Width direction center line 14 Dust collector 16 Negative pressure source 17 Connecting pipe 17a Connecting portion 17aa Pipe axis 18 Adjustment mechanism 19 Plate body ( closure member)
20a-20h Plate piece 21 Partition member 22 Channel G Glass ribbon Ga One side of glass ribbon Gk Glass powder Gs Glass plate H Opening size S Scribe line W Full width of suction nozzle

Claims (10)

1. a scribing 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 bends and breaks the portion of the glass ribbon where the scribe line is formed so that the one side becomes convex, and cuts out a portion of the glass ribbon below the scribe line as a glass plate;
   a dust collector that sucks and collects glass powder generated from the cut portion formed during the splitting;
   A glass plate manufacturing device comprising:
   The dust collector is
   a suction nozzle formed with a suction port that extends in the width direction and faces the cutting portion;
   a negative pressure generation source that generates negative pressure in the internal space of the suction nozzle;
   a connecting pipe connecting the suction nozzle and the negative pressure generation 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.
2. an adjustment mechanism that can adjust the opening size of the suction port in the vertical direction for each position in the width direction;
   The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the opening degree of the suction port for each position in the width direction.
3. The adjustment mechanism is a closing member that partially closes the suction port,
   The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the closing member is attachable to and detachable from the suction port.
4. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the closing member is divided into a plurality of members along the width direction.
5. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting pipe is connected to the end portion of the suction nozzle in the width direction.
6. A connecting portion of the connecting pipe with the suction nozzle is oriented toward the suction port, or the connecting portion is parallel to the suction port,
   The apparatus for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 5, wherein the angle between the widthwise center line of the suction nozzle and the tube axis of the connecting portion is 10° or more and 90° or less when observed from a vertical direction. .
7. comprising a plurality of the connecting pipes,
   The internal space of the suction nozzle is partitioned into the same number of flow paths as the number of connection pipes by a partition member,
   The connecting pipe is connected to each of the plurality of flow paths,
   6. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in each flow path, the suction port is located at an upstream end, and the connecting pipe is located at a downstream end.
8. The glass according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction nozzle is movable between an operating position for sucking glass powder and a standby position farther from the glass ribbon than the operating position. Board manufacturing equipment.
9. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction port is wider than the glass ribbon.
10. A method for manufacturing a glass plate using the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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