Methods and apparatus for manufacturing sheet glass

Abstract

A scoring line (S) is formed on the surface side of the boundary between the first region (G1) and the second region (G2) of the plate glass (G), and when the plate glass (G) is cut along the scoring line (S), when the back supporting member (3) is in a state of supporting the back side (Gy) of the first region (G1), the planar portion (5a) of the pressing member (5) rotates while in contact with the surface (Gx) of the second region (G2) and presses the second region (G2) toward the back side (Gy), thereby cutting the plate glass (G) along the scoring line (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in the technology for manufacturing plate glass, including a technology for cutting the plate glass along a score line. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, plate glass is used in various fields, represented by glass substrates for displays such as liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, and organic EL displays, and cover glass for organic EL lighting. When manufacturing such plate glass, a process of cutting small plate glass from a large plate glass, a process of trimming the end of the plate glass along the edge, etc. are performed. In these processes, the following contents are usually performed: after the plate glass forms a score line, the plate glass is cut along the score line.

[0003] As a specific example of such a method for cutting plate glass, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be cited. In the method disclosed in the document, after a score line is formed on the surface of the plate glass, the back side of the first area (the area on one side of the score line) of the plate glass is supported in advance by a back support member. Then, in this state, a roller (rotating body) rolls along the surface of the second area (the area on the other side of the score line) of the plate glass while pressing the second area toward the back side. The pressing action performed by the roller causes bending stress to act near the score line, and the plate glass is cut along the score line.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-226549 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, when a plate glass is cut using a roller as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the following problems occur due to point contact or line contact between the roller and the plate glass.

[0009] That is, sometimes the plate glass before cutting is warped. When the roller presses the warped plate glass to the back side, the roller makes point contact or line contact with the portion of the plate glass that extends along with the warping, so the pressing force from the roller acts locally on the second area of ​​the plate glass. Therefore, the bending stress cannot be evenly applied to the vicinity of the scored line of the plate glass, and proper cutting along the scored line is hindered. As a result, undesirable conditions such as chipping (incorrect cracks on the cut end surface) and scattering of a large amount of glass powder occur at the cut portion of the plate glass.

[0010] In addition, as shown in FIG. 4(b) of the document, when the roller pushes the plate glass toward the back side, the second region of the plate glass is bent and deformed in the entire range. In this state, in order to apply sufficient bending stress to the vicinity of the scribed line of the plate glass, it is necessary to increase the moving distance of the roller (the moving distance downward in the example) to generate bending deformation with a large curvature in the entire range. As a result, there is a possibility that the time required for the cutting operation will be prolonged and the mechanism for moving the roller will be enlarged.

[0011] From the above viewpoints, an object of the present invention is to enable a plate glass to be pressed toward the back side at the time of cutting to be performed satisfactorily, thereby appropriately cutting the plate glass along the scribed lines.

[0012] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0013] The first aspect of the present invention made to solve the above-mentioned problems is a method for manufacturing plate glass, including a cutting process of forming a scribed line on the surface side of the boundary between the first area and the second area of ​​the plate glass and cutting the plate glass along the scribed line, wherein the method for manufacturing plate glass is characterized in that in the cutting process, when the back support member is in a state of supporting the back of the first area, the flat portion of the pressing member rotates while contacting the surface of the second area and presses the second area toward the back side, thereby cutting the plate glass along the scribed line. It should be noted that the plate thickness of the plate glass is preferably less than 500μm, and the plate thickness is more preferably less than 300μm. In addition, the plate glass is preferably flexible.

[0014] According to this method, the plane portion of the pressing member contacts the surface of the second region of the plate glass when the surface is planar, and contacts the surface at multiple locations when the surface has convex portions, concave portions, etc. Therefore, when the plane portion of the pressing member rotates in contact with the surface of the second region of the plate glass and presses the second region toward the back side, the contact area between the two becomes larger. Therefore, even if the glass plate is warped, the pressing force acting on the second region from the plane portion of the pressing member is dispersed, so that the warping of the plate glass is corrected, and the pressing force is difficult to act locally. As a result, bending stress can be applied evenly near the scribed line, and the plate glass can be cut appropriately. As a result, undesirable situations such as cracking at the cut portion of the plate glass and a large amount of glass powder flying are avoided. In this case, it is particularly effective if the warping of the plate glass is a warping such as a scribed line on the surface of the plate glass and an arbitrary imaginary straight line parallel to the scribed line. In addition, according to this method, when the plane portion of the pressing member presses the second area toward the back side, in order to make the pressing area flat over a larger range, the second area is not bent or deformed over the entire range, and the contact portion in the second area that contacts the plane portion and the portion from the contact portion to the scribed line become a shape close to a flat shape. As a result, the vicinity of the scribed line of the second area becomes a shape close to a bent shape, that is, a shape bent with a large curvature. Since sufficient bending stress acts, the pressing member moves a short distance toward the back side, and the plate glass can be cut. As a result, the plate glass can be properly cut along the scribed line, and the time required for the cutting operation can be shortened, and the mechanism for moving the pressing member can be made compact.

[0015] In this method, it is preferred that the plane portion rotates around an axis extending in the direction along the scribe line. Here, the "axis extending in the direction along the scribe line" means an axis extending in the direction along the scribe line formed in a state where the plate glass is not warped (hereinafter the same).

[0016] In this way, the plane portion of the press-fit member can be kept in contact with the surface of the second region, and the plane portion can be appropriately and gradually rotated. In detail, when the axis as the rotation center of the plane portion does not extend along the scribed line, the contact state between the plane portion and the second region may be unbalanced, resulting in damage to the surface of the second region or uneven bending stress near the scribed line. However, according to the structure here, such an undesirable situation is appropriately avoided.

[0017] In this method, the axis may be parallely moved in a direction in which the planar portion presses the second region toward the back surface side.

[0018] In this way, the flat surface portion of the press-fit member can be more appropriately rotated while maintaining the state in which the flat surface portion of the press-fit member is in contact with the surface of the second region with a simple structure.

[0019] In this method, the angle of the planar portion may be changed in accordance with a change in an angle of a contact portion between the second region and the planar portion as the planar portion presses the second region toward the back surface.

[0020] Thus, when the plane portion of the press-in member presses the second region toward the back side, even if the angle (inclination angle) of the contact portion of the second region with the plane portion changes, the angle of the plane portion also follows the changed angle of the second region. Thus, the contact state between the press-in member and the second region can always be maintained in a preferred state.

[0021] In the above method, in the cutting step, the plate glass may be suspended and supported so that the scribed line faces in a vertical direction.

[0022] In this way, the effects described above can be significantly obtained when the plate glass is warped. Specifically, when the plate glass is placed on a platform or the like in a horizontal position and cut, the warping of the plate glass becomes smaller, but when the plate glass is suspended and supported as in the structure here, the warping becomes larger. In this case, the warping of the plate glass can also be appropriately dealt with as described above, so the effects become particularly significant.

[0023] In the above method, in the cutting step, the back surface of the second region may be held by suction.

[0024] In this way, the warping of the plate glass can be reduced by adsorption and retention of the back side of the second area, so that uniform bending stress can be applied to the vicinity of the scribed line more reliably. In addition, after cutting, the second area separated from the first area continues to be adsorbed and retained, so that the second area can be transported to the retreat position without falling, and can be smoothly disposed of, recycled, etc.

[0025] In the above method, the planar portion may be in contact with a surface of a portion of the second region including an edge portion facing the scribe line.

[0026] In this way, it is possible to avoid the undesirable situation caused by the contact between the roller and the end edge when the plate glass is cut by using a roller as disclosed in Patent Document 1. That is, the end edge of the plate glass (the part called the ear part) is thicker than the part on the central side of the plate glass and has a concave-convex shape on the surface. Therefore, when the roller presses the second area in a state of point contact or line contact with the end edge, the contact state between the end edge and the roller may change according to the pressing position, and shaking occurs between the two, and it may not be possible to properly cut. In contrast, even if the plane part presses the second area in a state of contact with the end edge, since the contact state between the plane part and the end edge is difficult to change, shaking is difficult to occur between the two, and it can be cut well. In addition, even if the width dimension of the second area orthogonal to the scribed line is narrow, it is possible to cut well in a state where the plane part is in contact with the end edge.

[0027] In the above method, the press-in member may be a plate-like member in which one of the two surfaces opposite to each other in the plate thickness direction becomes the planar portion, and the plate-like member can be removably held on a roller member having a roller rotatable around an axis extending in the direction along the scored line.

[0028] In this way, it is possible to distinguish between pressing into the second area using a plate-like member and pressing into the second area using a roller according to the degree of warping of the plate glass. In detail, when the warping of the plate glass may have a negative impact on cutting, it is set to press into the second area using a plate-like member. On the other hand, when the warping of the plate glass is not a problem, it is set to remove the plate-like member from the roller member and press into the second area using a roller. In this way, it is possible to have both the advantages described in the case of pressing using a plate-like member and the advantages in the case of pressing using a roller. It should be noted that, with respect to the plate glass to the extent that warping is not a problem, as advantages of pressing into the second area using a roller, it is possible to cite the advantage that it is difficult to damage the surface of the second area during pressing, the advantage of simplifying the structure of the mechanism for moving the roller, and the like.

[0029] The second aspect of the present invention, which is made to solve the above-mentioned problem, is a manufacturing device for plate glass, which is equipped with a cutting device for cutting plate glass having a scoring line formed on the surface side of a boundary between a first area and a second area along the scoring line. The manufacturing device for plate glass is characterized in that the cutting device comprises: a back supporting member that supports the back side of the first area; and a pressing member that is formed with a planar portion that presses the second area toward the back side while rotating in contact with the surface of the second area, so as to cut the plate glass along the scoring line.

[0030] According to this manufacturing device, as in the case of the manufacturing method already described, the plate glass can be properly cut to avoid cracking and large amounts of glass powder flying during cutting, and the operation time required for cutting can be shortened and the mechanism for moving the press-in member can be made compact.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, the pressing operation of the plate glass toward the back side during cleavage is performed well, and the plate glass is appropriately cleaved along the scribed lines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a perspective view which shows the cutting device included in the manufacturing apparatus of the plate glass which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

[0034] Figure 2a It is an enlarged schematic bottom view which saw the principal part of the cleaving device included in the manufacturing apparatus of the plate glass which concerns on embodiment of this invention from below.

[0035] Figure 2b It is an enlarged schematic bottom view which saw the principal part of the cleaving device included in the manufacturing apparatus of the plate glass which concerns on embodiment of this invention from below.

[0036] Figure 3a It is a schematic side view which looked at the cutting device included in the manufacturing apparatus of the plate glass which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the side.

[0037] Figure 3b It is an enlarged schematic bottom view which saw the principal part of the cleaving device included in the manufacturing apparatus of the plate glass which concerns on embodiment of this invention from below.

[0038] Figure 4a It is a schematic bottom view showing a cutting process included in the manufacturing method of the plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4b It is a schematic bottom view showing a cutting process included in the manufacturing method of the plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4c It is a schematic bottom view showing a cutting process included in the manufacturing method of the plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5a It is a schematic bottom view showing a first modified example of the cutting step included in the method for producing plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5bIt is a schematic bottom view showing a first modified example of the cutting step included in the method for producing plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 It is a schematic bottom view showing a second modification of the cutting step included in the method for producing plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 It is a schematic bottom view showing a third modified example of the cutting step included in the method for producing plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 It is a schematic bottom view showing a fourth modification of the cleaving step included in the method for producing plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, a method and an apparatus for producing plate glass according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a stereoscopic diagram illustrating a cutting device 1 included in a manufacturing device for plate glass according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the plate glass G is divided by a scribed line S formed on the surface side (the side marked with reference numerals Ga and Gx), and one side in the width direction (the side in the direction of arrow A) is set as a first area G1, and the other side in the width direction (the side in the direction of arrow B) is set as a second area G2. In this embodiment, the first area G1 becomes a product part, and the second area G2 becomes a non-product part. However, both the first area G1 and the second area G2 may become product parts. In the example, the scribed line S does not reach the upper and lower ends of the plate glass G, but it may reach the upper and lower ends.

[0048] The plate glass G is suspended and supported in such a manner that the score line S is oriented in the up-down direction. The plate thickness of the plate glass G can be set to, for example, 200 to 2000 μm. The smaller the plate thickness, the easier it is to produce warping, and the larger the produced warping, the more significant the effect of correcting the warping of the present invention described later. Therefore, the plate thickness is preferably 500 μm or less, and more preferably 300 μm or less. In addition, the plate glass G is preferably flexible. In this embodiment, warping occurs in the plate glass G. The warping is in the shape of a curve of the score line S on the surface of the plate glass G and any imaginary straight line parallel to the score line S.

[0049] The cutting device 1 uses bending stress to cut the plate glass G along the scoring line S. In detail, the cutting device 1 includes: a holding mechanism 2 that suspends and supports the plate glass G; a back support member 3 that supports the back side Gb of the first region G1; an adsorption mechanism 4 that adsorbs and holds the back side Gy of the second region G2; and a pressing member 5 that rotates in the direction of arrow C while in contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2 and presses the second region G2 toward the back side Gy. In this embodiment, the pressing member 5 is a plate-shaped member in which one of the two surfaces facing each other in the plate thickness direction has a flat portion 5a that is in contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2 (see Figure 2b ).

[0050] The holding mechanism 2 moves the plate glass G in the width direction while holding the upper end of the first region G1. It should be noted that the holding mechanism 2 is slidably held on a guide rail (not shown) extending in the width direction above the plate glass G. When the process of cutting the plate glass G is performed, the holding mechanism 2 and the plate glass G are stopped. In addition, the holding mechanism 2 may be arranged at multiple locations in the width direction of the upper end of the first region G1.

[0051] The back support member 3 is disposed on the back surface Gb side of the end portion of the first region G1 on the scribe line S side. The distance L1 between the back support member 3 and the scribe line S in the width direction is, for example, 10 to 30 mm, preferably 10 to 20 mm (see Figure 4a ). In this embodiment, the back support member 3 is a columnar body or a plate-like body (platform) whose support surface supporting the back surface Gb of the first region G1 is flat and is long in the vertical direction. It should be noted that the shape of the back support member 3 may also be a round rod or the like. In addition, the back support member 3 extends vertically from the upper end Gd and the lower end Ge of the first region G1, but may also be a length that does not reach the upper end Gd and the lower end Ge.

[0052] The adsorption mechanism 4 includes: a holding substrate 6, which is long in the vertical direction; and a plurality of (five in the example) adsorption pads 7, which are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the holding substrate 6. The holding substrate 6 is a structure that moves by the operation of a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a robot arm. In addition, the adsorption pad 7 is formed of an elastic member such as rubber, resin, etc. that can be stretched and retracted, and adsorbs the back surface Gy of the second region G2 by negative pressure.

[0053] The plate-shaped member 5 as the pressing member is arranged on the surface Gx side of the second region G2. The separation distance L2 between the plate-shaped member 5 and the scribe line S in the width direction is, for example, 80 to 160 mm (see Figure 4a). It should be noted that the separation distance L2 mentioned here is the separation distance before the second region G2 is pressed in. In this embodiment, the plate-like member 5 is a flat plate that is long in the vertical direction and extends vertically from the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg of the second region G2, but it can also be a length that does not reach the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg.

[0054] A belt roller member 8 for holding the plate-like member 5 in a detachable manner is provided on the front side of the plate-like member 5. The belt roller member 8 comprises: a roller shaft 9 extending in the direction along the score line S; a plurality of (five in the example) rollers 10 arranged at equal intervals in the axial direction of the roller shaft 9; and a support body 11 that supports the roller shaft 9. It should be noted that the score line S mentioned here is a score line when the plate glass G is completely free of warping. In this embodiment, the plate-like member 5 is connected to the roller shaft 9 using a strapping tape 12. The strapping tape 12 can be wound and unwound across the plate-like member 5 and the roller shaft 9, so that the plate-like member 5 can be loaded and unloaded relative to the belt roller member 8. The support body 11 is a structure that is moved by the action of a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a robot arm, so that the belt roller member 8 moves synchronously with the plate-like member 5.

[0055] Figure 2a as well as Figure 2b This is a bottom view of the periphery of the plate-like member 5 as viewed from below. Figure 2a As shown in the figure, each roller 10 contacts the surface (in a planar shape) opposite to the flat surface 5a of the plate-like member 5, and presses the plate-like member 5. The plate-like member 5 is structured to rotate around the roller shaft 9 while maintaining a state of contact with each roller 10 at the same position as shown by the dot-dash line in the figure. Therefore, there is a roller shaft 9 (strictly speaking, the center of the roller shaft 9, that is, the axis 9a) that becomes the rotation center of the flat surface 5a of the plate-like member 5 at a position separated from the plate-like member 5 to the front side. The separation distance L3 (radius of the roller 10) between the axis 9a of the roller shaft 9 and the plate-like member 5 is, for example, 10 to 30 mm.

[0056] like Figure 2bAs shown, the plate-like member 5 becomes a structure that moves straight toward the back side in the D direction while maintaining contact with the roller 10. The D direction is a direction orthogonal to the surface Gx of the second region G2. The surface Gx of the second region G2 mentioned here refers to the surface Gx of the second region G2 before the breaking process when there is no warping at all. As shown by the dotted line in the figure, when the roller 10 moves straight in the D direction, the angle of the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 changes following the angle change of the second region G2. Here, if the moving path Z of the roller shaft 9 (axis 9a) is used as a reference, the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 moves relative to the side close to the scribed line S by a distance L6 as the angle changes. Therefore, the contact position where the plane portion 5a contacts the second region G2 also moves relative to the moving path Z of the roller shaft 9 by a distance L6 to the side close to the scribed line S. In this case, assuming that the roller 10 directly contacts the surface Gx of the second region G2 as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the contact position a between the roller 10 and the second region G2 moves relatively toward the scribed line S by a distance L7 shorter than the distance L6 described above.

[0057] The plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 is formed of a material that is difficult to damage the surface Gx of the second region G2. Therefore, the plane portion 5a is preferably formed of a resin or the like. Moreover, the plate-like member 5 is preferably moderately flexible. Specifically, the plate-like member 5 is preferably flexible on the basis of having the same degree of rigidity as the plate glass G or higher than the plate glass G. From these viewpoints, the plate-like member 5 is preferably a porous resin board or a foamed resin board represented by plastic corrugated paper or PP foam board.

[0058] Next, a method for producing plate glass using the production apparatus configured as described above will be described.

[0059] First, in Figure 1 In the process on the upstream side of the position shown in FIG. 1 , the plate glass G is suspended and supported by the holding mechanism 2, and the surface Gx of the plate glass G is pressed by the wheel cutter, irradiated with laser, etc., to form the scoring line S. Next, the plate glass G with the scoring line S formed thereon is conveyed in the width direction and stopped while the plate glass G is suspended and supported by the holding mechanism 2. When the plate glass G stops, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the back support member 3 moves toward the front side and contacts the back surface Gy of the first region G1 of the plate glass G. In addition, the belt roller member 8 moves toward the back side, so that the plane portion 5a of the plate-shaped member 5 contacts the surface Gx of the second region G2. Furthermore, the holding base 6 of the adsorption mechanism 4 moves toward the front side, so that the adsorption pad 7 adsorbs the back surface Gy of the second region G2.

[0060] Then, the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 maintains the surface contact state with the surface Gx of the second region G2, and the second region G2 is gradually pressed toward the back surface Gy. In this stage, the surface contact portion Gw where the second region G2 is in surface contact with the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 is located at Figure 3a The side view shown and Figure 3b In the bottom view (depicted by the solid line), the shape is flat with almost no warping. In this case, assuming that the roller 10 is directly in contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2 as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, Figure 3b As shown by the dotted line, the roller 10 is in point contact or line contact with the portion of the plate glass G that extends along with the warping, so that the second region G2 is locally and greatly depressed near the contact portion b that contacts the roller 10. And this local depression becomes an important factor that causes improper deformation in a large range of the second region G2. Therefore, it is difficult to generate uniform bending stress near the scribed line S when the plate glass G is cut. In contrast, if the plane portion 5a of the plate-shaped member 5 is in surface contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2, the surface contact portion Gw around the second region G2 and the plane portion 5a in surface contact becomes a flat shape, so improper deformation will not be generated in a large range of the second region G2. As a result, when the plate glass G is cut, compared with the case disclosed in Patent Document 1, bending stress acts evenly near the scribed line S, and it is difficult to cause cracking, a large amount of glass powder to fly, etc. It should be noted that the back surface Gy of the second region G2 is adsorbed and held by the adsorption pad 7, so the effect of further reducing the warping of the plate glass G is obtained. However, since the suction pad 7 has the property of being easily deformed such as expanding and contracting, the warping of the plate glass G cannot be sufficiently reduced only by the suction pad 7 , and the suction pad 7 plays an auxiliary role in reducing the warping.

[0061] Figure 4a , Figure 4b as well as Figure 4c The process of gradually cutting the plate glass G by pressing the second region G2 toward the back surface Gy while rotating the plane portion 5a of the plate-shaped member 5 in a time series is exemplified. Figure 4a As shown, the belt roller member 8 is moved so that the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 is in contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2. At this time, the roller 10 is in contact with the plate-like member 5, and both the plate-like member 5 and the holding substrate 6 are in a non-inclined state (parallel to the surface Ga of the first region G1). Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the initial state.

[0062] Next, if Figure 4bAs shown, by the roller 10 and the roller shaft 9 moving straight (parallel movement) in the D direction, the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 maintains a state of surface contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2 and rotates around the roller shaft 9 (axis 9a). As a result, the plate glass G is bent with the back support member 3 as the starting point. At this time, the angle of the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 changes following the change in the angle of the surface Gx of the second region G2. In addition, in this process, the portion of the second region G2 from the surface contact portion Gw that is in surface contact with the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 to the scribed line S becomes a nearly flat shape, so the vicinity of the scribed line S of the second region G2 becomes a shape that is close to a bend, that is, a shape that is bent with a large curvature. Here, the curved line W shown by the dotted line in the figure depicts the shape when the surface Gx of the second region G2 is bent when the roller 10 is in direct contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2 as disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this curved line W, the vicinity of the scribed line S of the second region G2 is bent with a small curvature. Therefore, when the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 is in surface contact, the bending stress acting near the scribe line S in the second region G2 becomes larger than when the roller 10 is in direct contact. In addition, during this process, the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 slides on the surface Gx of the second region G2, and the relative position with respect to the second region G2 moves to the side away from the scribe line S. In contrast, the relative position of the suction pad 7 with respect to the second region G2 does not change.

[0063] After that, the roller 10 and the roller shaft 9 further move straight in the direction D, and the flat portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 further presses the second region G2. When the bending stress acting near the scribed line S becomes large enough, as shown in FIG. Figure 4c As shown, the plate glass G is cut along the score line S. In this case, as already described based on Figure 4b As described, when the second region G2 is bent, the portion of the second region G2 from the surface contact portion Gw to the scribed line S becomes nearly flat. Therefore, even if the distance that the roller 10 moves straight in the D direction is short, the plate glass G can be cut. As a result, the time required for cutting the plate glass G is shortened, the working efficiency is improved, and the mechanism for moving the roller member 8 is made compact. It should be noted that after the plate glass G is cut and the second region G2 is separated from the first region G1, the second region G2 does not fall, but maintains a state of being adsorbed and held by the adsorption pad 7. In addition, after the second region G2 is transported to a retreat position that does not affect the first region G1, the adsorption by the adsorption pad 7 is released, and the second region G2 is dropped and recovered.

[0064] The manufacturing device and manufacturing method of the plate glass of the present invention may also replace the above-mentioned exemplary configurations, as shown in the following example. Figure 5aAs shown, the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 is in contact with the surface Gx of the portion of the second region G2 including the end edge portion Gz opposite to the scribed line S. In detail, the end edge portion Gz of the second region G2 (a portion called an ear portion) is thicker than other portions of the second region G2 and has projections and depressions in the up-down direction (the depth direction of the figure). Therefore, when a roller is brought into contact with the end edge portion Gz of the second region G2 or a surface Gx in the vicinity thereof as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that shaking etc. may occur between the roller and the end edge portion Gz due to unstable contact between the roller and the end edge portion Gz during the straight movement of the roller in the D direction. In contrast, when the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 is in contact with the portion including the end edge portion Gz, even if the plate-like member 5 is moved straight in the D direction, shaking etc. is unlikely to occur between the two because the contact state between the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 and the end edge portion Gz is stable. In addition, in Figure 5a In the plate glass G shown, the second region G2 is short in the width direction. The narrow width of the second region G2 can be addressed by making the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 contact the surface of the edge portion Gz, or by making the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 extend from the edge portion Gz in the example shown.

[0065] Moreover, if Figure 5b As shown in the figure, if the plate-like member 5 is made flexible, the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 can be brought into surface contact with no gap or a small gap in the range from the edge portion Gz to the vicinity of the second region G2. In detail, if the rigidity of the plate-like member 5 is higher than that of the plate glass G and the plate-like member 5 is flexible, as shown in the figure, after the plate-like member 5 deforms the second region G2, the plate-like member 5 itself is also deformed.

[0066] In addition, the manufacturing device and manufacturing method of the plate glass of the present invention can be modified as shown below when cutting a plate glass that is less warped or not warped than the plate glass G described above. That is, first, the binding belt 12 of the roller member 8 is removed, and the plate-shaped member 5 is removed. Then, as shown in Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the roller 10 is brought into contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2 in a rollable manner, and the back surface Gy of the second region G2 is held by suction using the suction pad 7. This state is set as the initial state. Then, from this initial state, by moving the roller 10 straightly in the D direction, as described above, Figure 4bIn this process, the roller 10 rolls on the surface Gx of the second region G2 due to the friction between the roller 10 and the second region G2, and the relative position of the roller 10 with respect to the second region G2 moves in a direction away from the scribed line S. Then, the deflection of the second region G2 increases, and when the bending stress acting on the scribed line S reaches a sufficient magnitude, as described above, Figure 4c The plate glass G is cut as shown in the state shown.

[0067] Furthermore, the manufacturing device and manufacturing method of the plate glass of the present invention can be applied not only to the case where the plate glass G is cut at one location, but also to the case where the plate glass G is cut at two locations as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the central side area of ​​the width direction of the plate glass G is set as the first area G1, and the scoring lines S are formed on both sides thereof, and the outer areas in the width direction of each scoring line S are respectively set as the second area G2. In addition, a belt roller member 8 is respectively arranged on the surface Gx side of each second area G2, and an adsorption mechanism 4 is respectively arranged on the back surface Gy side of each second area G2. In addition, a back surface support member 3 is respectively arranged on the back surface Gb side at both ends in the width direction of the first area G1. In this case, if each belt roller member 8 is used as a reference, the central side in the width direction becomes Figure 1 The arrow A direction side and the two outer sides in the width direction become Figure 1 If these are taken as the premise, substantially the same action as that already described is performed on both sides in the width direction of the plate glass G, and substantially the same effect as that already described is obtained.

[0068] In addition, the manufacturing device and manufacturing method of the plate glass of the present invention can adopt the following structure in order to support the flat surface portion 5a of the plate-shaped member 5 so that it can rotate. Figure 8 As shown, the bracket 13 fixed to the surface side of the plate-like member 5 passes through the axis 14 that becomes the rotation center of the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5, and the axis 14 is supported by the bracket 16 fixed to the back side of the support body 15. As a result, the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 can rotate around the axis 14 (axis 14a). It should be noted that the support body 15 moves in the D direction orthogonal to the surface Gx of the second region G2 in the initial state through the action of a driving mechanism such as a robot arm. In addition, other mechanisms that allow the plane portion 5a of the plate-like member 5 to rotate around the axis supported by the support body 15 can also be used.

[0069] It should be noted that, in the above embodiment, the roller shaft 9 (shaft 14) is configured to move straight in the D direction orthogonal to the surface Gx of the second region G2 in the initial state, but it may be configured to move straight in the direction inclined at an angle to the D direction instead. In addition, the roller shaft 9 (shaft 14) may be moved along a curved track such as a circular track centered near the back support member 3 and the scribed line S or a track similar to the circular track. In addition, the roller shaft 9 (shaft 14) and the holding substrate 6 may be moved along the same curved track (for example, the above-mentioned curved track).

[0070] In the above embodiment, the warp of the plate glass G is in a shape in which the scribed line S on the surface of the plate glass G and any imaginary straight line parallel to the scribed line S are bent, but the warp may be in a shape different from this.

[0071] Moreover, in the above embodiment, the plate glass G is suspended and supported in a vertical posture, but the plate glass G may be placed horizontally (preferably horizontally). In this case, the lower surface of the plate glass G is supported by the back support member 3, and the upper surface of the second area G2 of the plate glass G is pressed toward the lower surface side (below) by the plate-shaped member 5. It should be noted that the upper surface of the plate glass G may be supported by the back support member 3, and the lower surface of the second area G2 of the plate glass G may be pressed toward the upper surface side (above) by the plate-shaped member 5. In addition, the posture of the plate glass G may also be an inclined posture inclined relative to the vertical plane or the horizontal plane.

[0072] In the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the plate glass of the present invention, the width direction dimension L4 (unit: mm, see Figure 2a ) is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and most preferably 70% or more, as a percentage of the width dimension (mm) of the second region G2 of the plate glass G. This can facilitate the formation of a shape with a large curvature near the scribed line of the second region. On the other hand, the upper limit of the width dimension L4 of the plate-like member 5 can be set to 90%, for example. The length dimension L5 of the plate-like member 5 (unit: mm, see Figure 3a ) is expressed as a percentage of the lengthwise dimension (mm) of the plate glass G, and can be, for example, 70% or more, or can be as follows: Figure 3a The thickness T of the plate-like member 5 can be set to 5 to 15 mm, for example.

[0073] In addition, in the manufacturing device and manufacturing method of the plate glass of the present invention, the press-in member in contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2 is not limited to the plate-like member 5. For example, the press-in member may also be a columnar body whose cross section is composed of a semicircular, triangular, quadrilateral, or other polygonal shape, or a member having a three-dimensional shape other than these, as long as it is a member having a planar portion. In addition, the press-in member may not be a single member that is long in the vertical direction, but may be a plurality of press-in members arranged in the vertical direction. However, in this case, it is necessary to configure the plurality of press-in members to rotate around the same axis with the same radius.

[0074] Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1 Plate glass manufacturing device (cutting device)

[0076] 3 Back support member

[0077] 5 Plate-like components (pressed components)

[0078] 5a Flat surface

[0079] 7. Absorption pad

[0080] 8 Roller assembly

[0081] 9 Roller

[0082] 9a Axis

[0083] 10 Rollers

[0084] 14 Axis

[0085] 14a Axis

[0086] G Plate Glass

[0087] G1 First Area

[0088] G2 Second Area

[0089] The surface of the first Ga region

[0090] Gb The back of the first area

[0091] Gx The surface of the second region

[0092] Gy The back of the second area

[0093] Gz Edge of plate glass

[0094] S Score line.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a plate glass, comprising forming a scribe line on a surface side of a boundary between a first region and a second region of the plate glass and cutting the plate glass along the scribe line, The method for producing plate glass is characterized in that: In the cutting step, when the back support member is in a state of supporting the back of the first area, the flat portion of the pressing member rotates in contact with the surface of the second area and presses the second area toward the back side, thereby cutting the plate glass along the scribed line.

2. The method for producing plate glass according to claim 1, wherein: The planar portion rotates about an axis extending in a direction along the score line.

3. The method for producing plate glass according to claim 2, wherein: The axis moves parallel to the direction in which the planar portion presses the second region toward the rear surface side.

4. The method for producing plate glass according to claim 3, wherein: The angle of the planar portion changes in accordance with a change in an angle of a contact portion between the second region and the planar portion as the planar portion presses the second region toward the back surface.

5. The method for producing plate glass according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: In the cutting step, the plate glass is suspended and supported so that the scribed line faces in the up-down direction.

6. The method for producing a plate glass according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: In the cutting step, the back surface of the second region is held by suction.

7. The method for producing a plate glass according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The planar portion is in contact with a surface of a portion of the second region including an edge portion facing the scribe line.

8. The method for producing a plate glass according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The press-fit member is a plate-shaped member whose one of two surfaces facing each other in the plate thickness direction is the flat surface, and the plate-shaped member is detachably held by a roller member having a roller rotatable about an axis extending in the direction along the scribed line.

9. A manufacturing device for plate glass, comprising a cutting device for cutting a plate glass having a scribe line formed on a surface side of a boundary between a first region and a second region along the scribe line, The manufacturing device of the plate glass is characterized in that: The cutting device includes: a back support member that supports the back of the first area; and a pressing member that has a flat portion that presses the second area toward the back while rotating in contact with the surface of the second area, so as to cut the plate glass along the scribed line.

Images