Glass roll manufacturing method

Abstract

A ribbon-shaped glass film (G) is formed, and after the formed ribbon-shaped glass film (G) is transported transversely by a transverse transport section, the ribbon-shaped glass film (G) is wound into a roll by a winding section (6) to obtain a glass roll (R). A staggered roller conveyor (15b) is used to form a region at least downstream in the transport direction of a roller conveyor (15) arranged in the transverse transport section (4), and the staggered roller conveyor (15b) is used to supply the ribbon-shaped glass film (G) to the winding section (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a ribbon-shaped glass film and a method for conveying the glass film. Background Art

[0002] Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs are required to be thin and lightweight, leading to increasing demand for thinner glass substrates used in these devices. This has led to the development and manufacture of glass substrates, or glass films, that are thinned to film-like thicknesses (e.g., 300μm or less).

[0003] Furthermore, the manufacturing process of a glass film generally includes a step of manufacturing a ribbon-shaped glass film, which is a raw material of the glass film. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a method for manufacturing a ribbon-shaped glass film using a down-draw method represented by an overflow down-draw method, a redraw method, or a slot down-draw method.

[0004] The method disclosed in this document includes: a forming step, in which a forming device is used to pull a ribbon of glass film downward in the longitudinal direction and form it; a conveying direction changing step, in which a roller conveyor arranged vertically below the forming device is used to convey the formed ribbon of glass film along a curved conveying path, thereby changing its conveying direction from the longitudinal downward direction to the transverse direction; a transverse conveying step, in which the ribbon of glass film with the conveying direction changed is conveyed transversely along the transverse conveying path; a cutting and removing step, in which a laser cutting device is used to cut and remove non-effective portions at both ends in the width direction of the ribbon of glass film being conveyed transversely; and a winding step, in which a winding section is used to wind up the ribbon of glass film with the non-effective portions cut and removed to form a glass roll.

[0005] Furthermore, at the final stage of the horizontal transport process, immediately upstream of the winding section in the transport direction, the formed glass film strip is sometimes inspected, particularly for appearance. This inspection device, for example, includes a light source positioned on either the front or back side of the film strip, and an imaging device positioned on the other side to capture the surface of the glass film. An information processing device analyzes the image data obtained by the imaging device to determine the presence of defects such as scratches on the surface of the glass film (front, back, or end faces). The quality of the wound glass roll is then determined based on this determination.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-44709 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, to inspect the glass film strip, light from a light source must pass through the film and the conveyor. Passing light through the film presents no particular difficulty. On the other hand, when a belt conveyor, for example, is used as a conveyor, the light is blocked by the belt, making it impossible to maintain a clear path for light transmission and performing the necessary inspection. Due to this situation, roller conveyors are often used to transport the glass film strip during the inspection process. With roller conveyors, gaps exist between adjacent rollers in the conveying direction, allowing this gap to be utilized as a light transmission path, thus enabling the aforementioned inspection.

[0011] When a roller conveyor is arranged in the transverse transport section as described above, there is a possibility that an end portion of the highly flexible glass film may enter a gap between the rollers and cause cracks in the glass film due to subsequent transport operation.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its technical object is to prevent cracking and breakage of a glass film during transportation in a lateral transport section, particularly immediately before transfer from the lateral transport section to a take-up section.

[0013] Solutions to Problems

[0014] The present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a method for manufacturing a glass roll, which forms a ribbon-shaped glass film, and after the formed ribbon-shaped glass film is transported horizontally by a transverse transport section, the ribbon-shaped glass film is wound into a roll by a winding section to obtain a glass roll. The method for manufacturing a glass roll is characterized in that a roller conveyor including a plurality of rollers is arranged on the transverse transport section, and at least a region on a downstream side in a transport direction of the roller conveyor is formed by a staggered roller conveyor, the staggered roller conveyor including a roller unit having a plurality of rollers arranged separately in a width direction of the ribbon-shaped glass film, the roller units being arranged at a plurality of positions along the transport direction of the ribbon-shaped glass film, and rollers of other roller units adjacent to the roller unit are arranged so as to be opposed to spaces between rollers adjacent to the roller unit in the width direction in the transport direction, and the staggered roller conveyor is used to supply the ribbon-shaped glass film to the winding section.

[0015] Thus, in this method, by utilizing a staggered roller conveyor to form at least the downstream region of the roller conveyor in the conveying direction, the gaps between adjacent roller units have a concave and convex shape in the conveying direction. This makes it difficult for the end of the glass film ribbon to enter the gaps between the roller units. This prevents the glass film ribbon from breaking after processing of the glass film, such as inspection, is completed and just before it is transferred from the transverse conveying section to the winding section. It should be noted that utilizing a belt conveyor to form the downstream region in the conveying direction is also contemplated, but this may increase the conveying line length and interfere with the winding section and the belt conveyor, making it undesirable.

[0016] In this method, it is preferable that the distance between the axes of the adjacent roller units is smaller than the diameter of the roller.

[0017] As a result, the outer circumference of each roller enters the space between adjacent rollers in the width direction of the other roller units, preventing the formation of long, wide linear gaps (significantly exceeding the width of the conveyed glass film ribbon) extending in the width direction between adjacent roller units. This reliably prevents the glass film ribbon from entering the gaps between the roller units.

[0018] In this method, preferably, a spacer having an outer diameter smaller than that of the rollers is interposed between rollers adjacent to each other in the width direction in each of the roller units.

[0019] This narrows the width of the gaps between the outer circumferential surfaces of each roller in the conveying direction. Even if the end of the glass film ribbon were to fall into the gap between the roller units, the end of the glass film ribbon would climb onto the separator, allowing it to further climb onto the adjacent roller, allowing the end of the glass film ribbon to return to the conveying line without being damaged. This reliably prevents the glass film ribbon from entering the gaps between the roller units.

[0020] In this method, preferably, a ratio of the outer diameter of the roller to the outer diameter of the separator is 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less.

[0021] When this ratio is less than 1.1, the overlap between adjacent roller units decreases, resulting in a gap between the roller units that is closer to a straight line extending in the width direction. As a result, the end of the glass film ribbon easily enters this gap. When this ratio exceeds 1.5, the separator diameter is reduced. Therefore, when the end of the glass film ribbon falls into the gap between the separator and the roller facing the separator in the conveyance direction, it is difficult for the end to climb onto the roller, making it difficult for the glass film ribbon to return to the conveyance line.

[0022] In this method, it is preferable that the axial length of the roller is shorter than the axial length of the separator.

[0023] This can prevent contact interference between rollers between adjacent roller units, and reduce friction of the staggered roller conveyor.

[0024] In this method, an inspection device for inspecting the glass film ribbon may be arranged in a region of the roller conveyor upstream of the staggered roller conveyor in the conveying direction.

[0025] By arranging the inspection device in the roller conveyor upstream of the staggered roller conveyor in the conveying direction, product inspection can be performed at the final stage of the ribbon glass manufacturing process, thereby reducing the defective rate of the glass roll.

[0026] In this method, a light source may be provided in the inspection device, and a gap between rollers adjacent in the conveying direction in a region upstream in the conveying direction of the roller conveyor may be used as a passage for light emitted from the light source.

[0027] When a belt conveyor is used as the conveying mechanism for an inspection device, the light emitted from the inspection device's light source is blocked by the belt, making inspection difficult. By using the gaps between adjacent rollers in the conveying direction upstream of a roller conveyor as a path for the light emitted from the inspection device's light source, inspection using the inspection device becomes possible.

[0028] In addition, the present invention made to solve the above-mentioned problems is a method for conveying glass film, which is characterized in that when the glass film is conveyed horizontally by using a horizontal conveying part, a roller conveyor with multiple rollers is arranged in the horizontal conveying part, and the roller conveyor is composed of a staggered roller conveyor. The staggered roller conveyor has a roller unit with multiple rollers separated and arranged in the width direction of the glass film, and the roller units are arranged at multiple positions along the conveying direction of the glass film, and the rollers of other roller units adjacent to the roller unit are arranged in a manner opposite to the space between the rollers of the roller unit adjacent to each other in the width direction in the conveying direction.

[0029] When conveying glass film (including both ribbon-shaped and sheet-shaped glass film) using a transverse conveyor, a roller conveyor may be necessary for some reason to form part of the transverse conveyor. In such cases, as already described, the leading end of the conveyed glass film may enter the gap between the rollers, causing cracks in the glass film. By configuring the roller conveyor using the aforementioned staggered roller conveyor, the gaps between the roller units have a concave and convex shape in the conveyance direction. This makes it difficult for the leading end of the glass film to enter the gaps, thus preventing breakage of the glass film.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a glass film from being cracked or damaged when the glass film is conveyed by the lateral conveyance section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional side view schematically illustrating the method for manufacturing a glass roll according to the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2This is a plan view showing a roller conveyor used in the method for manufacturing a glass roll according to the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 It will Figure 2 This is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a staggered roller conveyor among the roller conveyors shown.

[0035] Figure 4A This is a plan view showing a method for producing a glass roll using a general-purpose roller conveyor.

[0036] Figure 4B This is a side view showing a method for manufacturing a glass roll using a general-purpose roller conveyor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a glass film according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the glass film manufacturing method of this embodiment includes: a forming section 2 for forming a ribbon-shaped glass film G by drawing it vertically downward using a down-draw method, such as an overflow down-draw method; a conveyance direction changing section 3 for conveying the formed ribbon-shaped glass film G along a curved conveyance path, thereby changing its conveyance direction from vertically downward to horizontal; a transverse conveyance section 4 for conveying the ribbon-shaped glass film G with the changed conveyance direction laterally along the transverse conveyance path; a cutting and removing section 5 for cutting and removing a non-effective portion G1 from the ribbon-shaped glass film G being conveyed laterally; and a winding section 6 for winding the ribbon-shaped glass film G consisting only of the effective portion to produce a glass roll R. The thickness of the ribbon-shaped glass film (effective portion) G after the non-effective portion has been cut and removed is 300 μm or less, preferably 200 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or less.

[0039] The forming section 2 comprises a forming body 7 having a generally wedge-shaped cross section and an overflow trough 7a formed at its upper end; cooling rollers 8 positioned directly below the forming body 7 and sandwiching a ribbon of molten glass Gb from both the front and rear sides; and an annealing unit 10 positioned directly below the cooling rollers 8 and comprising annealing rollers 9 arranged in a plurality of vertically arranged stages. Specifically, focusing on the function of the forming section 2, the main forming section 2a comprises the forming body 7, which directs molten glass Ga, overflowing from the overflow trough 7a, to flow down along both sides and merge at the lower end to form a ribbon of molten glass Gb; and cooling rollers 8, which restrict the widthwise contraction of the ribbon of molten glass Gb to form a ribbon of glass film G of a predetermined width. Furthermore, the annealing unit 10 for performing strain relief on the ribbon of glass film G is positioned below the main forming section 2a, thereby constituting the aforementioned forming section 2.

[0040] Support rollers 11 are provided below the annealing member 10 to hold the glass film ribbon G from both the front and back sides. Tension is applied between the support rollers 11 and the cooling rollers 8 or between the support rollers 11 and any annealing roller 9 to promote thinning of the glass film ribbon G.

[0041] The ribbon-shaped glass film G is formed to have a thickness that allows for flexibility. Figure 1 The center of the glass film ribbon G (in the direction perpendicular to the paper) is formed to form the effective portion of the product, and a pair of ineffective portions G1 are located outside the effective portion in the width direction and are to be removed. Furthermore, in the ineffective portion G1, the portions located at the widthwise ends of the glass film ribbon G have ears that are thicker than the other portions.

[0042] Below the support rollers 11, a conveying direction-changing section 3 is provided for changing the conveying direction of the glass film ribbon G from a longitudinal downward direction to a lateral direction. In this conveying direction-changing section 3, a plurality of guide rollers 12 are arranged in a curved shape on the back side of the glass film ribbon G as guide members for guiding the direction change of the glass film ribbon G. These guide rollers 12 are in contact with the back side of the glass film ribbon G. Note that these guide rollers 12 can support the glass film ribbon G in a non-contact manner by, for example, spraying airflow onto the back side of the glass film ribbon G. Alternatively, a guide member in the form of a curved belt conveyor can be used as the guide member, or a guide member can be omitted from the conveying direction-changing section 3 to allow the glass film ribbon G to change direction without being affected by external forces from the back side. Alternatively, some of the guide rollers 12 may be in contact with the back side of the glass film ribbon G. Furthermore, the guide rollers 12 may support only a portion of the glass film ribbon G (e.g., the widthwise ends).

[0043] A lateral conveying section 4 is provided downstream of the conveying direction changing section 3 in the conveying direction for conveying the ribbon-shaped glass film G in the lateral direction. Three belt conveyors 13a, 13b, and 13c are arranged in series in the conveying direction in this lateral conveying section 4, and a roller conveyor 15 and an inspection device 16 are also provided downstream. The conveying surfaces of the belt conveyors 13a, 13b, and 13c and the conveying surface of the roller conveyor 15 constitute a lateral conveying path.

[0044] In this embodiment, three belt conveyors are used in a series arrangement: a main conveyor 13b, a first conveyor 13a located upstream of the main conveyor 13b, and a second conveyor 13c located downstream of the main conveyor 13b. In this embodiment, the transverse conveying section 4 is configured to convey the ribbon-shaped glass film G horizontally. However, the conveying direction may be inclined upward or downward within a range of less than 45° (preferably less than 30°) relative to the horizontal direction.

[0045] The first conveyor 13a is capable of spraying gas (e.g., air) toward the back surface of the glass film ribbon G. The glass film ribbon G is conveyed on the first conveyor 13a with only its center (primarily the active portion) in the width direction floating. The first conveyor 13a includes an endless belt 13aa for conveying the non-floating portion (primarily the inactive portion) of the glass film ribbon G, and a gas injector (not shown) disposed on the inner circumference of the belt 13aa and injecting gas upward. The belt 13aa is formed with numerous fine through-holes (not shown), and the gas injected from the gas injector passes through the through-holes and reaches the back surface of the glass film ribbon G.

[0046] On the main conveyor 13b, a stretchable sheet strip S1 made of a foamed resin overlaps the upper surface of the belt 13ba. The upper surface of the sheet strip S1 serves as the transport support surface for transporting and supporting the ribbon-shaped glass film G. Below the main conveyor 13b, a sheet roll r1, formed by winding the sheet strip S1, is provided. The sheet strip S1, pulled upward from the roll r1, passes along the upper surface of the belt 13ba from the upstream end of the belt 13ba and is then fed downward from the downstream end of the belt 13ba. The sheet strip S1 is held in a stretchable state by suction on the upper surface of the belt 13ba through negative pressure.

[0047] A cutting and removing section 5 is located above the center of the main conveyor 13b in the conveying direction. It is used to cut and remove the ineffective portions formed at both ends of the glass film ribbon G in the width direction. The cutting and removing section 5 is equipped with a laser irradiator 5aa, which locally heats the boundary between the ineffective and effective portions of the glass film ribbon G, and a refrigerant injector 5ab, which cools the heated portion heated by the laser irradiator 5aa. The laser irradiator 5aa continuously irradiates the boundary between the effective and ineffective portions of the glass film ribbon G as it passes below it. The refrigerant injector 5ab continuously sprays a refrigerant (e.g., misted water) onto the portion of the glass film ribbon G irradiated with the laser.

[0048] As a result, the temperature difference between the laser-heated portion and the refrigerant-cooled portion generates thermal stress in the glass film ribbon G. This thermal stress forms a continuous cut line (the portion separating the active and inactive portions) along the boundary between the active and inactive portions. This allows the glass film ribbon G to be continuously severed along its length. While the laser cutting method is used in this embodiment, the glass film ribbon G can also be cut using a laser melting method.

[0049] The glass film band G from which the useless portion G1 has been cut and removed is transferred from the main conveyor 13b to the second conveyor 13c. On the other hand, the useless portion G1 removed from the glass film band G is not transferred to the second conveyor 13c but is removed downward from the horizontal transport path and discarded.

[0050] On the second conveyor 13c, a stretchable sheet strip S2 made of a foamed resin is superimposed on the upper surface of the belt 13ca. The upper surface of the sheet strip S2 forms a transport support surface for transporting and supporting the ribbon-shaped glass film G. Below the second conveyor 13c, a sheet roll r2, formed by winding the sheet strip S2, is provided. The sheet strip S2, which is unwound upward from the roll r2, passes from the upstream end of the belt 13ca across the upper surface of the belt 13ca and is then fed downward from the downstream end of the belt 13ca. The sheet strip S2 is not held by suction on the upper surface of the belt 13ca.

[0051] A roller conveyor 15 is disposed at the terminal end of the horizontal conveying section 4. The upstream area of the roller conveyor 15 is composed of a currently common general-purpose roller conveyor 15a, and the downstream area is composed of rollers 152 disposed in a staggered manner (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is composed of a staggered roller conveyor 15b. In addition, an inspection device 16 is arranged in the middle of the conveying direction of the universal roller conveyor 15a. The details of the roller conveyor 15 and the inspection device 16 will be described later.

[0052] A winding section 6 is disposed downstream of the roller conveyor 15 in the conveying direction. The winding section 6 winds the glass film strip G, from which the ineffective portion G1 has been removed, into a roll around a winding core 6a to produce a glass roll R. In the winding section 6, the winding core 6a is rotated in synchronization with the conveying speeds of the conveyors 13a, 13b, 13c, and 15 to wind the glass film strip G. Below the winding section 6, a sheet roll r is disposed, formed by winding a protective sheet S. The protective sheet S removed from the sheet roll r is overlapped with the glass film strip G in the winding section 6 and then wound together with the glass film strip G to produce the glass roll R. The above-described steps complete all steps of the method for manufacturing the glass film strip G.

[0053] Next, details of the roller conveyor 15 and the inspection device 16 will be described.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, in the upstream general-purpose roller conveyor 15a of the roller conveyors 15, each roller 151 has a uniform outer diameter over the entire width of the glass film ribbon G. The gap α between the rollers 151 is formed into a straight line without unevenness along the width direction.

[0055] like Figure 1As shown, an inspection device 16 is arranged in the middle of the conveying direction of the universal roller conveyor 15a. The inspection device 16 is, for example, a device for performing an appearance inspection of the ribbon-shaped glass film G. In this embodiment, as an example of the inspection device 16, an inspection device 16 is used that includes a light source 16a for irradiating light to the ribbon-shaped glass film G and an imaging mechanism 16b such as a CCD camera arranged opposite to the light source 16a. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the light source 16a is positioned above the glass film strip G, and the imaging unit 16b is positioned below the glass film strip G. However, the vertical positional relationship between the light source 16a and the imaging unit 16b may be reversed. The imaging unit 16b captures an image of the area illuminated by the light from the light source 16a, and an information processing device (not shown) analyzes the resulting image data to determine the presence of defects such as scratches on the front, back, or both sides of the glass film strip G.

[0056] In the imaging area of the universal roller conveyor 15a, which is imaged by the imaging unit 16b, the gap α between the rollers (refer to Figure 2 ) becomes the passage path of the light from the light source 16a. The width of the gap between the rollers 151 in the universal conveyor 15b is different in the imaging area captured by the inspection device 16 and in other areas except the imaging area, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the imaging area, the width of gap α is slightly larger than the width of gaps in other areas. This ensures a sufficiently wide imaging area and enables high-precision inspection. Of course, if there is no problem with the inspection accuracy of the inspection device 16, the width of the gaps between the rollers in the imaging area can be reduced, for example, by making the width of gaps α between all rollers 151 uniform.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, in the downstream staggered roller conveyor 15b of the roller conveyor 15, a plurality of rollers 152 are coaxially arranged so as to be separated in the width direction of the glass film band G. A spacer 153 is arranged between the rollers 152 separated in the width direction. Figure 3 As shown, the outer diameter D1 of the roller 152 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the separator 153 (D1>D2). The roller 152 is fixed to the shaft, but the separator 153 is fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the shaft with a clearance fit or assembled to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft with the aid of a bearing, so that it can rotate relative to the shaft. The roller unit 154 is formed by the roller 152 and separator 153 mounted on a common shaft and the shaft. In the staggered roller conveyor 15b, the roller unit 154 is arranged in parallel to each other at multiple locations along the conveying direction. It should be noted that in Figure 2In the embodiment of FIG, the roller conveyor 15 is shown in which the separator 153 is arranged between the rollers 152, but the separator 153 can also be omitted. In addition, as the separator 153, a roller-shaped separator is shown as an example, but a spherical separator 153 can also be used.

[0058] In the staggered roller conveyor 15b, the rollers 152 of adjacent roller units 154 are arranged so that they face the conveyance direction, with the spaces between adjacent rollers 152 in the width direction of each roller unit 154. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of each roller 152 faces the outer peripheral surface of the spacer 153 of the other roller unit 154, with a small gap β between them. The width of the gap β is smaller than the width of the gap α between the rollers 151 in the universal roller conveyor 15a.

[0059] In this staggered roller conveyor 15b, the interaxial distance M between adjacent roller units 154 is preferably smaller than the outer diameter (diameter) of the rollers 152. Furthermore, the axial dimension L1 of the rollers 152 is preferably smaller than the axial dimension L2 of the separator 153 (L1 < L2). With this configuration, the outer circumferential surface of each roller 152 intrudes into the space between adjacent rollers 154 in the width direction. Consequently, when viewed across the width of the glass film ribbon G, the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers 152 of one roller unit partially overlap with the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers 152 of the other roller unit. By making the axial dimension L1 of the rollers 152 smaller than the axial dimension L2 of the separator 153, contact interference between the rollers 152 of adjacent roller units 154 can be prevented, thereby reducing friction in the staggered roller conveyor 15b.

[0060] The ratio (D1 / D2) between the outer diameter D1 of the roller 152 and the outer diameter D2 of the separator 153 is preferably 1.1 or greater and 1.5 or less. When this ratio is less than 1.1, the overlap between adjacent roller units 154 decreases, resulting in a gap between adjacent roller units 154 that is approximately straight in the width direction, making it easier for the end of the glass film ribbon G to enter this gap. When this ratio exceeds 1.5, the separator 153 becomes smaller in diameter. Consequently, when the end of the glass film ribbon G falls into the gap between the separator 153 and the roller 152 facing the separator in the conveyance direction, it becomes difficult for the end to climb onto the roller 152, making it difficult for the glass film ribbon G to return to the conveyance line.

[0061] exist Figure 1In the example, the outer diameter of the roller 151 of the universal roller conveyor 15a and the outer diameter of the roller 152 of the staggered roller conveyor 15b are equal. In this case, the conveying speeds of the two conveyors 15a and 15b are equal, so the rollers 151 and 152 are driven at the same rotational speed. The outer diameter of the roller 151 of the universal roller conveyor 15a and the outer diameter of the roller 152 of the staggered roller conveyor 15b can also be different. In this case, the rollers 151 and 152 need to be driven at different rotational speeds to achieve the same conveying speed for the two conveyors 15a and 15b.

[0062] In the existing method for manufacturing the glass roll R, Figure 4A As shown, the roller conveyor 15' provided at the terminal end of the transverse transport section 4 is composed of the aforementioned universal roller conveyor, in other words, a roller conveyor in which the outer diameter of the rollers 151' is uniform in the width direction of the glass film ribbon G. In this case, the gap α' between the rollers 151' is a straight line extending over the entire width direction of the glass film ribbon G. Figure 4B As shown, the tip end g of the glass film ribbon G easily enters the gap α' during conveyance. When the tip end of the glass film ribbon G enters the gap α', cracks or damage may occur in the glass film ribbon G, necessitating a temporary stop of the production line for recovery operations, which reduces the production efficiency of the glass film ribbon G. As the glass film ribbon G becomes thinner, the tip end g is more likely to enter the gap α' between the rollers 151', exacerbating this problem. Even if the gap between the rollers 151' of the roller conveyor 15' is narrowed, the same problem may arise. Replacing the roller conveyor 15' with a belt conveyor can eliminate this problem, but this makes it difficult to perform product inspection using light transmission performed by the inspection device 16.

[0063] On the other hand, if the staggered roller conveyor 15b described above is used, Figure 2 As shown, the gap β between the roller units 154 is curved with projections and depressions in the conveying direction. Therefore, the leading end portion g of the glass film ribbon G is less likely to enter the gap, and the above-mentioned inconvenience can be eliminated.

[0064] In particular, in this embodiment, the interaxial distance M between adjacent roller units 154 is smaller than the diameter D1 of the rollers 152 (M < D1). This allows the outer circumference of each roller 152 to penetrate the space between adjacent rollers 152 in the width direction. Consequently, a long, wide linear gap (one that significantly exceeds the width of the conveyed glass film ribbon) extending in the width direction is not formed between adjacent roller units 154. Consequently, the glass film ribbon can be reliably prevented from entering the gap between the roller units 154.

[0065] In the above description, an example is given in which the staggered roller conveyor 15b is used to constitute only the downstream area of the roller conveyor 15 that supplies the strip glass film G to the winding section 6, and the universal roller conveyor 15a is used to constitute the upstream area. However, as long as the gap between the roller units 154 can be used to ensure the passage path of light required for the inspection performed by the inspection device 16, the staggered roller conveyor 15b can also be used to constitute the entire roller conveyor 15.

[0066] In addition, in addition to forming a part or all of the roller conveyor 15 for supplying the ribbon-shaped glass film G to the winding section 6 by the staggered roller conveyor 15b, Figure 1 If a roller conveyor is required for any reason at any position in the transverse transport section of the apparatus for manufacturing a glass roll R (or an apparatus for manufacturing a glass film ribbon), the staggered roller conveyor 15b described in this embodiment can be used to constitute part or all of the roller conveyor. Furthermore, not only when a continuous glass film ribbon G is transported, but also when a single glass film ribbon G is transported by the transverse transport section, which is obtained by pre-cutting the glass film ribbon G in its width direction, is provided in the transverse transport section. The staggered roller conveyor 15b described in the above embodiment can also be used to constitute part or all of the roller conveyor.

[0067] In the above description, the overflow down-draw method is used to form the glass film ribbon G. However, other down-draw methods such as the slot down-draw method, a redraw method, etc. can also be used instead. Furthermore, the float method can also be used as a method for forming the glass film ribbon G, in which the glass film ribbon is drawn from a float bath and transported by a horizontal transport section.

[0068] Description of Reference Numerals

[0069] 2 Forming section

[0070] 3. Transport direction conversion unit

[0071] 4 Horizontal transport section

[0072] 5 Cutting and removal part

[0073] 6 Winding section

[0074] 15 Roller Conveyor

[0075] 15a Universal Roller Conveyor

[0076] 15b Staggered Roller Conveyor

[0077] 16 Inspection device

[0078] 16a Light Source

[0079] 16b Filming Agency

[0080] 151 Roller

[0081] 152 Rollers

[0082] 153 separator

[0083] 154 Roller Unit

[0084] D1 Roller outer diameter

[0085] D2 sleeve outer diameter

[0086] L1 Axial dimension of roller

[0087] L2 Axial dimension of sleeve

[0088] G Strip Glass Film

[0089] M is the distance between the roller units' axes

[0090] R Glass Roll.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass roll, comprising forming a ribbon-shaped glass film, conveying the formed ribbon-shaped glass film transversely by a transverse conveying section, and then winding the ribbon-shaped glass film into a roll by a winding section, thereby obtaining a glass roll. The method for manufacturing the glass roll is characterized in that: A roller conveyor equipped with a plurality of rollers is arranged on the transverse transport section. At least the downstream area in the conveying direction of the roller conveyor is formed by a staggered roller conveyor. The staggered roller conveyor includes a roller unit in which a plurality of rollers are arranged separately in the width direction of the glass film strip, the roller units are arranged at a plurality of locations along the conveying direction of the glass film strip, and rollers of other roller units adjacent to the roller unit are arranged so as to face the spaces between the rollers adjacent to each other in the width direction in the conveying direction. A spacer having an outer diameter smaller than that of the rollers is interposed between rollers adjacent to each other in the width direction in each roller unit. The glass film ribbon is supplied to the winding unit by the interlaced roller conveyor.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1, wherein: The distance between the axes of the adjacent roller units is made smaller than the diameter of the roller.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A ratio of the outer diameters of the roller and the separator is 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less.

4. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The axial length of the roller is made shorter than the axial length of the separator.

5. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: An inspection device for inspecting the glass film ribbon is disposed in a region of the roller conveyor upstream of the staggered roller conveyor in the conveying direction.

6. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 5, wherein: The inspection device is provided with a light source, and gaps between rollers adjacent to each other in the conveying direction in a region upstream in the conveying direction of the roller conveyor are used as a passage for light emitted from the light source.

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