Glass plate manufacturing method and manufacturing device

Abstract

The conveying steps in the manufacturing method of the glass plate include: a first conveying step, in which the glass plate (G) is conveyed in a state where the first side end (Gc) is separated from the limiting roller (8); and a second conveying step, in which, after the first conveying step, the glass plate (G) is conveyed in a state where the first side end (Gc) is in contact with the limiting roller (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a glass sheet. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, panel displays such as liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays have been advancing in terms of high definition. In line with this trend, dense circuits are formed on glass plates used as display substrates during the display manufacturing process. Consequently, these glass plates are required to be highly cleanable, free of dust and dirt.

[0003] Therefore, in the manufacturing process of a glass plate, a glass plate of a predetermined size is cut out from a glass original plate, and after the cut end surface of the cut glass plate is processed, a cleaning process is provided in which the glass plate is cleaned using a cleaning device.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning device that transports a glass plate in a predetermined transport direction using a plurality of transport rollers and cleans the front and back surfaces of the glass plate using roller brushes as cleaning tools.

[0005] This cleaning device comprises a positioning zone, an alkaline cleaning zone, a pure water cleaning zone, and a drying zone arranged from upstream to downstream in the conveyance direction of the glass sheet. In the alkaline cleaning zone and the pure water cleaning zone, the cleaning device cleans the glass sheet by bringing multiple roller brushes into contact with the surface of the glass sheet.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-89546 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] In the conventional cleaning device described above, a roller brush needs to be pressed against the glass plate to remove foreign matter and dirt attached to the surface of the glass plate. Therefore, even if the glass plate is positioned in the positioning area, it may be misaligned when passing through the alkaline cleaning area.

[0011] Glass sheets that have been dried in the drying area are sometimes removed from the cleaning equipment and bundled for transport to the display manufacturing process. To efficiently perform this bundling operation, it is desirable to position the glass sheets after they have passed the cleaning process (alkaline cleaning process). One possible method for this is to place a restraining member, such as a roller, in contact with the end of the glass sheet being transported.

[0012] However, if the restriction member collides with the front end portion in the traveling direction of the positionally misaligned glass sheet, the front end portion may be damaged.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to convey a glass plate without damaging the glass plate after the cleaning step.

[0014] Solutions to Problems

[0015] The present invention is a method for manufacturing a glass plate for solving the above-mentioned problems, comprising: a cleaning step of cleaning the glass plate using a cleaning tool while conveying the glass plate using a conveying device; and a conveying step of conveying the glass plate after the cleaning step using the conveying device. The method for manufacturing a glass plate is characterized in that the glass plate includes a front end portion located at the front side in the direction of travel during the conveying step; a rear end portion located behind the front end portion; and a first side end portion and a second side end portion located between the front end portion and the rear end portion. The conveying device includes a conveying roller that conveys the glass plate during the cleaning step; and a restricting member that contacts the first side end portion of the glass plate after the cleaning step. The conveying roller includes a first end portion located on the first side end portion side of the glass plate; and a second end portion located on the second side end portion side of the glass plate. The conveying steps include: a first conveying step of conveying the glass plate with the first side end portion of the glass plate separated from the restricting member; and a second conveying step of conveying the glass plate with the first side end portion of the glass plate in contact with the restricting member after the first conveying step.

[0016] According to this structure, in the first conveying step after the cleaning step, the first side end of the glass sheet is separated from the limiting member, thereby reliably preventing the front end of the glass sheet from colliding with the limiting member.

[0017] In the cleaning step and the conveying step, the glass sheet may be conveyed in an inclined posture in which the first side end portion is located below the second side end portion in the vertical direction.

[0018] According to such a structure, the first side end portion separated from the restriction member can be lowered by gravity and brought into contact with the restriction member. Therefore, the device for bringing the first side end portion into contact with the restriction member can be omitted, thereby simplifying the equipment.

[0019] Alternatively, the first side end portion of the glass plate may include: a front half portion, which is located at the front side of the traveling direction in the conveying process; and a rear half portion, which is located at the rear side of the front half portion. In the first conveying process, the front half interval is different from the rear half interval, and the front half interval is the interval between the front half portion and the limiting member opposite to the front half portion, and the rear half interval is the interval between the rear half portion and the limiting member opposite to the rear half portion.

[0020] With this structure, even if the first side end portion descends due to gravity and contacts the restraining member, after the front or rear half of the glass sheet contacts the restraining member, the remaining portion also contacts the restraining member. This mitigates the impact of contact and prevents breakage of the glass sheet.

[0021] In the first conveying step, the first half interval may be larger than the second half interval.

[0022] If the front half interval is smaller than the rear half interval, the glass sheet may unintentionally rotate due to contact with the cleaning tool during the cleaning process, and the front half interval may be easily reduced and even disappear, thereby causing the possibility of the front half of the glass sheet colliding with the limiting member. If the front half interval is larger than the rear half interval, even if the glass sheet unintentionally rotates due to contact with the cleaning tool and the front half interval is reduced, the front half interval is likely to remain, thereby eliminating the possibility of the front half of the glass sheet colliding with the limiting member.

[0023] In this method, the conveying roller may be inclined so that the first end portion is located ahead of the second end portion in the traveling direction of the glass sheet.

[0024] According to this structure, as the conveying rollers convey the glass sheet, the first side end portion separates from the limiting member, and the first half of the gap is larger than the second half of the gap. Therefore, the position of the conveying rollers can be adjusted without using special equipment, and the glass sheet can be supplied to the first conveying step in an appropriate posture.

[0025] In this method, the glass plate may include a first main surface and a second main surface, the conveying roller may be composed of an elastic component, and the conveying roller may include: an upper conveying roller, which is in contact with the first main surface of the glass plate; and a lower conveying roller, which is in contact with the second main surface of the glass plate, and the distance between the second end portion of the upper conveying roller and the second end portion of the lower conveying roller is smaller than the distance between the first end portion of the upper conveying roller and the first end portion of the lower conveying roller.

[0026] With this structure, by making the spacing between the second ends of the conveying rollers smaller than the spacing between the first ends of the conveying rollers, the contact pressure of the conveying rollers on the second end of the conveyed glass sheet can be increased. As a result, as the conveying rollers convey the glass sheet, the first end of the glass sheet separates from the restraining member, and the first half of the spacing is greater than the second half. Consequently, the position of the conveying rollers can be adjusted without using special equipment, allowing the glass sheet to be supplied to the first conveying step in an appropriate posture.

[0027] In this method, the regulating member may include a plurality of regulating rollers. By using a plurality of regulating rollers, it is possible to prevent breakage of the glass sheet and to appropriately convey the glass sheet.

[0028] In addition, the limiting roller may also have a roller portion that is maintained so as to be able to rotate, and the roller portion may have: an elastic body that serves as an outer skin; a supporting portion that supports the elastic body; and a space portion that is enclosed in the supporting portion, the elastic body being configured as a tube, the supporting portion supporting the axial end portion of the elastic body, and the space portion being arranged on the inner side of the elastic body in a manner corresponding to the axial middle portion of the elastic body.

[0029] With this structure, when the first side end of the glass sheet contacts the middle portion of the elastic body, the middle portion can deform within the space without contacting the support portion. In other words, the presence of the space facilitates elastic deformation of the elastic body, effectively absorbing the impact of contact with the first side end of the glass sheet. This effectively prevents breakage of the first side end of the glass sheet.

[0030] The present invention is a manufacturing device for a glass plate used for the above-mentioned subject, comprising: a cleaning section that cleans the glass plate using a cleaning tool; and a conveying device that conveys the glass plate. The manufacturing device for the glass plate is characterized in that the glass plate includes: a front end portion that is located at the front side of the travel direction of the conveying device; a rear end portion that is located behind the front end portion; and a first side end portion and a second side end portion that are located between the front end portion and the rear end portion, the conveying device includes a limiting member that contacts the first side end portion of the glass plate after cleaning by the cleaning section, and the conveying device conveys the glass plate in a state in which the first side end portion is separated from the limiting member after cleaning by the cleaning section, and then brings the first side end portion of the glass plate into contact with the limiting member.

[0031] According to this structure, the conveying device conveys the cleaned glass sheet with the first side end separated from the limiting member and then brings the first side end into contact with the limiting member, thereby reliably preventing the front end of the glass sheet from colliding with the limiting member. As a result, the glass sheet can be conveyed without damaging it after cleaning.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, after the cleaning step, the glass plate can be conveyed without damaging the glass plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional image of a glass plate.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a side view showing the glass plate cleaning device.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a top view showing a glass plate cleaning device.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a top view of the supply unit.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a front view of the conveying roller.

[0039] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the restriction roller.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a top view of the first cleaning unit.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a front view of the conveying roller.

[0042] Figure 9 It is a top view of the second cleaning unit.

[0043] Figure 10 It is a top view of the flushing unit.

[0044] Figure 11 It is a top view of the drying section.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a glass plate.

[0046] Figure 13 It is a flowchart which shows the conveying process.

[0047] Figure 14 It is a plan view showing the supply and transport step and the first cleaning and transport step.

[0048] Figure 15 It is a plan view showing the first cleaning and transporting step and the second cleaning and transporting step.

[0049] Figure 16 It is a plan view showing the second cleaning and transporting step and the rinsing and transporting step.

[0050] Figure 17 It is a plan view showing the rinsing and conveying steps and the drying and conveying steps.

[0051] Figure 18 This is a front view showing another example of the conveying roller.

[0052] Figure 19 This is a front view showing another example of the conveying roller.

[0053] Figure 20 It is a plan view showing another example of the second cleaning and transporting step and the rinsing and transporting step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 17 One embodiment of the method and apparatus for producing a glass plate of the present invention will be described.

[0055] Figure 1 The present method for producing a glass sheet G is shown. The glass sheet G is formed, for example, by cutting a long glass ribbon formed using the overflow down-draw method. The overflow down-draw method involves allowing molten glass to flow into an overflow trough provided at the top of a forming body having a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section. The molten glass overflowing from the overflow trough flows down along the sidewalls of the forming body while fusing and integrating at the bottom end of the forming body, thereby continuously forming a glass ribbon. The glass sheet G is not limited to being produced using the overflow down-draw method; it can also be produced using the float process or various other forming methods.

[0056] The glass plate G is rectangular, but is not limited to this shape. It includes a first principal surface G1 and a second principal surface G2. In this embodiment, the first principal surface G1 is the guaranteed surface, and the second principal surface G2 is the non-guaranteed surface. Here, the "guaranteed surface" refers to, for example, the surface on which a transparent conductive film or other material is deposited during the display manufacturing process. The dimensions of the glass plate G range from 500 × 600 mm to 3100 × 3500 mm, for example.

[0057] A glass sheet G undergoes a prescribed cleaning process while being conveyed along a conveying direction (also called a traveling direction) GX. The glass sheet G includes a front end Ga located forward in the traveling direction GX; a rear end Gb located behind the front end Ga (upstream in the traveling direction GX); and a first side end Gc and a second side end Gd located between the front end Ga and the rear end Gb. The front end Ga, the rear end Gb, the first side end Gc, and the second side end Gd are formed by straight edges. Of the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G, the half located forward in the traveling direction GX is referred to as the front half FH, and the half located rearward of the front half FH is referred to as the rear half RH.

[0058] The glass plate G is made of, for example, silicate glass or silica glass, preferably borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, chemically strengthened glass, or alkali-free glass. Alkali-free glass refers to glass that contains substantially no alkali components (alkali metal oxides), specifically, glass having an alkali content of 3000 ppm by weight or less. In the present invention, the alkali content is preferably 1000 ppm by weight or less, more preferably 500 ppm by weight or less, and most preferably 300 ppm by weight or less.

[0059] Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The following illustrates a cleaning device that is part of the manufacturing apparatus for the glass sheet G of this embodiment. The cleaning device 1 mainly includes a supply unit 2, a cleaning unit 3, a rinsing unit 4, and a drying unit 5. The cleaning device 1 also includes a conveying device 6 that continuously conveys the glass sheet G from the supply unit 2 to the drying unit 5.

[0060] The conveying device 6 includes a conveying roller 7 and a limiting roller 8 as a limiting member as basic components. The conveying device 6 uses the limiting roller 8 to limit the position of the glass sheet G so that the glass sheet G is located at a predetermined reference position in the supply section 2, the rinsing section 4, and the drying section 5. The reference position of the glass sheet G refers to the position of the glass sheet G when the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G is in contact with the limiting roller 8. Figure 3 In the figure, a straight line (hereinafter referred to as a "reference line") BL connecting the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G and the contact position of the plurality of regulating rollers 8 is indicated by a two-dot chain line (hereinafter referred to as a "reference line") BL (the same applies to other figures). When the glass sheet G is located at the reference position, the first side end Gc is aligned with the reference line BL.

[0061] The supply unit 2 supplies the glass plate G processed into a rectangular shape through the previous process (cutting process, end surface processing process) to the cleaning unit 3. In the supply unit 2, the conveying device 6 conveys the glass plate G toward the cleaning unit 3 while being restrained in the reference position. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown, the conveying device 6 includes a plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 7 a and 7 b for sandwiching the glass sheet G, and a plurality of regulating rollers 8 for contacting the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G.

[0062] The pair of conveying rollers 7a and 7b includes an upper conveying roller 7a in contact with the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G and a lower conveying roller 7b in contact with the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G. Each conveying roller 7a and 7b includes a cylindrical roller portion 9 and a shaft portion 10 supporting the roller portion 9 .

[0063] The roller portion 9 includes a first end portion 9a and a second end portion 9b in the axial direction. The first end portion 9a is located on the first side end portion Gc side of the glass sheet G, and the second end portion 9b is located on the second side end portion Gd side of the glass sheet G. The roller portion 9 can be formed into a cylindrical shape, for example, from an elastic member. The roller portion 9 can be formed from, for example, a foamed resin molded body, a foamed rubber molded body (foam sponge), or a felt-like fiber molded body (felt sponge).

[0064] The shaft portion 10 is formed of, for example, a metal rod-shaped member. The shaft portion 10 penetrates the interior of the roller portion 9. The shaft portion 10 is connected to a driving device (not shown) and is driven to rotate by the driving device.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , each conveying roller 7a, 7b is parallel to and not inclined in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction GX of the glass sheet G in a plan view. Figure 5 As shown, each conveying roller 7a, 7b is inclined relative to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from the front. That is, each conveying roller 7a, 7b is inclined so that the first end 9a of the roller portion 9 is located below the second end 9b in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The inclination angles θ1 and θ2 of the conveying rollers 7a, 7b relative to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) are preferably 2 to 15 degrees. The inclination angle θ1 of the upper conveying roller 7a is equal to the inclination angle θ2 of the lower conveying roller 7b. In the supply section 2, the conveying device 6 can convey the glass sheet G in an inclined posture by clamping the glass sheet G using the conveying rollers 7a, 7b inclined as described above.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, the regulating roller 8 is arranged near the first end 9a of each conveying roller 7a, 7b so as to contact the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G. The regulating roller 8 includes a roller portion 11 and a shaft portion 12 that rotatably holds the roller portion 11.

[0067] The roller portion 11 includes an elastic body 13 serving as an outer skin, a support portion (backing ring) 14 supporting the elastic body 13 , and a space portion 15 enclosed in the support portion 14 .

[0068] The elastomer 13 is made of, for example, rubber, but may also be made of resin. The Shore A hardness of the elastomer 13 (rubber) is preferably 40 to 80. The thickness of the elastomer 13 is preferably 2 to 20 mm. The elastomer 13 is configured in a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical). A support portion 14 passes through the inner side of the elastomer 13. The axial end portions 13a and 13b of the elastomer 13 are supported by the support portion 14. The axial middle portion 13c of the elastomer 13 is not supported by the support portion 14 due to the presence of the space portion 15.

[0069] The support portion 14 is formed into a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical shape) by, for example, resin or the like. The space portion 15 is provided on the inner side of the elastomer 13 in a manner corresponding to the middle portion 13c in the axial direction of the elastomer 13. The space portion 15 is formed by a recess 16 formed in the middle portion in the axial direction of the support portion 14. The recess 16 is formed in an annular shape over the entire circumference of the support portion 14. The outer peripheral surface of the support portion 14 except for the recess 16 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the elastomer 13. The depth of the space portion 15 can be set to, for example, 1 to 10 mm, and the axial length of the space portion 15 can be set to, for example, 5 to 30 mm.

[0070] The shaft 12 is formed of a metal rod, for example, and passes through the inner side of the support 14. The shaft 12 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction so as to be substantially perpendicular to the inclination direction of the glass sheet G conveyed in an inclined posture.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the restricting roller 8 brings the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G into contact with the middle portion 13c of the elastic body 13 within the space 15. Thus, the middle portion 13c of the elastic body 13 contacts the glass sheet G at a position corresponding to the space 15, allowing it to elastically deform without being restricted by the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 14. Consequently, the elastic body 13 is more likely to elastically deform upon contact with the glass sheet G than when the space 15 is absent.

[0072] The restricting roller 8 is not limited to the structure described above and can be modified and altered in various ways. For example, the elastic body 13 forming the outer shell of the restricting roller 8 may be formed from a foamed resin molded body or a foamed rubber molded body. In this case, even without the recess 16, the bubbles contained within the elastic body 13 function as spaces 15 that allow deformation of the elastic body 13. Specifically, when the glass sheet G comes into contact with the elastic body 13 containing bubbles, the bubbles, which serve as spaces within the elastic body 13, contract to allow deformation. This facilitates elastic deformation of the elastic body 13 upon contact with the glass sheet G.

[0073] The restriction roller 8 is not limited to the above structure, and may be composed only of the elastic body 13 or only of the support portion 14 without the space 15. In this case, the restriction roller 8 may have a V-shaped groove on its outer peripheral surface for engaging with the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G.

[0074] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning section 3 can wipe clean the first main surface G1 and the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G while conveying the glass sheet G supplied from the supply section 2 by the conveying device 6. The cleaning section 3 includes a first cleaning section 3a located upstream in the conveying direction GX of the glass sheet G and a second cleaning section 3b located downstream.

[0075] The first cleaning section 3a includes first cleaning tools 17a and 17b and conveying rollers (hereinafter referred to as "first cleaning conveying rollers") 7c and 7d in the conveying device 6. The first cleaning section 3a does not include the regulating rollers 8 in the conveying device 6.

[0076] The first cleaning tools 17a and 17b are, for example, cleaning rollers, but are not limited to this configuration and may also be cleaning disks or other various cleaning tools. The cleaning rollers may be made of a brush, a sponge (e.g., a PVA sponge), or a nonwoven fabric. The first cleaning tools 17a and 17b include an upper cleaning tool 17a that contacts the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G and a lower cleaning tool 17b that contacts the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G. The first cleaning tools 17a and 17b wipe and clean the glass sheet G while the upper cleaning tool 17a and the lower cleaning tool 17b sandwich the glass sheet G.

[0077] The first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c and 7d include an upper cleaning conveyor roller 7c that contacts the first principal surface G1 of the glass sheet G, and a lower cleaning conveyor roller 7d that contacts the second principal surface G2 of the glass sheet G. The first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c and 7d include a roller portion 9 and a shaft portion 10. The structures of the roller portion 9 and the shaft portion 10 are the same as those of the conveyor rollers 7a and 7b in the supply unit 2.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, the first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c and 7d are inclined so that, when viewed from above, the first end 9a of the roller portion 9 is positioned forward (downstream) of the second end 9b in the travel direction GX of the glass sheet G. The inclination angle θ3 of the upper cleaning conveyor roller 7c with respect to the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction GX of the glass sheet G (the Y-axis direction) is equal to the inclination angle θ4 of the corresponding lower cleaning conveyor roller 7d. These inclination angles θ3 and θ4 are preferably set to 0.05 to 1°.

[0079] like Figure 8As shown, the first cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7d are inclined at predetermined angles θ5 and θ6 relative to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from the front. In other words, the first cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7d are inclined so that the first end 9a of the roller portion 9 is located below the second end 9b in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0080] The tilt angle θ5 of the upper cleaning conveyor roller 7c relative to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) is different from the tilt angle θ6 of the corresponding lower cleaning conveyor roller 7d. In other words, the tilt angle θ5 of the upper cleaning conveyor roller 7c is smaller than the tilt angle θ6 of the lower cleaning conveyor roller 7d.

[0081] The inclination angles θ5 and θ6 of the first cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7d are not limited to the above-described configuration. The first cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7d may be arranged so that the distance between the axes of the upper cleaning conveying roller 7c and the lower cleaning conveying roller 7d gradually decreases as the distance from the first end 9a of the roller portion 9 to the second end 9b is gradually decreased.

[0082] Due to the difference in inclination angles θ5 and θ6 described above, the distance (distance between the axes) D2 between the second end 9b of the upper cleaning conveyor roller 7c and the second end 9b of the lower cleaning conveyor roller 7d is smaller than the distance (distance between the axes) D1 between the first end 9a of the upper cleaning conveyor roller 7c and the first end 9a of the lower cleaning conveyor roller 7d. The difference (D1-D2) between the distance D1 and the distance D2 is preferably set to 1 to 4 mm.

[0083] With this structure, when the glass sheet G is clamped between the upper cleaning conveyor roller 7c and the lower cleaning conveyor roller 7d, the portion of the roller portion 9 on the second end portion 9b side of the first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c and 7d elastically deforms to a greater extent than the portion on the first end portion 9a side. Therefore, when the glass sheet G is conveyed, the portion on the second end portion 9b side of each roller portion 9 of the first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c and 7d presses against the glass sheet G with a greater contact pressure (elastic restoring force) than the portion on the first end portion 9a side.

[0084] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the second cleaning section 3b includes second cleaning tools 18a, 18b and conveying rollers (hereinafter referred to as "second cleaning conveying rollers") 7e, 7f of the conveying device 6. The second cleaning section 3b does not include the regulating roller 8 of the conveying device 6.

[0085] The second cleaning tools 18a and 18b are composed of a plurality of cleaning disks arranged along the width direction of the glass sheet G. However, this structure is not limited thereto and they may also be composed of cleaning rollers or other various cleaning tools. The second cleaning tools 18a and 18b include an upper cleaning tool 18a that contacts the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G and a lower cleaning tool 18b that contacts the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G.

[0086] The second cleaning conveyor rollers 7e and 7f include an upper cleaning conveyor roller 7e that contacts the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G, and a lower cleaning conveyor roller 7f that contacts the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G. The second cleaning conveyor rollers 7e and 7f include a roller portion 9 and a shaft portion 10. The structures of the roller portion 9 and the shaft portion 10 are the same as those of the first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c and 7d.

[0087] like Figure 9 As shown, the second cleaning conveyor rollers 7e and 7f are inclined so that the first end 9a of the roller portion 9 is positioned forward of the second end 9b in the travel direction GX of the glass sheet G when viewed from above. The inclination angles θ7 and θ8 of the second cleaning conveyor rollers 7e and 7f are equal to the inclination angles θ3 and θ4 of the first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c and 7d. This is not limiting; the inclination angles θ7 and θ8 of the second cleaning conveyor rollers 7e and 7f may differ from the inclination angles θ3 and θ4 of the first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c and 7d.

[0088] The second cleaning conveying rollers 7e and 7f are inclined so that the first end portion 9a of the roller portion 9 is located below the second end portion 9b in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) when viewed from the front (see FIG. Figure 8 The upper cleaning conveying roller 7e has an inclination angle θ9 with respect to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) (see Figure 8 ) is equal to the inclination angle θ5 of the upper cleaning conveying roller 7c in the first cleaning section 3a. The inclination angle θ10 of the lower cleaning conveying roller 7f relative to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) (refer to Figure 8 ) is equal to the inclination angle θ6 of the lower cleaning conveying roller 7d in the first cleaning section 3a. This configuration is not limiting, and the inclination angles θ9 and θ10 of the second cleaning conveying rollers 7e and 7f may also be different from the inclination angles θ5 and θ6 of the first cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7d.

[0089] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the rinsing unit 4 includes rinsing liquid supply units 4a and 4b, and conveying rollers 7g and 7h and a regulating roller 8 in the conveying device 6. The rinsing liquid supply units 4a and 4b include a first rinsing liquid supply unit 4a for supplying rinsing liquid to the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G, and a second rinsing liquid supply unit 4b for supplying rinsing liquid to the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G.

[0090] The first rinse liquid supply unit 4a is located above the conveying rollers 7g and 7h. The first rinse liquid supply unit 4a sprays the rinse liquid downward. The second rinse liquid supply unit 4b is located below the conveying rollers 7g and 7h. The second rinse liquid supply unit 4b sprays the rinse liquid upward.

[0091] The conveying rollers 7g and 7h include an upper conveying roller 7g that contacts the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G, and a lower conveying roller 7h that contacts the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G. The conveying rollers 7g and 7h and the regulating roller 8 in the rinsing section 4 have the same structure as the conveying rollers 7a and 7b and the regulating roller 8 in the supply section 2. The conveying rollers 7g and 7h are inclined at the same angles θ1 and θ2 as the conveying rollers 7a and 7b in the supply section 2.

[0092] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the drying section 5 includes air knives 5a and 5b, and conveying rollers 7i and 7j and a regulating roller 8 in a conveying device 6. The air knives 5a and 5b include an upper air knife 5a for blowing air toward the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G, and a lower air knife 5b for blowing air toward the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G.

[0093] The conveying rollers 7i and 7j include an upper conveying roller 7i that contacts the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G, and a lower conveying roller 7j that contacts the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G. The conveying rollers 7i and 7j and the regulating roller 8 in the drying section 5 have the same structure as the conveying rollers 7g and 7h and the regulating roller 8 in the rinsing section 4. The conveying rollers 7i and 7j are inclined at the same angles θ1 and θ2 as the conveying rollers 7a and 7b in the supply section 2.

[0094] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a glass plate G using the cleaning device 1 having the above-mentioned structure will be described. Figure 12 As shown, this method mainly includes a cleaning step S1, a rinsing step S2, and a drying step S3. In addition, this method includes a conveying step of conveying the glass plate G from the cleaning step S1 to the drying step S3.

[0095] The cleaning step S1 includes a first cleaning step of cleaning the glass plate G by the first cleaning unit 3 a and a second cleaning step of cleaning the glass plate G by the second cleaning unit 3 b .

[0096] In the first cleaning step, the upper cleaning tool 17a is in contact with the first main surface G1 of the glass plate G, and the lower cleaning tool 17b is in contact with the second main surface G2 of the glass plate G. The cleaning tools 17a and 17b are rotated. At this time, a predetermined cleaning liquid is supplied to the first and second main surfaces G1 and G2 of the glass plate G. This removes foreign matter and dirt adhering to the first and second main surfaces G1 and G2 of the glass plate G.

[0097] In the second cleaning step, the upper cleaning tool 18a is in contact with the first main surface G1 of the glass sheet G brought into the second cleaning section 3b, and the lower cleaning tool 18b is in contact with the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G. The cleaning tools 18a and 18b are rotated. At this time, a predetermined cleaning liquid is supplied to the first and second main surfaces G1 and G2 of the glass sheet G. This removes foreign matter and dirt remaining on the first and second main surfaces G1 and G2 of the glass sheet G.

[0098] In the rinsing step S2 , the rinsing unit 4 supplies the rinsing liquid discharged from the first and second rinsing liquid supply units 4 a and 4 b to the first and second main surfaces G1 and G2 of the glass sheet G. Thus, the cleaning liquid adhering to the glass sheet G in the cleaning step S1 is removed.

[0099] In the drying step S3 , air ejected from the upper air knife 5 a and the lower air knife 5 b is blown toward the first main surface G1 and the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G. Thus, the rinse liquid adhering to the glass sheet G in the rinsing step S2 is removed.

[0100] Below, refer to Figures 13 to 17 The conveying process of the glass plate G performed simultaneously with the above-mentioned cleaning process S1, rinsing process S2 and drying process S3 will be described. Figure 13 As shown, the conveying process includes a supply conveying process S10, a cleaning conveying process S11, a rinsing conveying process S21, and a drying conveying process S31.

[0101] In the supply and conveyance step S10, the conveyance device 6 supports the first main surface G1 and the second main surface G2 of the glass sheet G by the conveyance rollers 7a and 7b in the supply section 2, and conveys the glass sheet G to the downstream cleaning section 3 with the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G in contact with the regulating roller 8 (see FIG. Figure 14 Thus, the glass sheet G is supplied to the cleaning unit 3 in an inclined posture with the first side end Gc located at the bottom and the second side end Gd located at the top, while maintaining the reference position.

[0102] The cleaning and conveying step S11 includes a first cleaning and conveying step of conveying the glass plate G by the first cleaning and conveying rollers 7c and 7d and a second cleaning and conveying step of conveying the glass plate G by the second cleaning and conveying rollers 7e and 7f.

[0103] like Figure 14 As shown, in the first cleaning and conveying step, the glass sheet G is conveyed toward the second cleaning section 3b while being clamped by the first cleaning and conveying rollers 7c and 7d of the first cleaning section 3a. In this case, the glass sheet G moves toward the downstream side in the conveying direction GX while maintaining an inclined posture with the first side end Gc positioned downward and the second side end Gd positioned upward.

[0104] During this movement, the distance between the first side end Gc and the reference line BL gradually increases. In addition, the distance between the front half FH of the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G and the reference line BL (the front half distance) is larger than the distance between the rear half RH of the first side end Gc and the reference line BL (the rear half distance). In other words, Figure 14 As shown, a distance D3 between a corner C1 between the front end Ga and the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G and the reference line BL is larger than a distance D4 between a corner C2 between the rear end Gb and the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G and the reference line BL.

[0105] The distances D3 and D4 between the glass sheet G and the reference line BL gradually increase as the glass sheet G moves toward the downstream side (the second cleaning section 3b side). This effect is caused by the first cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7d being inclined at the angles θ3 and θ4 described above, and the portion of the roller section 9 on the second end 9b side pressing the glass sheet G with a greater contact pressure than the portion on the first end 9a side.

[0106] like Figure 15 As shown, in the second cleaning and conveying step, the glass sheet G transferred from the first cleaning section 3a to the second cleaning section 3b is conveyed to the downstream rinsing section 4 by the second cleaning and conveying rollers 7e and 7f. In this case, the glass sheet G is conveyed by the second cleaning and conveying rollers 7e and 7f having the same structure as the first cleaning and conveying rollers 7c and 7d, so that the first side end Gc moves further away from the reference line BL.

[0107] Therefore, in the second cleaning and conveying step, the distance D5 between the front corner C1 of the glass sheet G and the reference line BL is larger than the distance D3 between the corner C1 and the reference line BL in the first cleaning and conveying step. Furthermore, the distance D6 between the rear corner C2 of the glass sheet G and the reference line BL is larger than the distance D4 between the corner C2 and the reference line BL in the first cleaning and conveying step.

[0108] Similar to the first cleaning and conveying step, in the second cleaning and conveying step, the glass sheet G is conveyed in a planarly inclined state in which the distance D5 between the front corner C1 and the reference line BL is larger than the distance D6 between the rear corner C2 and the reference line BL.

[0109] At the boundary between the cleaning section 3 and the rinsing section 4, the distances D5 and D6 between the glass sheet G and the reference line BL may be set to, for example, 4 to 90 mm. In this case, the difference (D5-D6) between the distance D5 between the front corner C1 of the glass sheet G and the reference line BL and the distance D6 between the rear corner C2 of the glass sheet G and the reference line BL may be set to, for example, 2 to 45 mm.

[0110] The distances D5 and D6 between the glass sheet G and the reference line BL gradually increase as the glass sheet G moves downstream. This effect occurs because the second cleaning and transport rollers 7e and 7f are inclined at the angles θ7 and θ8 described above, similarly to the first cleaning and transport rollers 7c and 7d, and the portion of the roller 9 on the second end 9b side presses the glass sheet G with a greater contact pressure than the portion on the first end 9a side.

[0111] The glass sheet G is carried into the rinse section 4 from the second cleaning section 3 b in a state where the first side end Gc is separated from the reference line BL.

[0112] The rinsing and conveying step S21 conveys the glass sheet G, which has been conveyed from the second cleaning section 3b to the rinsing section 4, to the downstream drying section 5 using the conveying rollers 7g and 7h and the regulating rollers 8. The rinsing and conveying step S21 includes a first rinsing and conveying step in which the glass sheet G is conveyed with the first side end Gc separated from the regulating rollers 8; and a second rinsing and conveying step in which, after the first rinsing and conveying step, the glass sheet G is conveyed with the first side end Gc in contact with the regulating rollers 8.

[0113] like Figure 16 As indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1 , in the first rinsing and conveying step, the glass sheet G is conveyed (loaded) downstream using only the conveying rollers 7g and 7h, with the first side end Gc separated from the reference line BL. In this case, the gap between the front half FH of the first side end Gc and the restriction roller 8 opposing it is larger than the gap between the rear half RH of the first side end Gc and the restriction roller 8 opposing it. In other words, the glass sheet G is conveyed downstream while maintaining a planarly tilted state in which the gap D7 between the front corner C1 and the reference line BL is larger than the gap D8 between the rear corner C2 and the reference line BL.

[0114] As already mentioned, the upper conveying rollers 7g and lower conveying rollers 7h disposed in the rinsing section 4 are arranged parallel to each other and inclined at predetermined angles θ1 and θ2. Therefore, while being conveyed solely by the conveying rollers 7g and 7h, the glass sheet G gradually moves (descends along the inclined direction) toward the regulating roller 8 (reference line BL) due to its own weight. Therefore, during the first rinsing and conveying step, as the glass sheet G moves downstream, the aforementioned gaps D7 and D8 gradually decrease.

[0115] In the second rinsing and conveying step, the glass sheet G that has been moved close to the reference line BL in the first rinsing and conveying step comes into contact with the regulating roller 8. In this case, Figure 16 As indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure, a portion of the rear half RH of the glass sheet G contacts the restricting roller 8 located most upstream before the front half FH. Subsequently, the front half FH of the glass sheet G contacts the restricting roller 8 located downstream. Specifically, the front half FH and the rear half RH contact the middle portion 13c of the elastic body 13 of the restricting roller 8. Due to this contact, the middle portion 13c elastically deforms toward the space 15. This elastic deformation mitigates the impact of the restricting roller 8 contacting the glass sheet G, thereby preventing damage to the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G. Furthermore, dust generation from the elastic body 13 caused by contact and friction with the glass sheet G can be prevented.

[0116] like Figure 17 As shown, the glass sheet G is conveyed to the drying unit 5 by the conveying rollers 7g and 7h in a state of being arranged at the reference position.

[0117] In the drying and conveying step S31 , the glass sheet G conveyed from the rinsing section 4 to the drying section 5 is restrained at a reference position by the restraining rollers 8 , and the glass sheet G is conveyed in the conveying direction GX by the conveying rollers 7 i and 7 j .

[0118] According to the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus (cleaning apparatus 1) of the glass sheet G of the present embodiment described above, in the rinsing and conveying step S21 after the cleaning step S1, the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G is conveyed with the first side end Gc separated from the regulating roller 8 (first rinsing and conveying step), thereby reliably preventing the front end Ga (front corner C1) of the glass sheet G from colliding with the regulating roller 8 in the rinsing section 4. As a result, the glass sheet G can be conveyed without damaging it after the cleaning step S1.

[0119] Moreover, by placing the glass sheet G at the reference position and conveying it in the second rinsing conveyance step S31 and the drying conveyance step S31 , the glass sheet G can be taken out and packaged efficiently and accurately after the completion of the drying conveyance step S31 .

[0120] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c, 7d and the second cleaning conveyor rollers 7e, 7f are configured so as to be inclined in a plan view, and the portion of the roller portion 9 on the second end 9b side presses the glass sheet G with a greater contact pressure than the portion of the roller portion 9 on the first end 9a side. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c, 7d and the second cleaning conveyor rollers 7e, 7f may also be configured so as to be inclined in a plan view, so that the portion of the roller portion 9 on the second end 9b side presses the glass sheet G with the same degree of contact pressure as the portion of the roller portion 9 on the first end 9a side. Alternatively, the first cleaning conveyor rollers 7c, 7d and the second cleaning conveyor rollers 7e, 7f may be configured so that the portion of the roller portion 9 on the second end 9b side presses the glass sheet G with a greater contact pressure than the portion of the roller portion 9 on the first end 9a side, but are parallel in a plan view.

[0122] In the above-described embodiment, the roller portion 9 of the first cleaning conveying rollers 7c, 7d and the second cleaning conveying rollers 7e, 7f is configured such that the outer diameter from the first end portion 9a to the second end portion 9b is constant and the interval D2 is smaller than the interval D1, so that the portion on the second end portion 9b side of the roller portion 9 presses the glass sheet G with a greater contact pressure than the portion on the first end portion 9a side of the roller portion 9, but the present invention is not limited to this structure.

[0123] For example, Figure 18 The roller portion 9 of the upper cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7e shown includes a first roller portion 9A formed on the first end portion 9a side and having a smaller outer diameter, and a second roller portion 9B formed on the second end portion 9b side and having a larger outer diameter.

[0124] In addition, if Figure 19 As shown, the roller portion 9 of the upper cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7e may be configured in a tapered shape in which the outer diameter gradually increases from the first end portion 9a toward the second end portion 9b.

[0125] According to the above Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 In the example shown, even when the upper cleaning and conveying rollers 7c, 7e are arranged parallel to the lower cleaning and conveying rollers 7d, 7f (when the angles θ5, θ9 are equal to the angles θ6, θ10), the portion on the second end 9b side of the roller portion 9 can press the glass plate G with a contact pressure greater than that of the portion on the first end 9a side.

[0126] The present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the lower cleaning conveying rollers 7d and 7f may have the same configuration as that of the upper cleaning conveying rollers 7c and 7e.

[0127] The cleaning apparatus used in the cleaning process can be composed of a cleaning disc, a cleaning roller, or various other cleaning apparatuses, but preferably includes a cleaning disc. The rotation of the cleaning disc causes the glass sheet to rotate unintentionally when viewed from above, resulting in a high risk of collision with the restraining rollers. Therefore, if the cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning disc, the effect of the present invention, namely, the ability to transport the glass sheet without damage after the cleaning process, is more pronounced.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the regulating roller 8 is exemplified as the regulating member, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the regulating member may be a belt conveyor including a belt that contacts the first side end Gc of the glass sheet G.

[0129] In the above embodiment, in the rinsing and conveying step S21 , the glass sheet G moving away from the regulating roller 8 is moved under its own weight so that the first side end Gc comes into contact with the regulating roller 8 . However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0130] For example, Figure 20 As shown, in the rinsing and conveying step S21 , the glass sheet G may be forcibly moved toward the regulating roller 8 by using the extrusion devices 19A and 19B having the contact members 19a and 19b that can come into contact with the second side end Gd of the glass sheet G.

[0131] The extrusion devices 19A and 19B include a first extrusion device 19A positioned upstream in the conveying direction GX of the glass sheet G, and a second extrusion device 19B positioned downstream of the first extrusion device 19A. The contact members 19a and 19b in each extrusion device 19A and 19B are formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The contact members 19a and 19b are configured to move toward and away from the glass sheet G via an actuator (not shown).

[0132] Each extrusion device 19A, 19B is positioned at a standby position ( Figure 20 The contact members 19a, 19b at the positions indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 1 and 2 are moved toward the glass plate G. Figure 20 As shown by the two-dot chain line, the second side end Gd of the moving glass sheet G comes into contact with the second side end Gd at a position separated from the regulating roller 8 .

[0133] Specifically, the first extrusion device 19A brings its contact member 19a into contact with the rear half RH of the second side end Gd of the glass sheet G before the contact member 19b of the second extrusion device 19B. Then, the second extrusion device 19B brings its contact member 19b into contact with the front half FH of the second side end Gd of the glass sheet G.

[0134] Thus, the glass sheet G is urged by the contact members 19a and 19b to approach the regulating roller 8 while maintaining its tilted posture. Note that the extrusion devices 19A and 19B then move the contact members 19a and 19b to the standby position.

[0135] By applying force to the glass sheet G using the contact members 19a and 19b as described above, the glass sheet G can be quickly moved toward the restraining roller 8. This shortens the conveying path of the glass sheet G and improves the efficiency of manufacturing the glass sheet G. Furthermore, even when the glass sheet G is conveyed in a horizontal position, the glass sheet G can be reliably positioned at the reference position. It should be noted that the contact members 19a and 19b of the extrusion devices 19A and 19B are not limited to the above-described configuration; rollers (e.g., the restraining roller 8) may also be used.

[0136] Description of Reference Numerals

[0137] 3: Cleaning section, 3a: First cleaning section, 3b: Second cleaning section, 6: Conveying device, 7: Conveying roller, 7c: Upper cleaning conveying roller (upper conveying roller), 7d: Lower cleaning conveying roller (lower conveying roller), 7e: Upper cleaning conveying roller (upper conveying roller), 7f: Lower cleaning conveying roller (lower conveying roller), 8: Restricting roller (restricting member), 9: Roller section, 9a: First end section, 9b: Second end section, 11: Roller section of restriction roller, 12: Shaft section of restriction roller, 13: Elastic body of restriction roller, 14: Support section of restriction roller, 15: Space section of restriction roller, 17a: First cleaning tool (upper cleaning tool), 17b: First cleaning tool (lower cleaning tool), 18a: second cleaning tool (upper cleaning tool), 18b: second cleaning tool (lower cleaning tool), D1: gap between the first end of the upper conveying roller and the first end of the lower conveying roller, D2: gap between the second end of the upper conveying roller and the second end of the lower conveying roller, G: glass plate, G1: first main surface of the glass plate, G2: second main surface of the glass plate, Ga: front end of the glass plate, Gb: rear end of the glass plate, Gc: first side end of the glass plate, Gd: second side end of the glass plate, FH: front half of the glass plate, RH: rear half of the glass plate, S1: cleaning process, S21: rinsing and conveying process.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass sheet, comprising: a cleaning step of cleaning the glass plate using a cleaning tool while the glass plate is being transported by the transport device; and a conveying step of conveying the glass plate after the cleaning step using the conveying device, The method for manufacturing the glass plate is characterized in that: The glass sheet includes a front end portion located at the front side of the moving direction in the conveying process; a rear end portion located behind the front end portion; and a first side end portion and a second side end portion located between the front end portion and the rear end portion. The conveying device includes: a conveying roller that conveys the glass plate during the cleaning step; and a restricting member that comes into contact with the first side end portion of the glass plate after the cleaning step. The conveying roller includes a first end portion located on the first side end portion side of the glass plate, and a second end portion located on the second side end portion side of the glass plate. The conveying step includes: a first conveying step of conveying the glass sheet in a state where the first side end portion is separated from the limiting member; and a second conveying step of conveying the glass sheet in a state where the first side end portion is in contact with the limiting member after the first conveying step. The first conveying step and the second conveying step are performed continuously without stopping the glass sheet.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1, wherein: In the cleaning step and the conveying step, the glass plate is conveyed in an inclined posture in which the first side end portion is located below the second side end portion in the vertical direction.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 2, wherein: The first side end portion of the glass sheet includes: a front half portion located at the front side of the traveling direction in the conveying process; and a rear half portion located at the rear side of the front half portion. In the first conveying step, a front half interval is different from a rear half interval. The front half interval is the interval between the front half and the restriction member facing the front half. The rear half interval is the interval between the rear half and the restriction member facing the rear half.

4. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 3, wherein: In the first conveying step, the first half interval is larger than the second half interval.

5. The method for producing a glass plate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The conveying roller is inclined so that the first end portion is located ahead of the second end portion in the traveling direction of the glass sheet.

6. The method for producing a glass plate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The glass plate comprises a first main surface and a second main surface, The conveying roller is composed of an elastic member. The conveying rollers include an upper conveying roller in contact with the first main surface of the glass plate, and a lower conveying roller in contact with the second main surface of the glass plate. A distance between the second end portion of the upper conveying roller and the second end portion of the lower conveying roller is smaller than a distance between the first end portion of the upper conveying roller and the first end portion of the lower conveying roller.

7. The method for producing a glass plate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The restriction member includes a plurality of restriction rollers.

8. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 7, wherein: The restriction roller includes a roller portion held rotatably. The roller portion includes: an elastic body forming an outer skin; a supporting portion supporting the elastic body; and a space portion enclosed in the supporting portion, The elastic body is configured in a cylindrical shape. The support portion supports the axial end portion of the elastic body. The space portion is provided inside the elastic body so as to correspond to an axial middle portion of the elastic body.

9. A glass plate manufacturing apparatus comprising: a cleaning unit for cleaning the glass plate using a cleaning tool; and a transport device that transports the glass sheet, The glass plate manufacturing device is characterized in that: The glass sheet includes a front end portion located at the front side in the direction of travel in which the glass sheet is transported by the transport device; a rear end portion located behind the front end portion; and a first side end portion and a second side end portion located between the front end portion and the rear end portion. The conveying device includes a restriction member that comes into contact with the first side end portion of the glass plate after cleaning by the cleaning unit. The conveying device conveys the glass sheet with the first side end portion separated from the limiting member after cleaning by the cleaning unit, and then conveys the glass sheet with the first side end portion contacting the limiting member. The conveying device continuously conveys the glass sheet without stopping when conveying the glass sheet with the first side end portion of the glass sheet separated from the restriction member and when conveying the glass sheet with the first side end portion of the glass sheet in contact with the restriction member.

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