Glass roll manufacturing method and glass roll manufacturing device

Abstract

When a strip of glass film (G) is unwound by an unwinding section (2) and the unwound glass film (G) is wound up by a winding section (4) to obtain a glass roll (G), a conveying speed adjusting section (5) is provided between the unwinding section (2) and the winding section (4) for adjusting the conveying speed of the glass film (G) unwound by the unwinding section (2) when conveyed toward the winding section (4). A conveying distance changing section (6) is provided between the conveying speed adjusting section (5) and the winding section (4) for changing the conveying distance of the glass film (G) in the width direction of the glass film (G).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass roll and a device for manufacturing a glass roll. Background Art

[0002] A glass roll is produced by winding a ribbon-shaped glass film into a roll. While the produced ribbon-shaped glass film is being conveyed, it is subjected to manufacturing-related processes such as cutting, film formation, surface treatment, and cleaning.

[0003] Furthermore, when manufacturing-related processing is performed while conveying the glass film as described above, the glass film may be conveyed while adsorbed to the surface of a belt conveyor in the manufacturing-related processing area or in areas before and after the conveying direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using a belt conveyor capable of adsorption, the glass film can be stably held, and the conveying speed of the glass film can be controlled by the feed speed of the belt conveyor. Consequently, manufacturing-related processing can be performed with high precision and stability, resulting in a high-quality glass roll.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-150131 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, when using a belt conveyor capable of suction, as described in Patent Document 1, in order to accurately wind the glass film without widthwise deviation using a winding unit, it is considered possible to position the belt conveyor relatively close to the winding unit and apply sufficient tension to the glass film being fed to the winding unit. In this case, the glass film passing through the belt conveyor is, for example, separated from the glass film located upstream of the belt conveyor. Therefore, if the glass film passing through the belt conveyor develops deformations such as wrinkles, these deformations tend to accumulate and increase with continued conveyance. Furthermore, the short distance from the belt conveyor to the winding unit makes it difficult to eliminate temporary wrinkles and other deformations. Consequently, the risk of damage to the glass film due to the winding unit winding the glass film in this state into a roll increases.

[0009] In view of the above, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to eliminate or suppress deformation such as wrinkles generated during the conveyance of the glass film while adjusting the conveyance speed of the glass film to produce a glass roll, and to accurately wind the glass film into a roll without breaking it.

[0010] Solutions to Problems

[0011] The aforementioned problem is solved by a glass roll manufacturing method according to the present invention. Specifically, the manufacturing method is a glass roll manufacturing method, wherein a strip of glass film is unwound by an unwinding section and the unwound glass film is wound by a winding section to obtain a glass roll. The glass roll manufacturing method is characterized in that a conveying speed adjustment section is provided between the unwinding section and the winding section to adjust the conveying speed of the glass film unwound by the unwinding section as it is conveyed toward the winding section, and a conveying distance adjustment section is provided between the conveying speed adjustment section and the winding section to adjust the conveying distance of the glass film in the width direction of the glass film. It should be noted that, in this specification, the width direction of the glass film refers to a direction orthogonal to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction of the glass film.

[0012] Thus, in the glass roll manufacturing method of the present invention, a conveyance distance changer is provided between the conveyance speed adjustment unit and the winding unit, capable of changing the conveyance distance of the glass film in the width direction of the glass film. This configuration allows the conveyance distance of the glass film to be varied across its width for each glass film that has passed through the conveyance speed adjustment unit and reached the conveyance distance changer. Therefore, for example, if deformation such as wrinkles develops on one side of the glass film in the width direction and shows a tendency to expand, the wrinkles on one side can be eliminated or suppressed by making the conveyance distance longer than the conveyance distance on the other side. This prevents the accumulation of wrinkles and other deformations and their subsequent enlargement. Consequently, by winding the glass film in this state, breakage during winding can be prevented, thereby consistently producing high-quality glass rolls.

[0013] Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the glass roll of this invention, the manufacturing-related processing part of a glass film may be provided between the unwinding part and the conveyance speed adjustment part.

[0014] According to the glass roll manufacturing method of the present invention, even when a glass film conveyance speed adjustment unit is provided, wrinkles and other deformations that occur during glass film conveyance can be eliminated or suppressed, allowing the glass film to be accurately wound into a roll without damage. By providing a glass film manufacturing-related processing unit between the unwinding unit and the conveyance speed adjustment unit, the glass film is restrained in the conveyance speed adjustment unit after the manufacturing-related processing, preventing the effects of the restraint of the glass film from affecting the manufacturing-related processing unit. As a result, the conveyance speed adjustment unit is located close to the winding unit, allowing the glass film that has undergone the manufacturing-related processing to be safely wound, resulting in a consistently high-quality glass roll.

[0015] In addition, in the manufacturing method of the glass film of the present invention, a lamination section for laminating a protective film on the glass film by attaching a protective film to the glass film via an adhesive layer may be provided between the conveying speed adjustment section and the winding section, and a conveying distance changing section may be provided between the conveying speed adjustment section and the lamination section.

[0016] In the lamination section, where the protective film is laminated onto the glass film, gripping rollers, etc., are positioned on both sides of the glass film to securely convey the film. Deformations such as wrinkles are particularly prone to accumulating between the lamination section and the conveyance speed adjustment section, where the glass film is secured and conveyed. The glass roll manufacturing method of the present invention effectively prevents the accumulation of deformations such as wrinkles by providing a conveyance distance adjustment section between the lamination section and the conveyance speed adjustment section.

[0017] Furthermore, in the glass roll manufacturing method of the present invention, the conveyance distance changing unit may be configured to be able to change the conveyance distance of the glass film at the width direction end portions of the glass film.

[0018] When adjusting the conveying speed of glass film unwound from a glass roll while rewinding it into a glass roll, deformations such as wrinkles tend to be particularly pronounced at the widthwise ends of the glass film. To address this issue, the present invention employs a conveying distance adjustment unit that can adjust the conveying distance of the glass film at the widthwise ends of the glass film. This configuration more effectively leverages the benefits of varying the conveying distance across the width of the glass film. Consequently, deformations such as wrinkles can be more effectively eliminated or suppressed, resulting in a more reliable and high-quality glass roll.

[0019] Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the glass roll of this invention, the conveyance distance changing part may be provided at a some different position in the conveyance direction of a glass film.

[0020] By providing the transport distance adjustment units at multiple locations along the transport direction as described above, the transport distance of the glass film can be varied significantly. In other words, the transport distance can be varied significantly across the width of the same glass film. Therefore, even in the case of significant deformations such as wrinkles, such deformations can be effectively eliminated or suppressed. Furthermore, by providing the transport distance adjustment units at multiple locations, the transport distance can be varied at different locations along the width of the glass film. For example, the upstream transport distance adjustment unit can be used to increase the transport distance on one side of the glass film's width to eliminate or suppress deformations such as wrinkles that occur on that side, while the downstream transport distance adjustment unit can be used to slightly increase the transport distance on the other side of the glass film's width to fine-tune the transport distance of the glass film. Therefore, the above-described structure enables more precise adjustment of the transport distance.

[0021] In addition, in the glass roll manufacturing method of the present invention, the conveying speed adjustment section may be arranged in a relatively upper area, the winding section may be arranged in a relatively lower area, and a conveying direction conversion area for converting the conveying direction of the glass film that has passed through the conveying speed adjustment section may be provided between the conveying speed adjustment section and the winding section. In this case, the conveying distance changing section may be provided in the direction conversion area.

[0022] When the conveying speed adjustment unit and the winding unit are arranged at different height positions, it is necessary to change the conveying direction of the glass film between the conveying speed adjustment unit and the winding unit (provide a direction change region). In the direction change region, the conveying direction of the glass film typically changes from the horizontal direction (including cases where it is slightly tilted relative to the horizontal direction) to the vertically downward direction (including cases where it is slightly tilted relative to the vertical direction). Therefore, in the conveying direction change region, the glass film may have a portion that is deformed into a curved shape. Therefore, by providing the conveying distance changing unit in the direction change region, the conveying distance of the curved portion of the glass film can be changed in the width direction. For the curved portion of the glass film, for example, by pressing the curved portion from the concave side, the conveying distance of the glass film can be easily changed in the width direction compared to the flat portion of the glass film.

[0023] In the glass roll manufacturing method of the present invention, the conveyance distance changing unit may include a roller capable of surface contact with the glass film, and the roller may be configured to be rotatable around an axis orthogonal to the rotation axis of the roller.

[0024] In this way, by utilizing a roller capable of surface contact with the glass film to form the transport distance changing section, the roller can be used as a support roller that supports the glass film while transporting it. In other words, an existing support roller can be used as the roller of the transport distance changing section. Furthermore, in this case, by configuring the roller to rotate about an axis perpendicular to its rotational axis, the roller can be placed in surface contact with the glass film at an angle relative to the width direction of the glass film. This allows the roller to support the glass film while increasing the transport distance on one side of the glass film's width direction compared to the other side. This ensures smooth transport of the glass film and effectively eliminates or suppresses deformation such as wrinkles in the glass film.

[0025] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is also solved by a glass roll manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. Specifically, the manufacturing apparatus is a glass roll manufacturing apparatus comprising: an unwinding section for unwinding a strip of glass film; a winding section for winding the unwound glass film into a glass roll; and a conveying speed adjusting section disposed between the unwinding section and the winding section for adjusting the conveying speed of the glass film unwound from the unwinding section as it is conveyed toward the winding section. The glass roll manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that a conveying distance changing section is disposed between the conveying speed adjusting section and the winding section, capable of changing the conveying distance of the glass film in the width direction of the glass film.

[0026] Thus, in the glass roll manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, a conveyance distance changer is also provided between the conveyance speed adjustment unit and the winding unit, capable of changing the conveyance distance of the glass film in the width direction of the glass film. This configuration allows the conveyance distance of the glass film to be varied across its width after it has passed through the conveyance speed adjustment unit and reached the conveyance distance changer. Therefore, for example, if deformation such as wrinkles develops on one side of the glass film's width and tends to expand, the wrinkles on one side can be eliminated or suppressed by making the conveyance distance longer than the conveyance distance on the other side. This prevents the accumulation of wrinkles and other deformations and their subsequent enlargement. Consequently, by winding the glass film in this state, breakage during winding can be prevented, allowing for the consistent production of high-quality glass rolls.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] As described above, according to the present invention, when a glass film is wound to produce a glass roll while adjusting its conveying speed, deformation such as wrinkles generated during conveyance of the glass film can be eliminated or suppressed, and the glass film can be accurately wound into a roll without being damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 This is a side view of the entire structure of the glass roll manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It will Figure 1 The transport distance changing portion shown is an enlarged view viewed from the side.

[0031] Figure 3 It is a positive observation Figure 2 The diagram shows the transport distance changing unit and its driving mechanism.

[0032] Figure 4 It is overlooking Figure 2 The diagram shows the transport distance changing unit and its driving mechanism.

[0033] Figure 5 Is used to illustrate Figure 2 A top view of an adjustment example of the transport distance changing unit shown.

[0034] Figure 6 Is used to illustrate Figure 2 A plan view of another adjustment example of the conveying distance changing unit shown.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a plan view of a conveyance distance changing unit and its driving mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following is based on Figures 1 to 6 A first embodiment of the method for producing a glass roll of the present invention will be described.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, a glass roll manufacturing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: an unwinding unit 2 for unwinding a glass film G from a first glass roll GR1; a manufacturing-related processing unit 3 for performing predetermined manufacturing-related processing on the unwound glass film G; a winding unit 4 for winding the glass film G subjected to the manufacturing-related processing to obtain a second glass roll GR2; a conveying speed adjusting unit 5 for adjusting the conveying speed of the glass film G; and a conveying distance changing unit 6. In this embodiment, the glass roll manufacturing apparatus 1 further includes a laminating unit 7 for laminating a protective film F on the glass film G.

[0038] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the manufacturing-related processing unit 3 is disposed upstream of the conveying speed adjustment unit 5 in the conveying direction of the glass film G. A conveying distance changing unit 6 is disposed between the conveying speed adjustment unit 5 and the winding unit 4. Furthermore, a laminating unit 7 is disposed between the conveying distance changing unit 6 and the winding unit 4.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, a first direction conversion area 8 for converting the conveying direction of the glass film G from the upward direction to the horizontal direction is provided between the unwinding section 2 and the manufacturing-related processing section 3, and a second direction conversion area 9 for converting the conveying direction of the glass film G from the horizontal direction (including the case where it has a predetermined inclination angle relative to the horizontal direction) to the downward direction is provided between the conveying speed adjustment section 5 and the laminating section 7 (winding section 4). Thus, the manufacturing-related processing section 3 and the conveying speed adjustment section 5 are located in a relatively upper area, and the unwinding section 2 and the winding section 4 are located in a relatively lower area. It should be noted that, in addition, Figure 1 In the XYZ coordinate system shown, the X and Y directions coincide with the horizontal direction, and the Z direction coincides with the vertical direction (upward and downward directions).

[0040] The unwinding unit 2 unwinds the glass film G from the first glass roll GR1 and supplies the unwound glass film G to the manufacturing-related processing unit 3. Here, the glass film G is a base glass film formed into a strip by a predetermined forming unit (not shown) or a base glass film subjected to predetermined manufacturing-related processing.

[0041] In this embodiment, the manufacturing-related processing unit 3 includes: a chemical treatment device 10 that performs a predetermined chemical treatment on the end surface of the glass film G unwound from the first glass roll GR1; a surface treatment device 11 that performs a predetermined surface treatment on the glass film G that has been subjected to the chemical treatment; and a cleaning device 12 that cleans the glass film G that has been subjected to the surface treatment. Figure 1 The structure of the manufacturing-related processing unit 3 shown is merely an example. Two or fewer, or four or more processing devices may be provided as needed. Furthermore, the types of processing devices are not limited to those shown; any type of device generally considered to be used for processing related to the manufacturing of the glass film G, such as a cutting device or a film-forming device, may be provided.

[0042] The winding unit 4 rotates the winding core 13 to wind the glass film G, which has undergone the manufacturing-related processing performed by the manufacturing-related processing unit 3, into a roll. In this embodiment, the laminating unit 7, located upstream of the winding unit 4 in the conveyance direction of the glass film G, laminates the protective film F onto the glass film G, and the resulting laminated film GF is wound into a roll. Therefore, the second glass roll GR2 produced by the winding unit 4 has a configuration in which the glass film G and the protective film F are alternately overlapped. Alternatively, a resin sheet such as a polyethylene terephthalate sheet (not shown) may be used as a buffer sheet, interposed between the glass film G and the protective film F, and wound to produce the second glass roll GR2.

[0043] The conveying speed adjusting unit 5 is a conveying device that supports and conveys the glass film G, and is configured to be able to adjust the conveying speed of the glass film G. In this embodiment, the conveying speed adjusting unit 5 is a belt conveyor 14 that can adsorb the glass film G, and has: an air suction device that, for example, sucks air through a hole provided in the belt of the belt conveyor 14; a driving source such as a motor that imparts driving force to the belt; and a control unit (both omitted in the figure) that controls the driving source. Here, the conveying support surface 14a of the belt conveyor 14 may also be in a direction consistent with the horizontal direction (the X direction in the example of this figure). Or as Figure 2 As shown, the belt conveyor 14 may be arranged to be inclined so that the transport support surface 14a has a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction of the transport support surface (becoming lower as it goes to the downstream side).

[0044] In this embodiment, the conveying speed adjusting unit 5 is exemplified as a belt conveyor 14 capable of sucking the glass film G. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any configuration may be employed as long as the desired conveying speed can be imparted to the glass film G while holding the glass film G.

[0045] In addition to the conveying speed adjustment unit 5 as a conveying device, another conveying device for conveying the glass film G may be provided between the unwinding unit 2 and the winding unit 4, although this is not shown in the figure. In this case, the other conveying device is not limited to a belt conveyor, but may be a roller conveyor or other various conveying mechanisms.

[0046] The laminating unit 7 adheres the protective film F to the glass film G via an adhesive layer (not shown) to laminate the protective film F onto the glass film G. The laminating unit 7 includes a pair of clamping rollers 15a and 15b and a protective film roll FR formed by winding the protective film F into a roll. The protective film roll FR is formed by winding a member obtained by overlapping a spacer with an adhesive layer formed on one surface of a strip of protective film F using a winding core 16 (not shown). The protective film roll FR is positioned near the pair of clamping rollers 15a and 15b and is configured to feed the protective film F between the pair of clamping rollers 15a and 15b. It should be noted that the spacer can be omitted depending on the type and adhesive strength of the adhesive layer.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the main portion of the transport distance changing unit 6 as viewed from the side. Figure 2 As shown, the transport distance changing section 6 includes movable rollers 17 and 18 capable of surface contact with the glass film G being transported. In this embodiment, both movable rollers 17 and 18 are disposed in the second direction-changing region 9. In this case, by varying the surface contact pattern of each movable roller 17 and 18 with the glass film G, the transport distance of the portion of the glass film G that passes through the transport distance changing section 6 can be varied in the width direction of the glass film G (in the example shown, the Y direction).

[0048] Here, for example Figure 3 As shown, the change in the above-mentioned surface contact form can be achieved by rotating the movable rollers 17 and 18 around the axis A2 in a direction different from the central axis A1 of the shaft rotation (for example, a direction orthogonal to the central axis A1 of the shaft rotation). Figure 3An example of a drive mechanism 19 for achieving the aforementioned motion (rotation about axis A2) of the upstream first movable roller 17 is shown. This drive mechanism 19 includes bearings 20, 20 that rotatably support the first movable roller 17 at both ends of its axial direction, a motor 21, and a coupling 22 connecting the bearings 20, 20 and the motor 21. In this case, the rotation axis of the motor 21 coincides with axis A2. Furthermore, the direction of axis A2 coincides with the Z direction.

[0049] In the driving mechanism 19 of the above structure, the motor 21 is driven, so that the bearings 20, 20 connected to the motor 21 via the connecting portion 22 and the first movable roller 17 rotate around the rotation axis of the motor 21, that is, the vertical axis A2 (see Figure 4 Therefore, in this case, by adjusting the rotation amount of the motor 21, the posture of the first movable roller 17 can be controlled (for example, controlled to Figure 4 The second movable roller 18 is also provided with Figure 3 The same driving mechanism (not shown) as the driving mechanism 19 shown in the figure can control the posture in the same manner as the first movable roller 17 .

[0050] The glass film G supplied to the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the above structure is made of silicate glass or silica glass, preferably borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or chemically strengthened glass, with alkali-free glass being most preferred. Alkali-free glass refers to glass that contains substantially no alkali (alkali metal oxides), specifically, glass with an alkali content of 3000 ppm by weight or less. The alkali content in the present invention is preferably 1000 ppm by weight or less, more preferably 500 ppm or less, and most preferably 300 ppm or less.

[0051] The thickness of the glass film G is not less than 10 μm and not more than 300 μm, preferably not less than 30 μm and not more than 200 μm, and most preferably not less than 30 μm and not more than 100 μm.

[0052] The glass film G can be formed by a known float method, a rolling method, a slot down-draw method, a re-draw method, etc., but is preferably formed by an overflow down-draw method.

[0053] In addition, as the material of the protective film F supplied between a pair of clamping rollers 15a and 15b, for example, ionomer film, polyethylene film, polypropylene film, polyvinyl chloride film, polyvinylidene chloride film, polyvinyl alcohol film, polyester film, polycarbonate film, polystyrene film, polyacrylonitrile film, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer film, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer film, nylon (registered trademark) film (polyamide film), polyimide film, cellophane and other organic resin films (synthetic resin films) can be used, and preferably polyethylene terephthalate film (PET film) is used.

[0054] The thickness of the protective film F is preferably 10 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, and more preferably 20 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0055] The following describes a method for manufacturing a glass roll (second glass roll GR2) using the manufacturing apparatus 1 having the above-described structure. This method includes an unwinding step S1, a first direction-changing step S2, a manufacturing-related processing step S3, a conveyance speed adjustment step S4, a second direction-changing step S5, a conveyance distance change step S6, a laminating step S7, and a winding step S8.

[0056] In the unwinding process S1, the glass film G is unwound from the first glass roll GR1 of the unwinding unit 2 provided at a predetermined position of the manufacturing apparatus 1, and is conveyed to the manufacturing-related processing unit 3 located downstream of the first glass roll GR1 by the conveying speed adjusting unit 5 and a conveying device (not shown) as needed. In this embodiment, the unwinding unit 2 is located in a relatively lower area, and the manufacturing-related processing unit 3 is located in a relatively upper area (see FIG. Figure 1 Therefore, a first direction change region 8 is provided between the unwinding section 2 and the manufacturing-related processing section 3, in which the upward direction ( Figure 1 The conveying direction of the glass film G conveyed in the Z direction) is converted to the horizontal direction ( Figure 1 X direction) and transported to the manufacturing-related processing unit 3 (first direction conversion step S2).

[0057] In the manufacturing-related processing step S3, the glass film G passing through the manufacturing-related processing section 3 is subjected to predetermined manufacturing-related processing. In this embodiment, a chemical treatment device 10, a surface treatment device 11, and a cleaning device 12 are arranged in this order upstream in the conveyance direction of the glass film G. Therefore, the glass film G unwound from the first glass roll GR1 is sequentially subjected to chemical treatment of the end surface by the chemical treatment device 10, surface treatment by the surface treatment device 11, and cleaning by the cleaning device 12. Furthermore, by arranging a conveyance speed adjustment unit 5 downstream of the manufacturing-related processing section 3, the conveyance speed of the glass film G passing through the manufacturing-related processing section 3 is adjusted to a predetermined value (conveying speed adjustment step S4). This allows the various manufacturing-related processing described above to be stably performed on the glass film G.

[0058] The glass film G that has been subjected to the prescribed processing by the manufacturing-related processing unit 3 passes through the conveying speed adjusting unit 5 and reaches the second direction changing area 9. Here, the conveying distance changing unit 6 is provided in the second direction changing area 9. In addition, the conveying distance changing unit 6 has two movable rollers 17 and 18, and at least one of the two movable rollers 17 and 18 is changed from the reference state ( Figure 5 In this embodiment, as shown by the double-dashed line in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the first movable roller 17 located on the relatively upstream side is rotated by a predetermined angle θ1 around an axis A2 (here, Z direction) in a direction perpendicular to the central axis A1 from a state where the central axis A1 of the shaft rotation is aligned with the width direction of the glass film G (here, Y direction). In addition, the second movable roller 18 located on the relatively downstream side is rotated by a predetermined angle θ2 around an axis A2 (Z direction) in a direction perpendicular to the central axis A1 from a state where the central axis A1 of the shaft rotation is aligned with the width direction of the glass film G (Y direction). In addition, the direction of rotation at this time is such that the side (for example, the side) that is prone to deformation such as wrinkles in the width direction of the glass film G is rotated. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the transport distance of the left side of the vehicle is relatively long. Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the rotation direction of each movable roller 17 , 18 is set so that the conveyance distance between the axial end sides 17 a , 18 a of the first and second movable rollers 17 , 18 and the width direction side Ga of the glass film G becomes longer.

[0059] Thus, the conveying distance of the glass film G passing through the conveying distance changing section 6 is made different in the width direction, thereby achieving a state where deformation such as wrinkles generated in the glass film G is eliminated or suppressed. Therefore, in the second direction changing region 9, deformation such as wrinkles generated in the glass film G is eliminated or suppressed by the conveying distance changing section 6 as described above, and the glass film G is moved in the horizontal direction ( Figure 1X direction) or as Figure 2 The conveying direction of the glass film G conveyed slightly obliquely downward as shown is changed to the downward direction ( Figure 1 Z direction) and transported to the stacking unit 7 (second direction changing step S5, transport distance changing step S6).

[0060] In the lamination step S7, the protective film F is laminated on the glass film G that has reached the lamination section 7 located downstream of the movable rollers 17 and 18. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, a pair of clamping rollers 15a and 15b are positioned along the conveyance path of the glass film G. The protective film F is unwound from a protective film roll FR positioned near the pair of clamping rollers 15a and 15b and fed between the pair of clamping rollers 15a and 15b. The protective film F is integrally provided with an adhesive layer (not shown). Therefore, the glass film G and the protective film F are sandwiched by the pair of clamping rollers 15a and 15b, thereby attaching the protective film F to the glass film G via the adhesive layer. This results in a laminated film GF formed by laminating the glass film G and the protective film F. Furthermore, in the upstream conveyance distance change step S6, deformation such as wrinkles in the glass film G is eliminated or suppressed, enabling the flat glass film G to be stably attached to the protective film F.

[0061] In the next winding step S8, the laminated film GF obtained in the lamination step S7 is wound around the core 13 to obtain a second glass roll GR2. In the present embodiment, the second glass roll GR2 is shipped as a glass roll as a final product.

[0062] As described above, in the method for manufacturing the glass roll (second glass roll GR2) of the present embodiment, a conveyance distance changing unit 6 capable of changing the conveyance distance of the glass film G in the width direction of the glass film G is provided between the conveyance speed adjusting unit 5 and the winding unit 4. According to this configuration, the conveyance distance of the glass film G that has passed through the conveyance speed adjusting unit 5 and reached the conveyance distance changing unit 6 can be varied in the width direction of the glass film G (see FIG. Figure 5 Therefore, for example, if wrinkles or other deformations occur on one side Ga of the glass film G in the width direction and are found to be expanding, by making the transport distance of the glass film G on the one side Ga in the width direction longer than the transport distance of the other side Gb in the width direction of the glass film G, the wrinkles or other deformations on the one side Ga in the width direction can be eliminated or reduced. This prevents the accumulation of wrinkles and other deformations and their enlargement. Therefore, by winding the glass film G (in this embodiment, the laminated film GF) in this state, breakage during winding can be prevented, thereby stably producing a high-quality glass roll (the second glass roll GR2).

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a laminating unit 7 for laminating the glass film G by attaching the protective film F is provided between the conveyor speed adjustment unit 5 and the winder 4, and a conveyance distance changing unit 6 is provided between the conveyor speed adjustment unit 5 and the laminating unit 7. As in this embodiment, when the glass film G and the protective film F are sandwiched and laminated by a pair of nip rollers 15a and 15b, the glass film G is cut off at the location where it is sandwiched by the pair of nip rollers 15a and 15b. If the conveyor speed adjustment unit 5 is a belt conveyor 14 capable of suction, the glass film G is cut off on the belt conveyor 14 as described above. Therefore, when the pair of nip rollers 15a and 15b is provided between the belt conveyor 14 and the winder 4, the distance between the cut-off regions of the glass film G is shortened, making it more likely that wrinkles and other deformations will develop and expand. Furthermore, since the conveyance distance to the next cut-off location of the glass film G is short, the likelihood that any wrinkles or other deformations that have occurred will be eliminated or suppressed is also reduced. In contrast, the method for manufacturing a glass roll (second glass roll GR2) according to this embodiment allows the conveyance distance changing unit 6 to eliminate or suppress deformations such as wrinkles that occur during the conveyance of the glass film G, allowing the glass film G to be accurately wound into a roll without damage. Therefore, even when the conveyance speed adjusting unit 5 and the laminating unit 7 are arranged in close proximity to each other, as in this embodiment, there is no need to worry about deformations such as wrinkles, and manufacturing-related processes can be performed on the glass film G with high precision.

[0064] As mentioned above, although the manufacturing method and the manufacturing apparatus of the glass roll of this invention were demonstrated to 1st Embodiment, this manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus can adopt arbitrary aspects within the scope of this invention, of course.

[0065] For example, in the first embodiment, the transport distance changing section 6 is formed by two movable rollers 17 and 18, and the driving mechanism 19 is formed so as to rotate the movable rollers 17 and 18 around the axis A2 in the vertical direction. In addition, in the case of adopting such a structure, the example is shown in which the adjustment is performed so that the axial end side 17a and 18a of each movable roller 17 and 18 is in greater contact with the width direction side Ga of the glass film G by rotating the two movable rollers 17 and 18 in the same direction. However, the contact method of the movable rollers 17 and 18 with the glass film G is not limited to this. For example, Figure 6 As shown, it is also possible to make the first movable roller 17 on the upstream side move toward Figure 5The second movable roller 18 on the downstream side is rotated in the same direction as the first movable roller 17 and is adjusted to rotate in the opposite direction to the first movable roller 17. In this case, the axial end side 17a of the first movable roller 17 is in relatively large contact with the width direction side Ga of the glass film G, and the axial end side 18b of the second movable roller 18 is in relatively large contact with the width direction side Gb of the glass film G. Therefore, in this case, the conveyance distance of the glass film G is relatively long at the width direction side Ga where the axial end side 17a of the first movable roller 17 is in contact, and the conveyance distance is relatively long at the width direction side Gb where the axial end side 18b of the second movable roller 18 is in contact. In this way, by using two or more movable rollers 17 and 18 to form the conveyance distance changing section 6, the conveyance distance of the glass film G can be finely adjusted. Therefore, compared with adjusting the conveyance distance using only one movable roller 17 (18), the conveyance distance can be adjusted with higher precision.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the two movable rollers 17 and 18 are configured to be rotatable about the vertical axis A2 perpendicular to the central axis A1 of the axial rotation thereof. However, other movable forms may be adopted. Figure 7 FIG. 1 shows a top view of the main part of the conveying distance changing unit 30 of one example (the second embodiment of the present invention). Figure 7 As shown, the conveying distance changing portion 30 of the present embodiment is different from the driving mechanism of the first embodiment in terms of the driving mechanism 32 of the movable roller 31. That is, the driving mechanism 32 is different from the driving mechanism 19 of the first embodiment in that the bearings 33a, 33b provided at both axial ends of the movable roller 31 are configured to be able to slide along the length direction of the sliding guides 34a, 34b. In this case, the bearings 33a, 33b also function as sliding portions relative to the sliding guides 34a, 34b, respectively. Here, the mechanism for enabling the bearings 33a, 33b to slide relative to the sliding guides 34a, 34b is arbitrary and can be constructed using a well-known direct-acting mechanism such as a linear motor, a rack and pinion mechanism, etc. It should be noted that in Figure 7 Although only one movable roller 31 is disclosed, the conveying distance changing section 30 is actually constituted by two movable rollers 31 , 31 .

[0067] By configuring the driving mechanism 32 of the movable roller 31 in this manner, the positional freedom of the movable roller 31 can be increased compared to the first embodiment. Therefore, the contact mode with the glass film G can be set more widely, and the conveying distance in the width direction can be changed more flexibly.

[0068] It should be noted that the movable rollers 17, 18, and 31 can be adjusted at any time. For example, they can be adjusted in response to changes in the dimensions (width and thickness) or material of the glass film G being transported. Alternatively, they can be adjusted while the glass film G is actually being transported (when temporarily stopped).

[0069] The number of movable rollers 17 and 18 ( 31 ) is not limited to two. The transport distance changing section 6 ( 30 ) may be formed using one movable roller 17 ( 18 , 31 ) or may be formed using three or more movable rollers.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the conveying distance changing section 6 is provided in the second direction-changing region 9, and the movable rollers 17 and 18 (31) also serve as guide rollers during direction change. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the movable rollers 17 and 18 (31) may be arranged in contact with the glass film G in the conveying direction before and after the second direction-changing region 9.

[0071] In the above description, the example of the transport distance changing unit 6 (30) is shown as including movable rollers 17 and 18 (31). However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the transport distance in the width direction of the glass film G can be changed by some action on the glass film G, any structure can be adopted. Therefore, for example, the transport distance changing unit can be formed by a movable surface contact portion in a form other than rollers.

[0072] Description of Reference Numerals

[0073] 1 Glass roll manufacturing device

[0074] 2 Unwinding section

[0075] 3. Manufacturing Related Processing Department

[0076] 4 Winding section

[0077] 5. Transport speed adjustment unit

[0078] 6. Transport distance change section

[0079] 7 Lamination

[0080] 8 First direction conversion area

[0081] 9 Second direction conversion area

[0082] 10 Chemical treatment equipment

[0083] 11 Surface treatment device

[0084] 12 Cleaning device

[0085] 13 cores

[0086] 14 Belt Conveyor

[0087] 15a, 15b clamping rollers

[0088] 16 cores

[0089] 17, 18 movable rollers

[0090] 19 Driving mechanism

[0091] 20, 20 bearings

[0092] 21 Motor

[0093] 22 Connection

[0094] 30 Transport distance change section

[0095] 31 Movable roller

[0096] 32 drive mechanism

[0097] 33a, 33b bearings (sliding parts)

[0098] 34a, 34b Sliding guides

[0099] A1 center axis (movable roller)

[0100] A2 Vertical axis (movable roller)

[0101] F Protective film

[0102] FR protective film roll

[0103] G Glass Film

[0104] GF laminated film

[0105] GR1 First Glass Roll

[0106] GR2 Second glass volume.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass roll, comprising unwinding a strip of glass film using an unwinding unit, and winding the unwound glass film using a winding unit to obtain a glass roll. The method for manufacturing the glass roll is characterized in that: A conveying speed adjusting unit is provided between the unwinding unit and the winding unit for adjusting a conveying speed when the glass film unwound by the unwinding unit is conveyed toward the winding unit. A conveying direction changing region for changing the conveying direction of the glass film from a horizontal direction to a downward direction is provided between the conveying speed adjusting section and the winding section. A conveying distance changing section for changing the conveying distance of the glass film in a width direction of the glass film is provided in the conveying direction changing region.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1, wherein: A processing unit related to the production of the glass film is provided between the unwinding unit and the conveying speed adjusting unit.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A laminating unit is provided between the conveying speed adjusting unit and the winding unit for laminating the protective film on the glass film by attaching the protective film to the glass film via an adhesive layer. The transport distance changing unit is provided between the transport speed adjusting unit and the laminating unit.

4. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The conveyance distance changing unit is configured to be able to change the conveyance distance of the glass film at an end portion in the width direction of the glass film.

5. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The transport distance changing unit is provided at a plurality of different positions in the transport direction of the glass film.

6. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The conveying speed adjustment unit is disposed in a relatively upper region, the winding unit is disposed in a relatively lower region, and a conveying direction changing region for changing the conveying direction of the glass film that has passed through the conveying speed adjustment unit is disposed between the conveying speed adjustment unit and the winding unit. The conveying distance changing unit is disposed in the conveying direction changing area.

7. The method for manufacturing a glass roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The transport distance changing unit includes a roller capable of contacting the glass film surface. The roller is configured to be rotatable about an axis that is orthogonal to the rotation axis of the roller.

8. A glass roll manufacturing device comprising: an unwinding section for unwinding a strip of glass film; a winding section for winding the unwound glass film to obtain a glass roll; and a conveying speed adjusting section disposed between the unwinding section and the winding section for adjusting the conveying speed of the glass film unwound by the unwinding section as it is conveyed toward the winding section. The glass roll manufacturing device is characterized in that: A conveying direction changing region for changing the conveying direction of the glass film from a horizontal direction to a downward direction is provided between the conveying speed adjusting section and the winding section. A conveying distance changing section for changing the conveying distance of the glass film in a width direction of the glass film is provided in the conveying direction changing region.

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