Method of manufacturing glass sheet and manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a glass sheet, when cutting a glass ribbon (G) having flexibility in a width direction while the glass ribbon (G) is transported downward in a longitudinal attitude to cut out a glass sheet (Gs), performs: a scribing step (P1) of forming a scribe line (S) on one face (Ga) of a cutting intended portion (Gp) of the glass ribbon (G); and a breaking step (P2) of bending the cutting intended portion (Gp) so as to be convex on the one face (Ga) side in a state where the glass ribbon (G) is supported from the other face (Gb) side by a support member (7), and cutting the glass ribbon (G) along the scribe line (S), in the breaking step (P2), after the portion (cutting intended portion (Gp)) of the glass ribbon (G) lower than the cutting intended portion (Gp) is pulled in the width direction to extend the portion of the glass ribbon (G) supported by the support member (7) in the width direction, the cutting intended portion (Gp) is bent so as to be convex on the one face (Ga) side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing glass plates. Background Technology

[0002] As is known, one method for manufacturing glass sheets is to cut a glass sheet from the glass sheet by simultaneously conveying a glass strip formed by a pull-down method downwards in a longitudinal orientation and cutting it along its width. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a specific method of this technique.

[0003] In the method disclosed in this document, firstly, a scribe line is formed along the width direction on one side of a glass strip being transported downwards in a longitudinal orientation. Then, with the glass strip supported from the other side by a support member (a fulcrum rod in this document), the scribe line portion is bent so that one side becomes convex, using the support member as a fulcrum. This causes the glass strip to be broken and cut along the scribe line. It should be noted that in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a flexible glass strip (e.g., with a thickness of 300 μm or less) is used as the object to be cut.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-90446 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] When implementing the above method, the glass ribbon is flexible and therefore prone to wrinkling and loosening during handling. Due to this wrinkling and loosening, sometimes the portion of the support member that is part of the glass ribbon is not in contact with the ribbon when it is broken and cut. That is, the wrinkled and loosened portion of the glass ribbon partially floats off the support member. When this occurs, the cut portion, which should have formed along the scribe line, deviates from the scribe line, resulting in problems such as glass ribbon breakage.

[0009] In view of the above, the technical problem to be solved is to prevent the glass strip from breaking when cutting a glass plate by cutting a flexible glass strip that is being transported downwards in a longitudinal orientation.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] A method for manufacturing a glass plate to solve the above-mentioned problems involves cutting a glass plate from a flexible glass strip by simultaneously moving it downwards in a longitudinal orientation and cutting it along the width direction. The method includes: a scribing process in which a scribing line is formed on one side of a predetermined cutting portion extending along the width direction of the glass strip; and a breaking process in which, with the glass strip after the scribing process supported on a support member from the other side, the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip is bent in a way that one side becomes convex, using the support member as a fulcrum, and the glass strip is broken along the scribing line. The method is characterized in that, in the breaking process, after pulling a portion of the glass strip below the predetermined cutting portion along the width direction to extend the portion of the glass strip supported on the support member along the width direction, the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip is bent in a way that one side becomes convex.

[0012] In this method, during the breaking process, after pulling the portion of the glass ribbon below the predetermined cutting section along the width direction to extend the portion of the glass ribbon supported by the support member along the width direction, the predetermined cutting section is bent in a way that one side becomes convex. Therefore, even if wrinkles or slack occur in the glass ribbon due to flexibility, at least in the portion supported by the support member, the wrinkles and slack can be extended along the width direction and eliminated before the glass ribbon is broken (before the predetermined cutting section is bent). This prevents the portion that becomes part of the support member due to wrinkles or slack from not contacting the glass ribbon during breaking. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cut portion formed on the glass ribbon during the breaking process from deviating from the scribe line, thus preventing breakage of the glass ribbon.

[0013] In the above method, it is preferable that, in the scribing process, the portion of the glass strip below the pre-cut portion is pulled along the width direction to extend the pre-cut portion along the width direction, and while the pre-cut portion is supported on the scribing auxiliary member from the other side, the scribing line forming tool is moved on one side of the pre-cut portion to form a scribing line.

[0014] In this way, during the scribing process, the pre-cut portion for forming the scribing line can be extended along the width direction. That is, even if wrinkles or loosening occur in the glass ribbon, the wrinkles and loosening present in the pre-cut portion can be extended along the width direction and made disappear. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the state where the pre-cut portion partially floats off the scribing aid member due to wrinkles or loosening. As a result, it is possible to prevent the scribing line forming tool from passing through the part that is floating off the scribing aid member, and to minimize the possibility of glass ribbon breakage or discontinuity of the scribing line during its formation.

[0015] In the above method, it is preferable to use a member whose contact portion, which contacts the glass strip, is bent in a manner that convexes along the width direction of the glass strip, serving as both a support member and a scribing aid.

[0016] In this way, in the predetermined cutting section of the glass ribbon, the side that forms the scribe line becomes convex and curved along the width direction during the scribe and breaking processes. Therefore, it is easy to form the scribe line during the scribe process and easy to break the glass ribbon during the breaking process. Furthermore, in this method, the portion of the glass ribbon below the predetermined cutting section is pulled along the width direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent accidental bending of the other side during breaking at this lower portion. This prevents the bending direction of this lower portion from being opposite to that of the predetermined cutting section, thus enabling more accurate breaking of the glass ribbon.

[0017] In the above method, it is preferable that, regarding the distance along the length direction of the glass strip, the separation distance from the part where the glass strip is pulled to the predetermined cutting part is different between the scribing process and the breaking process, so that the separation distance in the scribing process is shorter than the separation distance in the breaking process.

[0018] In this way, during the scribing process, by pulling the glass strip at a location relatively close to the predetermined cutting point, the aforementioned predetermined cutting point is reliably prevented from lifting off the scribing auxiliary member. This allows for stable formation of the scribing lines. Furthermore, during the breaking process, by pulling the glass strip at a location relatively far from the predetermined cutting point, the aforementioned effect of eliminating wrinkles and loosening at the support member is maintained, and on this basis, stresses that negatively impact the breaking of the glass strip (stresses that would otherwise be unnecessary during breaking) are prevented from acting on the predetermined cutting point. This allows for stable breaking.

[0019] In the above method, it is preferable that the separation distance from the part where the glass strip is pulled to the predetermined cutting part is set to 200 mm or more in the breaking process, with respect to the distance along the length direction of the glass strip.

[0020] In this way, the stress that would otherwise negatively affect the breakage of the pre-cut portion can be reliably prevented.

[0021] In the above method, it is preferable to pull multiple portions of the glass strip along the width direction in the length direction.

[0022] In this way, the following risks can be avoided as much as possible: such as when only one part is pulled along the width direction, the glass strip is subjected to localized force, which will have a negative impact on the scribing and breaking processes.

[0023] Furthermore, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by having a cutting mechanism that cuts a glass plate from a flexible glass strip being transported downwards in a longitudinal posture along its width direction. The cutting mechanism includes: a scribing mechanism that forms a scribing line on one side of a predetermined cutting portion extending along the width direction of the glass strip; and a breaking mechanism that bends the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip with the scribing line in a manner that makes one side convex, and breaks the glass strip along the scribing line to cut it. The breaking mechanism includes: a support member that supports the glass strip from the other side; a holding member that holds a portion of the glass strip below the predetermined cutting portion; and a moving device that moves the holding member, which holds the lower portion, from one side of the glass strip toward the other side, thereby bending the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip with the support member as a fulcrum. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus is configured such that when the glass strip is broken by the breaking mechanism, the holding member pulls the lower portion along the width direction, thereby extending the portion of the glass strip supported by the support member along the width direction.

[0024] According to this device, the same function and effect as the glass plate manufacturing method described above are obtained.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] According to the glass plate manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the glass strip from breaking when cutting a flexible glass strip being transported downwards in a longitudinal orientation to cut out a glass plate. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the glass plate manufacturing apparatus.

[0028] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A sectional view of section AA in the image.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the scribing process in the manufacturing method of a glass plate.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the scribing process in the manufacturing method of a glass plate.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the breaking process in the manufacturing method of a glass plate.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the breaking process in the manufacturing method of a glass plate.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the breaking process in the manufacturing method of a glass plate.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the breaking process in the manufacturing method of a glass plate. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the X, Y, and Z directions shown in the drawings referred to in the description of the embodiments are mutually orthogonal directions.

[0036] <Glass Plate Manufacturing Apparatus>

[0037] First, from Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate shown (hereinafter referred to as manufacturing apparatus 1) will be described.

[0038] The manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a cutting mechanism 2, which is used to cut the glass strip G being transported downwards in a longitudinal orientation along the cutting predetermined portion Gp in the width direction (X direction), thereby cutting out the cut-out target portion Gx located below the cutting predetermined portion Gp from the glass strip G. When the glass strip G is cut using the cutting mechanism 2, the cut-out target portion Gx is cut out as a glass plate Gs.

[0039] Manufacturing apparatus 1 uses a flexible glass strip G as the object to be cut. The glass strip G is formed by a down-drawing method (e.g., overflow down-drawing). The glass strip G includes an effective portion G1 located at the center in the width direction and ineffective portions G2 located at both ends in the width direction. The effective portion G1 is the part that will later become a product glass sheet, and the ineffective portions G2 are the parts that are discarded and will not become a product glass sheet. The thickness of the effective portion G1 is, for example, 0.4 mm or less. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The boundary between the effective part G1 and the ineffective part G2 is represented by a double-dotted line.

[0040] The cutting mechanism 2 includes a scribing mechanism 3, which forms a scribing line S on one side Ga of the predetermined cutting portion Gp extending along the width direction of the glass strip G (see reference). Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 ); and a breaking mechanism 4, which is used to break the glass strip G along the scribed line S to cut it (see reference ). Figures 5-8 ).

[0041] The scribing mechanism 3 includes: a scribing auxiliary member 5, which supports the cutting predetermined portion Gp of the glass strip G from the other side Gb; and a scribing wheel 6, which forms a scribing line while moving (traveling) on ​​one side Ga of the cutting predetermined portion Gp.

[0042] Both the scribing auxiliary component 5 and the scribing wheel 6 can move up and down in the vertical direction (Y direction) via a lifting device (omitted in the figure). When the scribing line S is formed, both the scribing auxiliary component 5 and the scribing wheel 6 descend along with the glass strip G at the same speed as the downward transport speed of the glass strip G. That is, the relative positional relationship between the scribing auxiliary component 5 and the scribing wheel 6 and the glass strip G in the vertical direction does not change when the scribing line S is formed.

[0043] The scribing aid 5 is formed to be longer along the width direction of the glass strip G. The scribing aid 5 has a contact portion 5a that directly contacts the glass strip G (cutting pre-cut portion Gp). It should be noted that... Figure 1 In the figures other than those shown, only the contact portion 5a of the entire sizing auxiliary member 5 is shown. The contact portion 5a can contact the portion of the glass strip G (cutting pre-cut portion Gp) across its entire width, excluding the two ends in the width direction, and is bent in a manner that convexes along the width direction of the glass strip G (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0044] Here, as a variation of this embodiment, the contact portion 5a of the scribing auxiliary member 5 may be formed flat without bending along the width direction of the glass strip G.

[0045] The scribing wheel 6 is a disc-shaped component with a blade-like periphery. The scribing wheel 6 travels on the contact portion 5a of the scribing aid component 5, passing over the glass strip G (cutting pre-cut portion Gp). As the scribing wheel 6 travels along the entire width of the glass strip G (cutting pre-cut portion Gp), it forms scribing lines S (see reference) across the portion excluding the two ends in the width direction. Figure 3 ).

[0046] Both the scribing auxiliary component 5 and the scribing wheel 6 can change their position along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the glass strip G. Specifically, the scribing auxiliary component 5 and the scribing wheel 6 can change their position at the contact point with the glass strip G (at... Figure 2 The position indicated by the double-dotted line) and the standby position away from the glass strip G (in Figure 2 The scribe aid 5 and the scribe wheel 6 are in contact position when the scribe line S is formed, and in standby position when the scribe line S is not formed.

[0047] The breaking mechanism 4 bends the pre-cutting portion Gp of the glass ribbon G with the scribed lines S forming it in a manner that makes one side Ga convex, and has the function of cutting the glass ribbon G by applying bending stress to the pre-cutting portion Gp accordingly (see reference). Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 ).

[0048] The breaking mechanism 4 includes a support member 7 that supports the glass strip G from the other side Gb, a holding member 8 that holds the cut-out portion Gx of the glass strip G, and a moving device 9 that moves the holding member 8 holding the cut-out portion Gx. Figure 2 (Illustrations omitted). It should be noted that the holding member 8 and the moving device 9 belong to the breaking mechanism 4. On the other hand, they operate not only when the glass strip G is broken, but also when the scribed line S is formed (details are described later).

[0049] The support member 7 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction via a lifting device (not shown in the figure). The holding member 8, as described in detail later, can be moved vertically via a moving device 9. When the glass belt G breaks, both the support member 7 and the holding member 8 follow the glass belt G downwards at the same speed as the downward conveying speed of the glass belt G. Therefore, when the glass belt G breaks, the relative positional relationship between the support member 7 and the holding member 8 and the glass belt G in the vertical direction does not change.

[0050] The support member 7 serves as a fulcrum for bending the predetermined cutting portion Gp when the glass strip G is broken and cut. The support member 7 is formed to be longer along the width direction of the glass strip G. The support member 7 has a contact portion 7a that directly contacts the glass strip G. It should be noted that... Figure 1 In the figures other than those shown, only the contact portion 7a of the support member 7 is shown. The contact portion 7a can contact the portion of the glass strip G across its entire width except for the two ends in the width direction, and is bent in a manner that convexes along the width direction of the glass strip G (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0051] Here, as a variation of this embodiment, the contact portion 7a of the support member 7 may also be formed flat without bending along the width direction of the glass strip G.

[0052] The support member 7 can change its position along the thickness direction of the glass strip G. Specifically, the support member 7 can be positioned at the contact point with the glass strip G (at... Figure 2 The position indicated by the double-dotted line) and the standby position away from the glass strip G (in Figure 2 The support member 7 moves between the positions shown by the solid line in the middle. It is in the contact position when the glass strip G breaks, and in the standby position when the glass strip G does not break.

[0053] The retaining member 8 has a pair of arms 10, 10 facing each other at one end in the width direction of the cut-out object section Gx. Each pair of arms 10, 10 has an arm body 11 extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of clamps 12 mounted on the arm body 11 in the vertical direction arrangement.

[0054] Multiple chucks 12 each have a pair of jaws 12a, 12a that grip and cut out the non-effective portion G2 of the target portion Gx from both sides in the thickness direction (Z direction). The pair of jaws 12a, 12a are capable of opening and closing. Therefore, by setting each jaw 12a to a closed state (in...) Figure 2 (The state shown by the solid line in the middle) thereby holding the cut-out object part Gx, and by setting it to the open state where each claw 12a is opened (in Figure 2 (The state is indicated by the double-dotted line), thereby releasing the grip of the cut-out object part Gx. It should be noted that the multiple chucks 12 can independently grip and release the cut-out object part Gx from other chucks 12.

[0055] The arm body 11 can rotate about an axis extending in the X direction, centered on an axis via a guide mechanism (not shown). This axis, which forms the center of rotation, is located above the arm body 11. Accompanying the rotation, the arm body 11 can assume a vertical posture parallel to the vertical direction. Figure 2 The attitude shown by the solid line in the middle) and the tilted attitude relative to the vertical attitude (in Figure 2 (The posture is shown by the double-dotted line). Thus, with the multiple chucks 12 holding the cutting target part Gx, the posture of the arm body 11 shifts from a vertical posture to an inclined posture, thereby bending the predetermined cutting part Gp of the glass strip G.

[0056] The moving device 9 includes a first mechanism 13 for moving the arm 10 in the vertical direction (Y direction), a second mechanism 14 for moving the arm 10 in the width direction (X direction) of the glass strip G, and a third mechanism 15 for moving the arm 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the glass strip G.

[0057] The first mechanism 13 has a plate 16 assembled with the arm 10 (arm body 11), a guide rail 17 for guiding the up and down movement of the plate 16, a ball screw 18 for providing power for moving the plate 16 up and down, a frame 19 for mounting the guide rail 17 and the ball screw 18, and a servo motor 20 connected to the ball screw 18.

[0058] In this manufacturing apparatus 1, the plate 16 moves up and down due to the operation of the first mechanism 13, thereby causing the arm 10 to move in the up-down direction. Furthermore, as the plate 16 moves downward, the arm 10 follows the glass belt G as it descends.

[0059] The second mechanism 14 has a plate 21 fixed to the frame 19, a guide rail 22 for guiding the plate 21 to move along the width direction of the glass strip G, a ball screw 23 for providing power to move the plate 21, a frame 24 for mounting the guide rail 22 and the ball screw 23, and a servo motor 25 connected to the ball screw 23.

[0060] In this manufacturing apparatus 1, the plate 21 moves due to the operation of the second mechanism 14, thereby allowing the position of the arms 10 to be adjusted in accordance with the width of the glass strip G. Furthermore, while the cut-out portion Gx is held in the position of the pair of arms 10, 10, each arm 10 moves outward in the width direction along with the movement of the plate 21, thereby allowing the cut-out portion Gx to be pulled along the width direction (see reference). Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 It should be noted that, since the arm 10 has multiple chucks 12, the cut-out object part Gx pulls multiple parts of the glass strip G along the width direction in the length direction (Y direction).

[0061] The third mechanism 15 has a guide rail 26 for guiding the frame 24 to move along the thickness direction of the glass strip G, a ball screw 27 for providing power to move the frame 24, a base 28 provided with the guide rail 26 and the ball screw 27, and a servo motor (not shown) connected to the ball screw 27.

[0062] In this manufacturing apparatus 1, the frame 24 moves as the third mechanism 15 operates, and as the posture of the arm body 11 changes from a vertical posture to an inclined posture, the arm 10 moves from one Ga side of the glass strip G to the other Gb side.

[0063] <Methods for manufacturing glass plates>

[0064] The manufacturing method of the glass plate using the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above will be explained below.

[0065] In this manufacturing method, when cutting glass sheet Gs from glass strip G formed by the pull-down method, a scribing process P1 is performed to form scribing lines S on the glass strip G. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 ) and the breaking process P2, which cuts the glass strip G by breaking it along the scribed line S. Figures 5-8 ).

[0066] exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the engraving process P1 shown, firstly, for the glass strip G being transported downwards after forming, the cutting target portion Gx of the glass strip G is held by a pair of arms 10, 10 that follow the descent of the glass strip G. Specifically, the cutting target portion Gx is held by changing a pair of jaws 12a, 12a from the open state to the closed state in the multiple chucks 12 of each pair of arms 10, 10.

[0067] At this point, regarding the distance along the length direction (Y direction) of the glass strip G, the separation distance L1 from the uppermost chuck 12 among the plurality of chucks 12 to the pre-cutting portion Gp of the glass strip G is preferably 100 mm or less. Setting the separation distance L1 to 100 mm or less is to better obtain the effect of eliminating wrinkles and looseness on the pre-cutting portion Gp, which will be described later. It should be noted that, in order to prevent the uppermost chuck 12 from interfering with the scribing auxiliary member 5 and the scribing wheel 6, the separation distance L1 is preferably 30 mm or more.

[0068] Next, by moving each of the pair of arms 10, 10 holding the cut-out portion Gx outward in the width direction of the glass strip G, the cut-out portion Gx is pulled along the width direction by each clamp 12. At this time, the distance by which each arm 10 moves outward in the width direction is, for example, 1mm to 2mm. Here, the distance moved by one arm 10, 10 to the other can be equal as in this embodiment, unequal as in this embodiment, or it can be moved only by one arm 10. Along with pulling the cut-out portion Gx, the predetermined cutting portion Gp of the glass strip G is extended along the width direction. This removes wrinkles and slack existing on the predetermined cutting portion Gp. Figure 3 (Indicated by the double-dotted line) Extends along the width direction until it disappears.

[0069] Next, while the scribing aid 5 and the scribing wheel 6 descend along with the glass strip G, they are moved from the standby position to the contact position. As a result, the contact portion 5a of the scribing aid 5 contacts the glass strip G (cutting pre-cut portion Gp), and the cutting pre-cut portion Gp becomes bent along its width direction with one side Ga becoming convex. In this state, by moving the scribing wheel 6 along the Ga side of the cutting pre-cut portion Gp, a scribing line S is formed. Through the above, the scribing process P1 is completed.

[0070] It should be noted that after the marking process P1 is completed, both the marking auxiliary member 5 and the marking wheel 6 are moved from the contact position to the standby position. Furthermore, both the marking auxiliary member 5 and the marking wheel 6 are raised to the height position before the marking line S is formed. Meanwhile, the pair of arms 10, 10 follow the descent of the glass belt G, and the pull of each chuck 12 on the cutting target portion Gx in the width direction continues. The pull of each chuck 12 on the cutting target portion Gx continues until the glass plate Gs is cut from the glass belt G by the execution of the breaking process P2.

[0071] In this embodiment, after the pair of arms 10, 10 are moved to pull the cut-out target portion Gx along the width direction (after the cut-off predetermined portion Gp is ​​extended along the width direction), the scribing auxiliary member 5 and the scribing wheel 6 are moved from the standby position to the contact position. However, this is not a limitation. As a variation of this embodiment, the pair of arms 10, 10 may be moved to pull the cut-out target portion Gx after the scribing auxiliary member 5 is moved from the standby position to the contact position. Furthermore, the scribing wheel 6 may then be moved from the standby position to the contact position.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, in the breaking process P2, firstly, for the uppermost chuck 12 among the multiple chucks 12, the gripping of the cutting target portion Gx is released by changing a pair of jaws 12a, 12a from the closed state to the open state. For the remaining chucks 12 other than the uppermost one, the gripping of the cutting target portion Gx continues. Therefore, during the execution of the breaking process P2, compared to the execution of the marking process P1, the cutting target portion Gx is pulled and cut at a location farther from the predetermined cutting portion Gp.

[0073] At this point, the separation distance L2 from the second-to-last chuck 12 (the uppermost chuck 12 among those holding the cutting target portion Gx) to the predetermined cutting portion Gp of the glass strip G along the length direction (Y direction) of the glass strip G is 200 mm or more. Of course, the separation distance L2 is longer than the separation distance L1 described above. Setting the separation distance L2 to 200 mm or more is to prevent excessive curvature of the predetermined cutting portion Gp when breaking the glass strip G.

[0074] Next, the support member 7 moves from the standby position to the contact position while following the glass strip G as it descends. As a result, the contact portion 7a of the support member 7 contacts the glass strip G. In this embodiment, the contact portion 7a contacts the glass strip G at a position higher than the pre-cutting portion Gp. However, this is not a limitation; as a variation of this embodiment, the contact portion 7a may also contact the pre-cutting portion Gp. When the contact portion 7a of the support member 7 contacts the glass strip G, as... Figure 6 As shown, the portion of the glass strip G supported by the support member 7 (hereinafter referred to as the supported portion) is bent in a manner that the surface Ga becomes convex along the width direction.

[0075] Here, as described above, from the execution of the scribing process P1, the cut-out portion Gx is continuously pulled along the width direction using each chuck 12. As a result, the supported portion of the glass strip G, in a state of extension along the width direction, i.e., wrinkled and relaxed (in... Figure 6In the state where the double-dotted line (shown in the middle) disappears, it contacts the contact portion 7a with the support member 7. It should be noted that in order to pull the cut-out object portion Gx along the width direction using each clamp 12 between the scribing process P1 and the breaking process P2, the distance by which each arm 10 moves outward in the width direction can be the same as in this embodiment, or it can be different from this embodiment.

[0076] Next, as Figure 7 As shown, by rotating the arm body 11, the posture of the arm body 11 is transferred from a vertical posture to an inclined posture. This causes the predetermined cutting portion Gp of the glass strip G to bend. When bending stress is applied to the predetermined cutting portion Gp along with the bending, the glass strip G breaks along the scribe line S. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, glass plate Gs is cut from glass strip G. Through the above steps, the breaking process P2 is completed.

[0077] It should be noted that after the breaking process P2 is completed, the support member 7 is moved from the contact position to the standby position. Furthermore, the support member 7 is raised to the height position before the glass strip G is broken. Additionally, the glass plate Gs cut from the glass strip G is handed over to a transfer device (not shown) for transferring the glass plate Gs to the downstream process. After the glass plate Gs is handed over to the transfer device, the pair of arms 10, 10 return to the position before the formation of the scribe line S.

[0078] The main functions and effects of the manufacturing apparatus 1 and the manufacturing method described above will be explained below.

[0079] In the manufacturing apparatus 1 and manufacturing method described above, after pulling the cut-out portion Gx of the glass strip G along the width direction and extending the supported portion (the part supported by the support member 7) of the glass strip G along the width direction, the predetermined cutting portion Gp is ​​bent. Therefore, in the event that wrinkles or slack occur in the glass strip G due to flexibility, at least in the supported portion, the wrinkles and slack can be extended along the width direction and eliminated before the glass strip G is broken (before the predetermined cutting portion Gp is ​​bent). As a result, it is possible to prevent the portion that becomes part of the support member 7 (contact portion 7a) due to wrinkles or slack from not contacting the glass strip G during breakage. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the cut portion formed on the glass strip G from deviating from the scribe line S during breakage, and to prevent breakage of the glass strip G.

[0080] Here, variations of the above-described embodiment can be applied as follows. In the above-described embodiment, the cut-out portion Gx is pulled along the width direction by moving the pair of arms 10, 10 outward in the width direction of the glass strip G. However, as a variation, any mechanism can be used as long as the cut-out portion Gx can be pulled along the width direction. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the cut-out portion Gx is pulled along the width direction using the same means (the pair of arms 10, 10) between the marking process P1 and the breaking process P2. However, as a variation, different means (devices, mechanisms) can be used to pull the cut-out portion Gx along the width direction between the marking process P1 and the breaking process P2. As a further variation, the pulling of the cut-out portion Gx along the width direction can also be performed only in the breaking process P2.

[0081] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0082] 1. Glass plate manufacturing apparatus

[0083] 2 Cutting mechanism

[0084] 3. Engraving mechanism

[0085] 4. Breaking Mechanism

[0086] 5. Engraving auxiliary components

[0087] 5a Contact section

[0088] 6. Grating wheel

[0089] 7 Supporting components

[0090] 7a Contact section

[0091] 8 Retaining components

[0092] 9. Mobile devices

[0093] 10 arms

[0094] G glass ribbon

[0095] Ga One side

[0096] Gb's other side

[0097] Gp Cut-off Pre-determined Section

[0098] Gs glass plate

[0099] Gx cutout object part

[0100] L1 separation distance

[0101] L2 separation distance

[0102] P1 Engraving process

[0103] P2 Breaking Process

[0104] S-shaped engraving line.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass plate, wherein while a flexible glass strip is being transported downwards in a longitudinal orientation and simultaneously cut along its width direction to cut a glass plate from the glass strip, the following steps are performed: The scribing process involves forming scribing lines on one side of the predetermined cut portion extending in the width direction of the glass strip; and In the breaking process, with the glass strip after the scribing process supported on the support member from the other side, the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip is bent in a manner that makes one side convex, using the support member as a fulcrum, and the glass strip is broken along the scribing line to cut it. The method for manufacturing the glass plate is characterized in that, In the engraving process, The portion of the glass strip below the predetermined cutting portion is pulled along the width direction, thereby extending the predetermined cutting portion along the width direction. With the pre-cut portion supported on the scribing auxiliary member from the other side, the scribing line forming tool is moved on one side of the pre-cut portion to form the scribing line. In the breaking process, after pulling the portion of the glass strip below the predetermined cutting portion along the width direction and extending the portion of the glass strip supported by the support member along the width direction, the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip is bent in such a way that one side becomes convex. At least during the period from the completion of the engraving process to the start of the breaking process, the retaining member holding the lower part continues to pull the lower part only in the width direction.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, As both the support member and the scribing aid, a member whose contact portion, which contacts the glass strip, is bent in a manner that convexes along the width direction of the glass strip is used.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Regarding the distance along the length of the glass strip, Between the scribing process and the breaking process, the separation distance from the part where the glass strip is pulled to the predetermined cutting part is different, so that the separation distance in the scribing process is shorter than the separation distance in the breaking process.

4. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Regarding the distance along the length of the glass strip, In the breaking process, the separation distance from the part that pulls the glass strip to the predetermined cutting part is set to be 200 mm or more.

5. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Multiple sections of the glass strip along its length are pulled along its width.

6. A glass plate manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a cutting mechanism that cuts a glass sheet from a flexible glass strip being transported downwards in a longitudinal orientation along its width. The cutting mechanism includes: a scribing mechanism that forms a scribing line on one side of a predetermined cutting portion extending in the width direction of the glass strip; and a breaking mechanism that bends the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip with the scribing line in a manner that makes one side convex, and breaks the glass strip along the scribing line to cut it. The scribing mechanism includes a scribing auxiliary member that supports the glass strip from the other side of the pre-cut portion, and a scribing line forming tool that forms the scribing line while moving on one side of the pre-cut portion. The breaking mechanism includes: a support member that supports the glass strip from the other side; a holding member that holds a portion of the glass strip below the predetermined cutting portion; and a moving device that moves the holding member, which holds the lower portion, from one side of the glass strip toward the other side, thereby bending the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip with the support member as a fulcrum. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus is configured such that, during the formation of the scribing lines by the scribing mechanism, the holding member extends the predetermined cutting portion of the glass strip along the width direction by pulling the lower portion along the width direction. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus is configured such that, when the glass strip is broken by the breaking mechanism, the holding member pulls the lower portion along the width direction, thereby extending the portion of the glass strip supported by the supporting member along the width direction. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus is configured such that, at least during the period from the completion of the formation of the scribing line by the scribing mechanism to the start of the bending of the predetermined portion cut by the breaking mechanism, the holding member maintains a state in which the lower portion is pulled only in the width direction.

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