Method for manufacturing a sheet glass

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a sheet glass includes a breaking process of breaking a sheet glass (G) in a longitudinal attitude along a score line (S), in which a first region (G1) and a second region (G2) are arranged adjacent to each other in a width direction, the score line (S) is formed at a boundary portion of the first region (G1) and the second region (G2) and on a surface (G1a, G2a) side of the sheet glass (G), in the breaking process, in a state where the first region (G1) is contacted and supported from a back surface (G1b) side of the sheet glass by a back surface supporting member (3) and the second region (G2) is adsorptively held from a back surface (G2b) side by an adsorption mechanism (6), a force toward the back surface (G2b) side is applied to the second region (G2), thereby cutting out the second region (G2), and a crack is propagated from an end portion of the score line (S) as a starting point. Thus, the quality of breaking can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing sheet glass, an apparatus for manufacturing sheet glass, and improvements to sheet glass. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, sheet glass is used as a substrate and cover in displays (such as liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, organic EL displays, etc.) and organic EL lighting. The manufacturing process of such sheet glass involves steps such as sequentially cutting sheet glass of a specified length from a glass strip and removing unwanted areas along the edges of the sheet glass. In these steps, after the glass strip and sheet glass have been etched with grooves, they are broken along these grooves.

[0003] As a specific example of a method for obtaining a sheet glass by breaking, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be cited. In the method disclosed in this document, a scribe line is formed at the boundary between a first region and a second region arranged adjacent to each other along the width direction of the sheet glass, on the surface side of the sheet glass. Furthermore, with the first region supported from the back side by a back support member, a rolling element presses the second region towards the back side. This applies bending stress to the sheet glass, causing it to break along the scribe line and cutting out the second region. The breaking process is performed with the sheet glass supported in a longitudinal orientation.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

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

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] When bending stress is applied to the glass pane using the method described in Patent Document 1, uneven bending stress is applied to the scribe lines. Warping inevitably occurs in the longitudinal section of the glass pane, and the shape and size of this warping vary for each individual pane. This warping becomes particularly pronounced when the thickness of the glass pane is 500 μm or less. When this glass pane is broken using the method described in Patent Document 1, the location of the crack initiation point changes due to the variation in the warped shape of the glass pane, resulting in cracks extending from the middle of the scribe lines. In this case, problems arise such as misalignment of the breakage position, glass breakage, chipping (improper defects on the broken end face), or excessive glass dust generation, thus reducing the quality of the breakage.

[0009] The objective of this invention is to improve the fracture quality of sheet glass.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The present invention, made to address the aforementioned problems, is a method for manufacturing a sheet glass, comprising a breaking process of breaking a longitudinally oriented sheet glass along a scribed line. The method is characterized in that a first region and a second region are arranged adjacently in the width direction of the sheet glass, and the scribed line is formed at the boundary between the first and second regions and on the surface side of the sheet glass. In the breaking process, while the first region is supported from the back side of the sheet glass by a back support member and the second region is held by an adsorption mechanism from the back side, a force is applied to the second region towards the back side, thereby cutting out the second region and causing a crack to propagate from the end of the scribed line. By allowing the crack to propagate from the crack at the end of the scribed line, breakage, chipping, and excessive glass dust generation in the sheet glass can be suppressed, thereby improving the quality of the breakage.

[0012] In the above structure, preferably, the adsorption mechanism includes a plurality of adsorption members arranged along the scribed lines. During the breaking process, the adsorption members adsorb and hold the second region from the back side, thereby causing the height position of the starting point in the second region to protrude towards the surface side. In the breaking process of the present invention, a large bending stress is applied to the end of the scribed line protruding towards the surface side of the glass plate, so the crack reliably extends from the end of the scribed line, thus reliably improving the quality of the breakage.

[0013] In the above structure, preferably, the upper end of the glass plate is held by the holding mechanism, and the scribed lines extend in the vertical direction, with adsorption starting sequentially from the upper adsorption member among the plurality of adsorption members. When a warped glass plate is simultaneously adsorbed using multiple adsorption members, the glass plate is held in a warped state, and the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the adsorbed glass plate is prone to deviation. On the other hand, when adsorption starts sequentially from the upper adsorption member, the warping is corrected during adsorption, and the cross-sectional shape of the adsorbed glass plate is stable. Therefore, the quality of breakage can be improved more reliably.

[0014] In the above structure, it is preferable that the adsorption pressure of the adsorption member at the end protruding towards the surface is lower than that of the other adsorption members. Here, the adsorption pressure is a value obtained by subtracting the internal pressure of the adsorption member from the atmospheric pressure. The adsorption member (e.g., an adsorption pad) is flexible and therefore deforms in a way that it is pulled towards the adsorption member when adsorbing the glass plate. The adsorption member with lower adsorption pressure is pulled less towards the adsorption member side compared to the adsorption member with higher adsorption pressure, causing the glass plate to protrude towards the surface. Therefore, by making the adsorption pressure of the adsorption member located on the upper or lower side lower, the end of the scribed line protrudes towards the surface.

[0015] In the above structure, preferably, during the breaking process, the first region is brought into contact with the back support member, thereby causing the height position of the starting point in the first region to protrude towards the surface side. According to this structure, the crack propagates from the crack at the end of the scribed line, thereby suppressing breakage, chipping, and excessive glass dust generation in the glass pane, and improving the quality of the breakage.

[0016] Furthermore, the glass manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a breaking device for breaking a longitudinally oriented glass pane along a scribe line. The glass manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that a first region and a second region are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction in the glass pane, the scribe line being formed at the boundary between the first region and the second region and on the surface side of the glass pane. The breaking device includes: a back support member that contacts and supports the first region from the back side of the glass pane; an adsorption mechanism that adsorbs and holds the second region from the back side; and a pressing member that applies a force toward the back side to the second region. The breaking device is configured to allow a crack to propagate starting from the end of the scribe line. According to this structure, the same effects as the previously described manufacturing method, which has a substantially identical structure to this manufacturing apparatus, can be obtained.

[0017] In addition, the plate glass of the present invention has two first end faces extending along the pulling direction and two second end faces extending along the width direction intersecting the pulling direction and is rectangular in shape. The plate glass is characterized in that at least one of the first end faces is a cut surface formed by breaking and has a scribing line, and the starting point of the break is located at the end of the scribing line.

[0018] The closer the cut surface formed by the breakage is to the starting point of the breakage, the narrower the spacing of the ribs. Ribs are arc-shaped wavy patterns that form perpendicular to the direction of crack propagation. When tensile stress is applied to an area with multiple ribs, the crack may sometimes propagate from the ribs, resulting in the breakage of the glass.

[0019] When manufacturing substrates and covers for displays and OLED lighting using glass panels, the glass panels are sometimes transported in a vertical orientation. Specifically, the upper part of the vertically oriented glass panel is clamped by the chuck mechanism of a transport device, and the glass panel is transported in a suspended state. Under such transport conditions, the glass panel is prone to oscillation like an oscillator due to air resistance, inertial forces, etc. When the oscillation becomes significant, tensile stress is applied to the bent parts under the oscillation, potentially causing the glass panel to break.

[0020] In a longitudinally transported sheet of glass, the area at the same height as the upper end of the scribe line is clamped by a chuck mechanism, making it difficult for the glass to bend even if it swings. Conversely, the area at the same height as the lower end of the scribe line is not clamped and remains free, making it difficult for the glass to bend even if it swings. Therefore, because the breakage point is located at the end of the scribe line, the area containing the breakage point is difficult to bend and difficult to be subjected to tensile stress. Consequently, sheet glass with this structure is less prone to breakage during longitudinal transport.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to the present invention, the crack is extended starting from the end of the scribed line, thereby improving the quality of the fracture. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the breaking device included in the glass manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 B-B sectional view.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating the function of the breaking device included in the glass manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 C-C section view.

[0027] Figure 5 (a), (b), and (c) are top views showing the sequence in which the breaking device included in the glass manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention breaks the glass.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the breaking device included in the glass manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view illustrating the function of the breaking device included in the glass manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 D-D sectional view.

[0031] Figure 9 (a), (b), and (c) are top views showing the sequence in which the breaking device included in the glass manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention breaks the glass.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a perspective view illustrating the function of the breaking device included in the glass manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 E-E sectional view.

[0034] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The E-E sectional view shows only the plate glass.

[0035] Figure 13 (a), (b), and (c) are top views showing the sequence in which the glass-making apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention breaks the glass sheet.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a perspective view illustrating the function of the breaking device included in the glass manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 F-F sectional view.

[0038] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 The F-F sectional view shows only the plate glass.

[0039] Figure 17 (a), (b), and (c) are top views showing the sequence in which the glass-making apparatus of the fourth embodiment of the present invention breaks the glass sheet.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a glass plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing the end face of a glass plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the end face of a glass plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing a sheet glass, the apparatus for manufacturing a sheet glass, and an embodiment of the sheet glass of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] (First Implementation)

[0045] exist Figure 1The diagram shows the breaking device 1 and the sheet glass G included in the sheet glass manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment. The sheet glass G has a first region G1 and a second region G2 arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction. The first region G1 is the region that becomes the product of the sheet glass G, and the sheet thickness is uniform throughout the entire region. The second region G2 is the region that is cut out from the sheet glass G and discarded, and has an ear Ge at the front end in the width direction (the front end on the left side in the illustration) that is thicker than the first region G1. At the boundary between the first region G1 and the second region G2, a scribing line S is formed on the surface G1a and G2a side. In the illustration, the scribing line S does not reach the upper and lower end surfaces of the sheet glass G. It should be noted that the scribing line S may also reach the upper and lower end surfaces of the sheet glass G. In the following description, for convenience, the first region G1 will be referred to as the effective region, and the second region G2 will be referred to as the unwanted region.

[0046] The glass plate G is suspended longitudinally with the scribed lines S pointing vertically. The thickness of the glass plate G (excluding the ear portion Ge) is, for example, 50 to 2000 μm. The glass plate G is flexible and exhibits significant warping in its longitudinal section, which enhances the effect of the present invention; therefore, the thickness of the glass plate G is preferably 50 to 500 μm, more preferably 50 to 400 μm. The specific shape of the warping is the curvature of the scribed lines S on the surfaces G1a and G2a of the glass plate G, as well as any imaginary straight line parallel to these scribed lines S. Furthermore, the shape of the warping is inconsistent and varies depending on the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing conditions, and the passage of time.

[0047] For example, a plate of glass G can be obtained in the following order.

[0048] (1) The glass ribbon is formed by the overflow pull-down method.

[0049] (2) Anneal the formed glass strip.

[0050] (3) Break and cut the annealed glass strip along the width direction to cut out the plate glass G from the glass strip.

[0051] When a sheet glass G is obtained from a glass strip formed by the overflow down-drawing method as described above, the surfaces G1a and G2a, as well as the back surfaces G1b and G2b, are all forged surfaces with excellent surface properties. In this case, stripe-like patterns extending in the vertical direction (pulling direction) are formed on the surfaces G1a and G2a and the back surfaces G1b and G2b of the sheet glass G, which are not illustrated. Furthermore, the upper and lower end surfaces of the sheet glass G are both cut surfaces formed by breaking.

[0052] The dimensions of the broken glass plate G are, for example, 1800mm × 2000mm or more, preferably 2200mm × 2500mm or more, more preferably 2600mm × 3000mm or more, and even more preferably 2900mm × 3300mm or more.

[0053] Examples of components of the plate glass G include alkali-free glass, borosilicate glass, soda glass (sodium-calcium glass), high silica glass, and other oxide-based glasses with silica as the main component. The plate glass G can be chemically strengthened glass; in this case, aluminosilicate glass can be used.

[0054] The breaking device 1 breaks the glass plate G along the scribed line S to remove the unwanted area G2. In detail, the breaking device 1 includes: a holding mechanism 2 that holds the upper end of the effective area G1; a back support member 3 disposed on the back side G1b of the effective area G1; a pressing member 4 disposed opposite to the back support member 3 on the surface G1a side of the effective area G1; an adsorption mechanism 6 disposed on the back side G2b of the unwanted area G2; and a pressing member 5 disposed opposite to the adsorption mechanism 6 on the surface G2a side of the unwanted area G2.

[0055] The gripping mechanism 2 has a pair of gripping plates 21 and a drive unit 22 that brings the pair of gripping plates 21 closer together and further apart. The structure of the drive unit 22 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. The pair of gripping plates 21 grip the upper end of the effective area G1 by bringing them closer together and becoming closed, and release the gripping of the upper end of the effective area G1 by moving them further apart and becoming open.

[0056] The holding mechanism 2 is slidably held on a guide rail (not shown) extending along the width direction above the glass plate G, and functions to move the glass plate G into and out relative to the break position. When the glass plate G is broken at the break position, the holding mechanism 2 stops while holding the upper end of the effective holding area G1. In this case, the lower end of the glass plate G is not held and is free. It should be noted that the holding mechanism 2 holds multiple portions of the upper end of the effective area G1 in the width direction (two portions in this embodiment (one portion is not shown)).

[0057] When the glass plate G breaks, the back support member 3 contacts the effective support area G1 from the back side G1b. The back support member 3 moves closer to and further away from the back side G1b of the effective area G1 via a hydraulic cylinder, ball screw mechanism, or robotic arm (not shown). The back support member 3 is a long column or plate-like body in the vertical direction. The back support member 3 is positioned along the scribe line S, and the separation distance between the back support member 3 and the scribe line S in the width direction (the separation distance when the back support member 3 contacts the effective area G1) is preferably 10–30 mm, more preferably 10–20 mm. In the illustration, the back support member 3 extends from the upper and lower surfaces of the effective area G1, but it may not extend from the upper and lower surfaces of the effective area G1.

[0058] When the glass plate G breaks, the pressing member 4 presses the effective area G1 against the back support member 3. The pressing member 4 moves closer to and further away from the surface G1a of the effective area G1 by the action of a fluid cylinder (such as a pneumatic cylinder), a ball screw mechanism, or a robotic arm (not shown). In this embodiment, the pressing member 4 is a columnar or plate-like body that is longer in the vertical direction. In the illustration, the pressing member 4 extends from the upper and lower surfaces of the effective area G1, but it may not extend from these surfaces.

[0059] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at position B-B. The adsorption mechanism 6 includes a holding base 61 that is relatively long in the vertical direction and multiple adsorption members 62 mounted on the holding base 61. The holding base 61 is moved while rotating by the action of a drive mechanism such as a robotic arm (not shown) (e.g., towards...). Figure 1 (The movement occurs while rotating in the direction of arrow A shown). The adsorption member 62 is, for example, an adsorption pad that uses negative pressure to adsorb and retain the back side G2b of the unwanted area G2, and is formed of an elastic member such as rubber or resin. The adsorption members 62 are mounted on the holding substrate 61 arranged in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, three adsorption members 62 are mounted, but it is not limited to this. Two or more adsorption members 62 may also be used.

[0060] The press-in member 5 has a flat portion 51 that contacts the surface G2a of the unwanted area G2, and in this embodiment, it is plate-shaped and elongated in the vertical direction. The press-in member 5 is moved while rotating (e.g., towards) by the action of a drive mechanism such as a robotic arm (not shown). Figure 1(While rotating in the direction of arrow A shown), a pressing force is applied to the unwanted region G2 towards the back side G2b. In the illustration, the pressing member 5 extends from both the upper and lower surfaces of the unwanted region G2, but it may not extend from either surface.

[0061] Next, a method for manufacturing plate glass using the manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment will be described.

[0062] First, in comparison Figure 1 In the upstream process shown, while the glass plate G is suspended and supported by the holding mechanism 2, scribing lines S are formed on the surfaces G1a and G2a of the glass plate G through pressing by a cutting wheel and laser irradiation. Specifically, the scribing lines S are formed at the boundary between the effective area G1 and the unwanted area G2 of the glass plate G. Next, while maintaining the glass plate G with the scribing lines S suspended and supported by the holding mechanism 2, it is transported along the width direction, thereby bringing the glass plate G to... Figure 1 The breakage position is shown. At this moment, the pressing member 4 and the back support member 3 separate from the surface G1a and back surface G1b of the effective area G1, respectively, and the pressing member 5 and the adsorption mechanism 6 also separate from the surface G2a and back surface G2b of the unwanted area G2, respectively. In this state, warping occurs in the longitudinal section shape of the glass plate G.

[0063] Then, the back support member 3 moves toward the effective area G1, and the pressing member 4 also moves toward the effective area G1. Figure 3 As shown, at the moment when the movement of the back support member 3 and the pressing member 4 is completed, the effective area G1 is supported by the back support member 3 while being clamped by the back support member 3 and the pressing member 4. Meanwhile, the adsorption mechanism 6 moves toward the unwanted area G2, and the adsorption member 62 contacts the back surface G2b of the unwanted area G2.

[0064] like Figure 4As shown, when the adsorption member 62 comes into contact with the unwanted area G2, the uppermost adsorption member 621 begins adsorption. After a predetermined time, the second adsorption member 622 from the top begins adsorption. After a further predetermined time, the third adsorption member 623 from the top begins adsorption. Here, when multiple adsorption members 621 to 623 simultaneously adsorb a warped glass plate G, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the adsorbed glass plate G contains warping, and the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the adsorbed glass plate G is prone to deviation. On the other hand, when adsorption members 621 to 623 are used sequentially from top to bottom as described above, the warping is corrected during adsorption, and the cross-sectional shape of the adsorbed glass plate G is stable. In this embodiment, three adsorption members 62 are used, but even when two or more adsorption members 62 are used, the same effect can be obtained by adsorbing sequentially from the uppermost adsorption member 62.

[0065] The adsorption pressure when the adsorption member 62 adsorbs the glass plate G is set such that the adsorption member 62 is located further up in the longitudinal direction of the glass plate G, the lower the adsorption pressure. Here, the adsorption pressure is the value obtained by subtracting the internal pressure of the adsorption member 62 from the atmospheric pressure. As a result, the area in the unwanted area G2 with the same height position as the upper end of the scribe line S (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper end area G2U of the unwanted area G2") protrudes towards the surface G2a side compared to the area with the same height position as the middle or lower end of the scribe line S. The protrusion amount D2U of the upper end area G2U of the unwanted area G2 is, for example, 10 to 300 mm, preferably 30 to 100 mm. As a result, the upper end of the scribe line S can be reliably used as the starting point for breakage, and breakage of the glass plate G during breakage can be reliably prevented.

[0066] Figure 5 (a), (b), and (c) are top views of the breaking device showing the sequence in which the plate glass G is subsequently broken. Figure 5 (a) shows the initial stage of the breaking process, where region G2 does not need to become a shape where the upper region G2U protrudes towards the surface G2a. From this state, the pressing member 5 is moved, thereby... Figure 5 As shown in (a), the press-in member 5 contacts the unwanted area G2. When the movement of the press-in member 5 continues, as... Figure 5As shown in (b), the unwanted region G2 bends towards the back side G2b with the back support member 3 as the fulcrum. At this time, the pressing member 5 rotates as it moves. Correspondingly, the adsorption mechanism 6 rotates while moving in the direction of arrow A. It should be noted that the adsorption mechanism 6 does not actually exert a pulling force towards the back side G2b on the unwanted region G2. During this process, a bending deformation occurs in the width direction centered on the scribe line S, thus exerting bending stress on the scribe line S. In addition, the upper region G2U of the unwanted region G2 protrudes towards the surface G2a, thus exerting the greatest bending stress on the upper end of the scribe line S. Subsequently, with the further movement of the pressing member 5, when the bending stress acting on the upper end of the scribe line S is sufficiently large, the crack extends from the upper end of the scribe line S along the thickness direction and in the direction of the scribe line S. Thus, the crack extends throughout the scribe line S, thereby... Figure 5 As shown in (c), the glass plate G is broken along the scribed line S. After the glass plate G is broken and the unwanted area G2 is cut out, the unwanted area G2 is moved to the retraction position while being held by the adsorption mechanism 6. Then, the holding by the adsorption mechanism 6 is released and it falls back for recycling.

[0067] The unwanted region G2 at one end of the glass plate G in the width direction has been described in the above-described breaking device 1 and breaking process. However, the unwanted region G2 is usually formed at both ends of the glass plate G in the width direction. A structure as shown below is adopted for breaking the glass plate G to remove the unwanted region G2. That is, as follows... Figure 6As shown, the central region of the glass plate G in the width direction is the effective region G1, and the two sides in the width direction are the unwanted regions G2. Gratings S are formed at the two boundaries of the effective region G1 and each unwanted region G2. The glass plate G is broken along these two gradations S by breaking devices 1, each corresponding to one of the unwanted regions G2. Each of the two breaking devices 1 has a pressing member 4 and a back support member 3 arranged on the surface G1a side and back side G1b side of the effective region G1, and a pressing member 5 and a suction mechanism 6 arranged on the surface G2a side and back side G2b side of the unwanted region G2, respectively. The pressing member 5 and the suction mechanism 6 are both designed to rotate and move in the direction of arrow A at both locations. The detailed structure of the two breaking devices 1 is the same as that of the previously described breaking device 1. In this case, breaking based on the two breaking devices 1 can be performed simultaneously, or breaking based on one breaking device 1 can be performed after the breaking based on the other breaking device 1 has been completed. Alternatively, unlike this, one of the breaking devices 1 can be positioned a distance longer than the width of the glass plate G. After removing an unwanted area G2 from one side using one of the breaking devices 1, the glass plate G is moved along its width, and then the unwanted area G2 from the other side is removed using the other breaking device 1. Furthermore, unlike this, one breaking device 1 can be used, and after removing an unwanted area G2 from one side using this breaking device 1, the glass plate G is rotated 180 degrees in a top view, and then the unwanted area G2 from the other side is removed using this breaking device 1.

[0068] (Second Implementation)

[0069] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a sheet glass according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that in the description of the second embodiment, structures substantially the same as those described in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals, thus omitting repeated descriptions; only structures different from those in the first embodiment will be described.

[0070] The manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment has the same structure as the manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment, but the adsorption pressure when the adsorption member 62 adsorbs the glass plate G is set to be lower the further the adsorption member 62 is located in the longitudinal lower side of the glass plate G. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the crack is extended from the lower end of the scribe line S.

[0071] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8As shown, in the unnecessarily used region G2, the area whose height position is the same as the lower end of the scribe line S (hereinafter also referred to as "the lower end region G2L of the unnecessarily used region G2") protrudes towards the surface G2a side more than the area whose height position is the same as the middle or upper end of the scribe line S. The protrusion amount D2L of the lower end region G2L of the effective region G2 is preferably 10 to 300 mm, more preferably 10 to 100 mm.

[0072] Figure 9 (a), (b), and (c) are top views of the breaking device showing the sequence in which the plate glass G is subsequently broken. Figure 9 (a) shows the initial stage of the breaking process, where region G2 does not need to become a shape where the lower end region G2L protrudes towards the surface G2a. From this state, the pressing member 5 is moved, thereby... Figure 9 As shown in (b), region G2 does not need to bend towards the back side G2b with the back support member 3 as the fulcrum. During this process, a bending deformation occurs in the width direction centered on the scribe line S, thus exerting bending stress on the scribe line S. In addition, the lower end region G2L of region G2 does not need to be bent towards the surface G2a, thus exerting the greatest bending stress on the lower end of the scribe line S. Subsequently, with further movement of the press-in member 5, when the bending stress acting on the lower end of the scribe line S is sufficiently large, the crack extends from the lower end of the scribe line S along the thickness direction and in the direction of the scribe line S. Thus, the crack extends throughout the scribe line S, thereby... Figure 9 As shown in (c), the glass plate G is broken along the scribed line S.

[0073] (Third Implementation)

[0074] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a sheet glass and an apparatus for manufacturing a sheet glass according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that in the description of the third embodiment, structures that are substantially the same as those described in the first and second embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals, thereby omitting repeated descriptions, and only structures that are different from those in the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0075] Figure 10 The breaking device 1 included in the glass manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment is shown. Compared with the breaking device 1 of the first embodiment, the breaking device 1 of the third embodiment differs in the structure of the back support member 3 and the pressing member 4, as well as the setting of the adsorption pressure of the adsorption member 62.

[0076] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10A cross-sectional view taken along line E-E. The pressing member 4 has a lower protrusion 43 at its lower end of the opposing portion 42, which faces the surface G1a of the plate glass G (effective area G1). In detail, the pressing member 4 has a columnar or plate-shaped support substrate 41. A lower protrusion 43 with a curved surface is fixedly provided on the surface of the support substrate 41. The surface of the lower protrusion 43 is smoothly curved such that its length protruding from the support substrate 41 gradually shortens from the lower side to the upper side. It should be noted that the surface of the lower protrusion 43 can also be an inclined surface.

[0077] The lower protrusion 43 is disposed at a position that does not overlap vertically with the gripping piece 21 at the upper end of the effective gripping area G1. That is, the upper end 43U of the lower protrusion 43 is located below the lower end 21L of the gripping piece 21. The lower protrusion 43 is softer than the glass plate G and the supporting substrate 41 and is superior in terms of elasticity or cushioning. For example, it is formed of porous resin or foamed resin, such as plastic corrugated paper, PP foam board (registered trademark), FC nylon (registered trademark), etc. A covering sheet 44 is attached to the surface of the supporting substrate 41 and the lower protrusion 43 to cover them. The covering sheet 44 is softer than the lower protrusion 43 and is formed of porous resin or foamed resin, such as sponge or low-resilience sponge.

[0078] The back support member 3 has an upper protrusion 33 at its upper end of the opposing portion 32, which faces the back surface G1b of the glass plate G (effective area G1). In detail, the back support member 3 has a columnar or plate-shaped support substrate 31. The upper protrusion 33 is fixedly provided on the surface of the support substrate 31. The surface of the upper protrusion 33 is smoothly curved such that its length protruding from the support substrate 31 gradually decreases from the upper side to the lower side. It should be noted that the surface of the support substrate 31 can also be a curved surface.

[0079] The upper protrusion 33 is disposed at a position overlapping the gripping piece 21 at the upper end of the effective gripping area G1 in the vertical direction. That is, the upper end 33U of the upper protrusion 33 is located above the upper end 21U of the gripping piece 21, and the lower end 33L of the upper protrusion 33 is located below the lower end 21L of the gripping piece 21. It should be noted that the upper protrusion 33 may also be disposed at a position where it only partially overlaps the gripping piece 21 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the upper end 33U of the upper protrusion 33 extends from the upper end of the glass plate G, but it may not extend. The upper protrusion 33 is softer than the glass plate G and the supporting substrate 31 and is superior in terms of elasticity or cushioning, for example, it is formed of porous resin or foaming resin represented by plastic corrugated paper, PP foam board (registered trademark), FC nylon (registered trademark), etc. A covering sheet 34 is attached to the surface of the supporting substrate 31 and the upper protrusion 33 to cover them. The covering sheet 34 is softer than the upper protrusion 33, and is formed, for example, from a porous resin or foam resin, such as a sponge or low-resilience sponge.

[0080] Next, the method for manufacturing plate glass using the manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment will be described.

[0081] Similar to the first embodiment, after the plate glass G with the scribed lines S is brought to the breaking position, the back support member 3 moves toward the effective area G1, and the pressing member 4 also moves toward the effective area G1. Figure 11 As shown, at the moment when the movement of the back support member 3 and the pressing member 4 is completed, the effective area G1 is supported by the back support member 3 while being sandwiched between the back support member 3 and the pressing member 4. Thus, as... Figure 12 As shown, in the effective region G1, the area whose height position is the same as the upper end of the scribe line S (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper region G1U of the effective region G1") protrudes towards the surface G1a side more than the area whose height position is the same as the middle or lower end of the scribe line S. The protrusion amount D1U of the upper region G1U of the effective region G1 is preferably 10 to 300 mm, more preferably 10 to 100 mm. In addition, the adsorption mechanism 6 moves toward the unwanted region G2, and the adsorption member 62 contacts the back surface G2b of the unwanted region G2.

[0082] like Figure 10 As shown, when the adsorption member 62 comes into contact with the unwanted region G2, adsorption occurs sequentially starting from the upper adsorption member 62, similar to the first embodiment. The adsorption pressure of the plurality of adsorption members 62 is set to be equal. Therefore, the upper region G2U of the unwanted region G2 does not protrude, and the surface G2a of the unwanted region G2 is approximately parallel to the vertical plane.

[0083] Figure 13(a), (b), and (c) are top views of the breaking device showing the sequence in which the plate glass G is subsequently broken. Figure 13 (a) shows the initial stage of the breaking process, where the effective area G1 becomes a shape protruding from the upper area G1U toward the surface G1a. From this state, the pressing member 5 is moved, thereby... Figure 13 As shown in (b), region G2 does not need to bend towards the back side G2b with the back support member 3 as the fulcrum. During this process, a bending deformation occurs in the width direction centered on the scribe line S, thus exerting bending stress on the scribe line S. In addition, the upper end region G1U of the effective region G1 protrudes towards the surface G1a, thus exerting the greatest bending stress on the upper end of the scribe line S. Subsequently, with further movement of the press-in member 5, when the bending stress acting on the upper end of the scribe line S is sufficiently large, the crack extends from the upper end of the scribe line S along the thickness direction and in the direction of the scribe line S. Thus, the crack extends throughout the scribe line S, thereby... Figure 13 As shown in (c), the glass plate G is broken along the scribed line S.

[0084] (Fourth Implementation)

[0085] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a sheet glass and an apparatus for manufacturing a sheet glass according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that in the description of the fourth embodiment, structures that are substantially the same as those described in the first, second, and third embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals, thereby omitting repeated descriptions, and only structures that are different from those in the first, second, and third embodiments will be described.

[0086] Figure 14 The image shows the breaking device 1 included in the glass manufacturing apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The breaking device 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the breaking device 1 of the third embodiment in the structure of the back support member 3 and the pressing member 4.

[0087] Figure 15 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken along line F-F. The back support member 3 has a lower protrusion 35 at its lower end of the opposing portion 32, which faces the back surface G1b of the plate glass G (effective area G1). In detail, the back support member 3 has a columnar or plate-shaped support substrate 31. A lower protrusion 35 with a curved surface is fixedly provided on the surface of the support substrate 31. The lower protrusion 35 has the same material and shape as the lower protrusion 43 of the pressing member 4 in the third embodiment.

[0088] The pressing member 4 has an upper protrusion 45 at its upper end of the opposing portion 42, which faces the surface G1a of the glass plate G (effective area G1). In detail, the pressing member 4 has a columnar or plate-shaped support substrate 41. An upper protrusion 45 with a curved surface is fixedly provided on the surface of the support substrate 41. The upper protrusion 45 has the same material and shape as the upper protrusion 33 of the back support member 3 in the third embodiment.

[0089] Next, the method for manufacturing plate glass using the manufacturing apparatus of the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0090] Similar to the first embodiment, after the plate glass G with the scribed lines S is brought to the breaking position, the back support member 3 moves toward the effective area G1, and the pressing member 4 also moves toward the effective area G1. Figure 15 As shown, at the moment when the movement of the back support member 3 and the pressing member 4 is completed, the effective area G1 is supported by the back support member 3 while being sandwiched between the back support member 3 and the pressing member 4. Thus, as... Figure 16 As shown, in the effective region G1, the area whose height position is the same as the lower end of the scribe line S (hereinafter also referred to as the "lower end region G1L of the effective region G1") protrudes towards the surface G1a side more than the area whose height position is the same as the middle or upper end of the scribe line S. The protrusion amount D1L of the lower end region G1L of the effective region G1 is preferably 10 to 300 mm, more preferably 10 to 100 mm. In addition, the adsorption mechanism 6 moves toward the unwanted region G2, and the adsorption member 62 contacts the back surface G2b of the unwanted region G2.

[0091] like Figure 14 As shown, when the adsorption member 62 comes into contact with the unwanted area G2, adsorption occurs in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

[0092] Figure 17 (a), (b), and (c) are top views of the breaking device showing the sequence in which the plate glass G is subsequently broken. Figure 17 (a) shows the initial stage of the breaking process, where the effective area G1 becomes a shape with the lower end area G1L protruding towards the surface G1a. From this state, the pressing member 5 is moved, thereby... Figure 17As shown in (b), region G2 does not need to bend towards the back side G2b with the back support member 3 as the fulcrum. During this process, a bending deformation occurs in the width direction centered on the scribe line S, thus exerting bending stress on the scribe line S. In addition, the lower end region G1L of the effective region G1 protrudes towards the surface G1a, thus exerting the greatest bending stress on the upper end of the scribe line S. Subsequently, with further movement of the press-in member 5, when the bending stress acting on the upper end of the scribe line S is sufficiently large, the crack extends from the lower end of the scribe line S along the thickness direction and in the direction of the scribe line S. Thus, the crack extends throughout the scribe line S, thereby... Figure 17 As shown in (c), the glass plate G is broken along the scribed line S.

[0093] According to the glass manufacturing apparatus and method described above, the ends of the scribed lines can be made to protrude towards the surface when the glass is broken. This allows the crack to propagate from the ends of the scribed lines, thereby improving the quality of the breakage. Furthermore, by sequentially adsorbing from the upper adsorption member, warping is corrected during adsorption, and the cross-sectional shape of the glass held in adsorption is stabilized.

[0094] The reasons why this invention can improve the quality of glass breaking, and more specifically, why it can suppress breakage, chipping, and excessive glass dust generation in glass panes, are not clear. The inventors conducted an experiment in which 100 glass panes were broken by extending a crack from the upper end of the scribe line using the first embodiment. The result was that no breakage, chipping, or excessive glass dust generation was observed. It should be noted that the glass panes used in the experiment were 3500mm × 3500mm in size and 500μm thick. For comparison, an experiment was conducted in which the adsorption pressure was changed to cause the central portion of the scribe line to protrude towards the surface, thereby extending a crack from the central portion of the scribe line and breaking 100 glass panes. The result was that 4 glass panes broke, 13 glass panes chipped, and 15 glass panes generated excessive glass dust.

[0095] Here, the end of the criterion S refers to a range less than 25% of the length of the criterion S from its tip. The crack initiation point is more preferably located on the tip side of the end of the criterion S, in other words, within a range less than 12.5% ​​of the length of the criterion S from its tip.

[0096] Next, the plate glass according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0097] like Figure 18As shown, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present invention and the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus produce a glass plate G with a rectangular shape having two first end faces G4 extending along the pulling direction Z and two second end faces G5 extending along the width direction intersecting the pulling direction Z.

[0098] The pulling direction Z of the glass plate G can be observed as a striped pattern, for example, by adjusting the angle of the glass plate G in a dark room and illuminating it with light from a light source (e.g., a xenon lamp) and projecting the light onto a screen. Therefore, even in the state of the formed glass plate G, the pulling direction Z during forming can be determined.

[0099] At least one first end face G4 is a cut surface formed by breaking, and as Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 As shown, it has incised lines S1 and rib-like patterns RM. The rib-like patterns RM are arc-shaped wavy patterns formed perpendicular to the direction of crack propagation and indicate the direction of crack breakage. Figure 19 The glass plate G is shown to break because a crack, which becomes the starting point of the breakage, is generated at the upper end of the scribed line S1 and the breakage progresses downwards. Figure 20 The diagram shows a plate glass G that breaks due to a crack originating at the lower end of the scribe line S1, which then propagates upwards. The closer to the origin of the crack that extends upon breakage, the narrower the spacing between adjacent ribs RM. When tensile stress is applied to an area containing multiple ribs RM, cracks sometimes propagate from the ribs RM, causing the plate glass G to break.

[0100] When using glass plate G to manufacture substrates and covers for displays and organic EL lighting, the glass plate G is sometimes transported in a vertical orientation. Specifically, the upper part of the vertically oriented glass plate G is clamped by a chuck mechanism (illustration omitted) of a transport device, and the glass plate G is transported in a suspended state. Under such transport conditions, the glass plate G is easily affected by air resistance, inertial forces, etc., and oscillates like an oscillator. When the oscillation becomes large, tensile stress is applied to the bending parts under the oscillation, potentially causing the glass plate G to break.

[0101] The area of ​​the glass plate G at the same height as the upper end of the scribe line S1, which is transported longitudinally, is clamped by a chuck mechanism, making it difficult for the glass plate G to bend even when it swings. Conversely, the area of ​​the glass plate G at the same height as the lower end of the scribe line S1, which is also transported longitudinally, is not clamped and remains free, making it difficult for the glass plate G to bend even when it swings. Therefore, because the breakage point is located at the end of the scribe line S1, the area including the breakage point is difficult to bend and difficult to be subjected to tensile stress. Thus, the effect of making the glass plate G difficult to break when transported longitudinally is achieved.

[0102] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiments, nor is it limited to the effects described above. Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the upper end of the first region G1 is held by the holding piece 21 of the holding mechanism 2, but it can also be replaced by other holding members such as suction cups.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the second region G2 is set as an unwanted region with ear Ge, but the second region G2 can also be an unwanted region without ear Ge or it can be an effective region of the product (an effective region with the same plate thickness as the first region G1).

[0105] In the above embodiment, the pressing member 5 and the adsorption mechanism 6 are used to apply a pressing force to the second region G2 toward the back surface G2b. However, it is also possible to omit the pressing member 5 and instead use the adsorption mechanism 6 to apply a pulling force to the second region G2 toward the back surface G2b. Alternatively, the pressing member 5 and the adsorption mechanism 6 are used to apply a pressing force to the second region G2 toward the back surface G2b. However, instead of the pressing member, a member that pulls the second region G2 toward the back surface G2b can be used. Furthermore, instead of this, while the upper and lower ends of the second region G2 are held by a holding member such as a holding piece, the holding member can be moved toward the back surface 2b to apply a force to the second region G2 toward the back surface G2b.

[0106] In the first embodiment described above, the adsorption pressure when the unwanted region G2 is adsorbed by the adsorption member 62 is set to be lower the further it is located on the longitudinal upper side of the glass plate G, thereby causing the upper region G2U to protrude towards the surface G2a. In the third embodiment described above, the effective region G1 is brought into contact with the upper protrusion 33 of the back support member 3 and the lower protrusion 43 of the pressing member 4, thereby causing the upper region G1U to protrude towards the surface G1a, but it is not limited to this. The first embodiment and the third embodiment may also be combined, so that the upper regions G1U and G2U protrude towards the surfaces G1a and G2a.

[0107] In the second embodiment described above, the adsorption pressure when the unwanted area G2 is adsorbed by the adsorption member 62 is set to be lower the further down the plate glass G is in the longitudinal direction, thus causing the lower end area G2L to protrude towards the surface G2a. In the fourth embodiment described above, the effective area G1 is brought into contact with the lower protrusion 35 of the back support member 3 and the upper protrusion 45 of the pressing member 4, thus causing the lower end area G1L to protrude towards the surface G1a, but this is not a limitation. The second and fourth embodiments can also be combined to cause the lower end areas G1L and G2L to protrude towards the surfaces G1a and G2a.

[0108] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0109] 1. Breaking device

[0110] 2. Controlling institutions

[0111] 3. Rear support components

[0112] 6. Adsorption Mechanism

[0113] 62 Adsorption components

[0114] G-plate glass

[0115] G1 First Region (Valid Region)

[0116] G1a Surface of the first region

[0117] G1b First Region Back

[0118] G2 Second Zone (No zone required)

[0119] G2a Surface of the second region

[0120] G2b Second Region Back Side

[0121] S-shaped scribing line

[0122] G4 First end face

[0123] G5 Second End Face

[0124] S1 Scribing marks.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a sheet of glass, comprising a breaking step of breaking a longitudinally oriented sheet of glass along a etched line. The method for manufacturing the glass plate is characterized by the following: In the glass pane, a first region and a second region are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction. The scribed lines are formed at the boundary between the first region and the second region, and on the surface side of the glass plate. The scribed lines did not reach the upper and lower surfaces of the glass plate. In the breaking process, while the first region is supported by a back support member from the back side of the glass plate and the second region is held in place by an adsorption mechanism from the back side, a force is applied to the second region toward the back side, thereby cutting out the second region. The crack extends from the end of the inscribed line. The adsorption mechanism includes a plurality of adsorption components arranged along the scribed lines. The upper end of the glass plate is held by a holding mechanism. The scribed lines extend in the vertical direction and adsorption begins sequentially from the upper adsorption member among the plurality of adsorption members.

2. The method for manufacturing plate glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the breaking process, the adsorption member is used to adsorb and hold the second region from the back side, thereby causing the height position of the starting point in the second region to protrude towards the surface side.

3. The method for manufacturing plate glass according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adsorption pressure of the adsorption member at the end side protruding towards the surface is lower than that of the other adsorption members.

4. The method for manufacturing plate glass according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the breaking process, the first region is brought into contact with the back support member, thereby causing the height position of the starting point in the first region to protrude toward the surface side.

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