Glass film manufacturing method and glass film manufacturing device

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a glass film according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with: a molding step for molding a glass film (G1) having an unnecessary part using a molding device (12); and a treatment step in which at least a part of the unnecessary part of the glass film (G1) with the unnecessary part is separated and removed by a treatment device (13). A method for manufacturing a glass film is provided with: a first transfer step for transferring a glass film (G1) having an unnecessary part from a molding device (12) to a processing device (13); and a second transfer step for transferring the treated glass film (G2) from the treatment device (13) to a collection device (14) for collecting the treated glass film (G2). In the transfer step, a glass film (G1) or a treated glass film (G2) having an unnecessary portion is transferred in a state in which a member other than a transfer sheet (CS1) that is softer than the material of the glass film does not come into contact with the glass film as a product.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a method for manufacturing a glass film includes a molding step of molding a glass film using a molding device. In such a molding step, a glass film with unnecessary portions is obtained, which has a glass film as a product (i.e., a portion to ensure quality) and unnecessary portions provided on both side edges in the width direction of the glass film. In the method for manufacturing a glass film, after performing a process of removing at least a part of the unnecessary portions of the glass film with unnecessary portions, the glass film is wound up by, for example, a winding device. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-084829 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] As described above, after the glass film with unnecessary portions formed in the forming step is processed, before it is collected by a winding device or the like, scratches may be generated on the main surface of the glass film. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a glass film and a device for manufacturing a glass film, which are capable of reducing scratches on a main surface of the glass film. Means for solving problems

[0005] Each aspect of a method for producing a glass film and an apparatus for producing a glass film that solve the above-mentioned problems will be described. The manufacturing method of the glass film of the embodiment 1 comprises the following steps: a molding step of molding a glass film with unnecessary parts having a glass film as a product and unnecessary parts provided on both side edges in the width direction of the glass film using a molding device; a processing step of obtaining a processed glass film by performing a processing of separating and removing at least a part of the unnecessary parts of the glass film with unnecessary parts using a processing device; a first conveying step of conveying the glass film with unnecessary parts from the molding device to the processing device; and a second conveying step of conveying the processed glass film from the processing device to a collecting device for collecting the processed glass film, wherein in the first conveying step and the second conveying step, the glass film with unnecessary parts or the processed glass film is conveyed in a state where no member other than a conveying sheet softer than the material of the glass film contacts the glass film as a product. By using this method, in the first conveying step and the second conveying step, the generation of scratches mainly caused by contact of other members with the main surface of the glass film can be prevented. Therefore, the scratches on the main surface of the glass film can be reduced.

[0006] In the method for manufacturing a glass film according to aspect 2, the processing device according to aspect 1 may include a positioning device for positioning the height of the unnecessary portion when the glass film is bent downward. With this method, for example, the processing step can be performed in a state where the position of the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion is stabilized.

[0007] In the method for manufacturing a glass film according to the third aspect, the first conveying step in the first aspect or the second aspect may include a step of conveying the glass film with the unnecessary portion while supporting the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion and while the glass film is bent downward. With this method, the glass film with the unnecessary portion can be conveyed in a stable posture.

[0008] In the method for manufacturing a glass film of Mode 4, in any of Modes 1 to 3, the second conveying step may include a step of conveying the process glass film in a state where both ends of the process glass film in a width direction are supported and the process glass film is bent downward. With this method, the process glass film can be conveyed in a stable posture.

[0009] In the method for manufacturing a glass film of aspect 5, in any of aspects 1 to 4, the glass film may be floated by a gas jetted from below toward the glass film. In this case, the glass film with the unnecessary portion or the processed glass film can be transported with the posture of the glass film being stable while maintaining a state in which members other than the transport sheet do not contact the glass film.

[0010] In the method for manufacturing a glass film of Embodiment 6, in any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, the first conveying step may include a direction conversion step of converting the traveling direction of the glass film with the unnecessary portion conveyed from the molding device from the longitudinal direction to the lateral direction, and in the direction conversion step, only the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion may be supported by a plurality of direction conversion rollers guided from the longitudinal direction to the lateral direction. With this method, for example, the direction of the glass film with the unnecessary portion conveyed from the molding device in the longitudinal direction can be easily converted to the lateral direction.

[0011] In the manufacturing method of the glass film of the seventh aspect, in any of the aspects 1 to 6, the first conveying step may include conveying the glass film with the unnecessary portion in a lateral direction using a belt conveyor device, the belt conveyor device may include a belt body and an auxiliary belt that can be attached to and detached from the belt body, and the auxiliary belt may support only the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion. With this method, for example, by attaching the auxiliary belt to the belt body having a flat conveying surface, the glass film can be conveyed in a non-contact state with the belt body.

[0012] In the manufacturing method of glass film of method 8, in any one of methods 1 to 7, the above-mentioned second conveying step may include conveying the above-mentioned processed glass film in the horizontal direction using a belt conveying device, and the above-mentioned belt conveying device may have a belt main body and an auxiliary belt that can be loaded and unloaded relative to the above-mentioned belt main body, and the above-mentioned auxiliary belt can be used to support the two end portions of the above-mentioned processed glass film.

[0013] In the method for manufacturing a glass film of aspect 9, in any of aspects 1 to 8, a slide support device for slidably supporting the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion being transported in the lateral direction may be used in the first transport step. With this method, the transported glass film with the unnecessary portion can be easily supported in a non-contact state with the glass film.

[0014] In the method for manufacturing a glass film according to aspect 10, in any one of aspects 1 to 9, in the second conveying step, a slide support device for slidably supporting both end portions in the width direction of the processed glass film conveyed in the lateral direction may be used.

[0015] In the method for manufacturing a glass film according to aspect 11, in any one of aspects 1 to 10, the collecting device may be a winding device for winding up the glass film, or a single-sheet collecting device for collecting the glass film in a single-sheet manner.

[0016] In the method for manufacturing a glass film of embodiment 12, in any one of embodiments 1 to 11, the glass film may be made of alkali aluminosilicate glass having a thickness of 0.3 mm or less. Thus, the manufacturing method can improve the yield rate in the manufacture of a glass film made of alkali aluminosilicate glass, which is prone to scratch defects on the surface during a conveying process.

[0017] The manufacturing device of the glass film of method 13 is the following glass film manufacturing device, which comprises: a molding device, which molds a glass film with non-essential parts provided with non-essential parts along both side edges in the width direction; a processing device, which obtains a processed glass film by separating and removing at least a part of the non-essential parts of the glass film with non-essential parts; a collecting device, which collects the processed glass film; a first conveying device, which conveys the glass film with non-essential parts from the molding device to the processing device; and a second conveying device, which conveys the processed glass film from the processing device to the collecting device, and the glass film with non-essential parts or the processed glass film is conveyed by using the first conveying device and the second conveying device in a state where parts other than a conveying sheet softer than the material of the glass film do not contact the glass film as a product.

[0018] The manufacturing method of the glass film of method 14 comprises the following steps: a molding step, using a molding device to mold a glass film with non-essential portions having a glass film as a product and non-essential portions arranged on both side edges in the width direction of the glass film; and a conveying step, conveying the glass film with non-essential portions, or a treated glass film that has been treated to separate and remove at least a part of the non-essential portions from the glass film with non-essential portions, to a collecting device, wherein in the conveying step, the glass film with non-essential portions or the treated glass film is conveyed in a state where parts other than a conveying sheet softer than the material of the glass film are not in contact with the glass film as a product. Effects of the Invention

[0019] The present invention exerts an effect of reducing scratches on the main surface of the glass film. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view showing the manufacturing apparatus of the glass film in the embodiment. Figure 2 It is a schematic top view showing a glass film manufacturing apparatus. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a processing device. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a belt conveying device. Figure 5It is a schematic perspective view showing a belt conveyor device. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sliding support device. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a sliding support device. Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first contact transfer device. Fig. 9 It is a schematic perspective view showing the first contact conveying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following is a description of a method for manufacturing a glass film and an embodiment of a device for manufacturing a glass film with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, for the sake of convenience, a part of the structure is sometimes exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the size ratio of each part may be different from the actual one.

[0022] <Glass Film Manufacturing Apparatus> like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 includes a molding device 12 , a processing device 13 , and a collecting device 14 . The glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 further includes a first conveyor device 15 and a second conveyor device 16 .

[0023] Glass films are used, for example, as materials for devices that require lightness and flexibility. The thickness of the glass film is preferably less than 0.3 mm, more preferably less than 0.1 mm, further preferably less than 0.05 mm, and most preferably less than 0.035 mm. The lower limit of the thickness of the glass film is, for example, more than 0.005 mm. Glass films of such thickness are called ultra-thin glass (UTG: Ultra Thin Glass). Examples of glass constituting the glass film include soda glass, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, and alkali-free glass. The glass film may be a glass film for chemical strengthening. Examples of chemically strengthened glass include alkali aluminosilicate glass and soda glass containing alkali metal oxides as glass compositions. The metal oxide contained in the alkali aluminosilicate glass is preferably at least one selected from Li2O, Na2O, and K2O. The chemically strengthened glass is preferably alkali aluminosilicate glass. The alkali aluminosilicate glass preferably contains, by mass%, for example, SiO2: 50-80%, Al2O3: 5-25%, B2O3: 0-15%, Li2O: 0-20%, Na2O: 1-20%, and K2O: 0-10%. It should be noted that in this specification, the glass film with non-essential parts and the state of the processed glass film described later also have the same glass composition as the above-mentioned glass film.

[0024] The glass film manufacturing method of this embodiment is suitable for the case where the Vickers hardness of the glass film is 585 or less, particularly 570 or less, 560 or less, or 555 or less. When the Vickers hardness of the glass film is low, it is particularly easy to scratch the surface, so it is easier to enjoy the effect of preventing scratches. It should be noted that the Vickers hardness described in this specification refers to the value measured by the method based on JIS Z2244 with a measurement load of 100 gf.

[0025] <Molding device> A glass film G1 with unnecessary parts is formed from molten glass by using a forming device 12 of a glass film manufacturing device 11. The glass film G1 with unnecessary parts includes a glass film as a product and unnecessary parts G1a and G1b provided at both side edges in the width direction of the glass film. The unnecessary parts G1a and G1b are unnecessary glass films that are not used as a product. In this specification, a glass film as a product is sometimes referred to as a glass film Gp.

[0026] The molding device 12 molds the glass film G1 with the non-essential part by, for example, an overflow down-draw method. The molding device 12 includes a molding section 12a, which has a groove for molten glass to flow. The molten glass supplied to the groove of the molding section 12a overflows. The overflowing molten glass flows down along both sides of the molding section 12a. The molten glass flowing down like this merges at the lower end of the molding section 12a, thereby obtaining a film-like molten glass. The film-like molten glass is pulled in the vertical direction along the Z axis in the accompanying drawings. The pulling direction of the film-like molten glass can be inclined within a range of 30° relative to the vertical direction, for example.

[0027] The forming device 12 includes edge rollers (not shown), an annealer disposed below the edge rollers, and the like. Both ends of the film-like molten glass are pulled downward while being clamped by the edge rollers. The film-like molten glass is guided to the annealer. The glass film G1 with unnecessary parts is obtained by performing strain removal treatment on the film-like molten glass using the annealer.

[0028] The forming device 12 can also be changed to a device that forms a glass film by a method other than the overflow down-draw method. The forming device 12 can be, for example, a forming device that uses a slit down-draw method in which molten glass flows down from a slit-shaped opening. The forming device 12 can also be, for example, a device that forms a glass film by a re-drawing method in which a sheet of mother glass is reshaped.

[0029] <Processing device> like Figure 1 to Figure 3As shown, the processing device 13 of the glass film manufacturing device 11 is a device for obtaining a processed glass film G2 by performing a process of separating and removing at least a part of the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts. The processing device 13 includes, for example, a laser irradiation device 17 and a positioning device 18. The laser irradiation device 17 has a pair of laser irradiation parts 17a, 17b. The pair of laser irradiation parts 17a, 17b are respectively arranged corresponding to the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts.

[0030] The pair of laser irradiation parts 17a and 17b irradiate the two sides of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part with the laser beam LB to melt the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part. At this time, since the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part is transferred below the laser irradiation parts 17a and 17b, the laser beam LB is irradiated along the length direction of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part. Thus, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part can be separated into the processed glass film G2 and the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb.

[0031] The processed glass film G2 may be composed of only the glass film Gp as a product, or may include a part of the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b. That is, the processing device 13 may be a device that removes the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b in its entirety, or may be a device that removes a part of the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b. The processed glass film G2 obtained by the processing device 13 of this embodiment includes the glass film Gp and a part of the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b.

[0032] The processing device 13 may also be configured to cut the heated glass by applying thermal shock using laser. In this case, the processing device 13 may include a laser irradiation device 17 and a cooling device for cooling the glass heated by the laser. In addition, the processing device 13 may also be configured to cut the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part along the scribe line after forming the scribe line on the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part.

[0033] In addition, the processing device 13 may be configured so as to mechanically cut the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions using a wire saw, a circular saw, or the like. like Figure 3 As shown, the positioning device 18 of the processing device 13 positions the height of the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b in a state where the glass film Gp is ​​bent downward. The positioning device 18 has suction parts 18a and 18b. The suction parts 18a and 18b are arranged so as to face the laser irradiation parts 17a and 17b. The suction parts 18a and 18b have suction holes that are omitted from the figure. The suction holes are opened on the upper surfaces of the suction parts 18a and 18b.

[0034] The suction parts 18a and 18b suck the portion of the unnecessary portion G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portion, which is irradiated with the laser beam LB. This can suppress the floating of the portion of the unnecessary portion G1a and G1b irradiated with the laser beam LB. Therefore, the distance between the portion of the unnecessary portion G1a and G1b irradiated with the laser beam LB and the laser irradiation parts 17a and 17b can be stabilized. The unnecessary portion G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portion can be in contact with the suction parts 18a and 18b or in a state of not being in contact with the suction parts 18a and 18b.

[0035] The positioning device 18 includes first floating portions 18c and 18d and second floating portions 18e and 18f provided corresponding to the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions. The first floating parts 18c and 18d are arranged outside the suction parts 18a and 18b in the width direction of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts. The second floating parts 18e and 18f are arranged inside the suction parts 18a and 18b in the width direction of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts.

[0036] The first floating parts 18c, 18d and the second floating parts 18e, 18f have injection holes which are not shown in the figure. The first floating parts 18c, 18d and the second floating parts 18e, 18f float the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts by injecting gas upward from the injection holes. It should be noted that in the drawings, the gas flow is indicated by a dotted arrow.

[0037] As described above, the suction parts 18a, 18b are arranged between the first floating parts 18c, 18d and the second floating parts 18e, 18f. In this case, for example, the deformation of the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b located between the first floating parts 18c, 18d and the second floating parts 18e, 18f to expand downward can be promoted. As a result, for example, the suction of the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b between the first floating parts 18c, 18d and the second floating parts 18e, 18f is easy to become stable.

[0038] The positioning device 18 includes a glass film floating portion 18g for floating the glass film Gp. The glass film floating portion 18g has an injection hole (not shown). The glass film floating portion 18g injects gas toward the glass film Gp from the injection hole. The glass film Gp is ​​floated by the gas injected toward the glass film Gp from below.

[0039] <Collection Device> like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the collecting device 14 of the glass film manufacturing device 11 collects the processed glass film G2. The winding device, which is an example of the collecting device 14, includes a winding roller 14a and a driving unit (not shown) for rotating and driving the winding roller 14a. The collecting device 14 includes a protective sheet roll PSR formed by winding a protective sheet PS for protecting the processed glass film G2. The collecting device 14 supplies the protective sheet PS fed from the protective sheet roll PSR in a manner such that the protective sheet PS overlaps with the processed glass film G2. The processing glass film G2 and the protective sheet PS are rolled into a roll by using the winding roller 14a of the collecting device 14 in a state where the processing glass film G2 and the protective sheet PS overlap. Thus, a glass film roll GR is obtained.

[0040] As the protective sheet PS, a sheet softer than the treated glass film G2 is used. That is, the protective sheet PS is a sheet that does not scratch the glass film Gp when rubbed against the glass film Gp. As the protective sheet PS, a resin sheet is preferred, and a foamed resin sheet is more preferred.

[0041] The collecting device 14 may be a single-piece collecting device that collects the processed glass film G2 in a single-piece manner. The single-piece collecting device, for example, includes a cutting device that cuts the processed glass film G2 into a predetermined length, and an overlapping device that arranges the processed glass film of a predetermined length and the protective sheet of a predetermined length in an overlapping state. It should be noted that the collecting device 14 may also be configured in a manner that collects the processed glass film G2 without using the protective sheet PS.

[0042] <First Conveying Device> The first conveyor 15 of the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 conveys the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts from the forming apparatus 12 to the processing apparatus 13. The first conveyor 15 is configured to be able to continuously convey the long glass film G1 with unnecessary parts formed by the forming apparatus 12 to the processing apparatus 13.

[0043] The first conveyor device 15 includes a direction changing device 19 , a belt conveying device 20 , a slide support device 21 , and a first contact conveyor device 22 in this order from the upstream side. (Direction conversion device) The direction changing device 19 of the first conveying device 15 changes the traveling direction of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts conveyed from the forming device 12 from the longitudinal direction to the lateral direction. The direction changing device 19 includes a plurality of direction changing rollers 19a and 19b. The plurality of direction changing rollers 19a and 19b support only the two unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts. Such a direction changing device 19 is in a non-contact state with the glass film Gp of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts.

[0044] The plurality of direction-changing rollers 19a, 19b are arranged in a curved shape when viewed from the axial direction of the direction-changing rollers 19a, 19b. The plurality of direction-changing rollers 19a, 19b guide the glass film G1 with the non-essential portion from the vertical direction to the lateral direction. The glass film G1 with the non-essential portion is guided in the horizontal direction along the X-axis in the accompanying drawing. The glass film G1 with the non-essential portion may be guided in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction. For example, the glass film G1 with the non-essential portion is preferably guided in a direction within a range of less than 45° above and below the horizontal direction, and more preferably guided in a direction within a range of less than 30°.

[0045] (with conveyor) like Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the belt conveyor 20 of the first conveyor 15 conveys the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts in the horizontal direction. The belt conveyor 20 includes a belt body 20a, and auxiliary belts 20b and 20c that can be attached to and detached from the belt body 20a. The belt conveyor 20 supports only the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts through the auxiliary belts 20b and 20c. The belt body 20a is in a non-contact state with the glass film Gp of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts. The belt conveyor 20 conveys the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts in a state where the glass film Gp is ​​bent downward.

[0046] The auxiliary belts 20b and 20c have a connecting portion (not shown) and are formed into a ring shape by connecting the belt-like belts by the connecting portion. The auxiliary belts 20b and 20c are arranged separately in the width direction of the belt body 20a. The auxiliary belts 20b and 20c can be attached to the belt body 20a by connecting the belt-like belts by the connecting portion. The auxiliary belts 20b and 20c can be detached from the belt body 20a by releasing the connection of the belt-like belts by the connecting portion.

[0047] The belt body 20a of the belt conveyor 20 has a spray hole (not shown). The belt body 20a sprays gas toward the glass film Gp from the spray hole. The glass film Gp floats up by the gas sprayed toward the glass film Gp from below.

[0048] (Sliding support device) like Figure 2 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the slide support device 21 of the first conveyor 15 slidably supports the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts conveyed in the lateral direction. The slide support device 21 includes a base part 21a and slide support parts 21b and 21c provided on the base part 21a.

[0049] The slide support device 21 supports only the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions through the slide support portions 21b and 21c. The slide support device 21 supports the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions in a state where the glass film Gp is ​​bent downward.

[0050] The slide support parts 21b and 21c are arranged separately in the width direction of the base part 21a. As the material of the slide support parts 21b and 21c, for example, resin materials, metal materials, glass, ceramics, etc. can be cited. The material of the slide support parts 21b and 21c is preferably a resin material. As the resin material, for example, fluororesin, polyolefin, etc. can be cited. The resin material can also contain an antistatic agent such as a carbon-based material.

[0051] The base 21a of the slide support device 21 is in a non-contact state with the glass film Gp of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts. The base 21a has an injection hole (not shown). The base 21a injects gas toward the glass film Gp from the injection hole. The glass film Gp floats up due to the gas injected from below toward the glass film Gp.

[0052] (First contact conveying device) like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown, the first contact conveyor 22 of the first conveyor 15 brings the first conveying sheet CS1, which is softer than the material of the glass film Gp, into contact with the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion to convey the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion. The first contact conveyor 22 includes a first conveyor 22a and a first conveyor sheet supplying section 22b that continuously supplies the first conveyor sheet CS1 to the first conveyor 22a.

[0053] The first conveying sheet supply section 22b includes a conveying sheet roll CSR formed by winding the first conveying sheet CS1. The first conveying sheet supply section 22b supplies the first conveying sheet CS1 fed from the conveying sheet roll CSR to between the first conveying section 22a and the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion. The first conveying sheet CS1 supplied to the first conveying section 22a moves toward the processing device 13. By placing the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion on the conveying sheet moving in this way, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion can be conveyed. After passing through the first conveying section 22a, the first conveying sheet CS1 retreats downward, thereby being separated from the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion.

[0054] The first conveying unit 22a may be a conveying table having an upper surface on which the first conveying sheet CS1 slides, or may be a belt conveying device having a belt on which the first conveying sheet CS1 is placed. The first conveying sheet CS1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a sheet that does not scratch the glass film Gp when rubbed against the glass film Gp. The first conveying sheet CS1 is preferably a resin sheet, and more preferably a foamed resin sheet.

[0055] <Second Transmission Device> like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second conveyor 16 of the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 includes a second contact conveyor 23. The second contact conveyor 23 brings the second conveying sheet CS2, which is softer than the material of the glass film Gp, into contact with the processed glass film G2 to convey the processed glass film G2. The second contact conveyor 23 includes a second conveyor portion 23a and a second conveyor sheet supply portion 23b that continuously supplies the second conveyor sheet CS2 to the second conveyor portion 23a.

[0056] The second conveying sheet supplying section 23b supplies the first conveying sheet CS1 used in the first contact conveying device 22 as the second conveying sheet CS2 from the bottom of the processing device 13 to between the second conveying section 23a and the processed glass film G2. That is, the second conveying sheet CS2 is a sheet obtained by reusing the first conveying sheet CS1. The second conveying sheet CS2 supplied on the second conveying section 23a moves toward the collecting device 14. By placing the processed glass film G2 on the second conveying sheet CS2 moving in this way, the processed glass film G2 can be conveyed. After passing through the second conveying section 23a, the second conveying sheet CS2 is wound up by a winding machine (not shown).

[0057] <Method for producing glass film> Next, a method for producing the glass film Gp will be described. The method for manufacturing the glass film Gp includes a molding step, a processing step, a first conveying step, and a second conveying step. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the forming step, the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts is formed using the forming device 12. In the processing step, at least a part of the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts is separated and removed by the processing device 13 to obtain a processed glass film G2.

[0058] In the first conveying step, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion is conveyed from the molding device 12 to the processing device 13. In the second conveying step, the processing glass film G2 is conveyed from the processing device 13 to the collecting device 14 for collecting the processing glass film G2. In the first conveying step and the second conveying step, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion or the processing glass film G2 is conveyed in a state where a member other than a conveying sheet softer than the material of the glass film Gp does not contact the glass film Gp. In the collecting device 14, for example, a collecting step of winding the processing glass film G2 is performed to obtain a glass film roll GR.

[0059] In particular, in applications requiring smoothness of the main surface, it is recommended to use only the glass film Gp in the treated glass film G2. It should be noted that a portion including a remaining unnecessary portion in the treated glass film G2 may be used in a product according to the required performance.

[0060] <Function and Effect> Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) A method for manufacturing a glass film Gp is ​​a method for manufacturing a glass film Gp. In the first conveying step and the second conveying step of the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, a glass film G1 with an unnecessary part or a processed glass film G2 is conveyed in a state where components other than a conveying sheet softer than the material of the glass film Gp do not contact the glass film Gp. For example, the direction changing device 19, the belt conveying device 20, and the sliding support device 21 used in the first conveying step are in a non-contact state with the glass film Gp. In addition, for example, in the first contact conveying device 22 used in the first conveying step and the second contact conveying device 23 used in the second conveying step, the first conveying sheet CS1 or the second conveying sheet CS2 softer than the material of the glass film Gp contacts the glass film Gp. By using this method, in the first conveying step and the second conveying step, it is possible to prevent the generation of scratches mainly caused by the contact of other components with the main surface of the glass film Gp. Therefore, it is possible to reduce scratches on the main surface of the glass film Gp.

[0061] (2) The processing device 13 used in the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp includes a positioning device 18 for positioning the height of the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b in a state where the glass film Gp is ​​bent downward. In this case, for example, the processing step can be performed in a state where the positions of the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions are stabilized. Therefore, for example, the quality of the end surface in the width direction of the processed glass film G2 can be improved.

[0062] (3) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the first conveying step includes a step of conveying the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions while supporting the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions and while the glass film Gp is ​​bent downward. In this case, the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions can be conveyed with a stable posture.

[0063] (4) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the glass film Gp with the unnecessary portion G1 is floated by gas injected from below toward the glass film Gp. In this case, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion can be transported with the posture of the glass film Gp being stable while maintaining a state in which members other than the transport sheet do not contact the glass film Gp.

[0064] (5) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the first conveying step includes a direction conversion step of converting the traveling direction of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion conveyed from the forming device 12 from the longitudinal direction to the lateral direction. In the direction conversion step, only the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion are supported by a plurality of direction conversion rollers 19a that guide from the longitudinal direction to the lateral direction. In this case, for example, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion conveyed from the forming device 12 in the longitudinal direction can be easily converted in the lateral direction.

[0065] (6) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the first conveying step includes conveying the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion in the horizontal direction using a belt conveyor 20. The belt conveyor 20 includes a belt main body 20a and auxiliary belts 20b and 20c that can be attached to and detached from the belt main body 20a. The belt conveyor 20 supports only the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion through the auxiliary belts 20b and 20c. In this case, for example, by attaching the auxiliary belts 20b and 20c to the belt main body 20a having a flat conveying surface, the glass film Gp can be conveyed in a non-contact state with the belt main body 20a. In addition, for example, the height of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion can be adjusted by changing the thickness of the auxiliary belts 20b and 20c.

[0066] (7) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the slide support device 21 for slidably supporting the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions being transported in the lateral direction is used in the first transport step. In this case, the transported glass film G1 with unnecessary portions can be easily supported in a non-contact state with the glass film Gp.

[0067] (8) For a glass film composed of alkali aluminosilicate glass, scratch defects are easily generated on the surface, especially during the conveying process. From the viewpoint of improving the yield, for example, it is particularly advantageous to apply the above-mentioned method for manufacturing the glass film Gp to the manufacturing of such a glass film composed of alkali aluminosilicate glass.

[0068] <Change example> The above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented by modification as follows. The above-mentioned embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented by combining with each other within the range of no technical contradiction.

[0069] The second conveying step may include conveying the processed glass film G2 in a state where both ends of the processed glass film G2 in the width direction are supported and the glass film G2 is bent downward. In this case, the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b remaining at both ends of the processed glass film G2 are supported. In this case, the processed glass film G2 can be conveyed in a stable posture.

[0070] The second conveying step may include conveying using a belt conveyor having the same structure as the belt conveyor 20. That is, in the second conveying step, the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b remaining at both ends of the processed glass film G2 may be supported by the auxiliary belts 20b and 20c of the belt conveyor to convey the processed glass film G2. In this case, in the second conveying step, the same effect as that described in the above column (6) can be obtained.

[0071] In the second conveying step, a slide support device having the same structure as the slide support device 21 can be used. That is, in the second conveying step, the two ends of the processed glass film G2 in the width direction can be supported by the slide support portion of the slide support device. In this case, the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b remaining at the two ends of the processed glass film G2 are supported by the slide support portion. In this case, in the second conveying step, the same effect as that described in the column (7) above can be obtained.

[0072] In the second conveying step, the glass film Gp may be floated by gas ejected from below toward the glass film Gp. In this case, the glass film Gp can be conveyed with a stable posture while maintaining a state where members other than the conveying sheet do not contact the glass film Gp.

[0073] The second conveying step may be performed without using the second contact conveying device 23 . The first conveying step may be performed without using the slide support device 21 . The above-mentioned first conveying step may be performed without using the first contact conveying device 22 .

[0074] The first conveying sheet CS1 of the first contact conveying device 22 and the second conveying sheet CS2 of the second contact conveying device 23 may be supplied from conveying sheet rolls independent of each other. For example, when the molding device 12 is a molding device that transports the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion in the horizontal direction, the direction changing step in the first conveying step may be omitted. As a molding device that transports the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion in the horizontal direction, for example, a molding device using a float method can be cited.

[0075] In the above-described processing device 13 , the gas is sprayed toward the glass film Gp from below, but the spraying of the gas may be omitted. The first conveying step includes a step of conveying the glass film Gp by spraying gas from below, but the spraying of gas may be omitted. That is, for example, in the belt conveyor 20, the glass film Gp is ​​floated by the gas sprayed toward the glass film Gp, but this floating may be omitted. For the slide support device 21, the floating of the glass film Gp may also be omitted.

[0076] The auxiliary belts 20b and 20c of the belt conveyor 20 may be changed to belt conveyors that are driven independently of the belt main body 20a. In this case, the belt main body 20a may be omitted, and a floating device that blows gas toward the glass film Gp to float the glass film Gp may be provided.

[0077] The first conveying step includes a step of conveying the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion in a state where the glass film Gp is ​​bent downward, but may be changed to a step of conveying the glass film Gp in a state where the glass film Gp is ​​not bent downward.

[0078] The processing device 13 includes the positioning device 18 for positioning the height of the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b in a state where the glass film Gp is ​​bent downward, but the positioning device 18 may be omitted.

[0079] In the conveying step of the above-mentioned method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the treated glass film G2 subjected to the treatment of separating and removing at least a part of the unnecessary parts G1a, G1b from the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts is conveyed to the collecting device 14. The conveying step may be changed to a conveying step of conveying the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts to the collecting device 14. In this case, treatments other than the above-mentioned treatments, such as surface treatment of the glass film Gp, may be performed in the middle of the conveying step.

[0080] The processing steps in the manufacturing method of the glass film Gp may also be changed to a step of processing one of the two unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts, and then processing the other unnecessary part. In addition, the processing steps in the manufacturing method of the glass film Gp may also be changed to a step of processing only one of the two unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts. That is, the entire unnecessary part may remain on one side of the two side parts of the processed glass film G2. Description of Reference Numerals

[0081] 11…Glass film manufacturing device 12…Molding device 13…Processing device 14…Collection device 15…1st conveyor 16…Second conveyor 18…Positioning device 19a, 19b…Rollers for direction change 20…with conveyor 20a…with body 20b, 20c…Auxiliary belt 21…Sliding support device CS1…1st transmission sheet CS2…Second transmission sheet G1…Glass film with unnecessary parts G1a, G1b…non-essential G2… Treated glass film Gp…Glass Film

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass film, comprising the following steps: a molding step of molding a glass film with unnecessary portions, which includes a glass film as a product and unnecessary portions provided on both side edges in a width direction of the glass film, using a molding device; a processing step of obtaining a processed glass film by separating and removing at least a portion of the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion using a processing device; a first conveying step of conveying the glass film with the unnecessary portion from the molding device to the processing device; and a second conveying step of conveying the processed glass film from the processing device to a collecting device for collecting the processed glass film; In the first conveying step and the second conveying step, the glass film with the unnecessary portion or the processed glass film is conveyed in a state where members other than a conveying sheet softer than the material of the glass film do not come into contact with the glass film as a product.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The processing device includes a positioning device for positioning the height of the unnecessary portion in a state where the glass film is bent downward.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The first conveying step includes conveying the glass film with the unnecessary portion in a state where the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion is supported and in a state where the glass film is bent downward.

4. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The second conveying step includes a step of conveying the process glass film in a state where both ends of the process glass film in the width direction are supported and in a state where the glass film is bent downward.

5. The method for producing a glass film according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The glass film is floated by the gas jetted toward the glass film from below.

6. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The first conveying step includes a direction conversion step of converting the traveling direction of the glass film with the unnecessary portion conveyed from the molding device from a longitudinal direction to a lateral direction. In the direction changing step, only the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion is supported by a plurality of direction changing rollers guided from the longitudinal direction to the lateral direction.

7. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The first conveying step includes conveying the glass film with the unnecessary portion using a belt conveyor that conveys the glass film in a lateral direction. The belt conveyor device includes a belt main body and an auxiliary belt that can be attached to and detached from the belt main body. Only the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion is supported by the auxiliary tape.

8. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The second conveying step includes conveying the processed glass film using a belt conveyor that conveys the processed glass film in a lateral direction. The belt conveyor device includes a belt main body and an auxiliary belt that can be attached to and detached from the belt main body. The auxiliary tapes are used to support both ends of the processed glass film.

9. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: In the first conveying step, a slide support device is used for slidably supporting the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion conveyed in the lateral direction.

10. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: In the second conveying step, a slide support device is used to slidably support both end portions in the width direction of the process glass film conveyed in the lateral direction.

11. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The collecting device is a winding device for winding the glass film, or a single-sheet collecting device for collecting the glass film in a single-sheet manner.

12. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The glass film is made of alkali aluminosilicate glass having a thickness of 0.3 mm or less.

13. A glass film manufacturing device comprising: A molding device is used to mold the glass film with the unnecessary parts along both side edges in the width direction; a processing device for obtaining a processed glass film by performing a process of separating and removing at least a part of the unnecessary portion of the glass film with the unnecessary portion; A collecting device for collecting the treated glass film; a first conveying device for conveying the glass film with the unnecessary portion from the forming device to the processing device; as well as a second conveying device for conveying the processed glass film from the processing device to the collecting device, The glass film with unnecessary portions or the processed glass film is conveyed by the first conveying device and the second conveying device in a state where members other than a conveying sheet softer than the material of the glass film do not come into contact with the glass film as a product.

14. A method for manufacturing a glass film, comprising the following steps: a molding step of molding a glass film with unnecessary portions, which has a glass film as a product and unnecessary portions provided on both side edges in a width direction of the glass film, using a molding device; and a conveying step of conveying the glass film with the unnecessary portion or the treated glass film subjected to a treatment of separating and removing at least a part of the unnecessary portion from the glass film with the unnecessary portion to a collecting device; In the conveying step, the glass film with the unnecessary portion or the treated glass film is conveyed in a state where members other than a conveying sheet softer than the material of the glass film do not come into contact with the glass film as a product.

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