Glass film manufacturing method and glass film manufacturing device

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a treatment step of a method for manufacturing a glass film separates a glass film (G1) having an unnecessary portion into a treated glass film (G2) and an unnecessary glass film (Ga) including the unnecessary portion. In a carrying-out step of a method for manufacturing a glass film, a first carrying-out part (20) and a second carrying-out part (21) are used. The first carrying-out unit (20) has a movement mechanism that moves a first carrying-out sheet (CS 1) on which a processed glass film (G2) is placed on a first carrying-out path. The second carrying-out section (21) has a movement mechanism that moves a second carrying-out sheet (CS2) on which the unnecessary glass film (Ga) is placed on a second carrying-out path adjacent to the first carrying-out path. The downstream end (E1) of the first carrying-out path of the first carrying-out part (20) extends closer to the downstream side than the downstream end (E2) of the second carrying-out path of the second carrying-out part (21).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a glass film formed from molten glass includes a glass film as a product and non-essential portions (non-product portions) provided on both side edges in the width direction of the glass film. A method for manufacturing a glass film is known, comprising a treatment step of removing at least a portion of the non-essential portion of the glass film having the non-essential portion. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-026509 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned treatment process of removing at least a part of the unnecessary part of the glass film with the unnecessary part, the glass film with the unnecessary part is separated into the treatment glass film and the unnecessary glass film. The separated unnecessary glass film is separated from the conveying path for conveying the treatment glass film. At this time, glass powder may be scattered near the treatment glass film due to the damage of the unnecessary glass film. Such scattered glass powder may adhere to the glass film, which may cause, for example, a decrease in the cleanliness of the glass film.

[0005] 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 suppressing adhesion of glass powder to the glass film. Means for solving problems

[0006] Various aspects of a method for producing a glass film and a device 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 a processing step, in which the following processing is performed: the glass film with the unnecessary part is separated into the processed glass film and the unnecessary glass film containing the unnecessary part by a processing device, wherein the glass film with the unnecessary part comprises a glass film as a product and the unnecessary part provided on the side edge of at least one of the two side edges of the glass film, wherein the manufacturing method of the glass film comprises: a carrying-in step of carrying the glass film with the unnecessary part into the processing device; and a carrying-out step of carrying the glass film with the unnecessary part into the processing device by using the carrying-out device The processed glass film processed by the processing device is unloaded from the processing device, and the unloading device includes a first unloading section and a second unloading section, the first unloading section includes a moving mechanism for moving a first unloading sheet carrying the processed glass film on a first unloading path, and the second unloading section includes a moving mechanism for moving a second unloading sheet carrying the non-essential glass film on a second unloading path adjacent to the first unloading path, and a downstream end of the first unloading path of the first unloading section extends downstream of a downstream end of the second unloading path of the second unloading section.

[0007] The unnecessary glass film separated by the above method can be carried out in a state where damage is suppressed by the second carry-out sheet moved by the second carry-out path. Here, since the unnecessary glass film is relatively fragile, it may sometimes be broken near the second discharge path when it is discharged from the downstream end of the second carry-out path. Once the unnecessary glass film is broken, the glass powder is likely to fly around near the downstream end of the second carry-out path. At this time, the processed glass film can be carried to a position downstream of the downstream end of the second carry-out path by the first carry-out path of the first carry-out section configured in the above method while being carried by the first carry-out sheet. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily suppress the problem of the processed glass film drooping downward near the downstream end of the second carry-out path. In addition, it is possible to protect at least a portion of the main surface of the glass film, for example, by the first carry-out sheet. Thus, it is possible to suppress the glass powder scattered near the downstream end of the second carry-out path from contacting the glass film.

[0008] The manufacturing method of the glass film of the second embodiment may also be as follows in the first embodiment: the first unloading unit and the second unloading unit have a common unloading unit, the common unloading unit is a sliding member or a belt conveyor capable of moving the first unloading sheet and the second unloading sheet, and the first unloading unit has a guide member that guides the first unloading sheet to the downstream side of the common unloading unit. According to this method, for example, the structure of the unloading device can be simplified.

[0009] The method for manufacturing a glass film of Embodiment 3 may be such that in Embodiment 2, the guide member comprises: a guide plate having an upper surface on which the first carrying-out sheet can slide; and a guide roller for guiding the first carrying-out sheet downward at the downstream end of the first carrying-out path. According to this method, the first carrying-out sheet can be stably supported by the guide plate, and the first carrying sheet passing on the guide plate can be smoothly guided downward by the guide roller.

[0010] The manufacturing method of the glass film of mode 4 may be such that in any of modes 1 to 3, a loading section is provided below the downstream end of the second unloading path, the loading section has an opening for loading the non-essential glass film, and the downstream end of the first unloading path is arranged on the downstream side of the opening of the loading section. According to this method, it is possible to suppress the glass powder in the loading section from scattering toward the downstream end of the first unloading path. Thus, it is possible to suppress the contact between the glass film unloaded from the first unloading path and the glass powder.

[0011] The method for manufacturing a glass film of aspect 5 may be further provided in any of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the step of forming a sheet is further provided, wherein the conveying sheet released from the conveying sheet roll is separated to form the first and second conveying sheets. According to this method, compared with supplying the first and second conveying sheets using independent sheet rolls, the equipment can be simplified.

[0012] The manufacturing method of the glass film of the sixth embodiment may be such that in the fifth embodiment, the loading step is performed using a loading device, the loading device moves a loading sheet carrying the glass film with the unnecessary portion on a loading path, and a conveying sheet released from the conveying sheet roller is used as the loading sheet. The first conveying device and the second conveying device use a common conveying sheet roller, thereby simplifying the equipment. In addition, by reusing the used loading sheet as the first unloading sheet and the second unloading sheet, the cost of the conveying sheet can be reduced.

[0013] The manufacturing method of the glass film of the seventh embodiment may be any one of the embodiments 1 to 6, and further comprises a recovery step, wherein the first and second sheets for carrying out are recovered by winding them up on a coaxial shaft member. By this method, the first and second sheets for carrying out can be recovered together. Therefore, for example, the equipment can be easily managed.

[0014] The manufacturing method of the glass film of mode 8 may be such that in any of modes 1 to 7, the glass film with unnecessary portions has the unnecessary portions provided at both side edges of the glass film, and the processing step and the unloading step are performed on both side portions of the glass film with unnecessary portions. According to this method, a processed glass film in which at least a part of the two unnecessary portions of the glass film with unnecessary portions has been removed can be effectively obtained.

[0015] The manufacturing device of the glass film of method 9 comprises a processing device, wherein the processing device performs the following processing: separating a glass film with an unnecessary portion into a processed glass film and an unnecessary glass film including the unnecessary portion, wherein the glass film with the unnecessary portion comprises a glass film as a product and the unnecessary portion provided on at least one of the side edges of the glass film, the manufacturing device of the glass film comprises a loading device and a unloading device, the loading device loading the glass film with the unnecessary portion into the processing device, the unloading device unloading the processed glass film processed by the processing device from the processing device, the unloading device comprising a first unloading portion and a second unloading portion, the first unloading portion comprising a moving mechanism for moving a first unloading sheet carrying the processed glass film on a first unloading path, the second unloading portion comprising a moving mechanism for moving a second unloading sheet carrying the unnecessary glass film on a second unloading path adjacent to the first unloading path, the downstream end of the first unloading path of the first unloading portion extending downstream of the downstream end of the second unloading path of the second unloading portion. Effects of the Invention

[0016] The present invention exerts an effect of being able to suppress adhesion of glass frit to a glass film. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 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 plan view showing a glass film manufacturing apparatus. Figure 3 It is a schematic side view showing the carrying-out device. Figure 4 It is a schematic plan view showing a part of the carrying-out device. Figure 5 It is a schematic side view showing the flow of the transport sheet. Figure 6 It is a schematic plan view showing the flow of the transport sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a glass film and a device for manufacturing a glass film will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of convenience, a part of the structure may be exaggerated or simplified in the accompanying drawings. In addition, the dimensional ratio of each part may be different from the actual one.

[0019] <Glass film manufacturing device> like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 of the present embodiment includes a forming device 12 , a carrying-in device 13 , a processing device 14 , a carrying-out device 15 , and a collecting device 16 .

[0020] Glass film is used as a material for elements that require lightness and flexibility, for example. 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 with such thickness dimensions are called ultra-thin plate glass (UTG: Ultra Thin Glass). Glasses constituting the glass film include, for example, soda glass, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, and alkali-free glass. The glass film may also be a glass film for chemical strengthening. As glass for chemical strengthening, for example, alkali aluminosilicate glass and soda glass whose glass composition contains alkali metal oxides may be mentioned. The metal oxide contained in the alkali aluminosilicate glass is preferably at least one selected from Li2O, Na2O, and K2O. Glass for chemical strengthening is preferably alkali aluminosilicate glass. The aluminosilicate glass preferably contains, by mass%, for example, SiO2: 50 to 80%, Al2O3: 5 to 25%, B2O3: 0 to 15%, Li2O: 0 to 20%, Na2O: 1 to 20%, and K2O: 0 to 10%.

[0021] <Forming device> The forming device 12 of the glass film manufacturing device 11 forms a glass film G1 with unnecessary parts from molten glass. The glass film G1 with unnecessary parts has a glass film as a product and unnecessary parts G1a and G1b provided on both side edges of the glass film. The unnecessary parts G1a and G1b are unnecessary glass films that are not used in the product. The unnecessary parts G1a and G1b are provided on both side edges of the glass film in the width direction. The unnecessary parts G1a and G1b are extended along the length direction of the glass film. In this specification, the glass film as a product is sometimes referred to as a glass film Gp.

[0022] The forming device 12 forms the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part by, for example, an overflow downdraw method. The forming device 12 includes a forming section 12a, and the forming section 12a has a groove for molten glass to flow. The molten glass supplied to the groove of the forming section 12a overflows. The overflowing molten glass flows down along both sides of the forming section 12a. The molten glass flowing down like this merges at the lower end of the forming 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 direction in which the film-like molten glass is pulled can also be inclined, for example, about 30° relative to the vertical direction.

[0023] The forming device 12 includes edge rollers (not shown), an annealing device 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 annealing device. The annealing device performs a deformation elimination process on the film-like molten glass, thereby obtaining a glass film G1 with unnecessary parts.

[0024] The forming device 12 can also be changed to a device that forms the glass film by a method other than the overflow drop method. The forming device 12 can also be a forming device that uses, for example, a slot drop method (Slot downdraw) in which molten glass flows down from a slit-shaped opening. In addition, the forming device 12 can also be a device that forms the glass film by, for example, a secondary processing method (redraw) in which a sheet-shaped mother glass is reshaped.

[0025] <Importing device> The carrying-in device 13 of the glass film manufacturing device 11 carries the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion to the processing device 14. The carrying-in device 13 of the present embodiment conveys the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion formed by the forming device 12 to the processing device 14. The carrying-in device 13 includes, for example, a direction changing device 17, a belt conveying device 18, and a contact carrying-in device 19 in order from the upstream side.

[0026] (Direction conversion device) The direction-changing device 17 changes the 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 17 includes a plurality of direction-changing rollers 17a and 17b. The plurality of direction-changing rollers 17a and 17b support the two unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts. The direction-changing device 17 is in a state of not contacting the glass film Gp of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts.

[0027] The plurality of direction-changing rollers 17a and 17b are arranged in a curved shape when viewed from the axial direction of the direction-changing rollers 17a and 17b. The plurality of direction-changing rollers 17a and 17b 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 also be guided in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The glass film G1 with the non-essential portion is preferably guided in a direction within a range of less than 45° up and down relative to the horizontal direction, for example, and more preferably guided in a direction within a range of less than 30°.

[0028] (with conveyor) The belt conveyor 18 conveys the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part in the lateral direction. Figure 2 As shown, the belt conveyor 18 includes belts 18a and 18b, and the belts 18a and 18b support the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions. The belt conveyor 18 is in a state of not contacting the glass film Gp of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions.

[0029] (Contact loading device) The contacting and carrying-in device 19 brings the carrying-in sheet CSA into contact with the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion, thereby carrying the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion. The contacting and carrying-in device 19 includes a carrying-in section 19a and a carrying-in sheet supply section 19b that continuously supplies the carrying-in sheet CSA to the carrying-in section 19a. The carrying-in sheet supply section 19b includes a conveying sheet roll CSR, and the conveying sheet roll CSR is wound with a conveying sheet. The carrying-in sheet supply section 19b supplies the conveying sheet released from the conveying sheet roll CSR as a carrying-in sheet CSA between the carrying-in section 19a and the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion. The carrying-in sheet CSA supplied to the carrying-in section 19a moves toward the processing device 14. The glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion can be carried in by the carrying-in sheet CSA that moves in this way. The carrying-in sheet CSA retreats downward on the downstream side of the carrying-in section 19a, thereby being separated from the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion.

[0030] The loading section 19a may be a loading platform having an upper surface for the loading sheet CSA to slide, or a belt conveyor having a belt for the loading sheet CSA to be placed. The loading sheet CSA is preferably a sheet softer than the glass film Gp. In other words, the loading sheet CSA is preferably a sheet that does not scratch the glass film Gp when rubbing against the glass film Gp. The loading sheet CSA is preferably a resin sheet, and more preferably a foamed resin sheet.

[0031] <Processing equipment> The processing device 14 of the glass film manufacturing device 11 separates the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts into a processed glass film G2 and unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb including at least a part of the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b. In other words, the processing device 14 is a device that obtains the processed glass film G2 by cutting and removing at least a part of the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts. The processing device 14 is provided with, for example, a laser irradiation device. The laser irradiation device has a pair of laser irradiation parts 14a and 14b. The pair of laser irradiation parts 14a and 14b are respectively arranged corresponding to the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts.

[0032] The pair of laser irradiation parts 14a and 14b irradiate the two sides of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part with the laser beam LB, thereby melting the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part. At this time, since the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part is transported at a position below the laser irradiation parts 14a and 14b, the laser beam LB is irradiated along the length direction of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part. In this way, 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.

[0033] The processed glass film G2 may consist of only the glass film Gp as a product, or may include a part of the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b. That is, the processing device 14 may be a device that removes the unnecessary parts G1a and G1b in its entirety or partially.

[0034] The processing device 14 may also be configured to apply thermal shock to the glass heated by the laser, thereby cutting it. In this case, the processing device 14 may also include a laser irradiation device and a cooling device for cooling the glass heated by the laser. In addition, the processing device 14 may also be configured to form a scribe line on the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part, and then cut the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part along the scribe line.

[0035] In addition, the processing device 14 may be configured to mechanically cut the glass film G1 having unnecessary portions using a wire saw or a circular saw. <Carrying out device> like Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the unloading device 15 of the glass film manufacturing device 11 includes a first unloading unit 20 and a second unloading unit 21. The first unloading unit 20 has a moving mechanism that moves the first unloading sheet CS1 carrying the processed glass film G2 along a first unloading path. The first unloading unit 20 brings the first unloading sheet CS1 into contact with the processed glass film G2 to transport the processed glass film G2.

[0036] The second unloading unit 21 has a moving mechanism for moving the second unloading sheet CS2 carrying the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb to a second unloading path adjacent to the first unloading path. The second unloading unit 21 brings the second unloading sheet CS2 into contact with the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb to transport the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb.

[0037] The first unloading section 20 and the second unloading section 21 are provided with a common unloading section 22. The common unloading section 22 may include a sliding member capable of moving the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2, a belt conveyor capable of moving the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2, and the like. The sliding member has an upper surface on which the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 slide. The belt conveyor has a belt on which the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 are placed.

[0038] The first unloading section 20 includes a guide member 23, which guides the first unloading sheet CS1 to the downstream side of the common unloading section 22. The guide member 23 includes a guide plate 23a and a guide roller 23b, wherein the guide plate 23a has an upper surface on which the first unloading sheet CS1 can slide, and the guide roller 23b guides the first unloading sheet CS1 downward at the downstream end E1 of the first unloading path. Examples of the material of the guide plate 23a include metal materials, resin materials, etc. Examples of the material of the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 23b include metal materials, resin materials, etc. The guide roller 23b may be rotationally driven or non-rotationally driven.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the width dimension W1 of the guide plate 23a is smaller than the width dimension W2 of the process glass film G2. The width dimension W1 of the guide plate 23a may also be the same as the width dimension W2 of the process glass film G2. From the perspective of avoiding contact with the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb, the width dimension W1 of the guide plate 23a is preferably smaller than the width dimension W2 of the process glass film G2.

[0040] From the viewpoint of more stably conveying the process glass film G2, the width dimension W1 of the guide plate 23a and the width dimension W2 of the process glass film G2 preferably satisfy the relationship of the following formula (1).

[0041] W2-100mm≤W1· · · (1) in, Figure 4 Although the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2 are omitted in the carry-out device 15 shown in FIG, the width dimension of the first carry-out sheet CS1 can be set to be the same as the width dimension of the guide plate 23a.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the unloading device 15 includes an input portion 24, and the input portion 24 is provided below the downstream end E2 of the second unloading path. The input portion 24 has an opening 24a into which the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb can be input. The downstream end E1 of the first unloading path in the first unloading portion 20 is arranged on the downstream side of the opening 24a of the input portion 24.

[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the unloading device 15 includes an unloading sheet supply unit 25, and the unloading sheet supply unit 25 supplies the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 to the common unloading unit 22. The unloading sheet supply unit 25 separates the unloading sheet CSA used in the contact unloading device 19 into the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the sheet supply section 25 for carrying out is provided with cutting knives 25a and 25b for cutting the sheet for carrying in CSA. The sheet for carrying out is cut by the cutting knives 25a and 25b to obtain a first sheet for carrying out CS1 and a pair of second sheets for carrying out CS2. That is, the first sheet for carrying out CS1 and the second sheet for carrying out CS2 are reused sheets for carrying in CSA. The sheet supply section 25 for carrying out supplies the first sheet for carrying out CS1 from the bottom of the processing device 14 to between the common carrying out section 22 and the processed glass film G2. The sheet supply section 25 for carrying out supplies the second sheet for carrying out CS2 from the bottom of the processing device 14 to between the common carrying out section 22 and the non-essential glass films Ga and Gb.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the unloading device 15 includes a recovery unit 26, and the recovery unit 26 recovers the first unloading sheet CS1 that has passed through the common unloading unit 22 and the guide member 23. The recovery unit 26 also recovers the second unloading sheet CS2 that has passed through the common unloading unit 22. The recovery unit 26 recovers the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 by winding them up on a coaxial shaft member 26a. Such a recovery unit 26 includes a driving unit 26b that rotates and drives the shaft member 26a.

[0045] <Collection device> like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the collecting device 16 of the glass film manufacturing device 11 collects the processed glass film G2. The winding device, which is an example of the collecting device 16, includes a winding roller 16a and a driving unit (not shown) that rotationally drives the winding roller 16a. The collecting device 16 includes a protective sheet roll PSR, which is wound with a protective sheet PS that protects the processed glass film G2. The collecting device 16 supplies the protective sheet PS released from the protective sheet roll PSR to the processed glass film G2 in a manner that overlaps with the processed glass film G2. The winding roller 16a of the collecting device 16 winds up the processed glass film G2 and the protective sheet PS into a roll shape in a state in which the processed glass film G2 overlaps with the protective sheet PS. In this way, a glass film roll GR is obtained.

[0046] As the protective sheet PS, a sheet softer than the treated glass film G2 can be 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. The protective sheet PS is preferably a resin sheet, more preferably a foamed resin sheet.

[0047] The collecting device 16 may also be a single-sheet collecting device that collects the processed glass film G2 in single sheets. The single-sheet collecting device, for example, includes a cutting device that cuts the processed glass film G2 into predetermined lengths, and an overlapping device that arranges the processed glass film G2 of a predetermined length and a protective sheet of a predetermined length in an overlapping state.

[0048] <Method for producing glass film> Next, a method for manufacturing the glass film Gp will be described. The method for manufacturing the glass film Gp includes a forming step, a carrying-in step, a processing step, and a carrying-out step. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the forming step, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion is formed using the forming device 12. In the carrying step, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion is carried into the processing device 14. In the processing step, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion is separated into the processed glass film G2 and the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb including at least a part of the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b.

[0049] In the unloading step, the processed glass film G2 processed by the processing device 14 is unloaded from the processing device 14. In the unloading step, the first unloading unit 20 and the second unloading unit 21 are used. Here, the manufacturing method of the glass film Gp of the present embodiment includes a sheet forming step of forming a first unloading sheet CS1 and a second unloading sheet CS2 supplied to the common unloading section 22 of the unloading device 15. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in the sheet forming step, the used carry-in sheet CSA retreated downward on the downstream side of the carry-in portion 19a of the contact carry-in device 19 is separated to form the first carry-out sheet CS1 and the second carry-out sheet CS2.

[0050] Moreover, the manufacturing method of the glass film Gp of this embodiment includes a collecting step of collecting the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 by winding them up on the coaxial shaft member 26a.

[0051] The unloading process conveys the processed glass film G2 from the processing device 14 to the collecting device 16 for collecting the processed glass film G2. In the collecting device 16, for example, a collecting process of winding up the processed glass film G2 is performed to obtain a glass film roll GR.

[0052] For applications that require particularly smooth main surfaces, it is recommended to use only the glass film Gp in the treated glass film G2. However, depending on the required performance, the portion of the treated glass film G2 including the remaining unnecessary portion may be used in the product.

[0053] <Function and Effect> Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The method for manufacturing a glass film Gp comprises: a loading step of loading a glass film G1 with a non-essential portion into a processing device 14; and a unloading step of unloading a processed glass film G2 processed by the processing device 14 from the processing device 14. The processing step is a step of performing the following processing: separating the glass film G1 with the non-essential portion into the processed glass film G2 and the non-essential glass films Ga and Gb including the non-essential portions G1a and G1b. The first unloading section 20 used in the unloading step has a moving mechanism for moving a first unloading sheet CS1 carrying the processed glass film G2 on a first unloading path. The second unloading section 21 used in the unloading step has a moving mechanism for moving a second unloading sheet CS2 carrying the non-essential glass films Ga and Gb on a second unloading path adjacent to the first unloading path. The downstream end E1 of the first unloading path of the first unloading section 20 extends downstream of the downstream end E2 of the second unloading path of the second unloading section 21.

[0054] The unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb separated in the above manner can be carried out in a state where damage is suppressed by the second carrying-out sheet CS2 moving in the second carrying-out path. Here, since the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb are relatively fragile, when they are discharged from the downstream end E2 of the second carrying-out path, they may be damaged near the second discharge path. Once the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb are damaged, glass powder is likely to scatter near the downstream end E2 of the second carrying-out path.

[0055] At this time, the processed glass film G2 can be carried to a position downstream of the downstream end E2 of the second carrying-out path by the first carrying-out section 20 configured as described above while being carried by the first carrying-out sheet CS1. Therefore, it is possible to easily suppress the problem of the processed glass film G2 drooping downward near the downstream end E2 of the second carrying-out path, for example. In addition, it is possible to protect at least a portion of the main surface of the glass film Gp, for example, by the first carrying-out sheet CS1. Thus, it is possible to suppress the glass powder scattered near the downstream end E2 of the second carrying-out path from contacting the glass film Gp. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the glass powder from adhering to the glass film Gp.

[0056] (2) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the first unloading section 20 and the second unloading section 21 include a common unloading section 22. The first unloading section 20 includes a guide member 23 that guides the first unloading sheet CS1 to the downstream side of the common unloading section 22. In this case, for example, the configuration of the unloading device 15 can be simplified.

[0057] (3) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the guide member 23 of the first unloading section 20 includes: a guide plate 23a having an upper surface on which the first unloading sheet CS1 can slide; and a guide roller 23b that guides the first unloading sheet CS1 downward at the downstream end E1 of the first unloading path. In this case, the first unloading sheet CS1 can be stably supported by the guide plate 23a, and the first conveying sheet passing on the guide plate 23a can be smoothly guided downward by the guide roller 23b. Therefore, the processed glass film G2 can be stably unloaded.

[0058] (4) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, an input portion 24 is provided below the downstream end E2 of the second unloading path, and the input portion 24 has an opening 24a into which the optional glass films Ga and Gb can be input. In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the downstream end E1 of the first unloading path is arranged on the downstream side of the opening 24a of the input portion 24. In this case, it is possible to suppress the glass powder in the input portion 24 from scattering toward the downstream end E1 of the first unloading path. Thus, it is possible to suppress the contact between the glass film Gp unloaded from the first unloading path and the glass powder. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the glass powder from adhering to the glass film Gp.

[0059] (5) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the loading process is performed using the loading device 13 (contact loading device 19), and the loading device 13 moves the loading sheet CSA carrying the glass film G1 with the unnecessary part on the loading path. In this loading process, a sheet released from the conveying sheet roller CSR is used as the loading sheet CSA. In addition, the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp further includes a sheet forming process, in which the first and second conveying sheets CS1 and CS2 are formed by separating the loading sheet CSA. In this way, the first conveying device and the second conveying device use a common conveying sheet roller CSR, so that the equipment can be simplified. In addition, by reusing the used loading sheet CSA as the first and second conveying sheets CS1 and CS2, the cost of the conveying sheets can be reduced.

[0060] (6) The method for manufacturing the glass film Gp further includes a recovery step in which the first and second export sheets CS1 and CS2 are recovered by winding them around the coaxial shaft member 26a. In this case, the first and second export sheets CS1 and CS2 can be recovered together. Therefore, for example, the equipment can be managed simply.

[0061] (7) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the processing step and the unloading step are performed on both sides of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions. In this case, the processed glass film G2 can be efficiently obtained in which at least a part of the two unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions are removed.

[0062] (8) A glass film composed of alkali aluminosilicate glass is sometimes used, for example, as a glass film for chemical strengthening. The main surface of such a glass film for chemical strengthening sometimes requires higher cleanliness. The above-mentioned method for manufacturing the glass film Gp can suppress the adhesion of glass powder to the main surface of the glass film Gp, so that a glass film Gp with higher cleanliness can be obtained. Therefore, the yield rate can be improved in the manufacture of a glass film composed of alkali aluminosilicate glass that requires higher cleanliness.

[0063] <Change Example> The above-mentioned embodiment can also be implemented with modifications as follows. The above-mentioned embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0064] The recovery step in the method for producing the glass film Gp may be changed to a step of recovering the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2 by winding them up on shaft members having different axes, respectively.

[0065] The recovery step in the method for producing the glass film Gp may be changed to a step in which the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2 are not wound up but are crushed and recovered, for example.

[0066] The carry-in sheet CSA that contacts the carry-in device 19 and the first carry-out sheet CS1 and the second carry-out sheet CS2 of the carry-out device 15 may be supplied from conveying sheet rolls CSR that are independent of each other.

[0067] The first and second sheets CS1 and CS2 of the unloading device 15 may be supplied from independent sheet rolls CSR. The method for manufacturing the glass film Gp preferably includes a sheet forming step for separating the sheet released from the sheet roll CSR to form the first and second sheets CS1 and CS2. In this case, the equipment can be simplified compared to supplying the first and second sheets CS1 and CS2 using independent sheet rolls.

[0068] The second unloading sheet CS2 may be made of a material different from that of the first unloading sheet CS1. The second unloading sheet CS2 may be, for example, a sheet harder than the glass film Gp. From the perspective of suppressing scratches on the glass film Gp, the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 are preferably sheets softer than the glass film Gp. The first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 are preferably resin sheets, more preferably foamed resin sheets.

[0069] The unloading step may include conveying using a belt conveyor having the same structure as the belt conveyor 18. That is, in the unloading step, the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b remaining at both ends of the processed glass film G2 may be supported by the belt of the belt conveyor to convey the processed glass film G2.

[0070] The above-mentioned carrying-in step may be performed without using the contact carrying-in device 19 . The above-mentioned carrying-in step may be performed without using the belt conveyor device 18 . The guide member 23 of the carrying-out device 15 may be constituted by one of the guide plate 23 a and the guide roller 23 b .

[0071] The guide member 23 of the unloading device 15 may be composed of a plurality of guide plates 23a arranged along the first unloading path. The guide member 23 of the unloading device 15 may be composed of a plurality of guide rollers arranged along the first unloading path. In this case, the guide rollers upstream of the guide roller 23b arranged at the downstream end E1 of the first unloading path can be used as rollers for guiding the first unloading sheet CS1 in the horizontal direction.

[0072] The common carrying-out section 22 of the carrying-out device 15 may be changed to a carrying-out section in which the first carrying-out section 20 and the second carrying-out section 21 are independent of each other. In this case, the first carrying-out section 20 may be changed to a carrying-out section integrated with the guide plate 23a.

[0073] In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the downstream end E1 of the first unloading path may be arranged on the upstream side of the opening 24 a of the input portion 24 . When the forming device 12 is a forming device that carries out the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts in a lateral direction, the direction changing step in the carrying-in step may be omitted. The forming device that carries out the glass film G1 with unnecessary parts in a lateral direction may be a forming device using a float method.

[0074] The forming step may be omitted in the manufacturing method of the glass film Gp. That is, the carrying-in step of the manufacturing method of the glass film Gp may be changed to a carrying-in step of carrying in the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion that has been formed in advance. In this case, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion that has been formed in advance may be provided in the form of a glass roll wound in a roll shape. Thus, in the carrying-in step, it may be provided in the form of carrying in by pulling out from the glass roll.

[0075] The processing step in the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp may be changed to a step in which the non-essential portion of one of the two non-essential portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with non-essential portions is processed first and then the non-essential portion of the other is processed.

[0076] The processing step in the manufacturing method of the glass film Gp may be changed to a step of processing only one of the two unnecessary parts G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 having unnecessary parts. In other words, processing one of the two sides of the glass film G2 may leave the entire unnecessary part.

[0077] The glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion carried in the processing step in the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp may have the unnecessary portion provided on only one of the side edges of the glass film Gp. Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 11 Glass film manufacturing device 13 Moving in equipment 14 Processing device 15. Remove the device 20 First Moving Out Department 21 Second Moving Out Department 22 Common Moving Department 23. Guide Components 23a Guide plate 23b Guide roller 24 Input Department 24a Opening 26a Shaft component CS1 First removal sheet CS2 Second transport sheet CSA move-in sheet CSR conveyor roller E1 Downstream end of the first export path E2 Downstream end of the second export path G1 Glass film with non-essential parts G1a, G1b non-essential parts G2 Treated Glass Film Ga, Gb non-essential glass film Gp glass film

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass film, comprising a processing step, wherein the processing step is performed as follows: a glass film with a non-essential portion is separated into a processed glass film and a non-essential glass film including the non-essential portion by a processing device, wherein the glass film with the non-essential portion comprises a glass film as a product and the non-essential portion provided at a side edge of at least one of both side edges of the glass film, wherein: The method for manufacturing the glass film comprises: A carrying step of carrying the glass film with the unnecessary portion into the processing device; and a carrying-out step of carrying out the treated glass film treated by the treatment device from the treatment device using a carrying-out device, The above-mentioned unloading device comprises a first unloading part and a second unloading part. The first unloading section includes a moving mechanism for moving the first unloading sheet carrying the processed glass film along a first unloading path. The second unloading section includes a moving mechanism for moving the second unloading sheet carrying the optional glass film to a second unloading path adjacent to the first unloading path. A downstream end of the first carrying-out path of the first carrying-out section extends downstream of a downstream end of the second carrying-out path of the second carrying-out section.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The first unloading section and the second unloading section have a common unloading section. The common carrying-out portion is a sliding member or a belt conveyor capable of moving the first carrying-out sheet and the second carrying-out sheet. The first carry-out section includes a guide member that guides the first carry-out sheet to a downstream side of the common carry-out section.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 2, wherein: The guide member comprises: a guide plate having an upper surface on which the first carrying-out piece can slide; and The guide roller guides the first carry-out sheet downward at a downstream end of the first carry-out path.

4. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: A loading portion having an opening into which the unnecessary glass film can be loaded is provided below the downstream end of the second unloading path, and the downstream end of the first unloading path is arranged downstream of the opening of the loading portion.

5. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The method further includes a sheet forming step of separating the conveyance sheet released from the conveyance sheet roll to form the first carry-out sheet and the second carry-out sheet.

6. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 5, wherein: The carrying-in step is performed using a carrying-in device, and the carrying-in device moves a carrying-in sheet on which the glass film with the unnecessary portion is placed along a carrying-in path. As the carry-in sheet, a conveying sheet released from the conveying sheet roll is used.

7. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: Furthermore, the method includes a collecting step of collecting the first carry-out sheet and the second carry-out sheet by winding them up around a coaxial shaft member.

8. The method for manufacturing a glass film according to claim 1, wherein: The glass film with unnecessary parts has the unnecessary parts arranged on both side edges of the glass film. The processing step and the unloading step are performed on both side portions of the glass film with the unnecessary portion.

9. A glass film manufacturing device, comprising a processing device, the processing device performing the following processing: separating a glass film with an unnecessary portion into a processed glass film and an unnecessary glass film including the unnecessary portion, the glass film with the unnecessary portion comprising a glass film as a product and the unnecessary portion provided at a side edge of at least one of both side edges of the glass film, The glass film manufacturing device is provided with a carrying-in device and a carrying-out device. The carrying device carries the glass film with the unnecessary part into the processing device. The unloading device unloads the processed glass film processed by the processing device from the processing device. The above-mentioned unloading device comprises a first unloading part and a second unloading part. The first unloading section includes a moving mechanism for moving the first unloading sheet carrying the processed glass film along a first unloading path. The second unloading section includes a moving mechanism for moving the second unloading sheet carrying the optional glass film to a second unloading path adjacent to the first unloading path. A downstream end of the first carrying-out path of the first carrying-out section extends downstream of a downstream end of the second carrying-out path of the second carrying-out section.

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