Molding device and molding method

Abstract

Provided is a technique for improving the surface accuracy of a molded glass plate. The molding device molds a glass plate including a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface into a shape in which the first main surface and the second main surface include curved surfaces. The molding device is provided with a lower mold that supports the glass plate from below in a state in which the first main surface of the glass plate faces downward. The lower mold is provided with: a pair of side plates having the same or similar shape as the molded glass plate on the upper surface; a plurality of rods erected on the pair of side plates; and an arrangement member that arranges the plurality of rods at intervals. Each of the rods is movable in the arrangement direction of the rods in a state of being in contact with the upper surfaces of the pair of side plates. The arrangement member defines a range of movement of the rods in the arrangement direction such that the plurality of rods do not come into contact with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a molding apparatus and a molding method. Background Art

[0002] The mold described in Patent Document 1 has a forming belt with a curved shape. On the upper surface of the forming belt, a plurality of grooves for inserting tubes are formed at intervals in the arrangement direction of the tubes. A glass plate is disposed above the plurality of tubes. The glass plate is heated and bent along the upper surface of the forming belt.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-502631

[0004] The tubes inserted into the grooves of the forming belt described in Patent Document 1 cannot move along the arrangement direction of the tubes. Therefore, it is difficult for the mold described in Patent Document 1 to release dimensional changes caused by temperature changes, and strain is likely to occur. Therefore, as the number of times the mold is used increases, the surface accuracy of the formed glass plate is likely to decrease. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a technique for suppressing a decrease in the surface accuracy of a formed glass plate.

[0006] A molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure forms a glass plate including a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface into a shape including curved surfaces on the first main surface and the second main surface. The molding apparatus includes a lower mold that supports the glass plate from below in a state where the first main surface of the glass plate faces downward. The lower mold has: a pair of side plates having a shape substantially the same as or similar to the formed first main surface of the glass plate on the upper surface; a plurality of rods spanned between the pair of side plates; and an arrangement member that arranges the plurality of rods at intervals. Each of the rods can move in the arrangement direction of the rods in a state of being in contact with the upper surfaces of the pair of side plates. The arrangement member defines a movement range of each of the rods so that the plurality of rods do not contact each other.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by arranging a plurality of rods so that they can move and do not contact each other, it is easy to release dimensional changes caused by temperature changes, and generation of strain can be suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in the surface accuracy of the formed glass plate can be suppressed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a pair of side plates and a plurality of rods of a molding apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 a perspective view showing the pair of side plates and the plurality of rods shown separated from each other.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a top view showing an example of the lower mold.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a sectional view showing an example of the lower mold.

[0012] Figure 5 It is showing the state without Figure 4 a sectional view showing an example of the state in the case where the arranging member shown is not provided.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a sectional view showing an example of a tubular rod.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a sectional view showing an example of a restricting member.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a side view showing an example of a cloth.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a sectional view showing an example of a through hole of a side plate.

[0017] Figure 10 It is a sectional view showing a first modified example of the arranging member.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a sectional view showing a second modified example of the arranging member.

[0019] Figure 12 It is a sectional view showing a third modified example of the arranging member.

[0020] Figure 13 It is a sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the arranging member.

[0021] Figure 14 It is a sectional view showing a fifth modified example of the arranging member.

[0022] Figure 15 It is a sectional view showing a sixth modified example of the arranging member.

[0023] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0024] 1... molding device; 2... glass plate; 2a... first main surface; 2b... second main surface; 10... lower mold; 20... side plate; 21... upper surface; 30... rod; 40... arranging member. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, a method for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted sometimes. In the specification, "~" indicating a numerical range means including the numerical values described before and after it as the lower limit value and the upper limit value. The numerical range includes the rounded range.

[0026] In each drawing, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are mutually orthogonal directions. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are horizontal directions, and the Z-axis direction is a vertical direction. The X-axis direction includes the positive X-axis direction and the negative X-axis direction. The Y-axis direction includes the positive Y-axis direction and the negative Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction includes the positive Z-axis direction and the negative Z-axis direction.

[0027] Refer to Figures 1 to 4 , a molding device 1 according to an embodiment will be described. The molding device 1 is used for the bending molding of a glass plate 2. The molding device 1 is, for example, placed inside a heating furnace (not shown) with the glass plate 2 placed thereon. The heating furnace may be a batch type or a continuous type. The heating furnace may be provided with a conveyor for conveying the molding device 1, or may be a continuous conveying type. The continuous conveying type heating furnace is divided into a plurality of zones along the conveying path. The glass plate 2 is heated, for example, while being conveyed together with the molding device 1.

[0028] The glass plate 2 is preferably heated to a viscosity of 10 Pa·s or more and 10 12 Pa·s or less. The glass plate 2 is softened by heating and deforms along the lower mold 10 due to the weight of the glass plate 2. In addition, an upper mold (not shown) may be provided above the glass plate 2. The upper mold presses the glass plate 2 against the lower mold 10. In the case where the upper mold is provided, in order to press the glass plate 2 against the lower mold 10, only the weight of the upper mold may be used, or the load of a press may also be used. The glass plate 2 is preferably cooled and solidified after the bending molding.

[0029] The glass plate 2 preferably contains alkali-free glass, soda-lime glass, soda-lime silicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, lithium aluminosilicate glass, or borosilicate glass. Alkali-free glass means glass that substantially does not contain alkali metal oxides such as Na2O and K2O. Here, substantially not containing alkali metal oxides means that the total amount of the content of alkali metal oxides is 0.1% by mass or less.

[0030] When the use of the glass plate 2 is a cover glass of a display device, it is preferable to use the glass containing alkali metal oxides shown below. The glass containing alkali metal oxides can form a compressive stress layer on the glass surface by performing chemical strengthening treatment after molding, thereby improving the strength.

[0031] The glass containing alkali metal oxides is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of mol% based on oxides, it contains 50% to 80% of SiO2, 0.1% to 25% of Al2O3, 3% to 30% of Li2O + Na2O + K2O, 0% to 25% of MgO, 0% to 25% of CaO, and 0% to 5% of ZrO2. As specific examples, the following glasses (i) to (vi) can be cited. The glass of (i) below is included in soda-lime silicate glass. The glasses of (ii), (iii), and (iv) below are included in aluminosilicate glass. The glasses of (v) and (vi) below are included in lithium aluminosilicate glass.

[0032] The glass of (i) is as follows: In terms of mol% based on oxides, it contains 63% to 73% of SiO2, 0.1% to 5.2% of Al2O3, 10% to 16% of Na2O, 0% to 1.5% of K2O, 0% to 5% of Li2O, 5% to 13% of MgO, and 4% to 10% of CaO. In addition, "containing 0% to 1.5% of K2O" means that K2O is not essential but can contain up to 1.5%. Hereinafter, the same applies when the content of other substances is recorded as "0% to".

[0033] The glass of (ii) is as follows: In terms of mol% based on oxides, it contains 50% to 74% of SiO2, 1% to 10% of Al2O3, 6% to 14% of Na2O, 3% to 11% of K2O, 0% to 5% of Li2O, 2% to 15% of MgO, 0% to 6% of CaO, and 0% to 5% of ZrO2. The total content of SiO2 and Al2O3 is 75% or less, the total content of Na2O and K2O is 12% to 25%, and the total content of MgO and CaO is 7% to 15%.

[0034] The glass of (iii) is as follows: In terms of mol% based on oxides, it contains 68% to 80% of SiO2, 4% to 10% of Al2O3, 5% to 15% of Na2O, 0% to 1% of K2O, 0% to 5% of Li2O, 4% to 15% of MgO, and 0% to 1% of ZrO2.

[0035] The glass of (iv) is as follows: In terms of mol% based on oxides, it contains 67% to 75% of SiO2, 0% to 4% of Al2O3, 7% to 15% of Na2O, 1% to 9% of K2O, 0% to 5% of Li2O, 6% to 14% of MgO, and 0% to 1.5% of ZrO2. The total content of SiO2 and Al2O3 is 71% to 75%, the total content of Na2O and K2O is 12% to 20%, and when CaO is contained, its content is less than 1%.

[0036] The glass of (v) is as follows: expressed in terms of mol% based on oxides, it contains 56% to 73% of SiO2, 10% to 24% of Al2O3, 0% to 6% of B2O3, 0% to 6% of P2O5, 2% to 7% of Li2O, 3% to 11% of Na2O, 0% to 2% of K2O, 0% to 8% of MgO, 0% to 2% of CaO, 0% to 5% of SrO, 0% to 5% of BaO, 0% to 5% of ZnO, 0% to 2% of TiO2, and 0% to 4% of ZrO2.

[0037] The glass of (vi) is as follows: expressed in terms of mol% based on oxides, it contains 58% to 80% of SiO2, 13% to 18% of Al2O3, 0% to 5% of B2O3, 0.5% to 4% of P2O5, 3% to 10% of Li2O, 5% to 20% of Na2O, 0% to 2% of K2O, 0% to 11% of MgO, 0% to 20% of CaO, 0% to 20% of SrO, 0% to 15% of BaO, 0% to 10% of ZnO, 0% to 1% of TiO2, and 0% to 2% of ZrO2.

[0038] The glass plate 2 can be in a flat plate shape before forming. The thickness of the glass plate 2 after forming is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.7 mm or more, further preferably 0.8 mm or more, and particularly preferably 1 mm or more. The thickness of the glass plate 2 after forming is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and further preferably 2 mm or less. When the glass plate 2 is a cover glass for an in-vehicle display device, the thickness of the glass plate 2 after forming is preferably 0.8 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0039] As Figure 4 shown, the formed glass plate 2 includes a first main surface 2a and a second main surface 2b opposite to the first main surface 2a. In addition, in Figure 4 only a part of the glass plate 2 is illustrated, so the glass plate 2 does not seem to be bent, but actually at least a part is bent, for example, a part is bent into a shape that protrudes downward in the Z-axis direction. The first main surface 2a and the second main surface 2b can be flat surfaces before forming and include curved surfaces after forming. In addition, as long as the formed first main surface 2a and second main surface 2b include curved surfaces, they can also include flat surfaces in part.

[0040] The formed first main surface 2a and second main surface 2b have curved surfaces in a cross-section perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The radius of curvature of this curved surface is preferably 7 mm or more, more preferably 50 mm or more, further preferably 100 mm or more, and particularly preferably 200 mm or more. The radius of curvature of this curved surface is, for example, 10000 mm or less, preferably 5000 mm or less, and more preferably 3000 mm or less.

[0041] The formed first major surface 2a and second major surface 2b may also have the same cross-sectional shape at any position in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the formed first major surface 2a and second major surface 2b may not have a curved portion in a cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis direction, or may have a straight portion.

[0042] The formed glass plate 2 is mounted on a vehicle, for example. The uses of the glass plate 2 are, for example, a windshield, a head-up display, an instrument panel, a cover glass for a display device, a cover glass for a camera, a cover glass for a radar, or a cover glass for a sensor. The entire front windshield or a part thereof bulges and bends outward from the vehicle. In recent years, from the viewpoint of design aesthetics, cover glasses for in-vehicle display devices are required to have complex curved shapes and high surface quality, and the significance of applying the technology of the present disclosure is great.

[0043] As Figure 4 shown, the lower mold 10 supports the glass plate 2 from below with the first major surface 2a of the glass plate 2 facing downward. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the lower mold 10 includes a pair of side plates 20 and a plurality of rods 30. The pair of side plates 20 are disposed at intervals in the Y-axis direction, for example, and are vertically erected. Each side plate 20 has a shape substantially the same as or similar to the formed first major surface 2a of the glass plate 2 on the upper surface 21.

[0044] Each rod 30 is mounted on the pair of side plates 20. Each rod 30 is disposed parallel to the Y-axis direction, for example. That is, the axial direction of each rod 30 is typically the Y-axis direction. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the plurality of rods 30 are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction, for example. As Figure 3 shown, when the lower mold 10 is viewed from above, the pair of side plates 20 and the plurality of rods 30 are preferably arranged in a ladder shape.

[0045] It is also possible to consider pasting a top plate (not shown) on the pair of side plates 20 instead of the plurality of rods 30. However, the entire top plate needs to be processed to match the target shape of the glass plate 2. According to the present embodiment, it is only necessary to process the upper surface 21 of each side plate 20 to match the target shape of the glass plate 2, and the lower mold 10 is easy to manufacture. In addition, when each rod 30 is linear, it can be simply manufactured with high precision.

[0046] The upper surface 21 of each side plate 20 can be formed by machining such that when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the radius of curvature continuously changes along the arrangement direction of the rods 30. In contrast, it is actually difficult to fabricate the above-mentioned top plate by machining, and it needs to be fabricated by bending. Therefore, for the top plate, machining with a constant radius of curvature can be performed when viewed from the Y-axis direction, but machining with a continuously changing radius of curvature is difficult. According to the present embodiment, since the rods 30 are used instead of the top plate, the glass plate 2 having a shape with a continuously changing radius of curvature when viewed from the Y-axis direction can be easily manufactured.

[0047] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the minimum radius of curvature of the upper surface 21 of each side plate 20 is preferably 7 mm or more. As long as the minimum radius of curvature is 7 mm or more, the arrangement of the rods 30 is easy. The minimum radius of curvature is more preferably 50 mm or more, further preferably 100 mm or more, and particularly preferably 200 mm or more. In addition, the upper limit value of the minimum radius of curvature is not particularly limited. For example, the minimum radius of curvature is preferably 10000 mm or less, more preferably 5000 mm or less, and further preferably 3000 mm or less.

[0048] For each side plate 20, as Figure 3 shown, when viewed from above, the width w of each side plate 20 is preferably 2 mm to 10 mm. As long as the width w is 2 mm or more, each side plate 20 can sufficiently support the weight of the rods 30. The width w is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more.

[0049] On the other hand, as long as the width w of each side plate 20 is 10 mm or less, each side plate 20 can deform in the Y-axis direction and can release the dimensional change caused by the temperature change in the Y-axis direction. The deformation of each side plate 20 in the Y-axis direction hardly affects the dimensional accuracy of the glass plate 2. The width w is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less.

[0050] As Figure 3 shown, the length L of each rod 30 when viewed from above is preferably 50 mm or more, more preferably 100 mm or more, and further preferably 200 mm or more. The length L only needs to be larger than the interval between the pair of side plates 20. The length L is preferably larger than the Y-axis direction dimension of the glass plate 2. In addition, in order to suppress the thermal influence on the side plates 20, the length L is preferably 20 mm or more larger than the Y-axis direction dimension of the glass plate 2, and more preferably 100 mm or more larger. From the viewpoint of the bending stiffness of the rods 30, the length L is preferably 1000 mm or less, and more preferably 500 mm or less.

[0051] As Figure 3As shown, the width W of each rod 30 when viewed from above is preferably 2 mm to 19 mm. As long as the width W is 2 mm or more, the bending stiffness of the rod 30 is good. The width W is more preferably 3 mm or more. On the other hand, as long as the width W is 19 mm or less, the number of rods 30 is large, and the shape of the upper surface 21 of each side plate 20 can be smoothly transferred to the glass plate 2. The width W is more preferably 15 mm or less, further preferably 10 mm or less, and particularly preferably 5 mm or less. By reducing the width W of the rod 30, the heat capacity can be reduced.

[0052] From the viewpoint of bending stiffness, as Figure 4 shown, the thickness T of each rod 30 when viewed from the axial direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the rod 30 is preferably 3 times or less the width W. For example, the thickness T is measured in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface 21 of each side plate 20. The thickness T is more preferably 2 times or less the width W. In addition, the thickness T is preferably 0.5 times or more the width W.

[0053] The pitch P of each rod 30 in the arrangement direction of the rod 30 is preferably 2 mm to 19 mm. The pitch P is the distance between the centers of adjacent rods 30, and is measured along the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. As long as the pitch P is 2 mm or more, contact between the rods 30 can be suppressed. The pitch P is more preferably 3 mm or more. On the other hand, as long as the pitch P is 19 mm or less, the number of rods 30 is large, and the shape of the upper surface 21 of each side plate 20 can be smoothly transferred to the glass plate 2. The pitch P is more preferably 15 mm or less.

[0054] As Figure 4 shown, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, each rod 30 can move in the arrangement direction of the rod 30, that is, Figure 4 the X-axis direction in a state of being in contact with the upper surfaces 21 of the pair of side plates 20. Since the height of the rod 30 after movement is determined by the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20, even if the rod 30 moves, the surface accuracy of the glass plate 2 will not be reduced. According to the present embodiment, each rod 30 can be moved to release the dimensional change caused by temperature change, and the generation of strain can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the surface accuracy of the glass plate 2 after molding as the number of uses of the lower mold 10 increases.

[0055] As Figure 3 shown, the lower mold 10 has an arrangement member 40. The arrangement member 40 arranges a plurality of rods 30 at intervals. However, different from the forming belt described in Patent Document 1, the arrangement member 40 of the present embodiment defines the movement range of each rod 30 in the arrangement direction so that the plurality of rods 30 do not contact each other. Thus, a situation where one rod 30 is placed on top of another rod 30 as Figure 5 shown does not occur, and a reduction in the surface accuracy of the glass plate 2 after molding can be suppressed.

[0056] As Figure 3 shown, the arranging member 40 may also have a pair of arranging plates 41. The pair of arranging plates 41 are arranged opposite to the pair of side plates 20. As Figure 3 shown, the pair of arranging plates 41 may be arranged outside the pair of side plates 20, and although not shown, they may also be arranged inside the pair of side plates 20. The pair of arranging plates 41 are, for example, arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction and are vertically erected.

[0057] As Figure 4 shown, each arranging plate 41 has a recess 42 for inserting the rod 30 for each rod 30. A plurality of recesses 42 are provided in the arranging direction of the rods 30. The number of the recesses 42 may be equal to or more than the number of the rods 30, and may also be more than the number of the rods 30. Each recess 42 defines the moving range of the rod 30 in the arranging direction of the rods 30. The moving range of the rod 30 is determined so that the dimensional change caused by the temperature change can be released and the rods 30 do not contact each other.

[0058] Each arranging plate 41 is, for example, provided below the rod 30, and has a recess 42 on the upper surface of each arranging plate 41. Each recess 42 preferably has a pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b when viewed from the axial direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the rod 30. The pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b define the moving range of the rod 30 in the arranging direction of the rods 30. During molding, the rod 30 does not contact the pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b simultaneously. The upper surface 21 of the side plate 20 supports the rod 30 so that the rod 30 does not contact the pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b simultaneously.

[0059] When viewed from the axial direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the rod 30, each recess 42 may be formed, for example, in a V shape. The V-shaped processing is easy. In addition, when viewed from the axial direction of the rod 30, each recess 42 may also be formed, for example, in a U shape. In either case, the pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b can define the moving range of the rod 30 in the arranging direction of the rods 30. The rod 30 can move in the arranging direction of the rods 30 in a state of contacting the upper surface 21 of the pair of side plates 20.

[0060] Each rod 30 is preferably a round rod with a circumferential surface on its outer periphery. The round rod can roll in the arranging direction of the rods 30 in a state of contacting the upper surface 21 of the pair of side plates 20, and the moving resistance can be reduced. In addition, the round rod is easy to process. However, each rod 30 may also be a square rod whose outer periphery is composed of a plurality of flat surfaces. The square rod can slide in the arranging direction of the rods 30 in a state of contacting the upper surface 21 of the pair of side plates 20. In addition, each rod 30 may also be a semi-circular rod whose outer periphery is composed of a flat surface and a circumferential surface.

[0061] In the present embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, each rod 30 is solid. However, as Figure 6As shown, each rod 30 is preferably hollow. That is, each rod 30 is preferably tubular. This can lighten each rod 30 and increase the specific stiffness (elastic modulus / density) of each rod 30. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sagging of each rod 30 due to gravity. In addition, if each rod 30 is hollow, the heat capacity of each rod 30 is small and the temperature change of each rod 30 is easy. Therefore, when the glass plate 2 is slowly cooled, even if the lower surface of the glass plate 2 contacts the rod 30, the temperature difference between the lower surface and the upper surface of the glass plate 2 is small. As a result, warping of the glass plate 2 can be suppressed. On the other hand, if each rod 30 is solid, the cost of each rod 30 is low.

[0062] As Figure 7 shown, the lower die 10 preferably has a restricting member 50 above the plurality of rods 30. The restricting member 50 restricts the plurality of rods 30 from floating up from the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20. The restricting member 50 generally does not contact each rod 30, and a gap of 0.5 mm or more is preferably provided between the restricting member 50 and each rod 30, and a gap of 1 mm or more is more preferably provided. By having the above gap, even when each rod 30 thermally expands due to heating, it is possible to suppress the movement of each rod 30 in the arrangement direction of the rods 30 due to contact with the restricting member 50. Only when each rod 30 floats up from the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20, the lower surface 51 of the restricting member 50 contacts each rod 30.

[0063] The lower surface 51 of the restricting member 50 is formed along the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20. A certain gap is formed between the lower surface 51 of the restricting member 50 and the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20. The side plate 20 and the restricting member 50 are fixed by, for example, a connecting plate 61 and bolts 62 to form a certain gap.

[0064] As Figure 8 shown, the molding device 1 preferably includes a heat-resistant cloth, such as a cloth 70 made of stainless steel fibers or ceramic fibers, between the plurality of rods 30 and the glass plate 2. Through the cloth 70, the stress acting on the glass plate 2 from the rods 30 can be dispersed, and the adhesion of the marks of the rods 30 to the glass plate 2 can be suppressed.

[0065] As Figure 9 shown, each side plate 20 preferably has a through hole 22 that penetrates each side plate 20 in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the rod 30. The through holes 22 can be, for example, Figure 9 dispersedly arranged in multiple numbers as shown, or can be arranged as a larger hole in one place. This can lighten each side plate 20 and increase the specific stiffness (elastic modulus / density) of each side plate 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sagging of each side plate 20 due to gravity.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 10, a first modification example of the arranging member 40 will be described. Hereinafter, mainly the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described. Each arranging plate 41 of this modification example is not provided below the rod 30, but above the rod 30, and has a concave portion 42 on the lower surface of each arranging plate 41. Each concave portion 42 preferably has a pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b when viewed from the axial direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the rod 30. The pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b define the moving range of the rod 30 in the arranging direction of the rods 30.

[0067] Since each arranging plate 41 of this modification example is not provided below the rod 30, but above the rod 30, it can also serve as the restricting member 50 of the above-described embodiment. Only when each rod 30 floats from the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20, the rod 30 comes into contact with the pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b at the same time. A certain gap is formed between the lower surface of each arranging plate 41 and the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20. The side plate 20 and the arranging plate 41 are fixed by, for example, a connecting plate 61 and bolts 62 to form a certain gap.

[0068] When viewed from the axial direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the rod 30, each concave portion 42 can be formed, for example, in an inverted V shape. The inverted V shape is easy to process. In addition, when viewed from the axial direction of the rod 30, each concave portion 42 can also be formed, for example, in an inverted U shape. In either case, the pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b can define the moving range of the rod 30 in the arranging direction of the rods 30. The rod 30 can move in the arranging direction of the rods 30 while being in contact with the upper surfaces 21 of the pair of side plates 20.

[0069] Next, with reference to Figure 11 , a second modification example of the arranging member 40 will be described. Hereinafter, mainly the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described. The concave portion 42 of this modification example is not provided on the upper surface of each arranging plate 41, but is provided to penetrate each arranging plate 41 in the axial direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the rod 30. The concave portion 42 is a through hole. When viewed from the axial direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the rod 30, each concave portion 42 is preferably a long hole that is long in the vertical direction. The concave portion 42 preferably has a pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b when viewed from the axial direction of the rod 30. The pair of flat surfaces 42a, 42b define the moving range of the rod 30 in the arranging direction of the rods 30. In addition, for example, the concave portion 42 can also be a recess that restricts the movement of the rod in the Y-axis direction.

[0070] Since the concave portion 42 of this modification is not provided on the upper surface of each arrangement plate 41, but is provided to penetrate each arrangement plate 41 along the axial direction of the rod 30 (for example, the Y-axis direction), it can also serve as the limiting member 50 of the above-described embodiment. Only when each rod 30 floats from the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20, the upper end of the rod 30 contacts the concave portion 42. In addition, the upper surface of the side plate 20 supports the rod 30 so that the rod 30 does not contact the lower end of the concave portion 42. The rod 30 can move in the arrangement direction of the rod 30 while being in contact with the upper surfaces 21 of the pair of side plates 20.

[0071] Although not shown, the two ends of the rod 30 are preferably thinner than the center of the rod 30 in the same manner as in the third modification example described later (refer to Figure 12 ). Since the tapered portion is inserted into the concave portion 42, the concave portion 42 can be reduced. In addition, in the above-described embodiment and the first modification example, the two ends of the rod 30 may also be thinner than the center of the rod 30, and the tapered portion may also be inserted into the concave portion 42.

[0072] Next, refer to Figure 12 to describe the third modification example of the arrangement member 40. Hereinafter, mainly the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described. The arrangement member 40 of this modification has a block 43 for inserting the rod 30 for each rod 30. Each block 43 has a concave portion 44, and the concave portion 44 is provided to penetrate the block 43 along the axial direction of the rod 30 (for example, the Y-axis direction). The concave portion 44 is a through hole. The two ends of the rod 30 are thinner than the center of the rod 30, and the tapered portion is inserted into the concave portion 44.

[0073] The concave portion 44 is the same as the concave portion 42 shown in Figure 11 , and is preferably a long hole that is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the axial direction of the rod 30 (for example, the Y-axis direction). The concave portion 44 preferably has a pair of flat surfaces 44a, 44b when viewed from the axial direction of the rod 30. The pair of flat surfaces 44a, 44b define the movement range of the rod 30 in the arrangement direction of the rod 30.

[0074] Since the concave portion 44 is provided to penetrate along the axial direction of the rod 30 (for example, the Y-axis direction), it can also serve as the limiting member 50 of the above-described embodiment in the same manner as the concave portion 42 shown in Figure 11 . Only when each rod 30 floats from the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20, the upper end of the rod 30 contacts the concave portion 44. In addition, the upper surface 21 of the side plate 20 supports the rod 30 so that the rod 30 does not contact the lower end of the concave portion 44. The rod 30 can move in the arrangement direction of the rod 30 while being in contact with the upper surfaces 21 of the pair of side plates 20.

[0075] Next, refer to Figure 13, a fourth modification example of the arranging member 40 will be described. Hereinafter, mainly the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described. The arranging member 40 of this modification example has protrusions 45 on the inner side surfaces of the respective arranging plates 41. The protrusions 45 are provided for each rod 30 and are inserted into through-holes 31 that penetrate the rod 30 in the vertical direction. The protrusions 45 define the range of movement of the rod 30 in the arrangement direction of the rods 30. The rod 30 can move in the arrangement direction of the rods 30 while being in contact with the upper surfaces 21 of the pair of side plates 20.

[0076] When viewed from above, the protrusions 45 are formed smaller than the through-holes 31. The shapes of the protrusions 45 and the through-holes 31 when viewed from above are, for example, rectangular. In addition, the shapes of the protrusions 45 and the through-holes 31 when viewed from above are not limited to rectangular, and may be, for example, semicircular or triangular. As long as the rod 30 can move in the arrangement direction of the rods 30 while being in contact with the upper surfaces 21 of the pair of side plates 20.

[0077] Next, with reference to Figure 14 , a fifth modification example of the arranging member 40 will be described. Hereinafter, mainly the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described. The arranging member 40 of this modification example has protrusions 46 protruding from the upper surfaces 21 of the respective side plates 20. The protrusions 46 are provided for each rod 30 and are inserted into through-holes 32 that penetrate the rod 30 in the vertical direction. The protrusions 46 define the range of movement of the rod 30 in the arrangement direction of the rods 30. The rod 30 can move in the arrangement direction of the rods 30 while being in contact with the upper surfaces 21 of the pair of side plates 20.

[0078] Next, with reference to Figure 15 , a sixth modification example of the arranging member 40 will be described. Hereinafter, mainly the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described. The arranging member 40 of this modification example has a wire 47 that connects a plurality of rods 30 at intervals. The wire 47 is made of, for example, a wire or a heat-resistant fiber. The wire 47, for example, penetrates and connects a plurality of rods 30 in the arrangement direction, and a member for preventing the rods 30 from contacting each other is provided between the plurality of rods 30. Each rod 30 can move in the arrangement direction of the rods 30 while being in contact with the upper surfaces 21 of the pair of side plates 20.

[0079] Regarding the above-described embodiment and the like, the following modes are disclosed.

[0080] [Mode 1]

[0081] A molding device that molds a glass plate including a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface into a shape including curved surfaces on the first main surface and the second main surface,

[0082] There is a lower mold that supports the glass plate from below with the first main surface of the glass plate facing downward.

[0083] The lower mold has: a pair of side plates having the same or similar shape as the formed glass plate on the upper surface; a plurality of rods mounted on the pair of side plates; and an arranging member that arranges the plurality of rods at intervals.

[0084] Each of the rods can move along the arrangement direction of the rods in a state of being in contact with the upper surfaces of the pair of side plates.

[0085] The arranging member defines the moving range of the rods in the arrangement direction so that the plurality of rods do not contact each other.

[0086] [Mode 2]

[0087] According to the forming device described in Mode 1,

[0088] The arranging member has a pair of arranging plates disposed opposite to the pair of side plates.

[0089] Each of the arranging plates has a recess for inserting each of the rods.

[0090] Each of the recesses defines the moving range of the rod in the arrangement direction.

[0091] [Mode 3]

[0092] According to the forming device described in Mode 2,

[0093] Each of the arranging plates is provided below the rod and has the recess on the upper surface of each of the arranging plates.

[0094] [Mode 4]

[0095] According to the forming device described in Mode 3,

[0096] When observed from the axial direction of each of the rods, each of the recesses is formed in a V shape or a U shape.

[0097] [Mode 5]

[0098] According to the forming device described in any one of Modes 2 to 4,

[0099] When observed from the axial direction of the rod, each of the recesses has a pair of planes, and the pair of planes define the moving range of the rod in the arrangement direction.

[0100] [Mode 6]

[0101] According to the forming device described in any one of Modes 1 to 5,

[0102] Each of the above-mentioned rods is a round rod with a circumferential surface as the outer peripheral surface.

[0103] [Method 7]

[0104] According to the molding device described in any one of Methods 1 to 6,

[0105] Each of the above-mentioned rods is tubular.

[0106] [Method 8]

[0107] According to the molding device described in any one of Methods 1 to 7,

[0108] When viewed from above, the length of each of the above-mentioned rods is 100 mm or more, the width when viewed from above is 2 mm to 19 mm, and the thickness when viewed from the axial direction of the rod is 3 times or less the width.

[0109] [Method 9]

[0110] According to the molding device described in any one of Methods 1 to 8,

[0111] The pitch of the above-mentioned rods in the above-mentioned arrangement direction is 2 mm to 19 mm.

[0112] [Method 10]

[0113] According to the molding device described in any one of Methods 1 to 9,

[0114] Each of the above-mentioned side plates has a through-hole that penetrates each of the above-mentioned side plates along the axial direction of the rod.

[0115] [Method 11]

[0116] According to the molding device described in any one of Methods 1 to 10,

[0117] Each of the above-mentioned side plates is vertically erected, and the width when viewed from above is 2 mm to 10 mm.

[0118] [Method 12]

[0119] According to the molding device described in any one of Methods 1 to 11,

[0120] The upper surface of each of the above-mentioned side plates has a portion where the radius of curvature continuously changes along the above-mentioned arrangement direction.

[0121] [Method 13]

[0122] According to the molding device described in any one of Methods 1 to 12,

[0123] The minimum radius of curvature of the upper surface of each of the above-mentioned side plates is 7 mm or more.

[0124] [Method 14]

[0125] The molding device according to any one of Modes 1 to 13

[0126] The lower mold has a restricting member above the plurality of rods that restricts the plurality of rods from floating up from the upper surface of the side plate.

[0127] [Mode 15]

[0128] The molding device according to any one of Modes 1 to 14

[0129] A gap of 0.5 mm or more is formed between the lower surface of the restricting member and the rod.

[0130] [Mode 16]

[0131] The molding device according to any one of Modes 1 to 15

[0132] A cloth made of stainless steel fibers or ceramic fibers is provided between the plurality of rods and the glass plate.

[0133] [Mode 17]

[0134] A molding method

[0135] Using the molding device according to any one of Modes 1 to 16, the glass plate is molded into a shape including curved surfaces on the first main surface and the second main surface.

[0136] As described above, although the molding device and the molding method related to the present disclosure have been described, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like. Various changes, corrections, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations can be made within the scope described in the claims. They naturally also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0137] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-218947 filed on December 26, 2023, and its content is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A molding device for molding a glass plate including a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface into a shape including curved surfaces on the first main surface and the second main surface, wherein: A lower mold is provided for supporting the glass plate from below with the first main surface of the glass plate facing downward, The lower mold comprises: a pair of side plates, the upper surfaces of which have the same or similar shape as the glass plate after forming; a plurality of rods mounted on the pair of side plates; and an arranging member for arranging the plurality of rods at intervals. Each of the rods is movable along the arrangement direction of the rods in a state of contacting the upper surfaces of the pair of side plates. The arranging member defines a movement range of the rods in the arranging direction so that the plurality of rods do not contact each other.

2. The molding device according to claim 1, wherein: The arranging member includes a pair of arranging plates arranged to face the pair of side plates. Each of the arrangement plates has a recess for inserting the rod for each of the rods. Each of the recesses defines a movement range of the rod in the arrangement direction.

3. The molding device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the arrangement plates is disposed below the rod, and has the recessed portion on an upper surface of each of the arrangement plates.

4. The molding device according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the recessed portions is formed in a V-shape or a U-shape when viewed from the axial direction of each of the rods.

5. The molding device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: Each of the recessed portions has a pair of flat surfaces when viewed in the axial direction of the rod, and the pair of flat surfaces defines a movement range of the rod in the arrangement direction.

6. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each of the rods is a round rod with a circular outer surface.

7. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each of the rods is tubular.

8. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each of the rods has a length of 100 mm or more when viewed from above, a width of 2 mm to 19 mm when viewed from above, and a thickness of 3 times or less of the width when viewed from the axial direction of the rod.

9. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The spacing between the rods in the arrangement direction is 2 mm to 19 mm.

10. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each of the side plates has a through hole that penetrates the side plates in the axial direction of the rod.

11. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each of the side plates is vertically arranged, and has a width of 2 mm to 10 mm when viewed from above.

12. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The upper surface of each of the side plates has a portion whose radius of curvature continuously changes along the arrangement direction.

13. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The minimum curvature radius of the upper surface of each of the side panels is greater than 7 mm.

14. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The lower mold has a restriction member above the plurality of rods for restricting the plurality of rods from floating from the upper surface of the side plate.

15. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A gap of 0.5 mm or more is formed between the lower surface of the restricting member and the rod.

16. The molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A cloth made of stainless steel fiber or ceramic fiber is provided between the plurality of the rods and the glass plate.

17. A molding method, wherein: Using the molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the glass sheet is molded into a shape including curved surfaces on the first main surface and the second main surface.

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