Glass plate manufacturing method and manufacturing device

Abstract

The invention provides a glass plate manufacturing method and a manufacturing device, which can suppress deterioration of the yield of glass plates without causing unqualified glass plates to flow out to a subsequent process by mistake even if a defect occurs in a variety selection device. The variety selection step includes: a first variety selection step in which first variety information is generated by a first variety selection device on the basis of first defect information transmitted from an inspection device; and a second type selection step in which second type information is generated by a second type selection device on the basis of second defect information transmitted from the inspection device. In the conveyance step, the conveyance controller controls the conveyance device so as to convey the glass plate to a position corresponding to the first type information when the first type information can be acquired. When the first type information cannot be acquired, the conveying device is controlled to convey the glass plate to a position corresponding to the second type information.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The manufacturing process of glass plates includes, for example, an inspection process, a variety selection process, and a handling process (see, for example, Patent Documents 1-3).

[0003] In the inspection process, an inspection device is used to check for defects in the glass plate and generate defect information.

[0004] In the product selection process, a product selection device uses defect information to select the type of glass plate from a specified product group, generating product information. The product information includes both qualified and unqualified products. Furthermore, qualified products are sometimes classified into multiple varieties based on the quality of the glass plate.

[0005] In the handling process, the handling device moves the glass plate to the position corresponding to the product information.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 090627

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-44063

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-112411 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] However, if the product selection device is a single unit, it may fail to select the correct type of glass plate if the device malfunctions. Consequently, the transport device cannot move the glass plate to the location corresponding to the product information. Therefore, to prevent defective products from being mistakenly sent to subsequent processes, it is considered to discard all glass plates whose product information cannot be obtained due to the malfunction of the product selection device. However, even with such complete discarding, glass plates that should be classified as acceptable if the product selection device is functioning correctly may also be included in the discarded products, leading to a significant deterioration in the yield rate of glass plates.

[0013] The objective of this invention is to suppress the deterioration of the glass sheet yield rate even when the product selection device malfunctions, preventing defective glass sheets from being mistakenly sent to subsequent processes.

[0014] Solution for solving the problem

[0015] (1) The present invention, made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a method for manufacturing a glass plate, comprising: an inspection step, wherein an inspection device is used to inspect the defects of the glass plate and generate defect information; a variety selection step, wherein a variety selection device is used to select a variety of glass plate from a specified variety group; and a handling step, wherein a handling device is used to control a handling device for handling the glass plate, wherein the glass plate manufacturing method is characterized in that the variety group includes a first variety group and a second variety group different from the first variety group, the defect information includes first defect information and second defect information with less information than the first defect information, the variety selection device includes a first variety selection device and a second variety selection device with a lower processing capacity than the first variety selection device, and the variety selection process... The sequence includes: a first product selection step, which generates first product information indicating the type of glass plate to be selected from the first product group based on first defect information sent from the inspection device to the first product selection device; and a second product selection step, which generates second product information indicating the type of glass plate to be selected from the second product group based on second defect information sent from the inspection device to the second product selection device. In the transport step, the transport controller controls the transport device to transport the glass plate to the position corresponding to the first product information when the first product information can be obtained, and controls the transport device to transport the glass plate to the position corresponding to the second product information when the first product information cannot be obtained.

[0016] In this way, the product selection device has a backup second product selection device in addition to the main first product selection device. Therefore, under normal circumstances where the first product selection device does not malfunction, the glass plate can be transported to the position corresponding to the product while simultaneously using the first product information generated by the first product selection device to accurately select the product type. On the other hand, if the first product selection device malfunctions, the glass plate can be transported to the position corresponding to the product while simultaneously using the second product information generated by the second product selection device to easily select the product type. Therefore, it is possible to prevent defective glass plates from being mistakenly sent to subsequent processes or to prevent the glass plate yield from deteriorating to a necessary level. Here, the second product selection device is a simplified product selection device with a lower processing capacity than the first product selection device, so even if a second product selection device is set up in addition to the first product selection device, it will not result in a significant increase in equipment costs.

[0017] (2) In the structure of (1) above, it is preferred that the first product selection device is a personal computer and the second product selection device is a PLC.

[0018] While PLCs have lower processing power than personal computers, they are less prone to malfunctions and operate more stably. Therefore, if the first product selection device is a personal computer and the second product selection device is a PLC, high-precision product selection of glass plates based on a personal computer can be performed under normal circumstances, while simplified product selection of glass plates based on a PLC can be performed under abnormal circumstances.

[0019] (3) In the structure of (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that the transport controller determines that it is unable to obtain the first variety information if the first variety information has not been obtained within a specified time since the beginning of the acquisition of the first variety information.

[0020] In this way, it is possible to easily and reliably determine whether or not the first type of information has been obtained. Therefore, even in the case of continuous glass sheet production, the type of glass sheet can be selected and the glass sheet can be moved to the position corresponding to that type without delay using the first type of information or the second type of information.

[0021] (4) In any of the structures (1) to (3) above, it is preferred that the first defect information includes the location information of the defects included in the glass plate, and the second defect information does not include the location information of the defects included in the glass plate.

[0022] In this way, the first type selection device can perform high-precision selection of glass plates based on first defect information including defect location information. On the other hand, the second type selection device can perform simpler selection of glass plates based on second defect information that does not include defect location information. Specifically, if defect location information exists, for example, type selection can be performed considering cutting patterns that avoid defects, or type selection considering whether there are areas of concentrated defects over a range of past sheets, but these all require complex processing. Therefore, it is preferable to include defect location information only in the first defect information sent to the first type selection device capable of performing complex processing.

[0023] (5) In the structure of (4) above, preferably, the first defect information is the type, size, number and location of defects included in the glass plate, and the second defect information is the type, size and number of defects included in the glass plate.

[0024] In this way, the type, size, and quantity of defects are considered as common information in both the first and second variety selection devices. Therefore, not only is the selection accuracy based on the first variety selection device improved, but the selection accuracy based on the second variety selection device is also improved.

[0025] (6) In any of the structures (1) to (5) above, it is preferred that the communication mechanism between the inspection device and the first variety selection device is independent of the communication mechanism between the inspection device and the second variety selection device.

[0026] In this way, regardless of whether a malfunction occurs in the communication mechanism between the inspection device and the first product selection device, or between the inspection device and the second product selection device, the other communication mechanism can be used to send the first or second defect information. As a result, the selection of the glass plate type and the transport of the glass plate to the position corresponding to that type can continue.

[0027] (7) In any of the structures (1) to (6) above, it is preferred that the communication mechanism between the first product selection device and the transport controller is independent of the communication mechanism between the second product selection device and the transport controller.

[0028] In this way, regardless of whether the communication mechanism between the first product selection device and the transport controller, or the communication mechanism between the second product selection device and the transport controller, malfunctions, the other communication mechanism can be used to send the first or second product selection information. As a result, the selection of the glass plate type and the transport of the glass plate to the position corresponding to that type can continue.

[0029] (8) In any of the structures (1) to (7) above, it is preferred that the second variety selection device sends the second variety information to the transport controller regardless of whether the transport controller has obtained the first variety information.

[0030] In this way, the prepared second-product selection device can be used with simple control.

[0031] (9) In any of the structures (1) to (8) above, it is preferred to further include a server for recording first variety information, and the transport controller obtains the first variety information from the server.

[0032] In this way, even if the selection of the variety and the timing of the transport by the transport device are out of sync, the transport controller can easily obtain the first variety information at the required time.

[0033] (10) In any of the structures (1) to (9) above, it is preferred that the conveying device includes a loading device for loading glass plates on a plurality of trays for loading glass plates.

[0034] By loading glass sheets onto a pallet in this way, the glass sheets can be stored or transported in a stable condition.

[0035] (11) In the structure of (10) above, preferably, the first variety group includes variety A, which has the highest quality in the first variety group, and variety B, which has a different quality from variety A; the second variety group includes variety α, which has the highest quality in the second variety group, and variety β, which has a different quality from variety α; the multiple trays include a first tray and a second tray, which is different from the first tray; the loading device loads the glass plate representing variety A with the first variety information and the glass plate representing variety α with the second variety information onto the first tray, and loads the glass plate representing variety B with the first variety information and the glass plate representing variety β with the second variety information onto the second tray.

[0036] By loading glass plates in a cluster on trays corresponding to the product type, changes in processing and handling conditions can be minimized when processing and handling are carried out in subsequent processes that correspond to the product type.

[0037] (12) In any of the structures (1) to (11) above, it is preferred that the glass plate is set as an uninspected item or a waste item when the transport controller cannot obtain the first variety information and the second variety information.

[0038] In this way, it is possible to distinguish between glass plates that correctly reflect the selection results of the varieties selected by the first or second variety selection device and glass plates that do not correctly reflect the selection results of the varieties selected by the first or second variety selection device (uninspected items or waste items). Furthermore, by re-inspecting uninspected items and discarding waste items, it is possible to more reliably prevent defective products from flowing into subsequent processes.

[0039] (13) The present invention, made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a glass plate manufacturing apparatus comprising: an inspection device that inspects defects in the glass plate and generates defect information; a variety selection device that selects a variety of glass plate from a predetermined variety group; a conveying device that conveys the glass plate; and a conveying controller that controls the conveying device. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that the variety group includes a first variety group and a second variety group different from the first variety group; the defect information includes first defect information and second defect information with less information than the first defect information; and the variety selection device includes a first variety selection device and a second variety selection device with a lower processing capacity than the first variety selection device. The first product selection device generates first product information indicating the type of glass plate to be selected from the first product group based on first defect information sent from the inspection device. The second product selection device generates second product information indicating the type of glass plate to be selected from the second product group based on second defect information sent from the inspection device. The transport controller controls the transport device to move the glass plate to the position corresponding to the first product information when the first product information can be obtained, and controls the transport device to move the glass plate to the position corresponding to the second product information when the first product information cannot be obtained.

[0040] In this way, it can enjoy the same effect as the corresponding structure mentioned above.

[0041] Invention Effects

[0042] According to the present invention, even if the product selection device malfunctions, the deterioration of the glass plate yield can be suppressed without causing defective glass plates to be mistakenly sent to subsequent processes. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the rating device included in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the rating process included in the manufacturing method of the glass plate according to this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the periphery of the conveying device included in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0048] 1. Rating device

[0049] 2. Inspection device

[0050] 3. First Variety Selection Device

[0051] 4. Second Variety Selection Device

[0052] 5 servers

[0053] 6. Handling controller

[0054] 7. Handling device

[0055] 7a First conveying device

[0056] 7b Second conveying device (loading device)

[0057] a~e communication agencies

[0058] G Second glass plate

[0059] P1 First tray

[0060] P2 Second tray

[0061] P3 Third tray

[0062] S21 Inspection Procedure

[0063] S22 First Variety Selection Process

[0064] S23 Second Variety Selection Process

[0065] S24 Handling process. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the glass plate manufacturing method of this embodiment is generally divided into process S1, which is performed in a forming plant, and process S2, which is performed in a processing plant.

[0068] Process S1 performed in the forming plant includes forming process S3, annealing process S4, first cutting process S5, second cutting process S6, and rating process S7. Process S1 performed in the forming plant may also include a cleaning process.

[0069] Forming process S3 is a process in which long strips of glass are continuously formed from molten glass using a pull-down method. Examples of pull-down methods include overflow pull-down, slit pull-down, and re-pull-down. It should be noted that the forming method is not particularly limited, and float glass or similar methods can also be used.

[0070] Annealing process S4 is a process in which the glass ribbon is annealed to a temperature below the strain point in order to reduce the strain of the glass ribbon.

[0071] The first cutting step S5 is a process of cutting the glass strip along the width direction orthogonal to the length direction to obtain a first glass plate with a rectangular shape. The second cutting step S6 is a process of cutting both ends (including the relatively thicker ear portions) of the first glass plate along the width direction to obtain a second glass plate with a rectangular shape. As the cutting method in the first cutting step S5 and the second cutting step S6, cutting based on bending stress can be used, for example. As a cutting based on bending stress, for example, a method can be used where, after forming scribe lines on the glass surface with a tool, bending stress is applied to the periphery of the scribe lines, thereby cutting the glass plate along the scribe lines. It should be noted that the cutting method is not particularly limited; for example, cutting based on thermal stress using a laser or the like can also be used.

[0072] The grading process S7 includes selecting the type of the second glass plate and sequentially loading the second glass plate onto the tray corresponding to the type. Details regarding grading process S7 will be provided later.

[0073] When the result of grading process S7 is that a specified number of second glass sheets are loaded onto a pallet, the bundling of the second glass sheets is completed (process S8). The bundle of second glass sheets is then transported from the forming plant to the processing plant (bundle transport process S9). It should be noted that the bundle of second glass sheets may sometimes be temporarily stored in the forming plant before being transported to the processing plant.

[0074] The process S2 performed in the processing plant includes unbundling process S10, third cutting process S11, end face grinding process S12, cleaning process S13, final inspection process S14, product bundling process S15, and waste disposal process S16.

[0075] The unbundling process S10 is the process of unbundling the bundle of the second glass plate and taking out the second glass plate.

[0076] The third cutting process S11 is a process in which the second glass plate is cut using a cutting pattern corresponding to the product type to obtain a third glass plate with a rectangular shape of the product size. The cutting method in the third cutting process S11 can be, for example, cutting using bending stress or cutting using thermal stress.

[0077] The end face grinding process S12 is a process of grinding the end face of the third glass plate using a grinding stone or the like.

[0078] Cleaning process S13 is a process of cleaning the third glass plate using a cleaning tray or the like.

[0079] The final inspection step S14 is a process that checks whether the third glass plate does not contain defects that would make it a non-conforming product. In the final inspection step S14, for example, defects in the third glass plate are checked by projecting light onto the third glass plate and receiving the light from the third glass plate using a camera or the like.

[0080] Product packaging process S15 is a process of packaging the third glass plate, which has passed the final inspection process S14, into product glass plates. Product glass plates manufactured through this process are used as glass substrates in display devices such as liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays, and are also called display glass substrates. Additionally, product glass plates can also be used as cover glass for display devices.

[0081] The scrapping process S16 is the process that will scrap the third glass plate that will be deemed unqualified in the final inspection process S14.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, in the rating process S7, the rating device 1 is included in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus. The rating device 1 includes an inspection device 2, a first product selection device 3, a second product selection device 4, a server 5, a transport controller 6, and a transport device 7.

[0083] The inspection device 2 includes a detection unit 21 and a communication unit 22.

[0084] The first product selection device 3 includes an arithmetic unit 31 and a communication unit 32. It should be noted that the first product selection device 3 may also include a display unit for displaying the operator's operation screen, etc.

[0085] The second product selection device 4 includes an arithmetic unit 41 and a communication unit 42.

[0086] The first product selection device 3 has a relatively high processing power, while the second product selection device 4 has a relatively low processing power. As an example of the second product selection device 4 having a lower processing power than the first product selection device 3, the following examples can be given: (1) The second product selection device 4 may have fewer arithmetic units than the first product selection device 3. (2) The number of operations per unit time performed by the arithmetic units of the second product selection device 4 may be less than the number of operations per unit time performed by the arithmetic units of the first product selection device 3. (3) The memory capacity of the second product selection device 4 may be smaller than the memory capacity of the first product selection device 3. (4) The read and write speeds of the memory in the second product selection device 4 may be slower than the read and write speeds of the memory in the first product selection device 3.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first product selection device 3 is composed of a personal computer, and the second product selection device 4 is composed of a PLC. While a PLC cannot perform complex calculations like a personal computer, it is less prone to malfunctions and operates stably. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second product selection device 4, composed of a PLC, is built into the inspection device 2. Alternatively, the second product selection device 4 composed of a PLC can be located externally to the inspection device 2.

[0088] Server 5 includes a storage unit 51 and a communication unit 52.

[0089] The transport controller 6 includes a control unit 61 and a communication unit 62. The transport controller 6 is, for example, composed of a PLC. It should be noted that the transport controller 6 may also include a display unit for displaying the operator's operation screen, etc.

[0090] The conveying device 7 includes a drive unit 71. It should be noted that the conveying controller 6 can be either built into the conveying device 7 or located outside the conveying device 7.

[0091] The inspection unit 21 of the inspection device 2 inspects the second glass plate for defects and generates defect information. Specifically, the inspection unit 21 inspects the second glass plate for defects, for example, by projecting light onto the second glass plate and receiving the light from the second glass plate using a camera or the like. Based on the inspection results, the inspection unit 21 generates first defect information and second defect information, which contains less information than the first defect information. The first defect information includes the type of defect (e.g., bubbles, foreign matter, damage, etc.), size, quantity, and location (coordinates). The second defect information includes the type, size, and quantity of defects, but does not include the location of the defects.

[0092] The communication unit 22 of the inspection device 2 sends first defect information to the communication unit 32 of the first product selection device 3, and sends second defect information to the communication unit 42 of the second product selection device 4. At this time, the first defect information and the second defect information are sent together with the identification information of the second glass plate. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second product selection device 4 is built into the inspection device 2, therefore the communication mechanism b between the communication unit 22 of the inspection device 2 and the communication unit 42 of the second product selection device 4 is very stable. The communication mechanism a between the communication unit 22 of the inspection device 2 and the communication unit 32 of the first product selection device 3 can be either wired or wireless. The communication mechanism b between the communication unit 22 of the inspection device 2 and the communication unit 42 of the second product selection device 4 can be either wired or wireless.

[0093] The calculation unit 31 of the first variety selection device 3 generates first variety information based on the first defect information received from the inspection device 2, indicating the variety of the second glass plate that should be selected from the specified first variety group. The first defect information includes the location information of the defect, so the calculation unit 31 of the first variety selection device 3 selects the variety, for example, by considering the cutting pattern of the glass plate that avoids the defect, or by considering whether there is a region of concentrated defects within the range of the past multiple second glass plates.

[0094] The communication unit 32 of the first variety selection device 3 sends the first variety information to the communication unit 52 of the server 5. At this time, the first variety information is sent together with the identification information of the second glass plate. It should be noted that the communication mechanism c between the communication unit 32 of the first variety selection device 3 and the communication unit 52 of the server 5 can be either wired or wireless.

[0095] The storage unit 51 of server 5 stores the first variety information and identification information received from the first variety selection device 3 in association.

[0096] The calculation unit 41 of the second variety selection device 4 generates second variety information based on the second defect information received from the inspection device 2, indicating the variety of the second glass plate that should be selected from a specified second variety group that is different from the first variety group.

[0097] The communication unit 62 of the transport controller 6 requests first variety information corresponding to the identification information of the matching second glass plate from the communication unit 52 of the server 5. When the first variety information is requested, the storage unit 51 of the server 5 reads the first variety information corresponding to the identification information of the matching second glass plate. The communication unit 52 of the server 5 sends the read first variety information to the communication unit 62 of the transport controller 6. At this time, the first variety information is sent together with the identification information of the second glass plate. It should be noted that the communication mechanism d between the communication unit 52 of the server 5 and the communication unit 62 of the transport controller 6 can be either wired or wireless.

[0098] On the other hand, the communication unit 42 of the second product selection device 4 does not wait for a request from the communication unit 62 of the transport controller 6, but sequentially sends the second product information to the communication unit 62 of the transport controller 6. That is, whenever the calculation unit 41 of the second product selection device 4 generates the second product information, the communication unit 42 of the second product selection device 4 sends the second product information to the communication unit 62 of the transport controller 6. At this time, the second product information is sent together with the identification information of the second glass plate. It should be noted that the communication mechanism e between the communication unit 42 of the second product selection device 4 and the communication unit 62 of the transport controller 6 can be either wired or wireless.

[0099] Here, each communication mechanism a to e is preferably independent of the others. This increases the likelihood that even if some of the communication mechanisms a to e malfunction, various types of information (first defect information, second defect information, first variety information, second variety information, etc.) can be transmitted using the communication mechanisms that are not malfunctioning. It should be noted that at least a portion of each of the communication mechanisms a to e can also be composed of a common communication mechanism.

[0100] When the control unit 61 of the transport controller 6 can obtain the first product information, it controls the drive unit 71 of the transport device 7 to transport the second glass plate to the position corresponding to the first product information. On the other hand, when the control unit 61 of the transport controller 6 cannot obtain the first product information, it controls the drive unit 71 of the transport device 7 to transport the second glass plate to the position corresponding to the second product information.

[0101] like Figure 3 As shown, the rating process S7 includes inspection process S21, first variety selection process S22, second variety selection process S23, and handling process S24. It should be noted that... Figure 3 In the flowchart shown, the first variety selection process S22 is performed after the second variety selection process S23, but the first variety selection process S22 can also be performed before the second variety selection process S23, or the second variety selection process S23 and the first variety selection process S22 can be performed simultaneously.

[0102] Inspection step S21 is a process that uses inspection device 2 to inspect for defects in the second glass plate and generate defect information.

[0103] The first variety selection process S22 includes a process S22a of sending first defect information from inspection device 2 to first variety selection device 3, a process S22b of first variety selection device 3 generating first variety information based on the first defect information indicating the variety of the second glass plate that should be selected from the first variety group, and a process S22c of sending the first variety information from first variety selection device 3 to server 5.

[0104] The second variety selection process S23 includes a process S23a of sending second defect information from inspection device 2 to second variety selection device 4, a process S23b of second variety selection device 4 generating second variety information based on the second defect information indicating the variety of the second glass plate that should be selected from the second variety group, and a process S23c of sending second variety information from second variety selection device 4 to transport controller 6.

[0105] In the transport process S24, firstly, the transport controller 6 requests first product information from the server 5 (process S24a). Next, the transport controller 6 determines whether the first product information has been obtained from the server 5 within a specified time since the request was made (process S24b). If the first product information has been obtained within the specified time, the transport device 7 transports the second glass plate to the position corresponding to the first product information (process S24c). On the other hand, if the first product information has not been obtained within the specified time, the transport controller 6 determines that the first product information could not be obtained. In this case, the transport controller 6 determines whether second defect information has been obtained from the second product selection device 4 (process S24d). If the second product information has been obtained, the transport device 7 transports the second glass plate to the position corresponding to the second product information (process S24e).

[0106] It should be noted that in this embodiment, if the transport controller 6 cannot obtain the first product information and the second product information, the second glass plate is set as an uninspected product or a waste product, and the transport device 7 transports the second glass plate to the position corresponding to the product (uninspected product or waste product) (process S24f).

[0107] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the conveying device 7 includes: a first conveying device 7a, which conveys the second glass plate G to the inspection area R1 of the inspection device 2; and a second conveying device 7b, which receives the second glass plate G from the first conveying device 7a in a junction area R2 different from the inspection area R1 after inspection by the inspection device 2.

[0108] The first transport device 7a and the second transport device 7b transport the second glass plate G in a longitudinal (e.g., vertical) orientation while the second glass plate G is suspended and supported. It should be noted that the first transport device 7a and the second transport device 7b can also transport the second glass plate G in a transverse (e.g., horizontal) orientation.

[0109] The second transport device 7b is equivalent to a loading device that loads the second glass plate G longitudinally onto multiple trays P1 to P3. It should be noted that the second transport device 7b can also load the second glass plate G transversely onto multiple trays P1 to P3.

[0110] When the first variety information is available, the second transport device 7b loads the second glass plate G onto any of the trays P1 to P3 corresponding to the variety indicated by the first variety information. Similarly, when only the second variety information is available, the second transport device 7b loads the second glass plate G onto any of the trays P1 to P3 corresponding to the variety indicated by the second variety information. Protective sheets (paper lining or resin sheets) are placed between the second glass plates G loaded on trays P1 to P3, although not shown in the diagram. It should be noted that multiple second transport devices 7b may be provided. In this case, it is preferable to provide a dedicated second transport device 7b for each of the trays P1 to P3. The transfer area R2 may also be provided in multiple locations. In this case, it is preferable to provide a dedicated transfer area R2 for each of the trays P1 to P3.

[0111] Here, the following example is given: the first variety group includes variety A, which has the highest quality in the first variety group, and variety B, which has a different quality from variety A; the second variety group includes variety α, which has the highest quality in the second variety group, and variety β, which has a different quality from variety α.

[0112] The second handling device 7b, for example, loads a second glass plate G representing variety A with first variety information obtained and a second glass plate G representing variety α with second variety information obtained when first variety information cannot be obtained onto the first tray P1.

[0113] The second transport device 7b, for example, loads a second glass plate G representing variety B with first variety information obtained and a second glass plate G representing variety β with second variety information obtained when first variety information cannot be obtained onto a second tray P2.

[0114] For example, the second transport device 7b may load a second glass plate G, for which information on the first and second varieties cannot be obtained, onto the third pallet P3 as an uninspected item or a waste item. When the second glass plate G loaded onto the third pallet P3 is designated as an uninspected item, it is transported to the processing plant and subjected to prescribed processing. Even so, glass plates that do not meet the quality requirements of the product glass plates when transported to the processing plant as uninspected items are excluded in the final inspection process S14 at the processing plant, thus ensuring that the quality of the product glass plates is not reduced. On the other hand, when the second glass plate G loaded onto the third pallet P3 is designated as a waste item, it is not transported to the processing plant but is discarded at the forming plant. Waste items may also not be loaded onto the third pallet P3 but instead disposed of at a designated recycling bin located on the transport path of the transport device 7.

[0115] By loading the second glass plate G in a concentrated manner on trays P1 to P3 corresponding to the product type, changes in processing conditions and treatment conditions can be minimized when processing and treatment corresponding to the product type are carried out in subsequent processes.

[0116] It should be noted that if the obtained first variety information indicates that the quality of the variety is lower than that of variety B, the second handling device 7b may also load the second glass plate G as a waste and place it on the third pallet P3. Furthermore, if the first variety information cannot be obtained but the obtained second variety information indicates that the quality of the variety is lower than that of variety β, the second handling device 7b may also load the second glass plate G as an uninspected item or a waste and place it on the third pallet P3.

[0117] If the glass plate manufacturing method and apparatus described above are used, then, assuming no malfunction occurs in the first type selection device 3 with relatively high processing capacity, the glass plate can be precisely selected using the first type information generated by the first type selection device 3 while simultaneously being transported to the position corresponding to that type. On the other hand, even if a malfunction occurs in the first type selection device 3, the glass plate can be easily selected using the second type information generated by the second type selection device 4 with relatively low processing capacity while continuing to transport the glass plate to the position corresponding to that type. Therefore, it is possible to prevent defective glass plates from being mistakenly sent to subsequent processes or to prevent the glass plate yield from deteriorating to an unavoidable level. It should be noted that even when using the second type information for simplified type selection of glass plates, since glass plates that do not meet the quality requirements of the product glass plates are excluded in the final inspection process S14, the quality of the product glass plates will not decrease.

[0118] In addition, the second product selection device 4 is a simplified product selection device with a lower processing capacity than the first product selection device 3. Therefore, even if the second product selection device 4 is set up in addition to the first product selection device 3, it will not lead to a significant increase in equipment costs.

[0119] This invention is not limited to the structure of the embodiments described above, nor is it limited to the effects described above. Various modifications can be made to this invention without departing from its spirit.

[0120] In the above embodiments, instead of forming process S3 and annealing process S4, a pull-out process can be provided to pull out the glass strip from the glass roll formed by winding the glass strip into a roll, and the glass strip pulled out from the glass roll can be supplied to processes after the first cutting process S5.

[0121] In the above embodiment, a repeater having a control unit and a communication unit may also be provided between the server 5 and the transport controller 6. The repeater's communication unit communicates with the communication unit 52 of the server 5 and the communication unit 62 of the transport controller 6. When the repeater is requested from the transport controller 6 for first product information, it requests the first product information from the server 5. On the other hand, when the repeater obtains the first product information from the server 5, it sends the first product information to the transport controller 6. The repeater may be, for example, a PLC.

[0122] In the above embodiments, an alarm can be automatically issued if the first variety selection device 3, the second variety selection device 4, or the communication mechanisms a to e malfunction.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass plate, comprising: The inspection process involves using inspection equipment to check for defects in the glass plate and generate defect information. The process includes a variety selection step, in which a variety selection device selects the variety of glass plate from a specified variety group; and a handling step, in which a handling controller controls a handling device that handles the glass plate. The method for manufacturing the glass plate is characterized in that, The variety group includes a first variety group and a second variety group that is different from the first variety group. The defect information includes first defect information and second defect information, which contains less information than the first defect information. The variety selection device includes a first variety selection device and a second variety selection device with a lower processing capacity than the first variety selection device. The variety selection process includes: a first variety selection process, which generates first variety information indicating the variety of the glass plate that should be selected from the first variety group, based on the first defect information sent from the inspection device to the first variety selection device; And a second variety selection process, based on the second defect information sent from the inspection device to the second variety selection device, generates second variety information indicating the variety of the glass plate that should be selected from the second variety group. In the transport process, the transport controller controls the glass plate to be transported to the position corresponding to the first variety information by the transport device when the first variety information can be obtained, and controls the glass plate to be transported to the position corresponding to the second variety information by the transport device when the first variety information cannot be obtained.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1, wherein, The first product selection device is a personal computer. The second product selection device is a PLC.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the transport controller fails to acquire the first variety information within a specified time after the start of the acquisition process, it determines that it is unable to acquire the first variety information.

4. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first defect information includes the location information of the defects included in the glass plate. The second defect information does not include the location information of the defects included in the glass plate.

5. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 4, wherein, The first defect information includes the type, size, number, and location of the defects included in the glass plate. The second defect information is the type, size, and number of defects included in the glass plate.

6. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The communication mechanism between the inspection device and the first variety selection device is independent of the communication mechanism between the inspection device and the second variety selection device.

7. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The communication mechanism between the first product selection device and the transport controller is independent of the communication mechanism between the second product selection device and the transport controller.

8. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second variety selection device sends the second variety information to the transport controller regardless of whether the transport controller has obtained the first variety information.

9. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also has a server for recording information about the first variety. The transport controller obtains the first variety information from the server.

10. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conveying device includes a loading device for loading glass plates onto multiple trays used for loading the glass plates.

11. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 10, wherein, The first variety group includes variety A, which has the highest quality within the first variety group, and variety B, which has a different quality from variety A. The second variety group includes the highest quality α variety within the second variety group and β varieties with different qualities from the α variety. The plurality of trays includes a first tray and a second tray different from the first tray. The loading device loads the glass plate representing variety A (as indicated by the first variety information) and the glass plate representing variety α (as indicated by the second variety information) onto the first tray, and loads the glass plate representing variety B (as indicated by the first variety information) and the glass plate representing variety β (as indicated by the second variety information) onto the second tray.

12. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the transport controller is unable to obtain the first product information and the second product information, the glass plate will be set as an uninspected product or a waste product.

13. A glass plate manufacturing apparatus comprising: an inspection device for inspecting defects in the glass plate and generating defect information; a type selection device for selecting a type of glass plate from a predetermined type group; a conveying device for conveying the glass plate; and a conveying controller for controlling the conveying device. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that, The variety group includes a first variety group and a second variety group that is different from the first variety group. The defect information includes first defect information and second defect information, which contains less information than the first defect information. The variety selection device includes a first variety selection device and a second variety selection device with a lower processing capacity than the first variety selection device. Based on the first defect information sent from the inspection device to the first variety selection device, the first variety selection device generates first variety information indicating the variety of the glass plate that should be selected from the first variety group. The second variety selection device generates second variety information, representing the variety of the glass plate that should be selected from the second variety group, based on the second defect information sent from the inspection device to the second variety selection device. The transport controller controls the glass plate to be transported to the position corresponding to the first variety information by the transport device when the first variety information can be obtained, and controls the glass plate to be transported to the position corresponding to the second variety information by the transport device when the first variety information cannot be obtained.

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