Glass plate surface darkroom inspection system and inspection method

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of glass plate defect detection, in particular to a glass plate surface darkroom inspection system and method.The glass plate surface darkroom inspection system comprises a clamp used for clamping the upper end of a glass plate and a walking mechanism capable of driving the clamp to move vertically and driving the clamp to move between a discharging station and an inspection station in the transverse direction; the clamp comprises two clamping arms which are oppositely arranged in the transverse direction. In a clamping state, the glass plate is clamped between the two clamping arms and is parallel to the vertical direction; an interval space is formed between the two clamping arms in the transverse direction; the light source comprises an upper light source and a lower light source, and when the clamp is located at the detection station, the lower light source is located under the upper light source; the lower light source can move in the vertical direction. During detection, the upper end face and the lower end face of the glass plate are not shielded, so that the upper light source and the lower light source can perform correlation at the upper end and the lower end of the glass plate without shielding, the glass plate does not need to be moved during detection, and damage to the glass plate can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of glass plate defect detection, and in particular to a glass plate surface darkroom inspection system and inspection method. Background Technology

[0002] During the production of glass sheets, scratches are unavoidable due to production line malfunctions or other defects. When scratches occur, downstream manufacturers may experience quality issues during processes such as coating. Therefore, glass sheet manufacturers must pay close attention to scratches during production, promptly inspecting and addressing them to prevent quality problems caused by defective products.

[0003] Therefore, sampling inspection is often used in the production process to confirm whether there are any quality problems. Currently, the sampling inspection of glass plates in related technologies is carried out directly on the glass transfer trolley. That is, the glass plate is placed on the trolley, and then light is shone into the glass plate from the top and bottom ends in opposite directions to illuminate the entire glass plate. Based on this, the sampling inspectors can visually inspect the glass plate by observing the surface of the glass plate.

[0004] However, this method still has shortcomings. First, when the glass plate is placed on the trolley, the lower end of the glass plate rests on the trolley, thus blocking the lower part of the glass plate supported by the trolley. This makes it difficult for the light source at the lower end to illuminate that area, so the glass plate needs to be moved relative to the trolley to change the area of ​​the glass plate that is blocked. However, the glass plate is easily scratched during the movement of the glass plate. Second, when the glass plate is placed on the trolley, the trolley will create some visual interference on the back side of the glass plate, affecting the detection effect. Therefore, further improvements are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background art, the purpose of this application is to provide a darkroom inspection system and method for glass plate surfaces.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution.

[0007] On one hand, this application provides a darkroom inspection system for glass plate surfaces. The system is located in a darkroom, which has a material unloading station and an inspection station arranged sequentially along the transverse direction, including: A clamp for holding the upper end of a glass plate, the clamp including two clamping arms arranged laterally opposite each other, the two clamping arms being able to move laterally relative to each other to clamp and release the glass plate; in the clamped state, the glass plate is clamped between the two clamping arms and the glass plate is parallel to the vertical; a gap space is formed between the two clamping arms in the lateral direction. The traveling mechanism includes a clamp mounted on it. The traveling mechanism can drive the clamp to move vertically and can also drive the clamp to move laterally between the unloading station and the inspection station. The light source includes an upper light source and a lower light source. The upper light source is located in the spaced space to illuminate downwards, and the lower light source is located at the inspection station to illuminate upwards. When the fixture is at the inspection station, the lower light source is located directly below the upper light source in the vertical direction. The lower light source can move vertically so that when the glass plate is at the inspection station, the lower light source can move vertically upwards to abut against the lower end face of the glass plate.

[0008] As an optional implementation of this application, both the upper light source and the lower light source are linear light sources.

[0009] As an optional embodiment of this application, the length of the clamping arm in the longitudinal direction is at least greater than the length of the glass plate in the longitudinal direction; in the clamping state, the upper light source is located in the space enclosed between the two clamping arms and the upper end face of the glass plate; And / or the lower light source includes a lampshade and a light-emitting body disposed inside the lampshade that can emit light. The lampshade has a light-transmitting opening on its vertical top surface that penetrates the top surface of the lampshade and extends longitudinally. The width of the light-transmitting opening in the horizontal direction is less than the thickness of the glass plate. During detection, the top surface of the lampshade abuts against the lower end surface of the glass plate, and the light-transmitting opening is located within the range of the lower end surface of the glass plate.

[0010] As an optional embodiment of this application, the system further includes a vertically extendable drive member connected to the lower light source to drive the lower light source to move vertically.

[0011] As an optional embodiment of this application, a positioning component is provided on the ground at the unloading station for positioning the trolley for transferring glass plates. Under the positioning of the positioning component, the trolley is restricted to move laterally towards the inspection station.

[0012] As an optional embodiment of this application, the system further includes a track on the ground for guiding the trolley of the glass plate to move forward, the track extending at least partially to the unloading station, and the track restricting the trolley from moving longitudinally when the trolley travels to the unloading station.

[0013] As an optional embodiment of this application, both clamping arms are provided with flexible pads on their inner surfaces on opposite sides along the lateral direction.

[0014] As an optional embodiment of this application, the walking mechanism includes a first mechanism capable of driving the clamp to move vertically, and a second mechanism capable of driving the first mechanism and the clamp as a whole to move laterally.

[0015] On the other hand, this application provides a method for inspecting the surface of a glass plate. The inspection method is performed in a darkroom, which is equipped with an inspection station. The method includes the following steps: S1. By grabbing the upper end of the glass plate and hoisting it to the inspection station, the glass plate is placed in a vertical position at the inspection station. S2. At the inspection station, a first light beam is emitted vertically downwards directly above the upper end of the glass plate, and a second light beam is emitted vertically upwards directly below the lower end of the glass plate to illuminate the entire glass plate.

[0016] S3. Defect inspection is carried out by visual inspection of the glass plate surface or by using visual inspection equipment.

[0017] As an optional implementation of this application, in step S2, the first light ray and the second light ray are constrained to irradiate vertically.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages: The system provided in this application uses a hoisting method to erect the glass plate during inspection. Then, light is shone from both the top and bottom of the glass plate to illuminate the entire interior and surface of the glass plate, allowing for direct observation of defects such as scratches on the glass plate.

[0019] In particular, in this application, during testing, the glass plate is clamped between two clamping arms at the top and freely suspended at the bottom. This ensures that neither the upper nor lower surface of the glass plate is obstructed, allowing the two light sources to shine on each other without obstruction at the top and bottom of the glass plate. Thus, during testing, there is no need to move the glass plate, which reduces damage to the glass plate compared to the method of directly irradiating the glass plate on the sampling cart in related technologies.

[0020] In addition, in this application, the glass plate is erected by hoisting, which ensures that the two sides of the glass plate are not obstructed, thereby avoiding the problem of visual inspection effect being affected by obstructions on both sides.

[0021] Finally, it is worth noting that although the glass plate is directly clamped by a clamp in this application, the part of the glass plate near the edge is usually used as an invalid area during production. The clamp in this application clamps the invalid area on the upper part of the glass plate, so even if the area is scratched, it will not affect the quality of the entire glass plate.

[0022] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this application. Other features of this application will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of this application will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this application are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation, in which: In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0024] Figure 1 This diagram shows the structure of the present application with the fixture in the inspection station state; Figure 2 This diagram shows the structure of the present application with the fixture in the unloading position. Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of this application in the detection state is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the glass plate testing process in this application is shown; Figure 5 The front view of the carrier of the transfer trolley of this application is shown; Figure 6 The front view of the glass plate of this application is shown.

[0025] Explanation of the labels in the diagram: X, horizontal; Y, vertical; Z, longitudinal; M, glass plate; R, darkroom; R1, protrusion; R2, track; 1. Clamp; 11. Left clamping arm; 12. Right clamping arm; 13. Base; 14. Pad; 15. Spacer; 2. Traveling mechanism; 21. First mechanism; 22. Second mechanism; 221. Slide rail; 222. Slide block; 31. Upper light source; 32. Lower light source; 321. Light-emitting body; 322. Lampshade; 323. Light-transmitting opening; 4. Drive components; 5. Transfer trolley; 51. Chassis; 52. Carrier; 521. Support block; 522. Side positioning block; 53. Front wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] In related technologies, random inspection of glass plates M (especially electronic glass) is usually carried out directly on a transfer trolley 5 (sometimes called a sampling trolley). Specifically, the transfer trolley 5 typically consists of a frame 51 with rollers at the bottom and a carrier 52 mounted on the frame 51 for placing the glass plates M. The carrier 52 is usually tilted at a certain angle relative to the vertical Y direction, such as 15°. When the carrier 52 is placed, it is supported by a support block 521 at the lower end of the carrier 52, and the glass plate M leans against the surface of the carrier 52, so that the carrier 52 is tilted at 15° for transportation and random inspection. At the same time, light is simultaneously shone from the bottom and top of the glass plate M. The light from the top shines downwards onto the top surface of the glass plate M in a basically perpendicular direction along the tilt of the glass plate M, while the light from the bottom shines upwards onto the bottom surface of the glass plate M in a basically perpendicular direction along the tilt of the glass plate M. In this way, the two beams of light shine on the glass plate M at the same time, allowing the light to penetrate the glass plate M and enter its interior, thus making the glass plate M appear to be luminous. In this way, if there are defects (such as scratches) on the surface or inside the glass plate M, the visual effect of the defective area will be clearly different from the normal area, thereby achieving the purpose of inspection.

[0028] In this sampling inspection method, since a portion of the lower surface of the glass plate M rests on the support block 521 at the lower end of the carrier 52, the contact area between the lower surface of the glass plate M and the support block 521 is blocked by the support block 521, preventing light from reaching that area. Therefore, during the inspection process, the glass plate M needs to be moved to change the area blocked by the support block 521. However, the glass plate M is easily scratched during the movement. Moreover, since the glass plate M is leaning against the carrier 52 at an angle, the carrier 52 will create a certain visual interference on one side of the glass plate M. That is, the carrier 52 is like a background that affects the visual effect on one side of the glass plate M, which is not conducive to subsequent observation.

[0029] Based on this, refer to Figures 1-6 As shown, in order to solve the problem that the above-mentioned inspection method of directly inspecting on the sampling cart requires moving the glass plate M during inspection and easily causes visual interference on one side of the glass plate M, this application provides a darkroom R inspection system for the surface of the glass plate M (hereinafter referred to as this system or this application).

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the system is located in a darkroom R, and the darkroom R has a material unloading station and a detection station arranged sequentially along the transverse direction X, including: The clamp 1 is used to clamp the upper end of the glass plate M. The clamp 1 includes two clamping arms arranged opposite each other along the transverse X. The two clamping arms can move relative to each other along the transverse X to clamp and release the glass plate M. In the clamped state, the glass plate M is clamped between the two clamping arms and the glass plate M is parallel to the vertical Y. A gap space 15 is formed between the two clamping arms in the transverse X. The traveling mechanism 2, the clamp 1 is mounted on the traveling mechanism 2, the traveling mechanism 2 can drive the clamp 1 to move vertically Y, and can drive the clamp 1 to move horizontally X between the unloading station and the inspection station; The light source includes an upper light source 31 and a lower light source 32. The upper light source 31 is located in the interval space 15 to illuminate downwards, and the lower light source 32 is located at the detection station to illuminate upwards. When the fixture 1 is at the detection station, the lower light source 32 is located directly below the upper light source 31 in the vertical Y direction. The lower light source 32 can move along the vertical Y direction so that when the glass plate M is at the detection station, the lower light source 32 can move upwards along the vertical Y direction to abut against the lower end face of the glass plate M.

[0031] Example 1 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the system is located in a darkroom R, meaning the inspection process is carried out in the darkroom R. The darkroom R refers to a room or space that can block out light. For example, the darkroom R used in this application is a room where the floor and / or walls are covered with black flocked material with a light absorption rate of ≥95%, so as to reduce the interference of ambient stray light on the inspection work.

[0032] For ease of understanding, the glass plate M to which this application pertains will first be described. In this application, as... Figure 6 As shown, glass plate M is roughly rectangular in shape. The portion of glass plate M near its edges is typically used as an inactive area. For example, as shown in the figure, at least the upper part of glass plate M is an inactive area. The inactive area can be referenced... Figure 6 As shown in part M1, in this application, the portion held by the subsequent clamp 1 is the invalid area, so that even if the area is damaged, it will not affect the quality of the glass plate M.

[0033] In some embodiments, the glass plate M to be inspected can be transferred by a sampling trolley to the darkroom R for subsequent inspection. In this embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces of the glass plate M are distinguished by the state in which the glass plate M is placed on the transfer trolley 5. That is, when the glass plate M is placed on the transfer trolley 5, the end surface of the glass plate M that is at the top in the vertical Y direction is the upper surface, and the corresponding end surface that is at the bottom in the vertical Y direction is the lower surface. Normally, both the upper and lower surfaces are basically flat.

[0034] The vertical Y, horizontal X, and longitudinal Z claimed in this application can be understood as being mutually perpendicular to each other. Figure 1 Taking the perspective direction as an example, the vertical Y direction can be understood as the height direction, that is, the up and down direction; the horizontal X direction can be understood as the direction parallel to the ground, or the left and right direction; and the vertical Z direction can be understood as the front and back direction.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the darkroom R is provided with a material unloading station and an inspection station along the transverse X direction. The material unloading station can be understood as the position where the glass plate M is unloaded from the transfer trolley 5, while the inspection station can be understood as the position where the glass plate M is formally inspected.

[0036] Clamp 1 is mainly used to clamp the upper end of glass plate M, and can also be understood as clamping the ineffective area of ​​the upper end of glass plate M, such as... Figure 6 As shown in section M1.

[0037] like Figure 3 The structure of a clamp 1 is shown. The clamp 1 includes two clamping arms (i.e., left clamping arm 11 and right clamping arm 12) arranged opposite each other along the transverse X. In some embodiments, both clamping arms are long strip-shaped structures that extend along the longitudinal Z. The sides of the two clamping arms on opposite sides in the transverse X are vertical planes. In the clamping state, the invalid area at the upper end of the glass plate M in the transverse X is located between the two clamping arms, and the invalid area of ​​the glass plate M is held by the two clamping arms.

[0038] The two clamping arms can move relative to each other along the transverse direction X to clamp and release the glass plate M. Here, release can be understood as releasing the clamping of the glass plate M.

[0039] The two clamping arms can move laterally relative to each other in the X direction, which mainly includes the following situations. For ease of explanation, in this embodiment, the clamping arm on the left is referred to as the left clamping arm 11, and the one on the right is referred to as the right clamping arm 12.

[0040] Scenario 1: When clamping, the left clamping arm 11 remains stationary, while the right clamping arm 12 can move closer to or further away from the left clamping arm 11 along the horizontal X direction. In this case, the left clamping arm 11 is equivalent to a fixed clamping arm, and the right clamping arm 12 is a movable clamping arm. The clamping and releasing actions are achieved by moving the right clamping arm 12.

[0041] Scenario 2: In contrast to Scenario 1, when clamping, the left clamping arm 11 can move laterally X as a movable clamping arm, while the right clamping arm 12 remains stationary as a fixed clamping arm. The clamping and releasing actions are achieved by relying on the lateral X movement of the left clamping arm 11.

[0042] Scenario 3: During clamping, both clamping arms can move, that is, both the left clamping arm 11 and the right clamping arm 12 can move along the lateral X, thus achieving the clamping and release of the glass plate M.

[0043] Taking the aforementioned scenario one as an example, a specific clamp 1 is provided, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the clamp 1 also includes a base 13, the left clamping arm 11 is fixed on the base 13, and the right clamping arm 12 is slidably mounted on the base 13 along the transverse X direction. The base 13 or the left clamp 1 is equipped with a cylinder or other linear module (such as a lead screw module) that pushes the right clamping arm 12 to move laterally X direction.

[0044] In the clamped state, the glass plate M is clamped between the two clamping arms and is parallel to the vertical direction Y, while the surface of the glass plate M is perpendicular to the horizontal direction X. At this time, the entire glass plate M is essentially suspended vertically in the darkroom R by the clamp 1.

[0045] In addition, there is a gap space 15 between the two clamping arms in the horizontal X direction, which mainly serves as the installation space for the upper light source 31.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the traveling mechanism 2 is shown. The traveling mechanism 2 is mainly used to drive the clamp 1 to move along the horizontal X and vertical Y directions. Specifically: The clamp 1 is mounted on the traveling mechanism 2. On the one hand, the traveling mechanism 2 drives the clamp 1 to move vertically in the Y direction. On the other hand, the traveling mechanism 2 drives the clamp 1 to move horizontally in the X direction between the unloading station and the inspection station.

[0047] In some embodiments, the walking mechanism 2 includes a first mechanism 21 capable of driving the clamp 1 to move vertically in the Y direction, and a second mechanism 22 capable of driving the first mechanism 21 and the clamp 1 to move horizontally in the X direction as a whole; wherein the first mechanism 21 and / or the second mechanism 22 can both adopt some linear drive modules in the prior art, the difference being that the first mechanism 21 drives to move vertically in the Y direction, and the second mechanism 22 drives to move horizontally in the X direction.

[0048] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first mechanism 21 can be a retractable structure such as a cylinder or electric cylinder capable of extending and retracting along the vertical Y-axis, or a lead screw linear module; the second mechanism 22 can be a retractable structure such as a cylinder or electric cylinder capable of extending and retracting along the horizontal X-axis, or a gear and rack linear module, taking the latter as an example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the second mechanism 22 mainly includes a rack and pinion slide rail 221 that extends horizontally X and is fixed to the top of the wall of the darkroom R. A slide block 222 that can slide horizontally X along the rack and pinion slide rail 221 is installed on the rack and pinion slide rail 221. A motor (not shown in the figure) is installed on the slide block 222. A gear (not shown in the figure) that can mesh with the teeth of the rack and pinion slide rail 221 is installed on the main shaft of the motor. When the motor is working, it can drive the gear to rotate. Since the gear meshes with the rack and pinion slide rail 221, the motor and the slide block 222 can move along the rack and pinion slide rail 221.

[0049] Of course, in some other optional embodiments, in addition to the aforementioned linear module, the walking mechanism 2 can also be a chain-driven mechanism, where the first mechanism 21 and / or the second mechanism 22 are chain-driven mechanisms. Taking the second mechanism 22 as an example, the chain extends along the transverse X direction and is driven to rotate by a motor. The rotation of the chain drives the second mechanism 22 to move along the transverse X direction. The stroke of the first mechanism 21 and the second mechanism 22 can be controlled by some position detection devices or sensors, such as limit switches.

[0050] The working process of clamp 1 is as follows: After the transfer trolley 5 transports the glass plate M to the unloading station, the second mechanism 22 drives clamp 1 to move laterally (X) to the unloading station. Subsequently, the first mechanism 21 drives clamp 1 to move vertically (Y) downwards until clamp 1 reaches the set height and stops. At this time, the upper end of the glass plate M is basically in the area between the two clamping arms. Then, the second mechanism 22 drives clamp 1 to gradually move to the right (X). At the same time (or after clamp 1 pushes the glass plate M to a basically vertical state), the two clamping arms gradually move closer together to clamp, finally completely clamping the glass plate M, so that the glass plate M is roughly in a vertical state, i.e. Figure 3 The state shown.

[0051] The reason for moving the clamp 1 to the right while the two clamping arms are clamping is that the glass plate M is initially tilted, and directly clamping the tilted glass plate M is likely to break it. By moving the clamp 1 to the right during the clamping process, the left clamping arm 11 will push the glass plate M to the right, causing the glass plate M to gradually flip towards a vertical position and finally be clamped by the two clamping arms in an upright position.

[0052] Of course, in some other alternative implementations, after the glass plate M reaches the unloading station, the glass plate M can be manually erected to an upright position so that the subsequent clamp 1 can directly clamp the glass plate M in the upright position.

[0053] Alternatively, the carrier 52 of the transfer trolley 5 can be designed to rotate relative to the frame 51 around a first axis, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction Z. After the transfer trolley 5 transfers the glass plate M to the unloading station, the carrier 52 flips the glass plate M to an upright position.

[0054] In addition, to prevent the clamping arm from directly contacting and damaging the glass plate M, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, flexible pads 14 are provided on the inner surfaces of the two clamping arms on opposite sides along the transverse X. For example, silicone anti-slip pads can be used. When clamping, the pads 14 still contact the glass plate M, which is a flexible contact. Compared with hard contact, it causes less damage to the glass plate M.

[0055] In this embodiment, the light source is mainly used to illuminate the M-end side of the glass plate, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the light source includes an upper light source 31 and a lower light source 32. Both the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32 are linear light sources, and their lengths can be determined according to the longitudinal Z length of the glass plate M to be inspected. In this embodiment, both the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32 extend along the longitudinal Z direction, and their lengths along the longitudinal Z direction must be at least equal to the length of the glass plate to be inspected along the longitudinal Z direction, so as to ensure that the light can completely cover the upper and lower surfaces of the glass plate M along the longitudinal Z direction. For example, both the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32 are 2800mm long linear light sources.

[0056] Furthermore, both the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32 can be linear LED light sources, and both light sources have brightness adjustment functions, for example, the adjustment range is 5000 lux-15000 lux.

[0057] Furthermore, both the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32 are equipped with polarizing filters to reduce reflections and ensure that bright spots scattered by scratches or stains are clearly visible.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the specific installation positions of the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32 are illustrated. That is, the upper light source 31 is located in the space 15 between the two clamping arms to illuminate downwards, so that the light from the upper light source 31 is basically illuminating downwards along the vertical Y direction perpendicular to the upper end of the glass plate M.

[0059] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the length of the two clamping arms in the longitudinal direction Z must be at least greater than the length of the glass plate M in the longitudinal direction Z. The reason for setting the light source in the space 15 is that, firstly, it can ensure that after the clamp 1 clamps the glass plate M, the upper light source 31 is directly above the glass plate M. Secondly, the clamping arms on both sides can act as a light shield, which can constrain the light emitted by the upper light source 31 to a certain extent, blocking the light emitted by the upper light source 31 from shooting out to both sides in the transverse direction X, thus affecting the observation effect.

[0060] In some embodiments, the upper light source 31 may be fixed on one of the clamping arms or on the base 13 of the clamp 1.

[0061] Figure 3 The specific installation position of the lower light source 32 is also shown; that is, the lower light source 32 is located at the detection station to illuminate upwards, such as... Figure 3As shown, when the fixture 1 suspends the glass plate M and enters the detection position, in the vertical Y direction, the lower light source 32 is located directly below the upper light source 31. Here, "directly below" can be understood as the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32 being basically on the same vertical plane, and the lower light source 32 being located below the upper light source 31.

[0062] In addition, the lower light source 32 can move vertically Y so that when the glass plate M is in the detection position, the lower light source 32 can move vertically Y upward to abut against the lower end face of the glass plate M. For example, a drive unit 4 (such as a cylinder, electric cylinder, etc.) that can extend vertically Y is provided on the floor of the darkroom R corresponding to the detection position. The drive unit 4 is connected to the lower light source to drive the lower light source to move vertically Y.

[0063] To constrain the light emitted by the lower light source 32 in the horizontal X direction, the lower light source 32 is constructed as follows: the lower light source 32 includes a lampshade 322 and a light-emitting element 321 (e.g., a linear LED strip) disposed within the lampshade 322. The lampshade 322 is essentially a fully enclosed structure, and a light-transmitting opening 323 is provided on the top surface of the lampshade 322 in the vertical Y direction, penetrating the top surface of the lampshade 322 and extending in the longitudinal Z direction. The light-transmitting opening 323 is also equivalent to the light emission outlet of the lower light source 32. The lampshade 322 is fixed to the driving member 4.

[0064] Both the clamping plate and the lampshade 322 are opaque or dark-colored.

[0065] The width of the light-transmitting opening 323 in the horizontal direction X is less than the thickness of the glass plate M. During testing, the clamp 1, in conjunction with the traveling mechanism 2, first moves the glass plate M to the testing station. Once in position, the driving component 4 drives the lower light source 32 to move upwards until the upper surface of the lampshade 322 touches the lower surface of the glass plate M. At this point, the light-transmitting opening 323 is within the range of the lower surface of the glass plate M. In this way, the light from the lower light source 32 can be directed upwards in the vertical direction Y through the lampshade 322, while being blocked and constrained in the horizontal direction X by the lampshade 322.

[0066] In addition, to ensure that the transfer trolley 5 can be accurately positioned at the unloading station for the clamp 1 to grasp the glass plate M, in some embodiments, a positioning component is provided on the ground at the unloading station for positioning the trolley transporting the glass plate M, for example, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an upward protrusion R1 is provided on the floor of the darkroom R to block the forward movement of the transfer trolley 5. The protrusion R1 is used to block the front wheel 53 of the transfer trolley 5. That is, when the front wheel 53 of the transfer trolley 5 abuts against the protrusion R1, the transfer trolley 5 is in the unloading position in the transverse X direction.

[0067] It is understandable that the aforementioned protrusion R1 is mainly used for lateral X positioning of the trolley. However, the trolley will still have inaccurate positioning in the longitudinal Z direction. Based on this, in some embodiments, the system also includes a track R2 set on the ground to guide the trolley of the glass plate M to move forward. For example, the laying path of track R2 can be from the glass production line to the unloading station. The track R2 extends at least partially to the unloading station. Here, track R2 can be a structure similar to a double track R2 of a railway. The trolley can only move along the extension direction of track R2 and cannot move in the direction perpendicular to the extension of track R2. This ensures that when the trolley moves to the unloading station, the trolley is positioned at the detection station in the longitudinal Z direction. Combined with the lateral X positioning of the aforementioned protrusion R1, the trolley can be positioned at the unloading station with basic accuracy.

[0068] In addition, to define the relative position of the glass plate M on the transfer trolley 5, it is also necessary to position the glass plate M on the transfer trolley 5, for example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the lower end of the carrier 52 is provided with several lower support blocks 521 to support the glass plate M. Side positioning blocks 522 are provided on both sides of the longitudinal Z of the carrier 52. The distance between the two side positioning blocks 522 on the carrier is basically equal to the width of the glass plate M in the longitudinal Z, so that the glass plate M is positioned between the two side positioning blocks 522 in the longitudinal Z.

[0069] Example 2 This embodiment provides a method for inspecting the surface of a glass plate M. The inspection method is performed in a darkroom R, which is equipped with an inspection station. The method includes the following steps: S1. By grabbing the upper end of the glass plate M and hoisting it to the inspection station, the glass plate M is in a vertical position at the inspection station. S2. At the inspection station, a first light ray is emitted downward along the vertical Y direction directly above the upper end of the glass plate M, and a second light ray is emitted upward along the vertical Y direction directly below the lower end face of the glass plate M to illuminate the entire glass plate M. In step S2, the first light ray and the second light ray are constrained to irradiate along the vertical Y direction.

[0070] S3. Defect inspection is performed by visually inspecting the surface of glass plate M or by using visual inspection equipment.

[0071] The method provided in this embodiment can be specifically performed using the darkroom R inspection system for the glass plate M surface provided in Embodiment 1. The method is described in detail below based on the system of Embodiment 1: First, the glass plate M is transferred to the unloading station of the darkroom R using the transfer trolley 5. As for how to position the transfer trolley 5 at the unloading station, it is described in detail in Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0072] Next, the traveling mechanism 2 drives the clamp 1 to move laterally X to the unloading station, and then drives the clamp 1 to move downward to the set height. At this time, the upper end of the glass plate M is between the two clamping arms of the clamp 1.

[0073] Next, the traveling mechanism 2, together with the clamp 1, lifts the glass plate M to an upright position and moves it toward the inspection station. Once the inspection station is reached, the clamp 1 and the glass plate M stop moving. At this time, the glass plate M is directly above the lower light source 32.

[0074] Next, the lower light source 32 is driven to rise by the driving component 4 until it touches the lower end surface of the glass plate M.

[0075] Next, turn on the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32, and adjust the brightness of the upper light source 31 and the lower light source 32 to a suitable level to illuminate the glass plate M, so that the glass plate M as a whole presents a luminous state.

[0076] Finally, the inspector observes the surface of glass plate M in darkroom R and identifies defects by the bright spots formed by scratches / stains after light passes through. Of course, in addition to manual inspection, inspection can also be carried out with the help of vision equipment, such as using an industrial camera to photograph the surface of glass plate M for inspection.

[0077] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this application can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this application can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0078] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0079] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A darkroom inspection system for glass plate surfaces, characterized in that, The system is located in a darkroom, which has a material feeding station and a testing station arranged sequentially along its transverse direction, including: A clamp for holding the upper end of a glass plate, the clamp including two clamping arms arranged laterally opposite each other, the two clamping arms being able to move laterally relative to each other to clamp and release the glass plate; in the clamped state, the glass plate is clamped between the two clamping arms and the glass plate is parallel to the vertical; a gap space is formed between the two clamping arms in the lateral direction. The traveling mechanism includes a clamp mounted on it. The traveling mechanism can drive the clamp to move vertically and can also drive the clamp to move laterally between the unloading station and the inspection station. The light source includes an upper light source and a lower light source. The upper light source is located in the spaced space to illuminate downwards, and the lower light source is located at the inspection station to illuminate upwards. When the fixture is at the inspection station, the lower light source is located directly below the upper light source in the vertical direction. The lower light source can move vertically so that when the glass plate is at the inspection station, the lower light source can move vertically upwards to abut against the lower end face of the glass plate.

2. The glass plate surface darkroom inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the upper and lower light sources are linear light sources.

3. The glass plate surface darkroom inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the clamping arm in the longitudinal direction must be at least greater than the length of the glass plate in the longitudinal direction; in the clamping state, the upper light source is located in the space enclosed between the two clamping arms and the upper end face of the glass plate; And / or the lower light source includes a lampshade and a light-emitting body disposed inside the lampshade that can emit light. The lampshade has a light-transmitting opening on its vertical top surface that penetrates the top surface of the lampshade and extends longitudinally. The width of the light-transmitting opening in the horizontal direction is less than the thickness of the glass plate. During detection, the top surface of the lampshade abuts against the lower end surface of the glass plate, and the light-transmitting opening is located within the range of the lower end surface of the glass plate.

4. The glass plate surface darkroom inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a vertically extendable drive component, which is connected to the lower light source to drive the lower light source to move vertically.

5. The glass plate surface darkroom inspection system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The unloading station is equipped with a positioning component on the ground for positioning the trolley that transfers the glass plates. Under the positioning of the positioning component, the trolley is restricted to move laterally towards the inspection station.

6. The glass plate surface darkroom inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a track on the ground for guiding the trolley that transfers the glass plates forward. The track extends at least partially to the unloading station, and when the trolley travels to the unloading station, the track restricts the trolley's longitudinal movement.

7. The glass plate surface darkroom inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both clamping arms have flexible pads on their inner sides facing each other laterally.

8. The glass plate surface darkroom inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The walking mechanism includes a first mechanism capable of driving the clamp to move vertically, and a second mechanism capable of driving the first mechanism and the clamp as a whole to move laterally.

9. A method for inspecting the surface of a glass plate, characterized in that, The detection method is performed in a darkroom, which is equipped with a detection station. The method includes the following steps: S1. By grabbing the upper end of the glass plate and hoisting it to the testing station, the glass plate is placed in a vertical position at the testing station. S2. At the inspection station, a first light beam is emitted vertically downwards directly above the upper end of the glass plate, and a second light beam is emitted vertically upwards directly below the lower end of the glass plate to illuminate the entire glass plate. S3. Defect inspection is carried out by visual inspection of the glass plate surface or by using visual inspection equipment.

10. A method for inspecting the surface of a glass plate according to claim 9, characterized in that, In step S2, the first and second rays are constrained to illuminate vertically.

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