A glass support mechanism and its working method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of flat glass substrate manufacturing and discloses a glass support mechanism and its working method, including a pneumatic device and a roller device. The pneumatic device and the roller device are connected by a connecting device. The pneumatic device is equipped with a cylinder, and the output end of the cylinder is connected to a floating joint. The roller device is equipped with several rollers, each of which is connected to the floating joint through the connecting device. These rollers are also adsorbed onto the glass to transfer the force exerted on the glass to the floating joint for absorption. This invention utilizes a cylinder in conjunction with a floating joint to effectively absorb the force transmitted by the glass. The adsorption connection between the rollers and the glass provides flexibility. The floating joint can compensate for installation errors and movement misalignment between the cylinder and the roller device, reducing the risk of mechanism jamming and sluggish movement, and improving operational stability. It is suitable for positioning and support requirements during glass conveying and processing and can be used for flexible support of glass products under high-temperature conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of flat glass substrate manufacturing, and in particular to a glass support mechanism and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] In the LCD manufacturing industry, the application scenarios of automated equipment are becoming increasingly diverse. With continuous technological advancements and evolving market demands, automated equipment, leveraging its advantages of high efficiency, precision, and stability, is gradually penetrating all aspects of LCD production, becoming a key factor in improving production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and reducing production costs. From raw material handling and processing to finished product testing and packaging, the application scenarios of automated equipment are constantly expanding, greatly promoting the modernization of the LCD manufacturing industry.

[0003] Currently, glass substrate production lines are designed based on existing small-size and slow-cycle designs. Under the market conditions and technological limitations at the time, this design could meet basic production requirements and achieve stable transport and processing of glass substrates in the production process. However, with the increasing demands of users and the development of larger-size glass substrates in the substrate glass industry, the overall equipment has become larger and taller. The impact of airflow on glass gripping during the robotic arm's transport process has further increased. During the robotic arm's movement, the surrounding air forms a complex airflow field. For small-sized glass substrates, due to their relatively small surface area, the impact of airflow on the gripping process is relatively small. However, for large-sized glass substrates, due to the significantly increased surface area, the force of airflow on the glass surface also increases significantly. Unstable airflow may cause problems such as shaking, displacement, or even detachment of the glass substrate during gripping, seriously affecting production stability and product quality.

[0004] According to the current design, there are no obvious countermeasures to address the impact of airflow on glass gripping during the robotic arm's glass transport process. Regarding airflow control, there is a lack of effective airflow shielding, guiding, or compensating devices, making it impossible to effectively adjust and control the airflow field around the robotic arm, and thus difficult to ensure stable and reliable gripping during the transport of large-size glass substrates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a glass support mechanism and its working method, which solves the problem that existing glass substrate production lines cannot stably grip and transport large-size glass substrates.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: A glass support mechanism includes a pneumatic device and a roller device; The pneumatic device and the roller device are connected by a connecting device. The pneumatic device is equipped with a cylinder, and the output end of the cylinder is connected to a floating joint. The roller device is equipped with several rollers, and all of the rollers are connected to the floating joint through the connecting device. All of the rollers are adsorbed and connected to the glass to transfer the force on the glass to the floating joint for absorption.

[0007] Furthermore, the pneumatic device is installed on the connecting device, and an upper connecting plate and a lower connecting plate are respectively installed at both ends of the connecting device.

[0008] Furthermore, a cylinder guard plate is installed on the outside of the cylinder.

[0009] Furthermore, the floating joint is connected to the first connecting shaft via the first connecting structure, and the first connecting shaft is mounted on the support plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the first connecting shaft is connected to the second connecting shaft via the first connecting plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the first connecting shaft is connected to the third connecting plate via a support plate, and the third connecting plate is connected to the second connecting structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the second connecting structure is detachably connected to the second connecting plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the roller is mounted on the second connecting plate, and the roller can rotate freely.

[0014] Furthermore, the rollers are made of materials resistant to temperatures above 300°C, and the roller diameter is ≥50mm.

[0015] A method of operating the glass support mechanism includes: Several rollers on the roller device are adsorbed and connected to the glass surface. The rollers rotate synchronously with the glass as it is conveyed or moved, thus providing flexible support for the glass. When the glass is displaced in the conveying direction, the force on the roller is transmitted to the connecting device, and then the connecting device drives the roller device to move forward or backward synchronously with the glass. When the glass is subjected to external forces such as impact, vibration or displacement, the force on the roller is transmitted to the floating joint. The floating joint uses its preset floating distance to generate an adaptive displacement, which, together with the pneumatic buffering effect of the cylinder, absorbs and buffers the external force transmitted by the glass.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a glass support mechanism that connects a pneumatic device and a roller device via a connecting device. The pneumatic device includes a cylinder, the output of which is connected to a floating joint. This pneumatic floating structure, employing a cylinder and floating joint, allows for a set floating distance, effectively absorbing the impact and pushing forces generated when the glass contacts the mechanism, preventing glass chipping and cracking caused by rigid contact. The roller device contains several rollers, each connected to the floating joint via the connecting device, and each roller is also adsorbed onto the glass, transferring the force on the glass to the floating joint for absorption. The force transmission path is clear; the force on the glass is transmitted step-by-step through the rollers and connecting device to the pneumatic device for absorption, achieving flexible support and significantly improving the safety of the glass during processing or transport. This invention utilizes a cylinder in conjunction with a floating joint to effectively absorb the force transmitted by the glass. The adsorbed connection between the rollers and the glass provides flexible contact, and the floating joint compensates for installation errors and movement misalignment between the cylinder and the roller device, reducing the risk of mechanism jamming and sluggish movement, and improving operational stability. It is adapted to the positioning and support needs in the glass conveying and processing process, and can be used for flexible support of glass products under high temperature conditions.

[0017] Furthermore, the upper and lower connecting plates enable the overall installation and fixation of the mechanism, facilitating its integration into glass processing production lines and conveying equipment, and making installation and positioning more convenient. Additionally, modifications to the upper and lower connecting plates can accommodate the support needs of various glass products.

[0018] Furthermore, cylinder guards can prevent dust, debris, high temperatures, and other foreign objects in the processing environment from contacting the cylinder, preventing wear or jamming of the cylinder piston rod and cylinder body, isolating high-temperature radiation, and extending the service life of the cylinder.

[0019] Furthermore, through the cooperation of the first connecting structure, the first connecting shaft and the support plate, a rigid and stable force transmission between the floating joint and the subsequent structure is achieved, ensuring effective transmission of the buffer force and avoiding force transmission loss.

[0020] Furthermore, the second connecting shaft is connected through the first connecting plate. The multi-stage connecting shafts, in conjunction with the connecting plate, can disperse the force transmitted by the cylinder and avoid excessive local stress that could lead to deformation or breakage of the connecting structure.

[0021] Furthermore, by connecting the third connecting plate and the second connecting structure through the support plate, a smooth transition assembly between the connecting device and the roller device is achieved, improving the coaxiality and motion consistency of the overall structure.

[0022] Furthermore, the second connecting structure is detachably connected to the second connecting plate, allowing for quick disassembly of the roller assembly for cleaning, replacement, and maintenance without disassembling the entire mechanism, thus shortening downtime for maintenance.

[0023] Furthermore, the rollers can rotate freely and make rolling contact with the glass instead of sliding contact. This reduces the resistance to glass movement, making glass conveying and movement smoother, preventing glass jamming and deviation, and improving production line operating efficiency.

[0024] Furthermore, the rollers are made of materials resistant to temperatures above 300℃, making them suitable for high-temperature applications such as glass hot processing and tempering. This breaks through the temperature limitations of conventional rollers and expands their application scenarios. With a roller diameter ≥50mm, the contact area with the glass is increased, reducing the pressure per unit area and further lowering the risk of localized glass cracking, while also improving the stability of the support process.

[0025] This invention also provides a method for operating a glass support mechanism. By adsorbing and connecting several rollers on a roller device to the glass surface, the rollers rotate synchronously with the glass during transport or movement, achieving flexible support for the glass, reducing frictional resistance and surface damage, ensuring smooth glass transport, and improving the stability of the support process. When the glass shifts in the transport direction, the force on the rollers is transmitted to the connecting device, which then drives the roller device to move forward or backward synchronously with the glass, ensuring continuous and effective support and preventing clamping failure and glass deviation due to asynchronous movement between the mechanism and the glass. When the glass is subjected to external forces such as impact, vibration, or displacement, the force on the rollers is transmitted to the floating joint. The floating joint utilizes its preset floating distance to generate an adaptive displacement, combined with the pneumatic buffering effect of the cylinder, to absorb and buffer the external forces transmitted by the glass. The floating joint compensates for installation and movement deviations, and the cylinder provides pneumatic flexible buffering. This double buffering structure effectively attenuates impact vibrations, protects the glass and the mechanism's components, and extends the equipment's service life. This invention features rollers that rotate synchronously with the glass, and the roller device moves forward and backward in sync with the glass. This ensures stable support and positioning of the glass without interfering with its normal transport movement, avoiding glass shifting and jamming caused by rigid clamping. Simultaneously, the floating displacement of the floating joint, combined with pneumatic cushioning by a cylinder, absorbs impacts, vibrations, and shifting forces on the glass, significantly reducing defects such as glass breakage, chipping, and scratches, and improving the yield of processed products. It can adapt to the dynamic displacement of normal glass transport and cope with sudden external interference. The mechanism has a timely response and good follow-up performance, making it suitable for continuous and automated glass production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the glass support mechanism of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic device structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection device structure of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the roller device structure of the present invention.

[0031] Wherein: 1-Upper connecting plate, 2-Pneumatic device, 3-Connecting device, 4-Lower connecting plate, 5-Roller device, 6-Glass, 2.1-First connecting structure, 2.2-Floating joint, 2.3-Cylinder, 2.4-Cylinder guard plate, 3.1-First connecting shaft, 3.2-Support plate, 3.3-First connecting plate, 3.4-Second connecting shaft, 5.1-Second connecting plate, 5.2-Roller, 5.3-Second connecting structure, 5.4-Third connecting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0034] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "horizontal," or "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] Furthermore, the use of the term "horizontal" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: See Figure 1 The present invention provides a glass support mechanism, including an upper connecting plate 1, a pneumatic device 2, a connecting device 3, a lower connecting plate 4, and a roller device 5.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the pneumatic device 2 is mounted on the support plate 3.2 of the connecting device 3, and includes a cylinder 2.3, a cylinder guard plate 2.4, a floating joint 2.2, and a first connecting structure 2.1. The cylinder 2.3 is an adjustable cylinder without a guide rod, and its pressure can be adjusted according to the glass thickness and processing temperature. The cylinder guard plate 2.4 is made of high-temperature resistant ceramic material and is fitted onto the outside of the cylinder 2.3 to isolate it from high-temperature radiation. The floating joint 2.2 is threadedly connected to the output end of the cylinder 2.3 and has a certain floating distance, enabling small-range displacement compensation. The floating joint 2.2 is connected to the first connecting shaft 3.1 through the first connecting structure 2.1, achieving reliable docking between the pneumatic device 2 and the connecting device 3.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the connecting device 3 includes an upper connecting plate 1, a lower connecting plate 4, a first connecting shaft 3.1, a support plate 3.2, a first connecting plate 3.3, and a second connecting shaft 3.4. The upper connecting plate 1 and the lower connecting plate 4 are welded to the upper and lower ends of the support plate 3.2, respectively. By modifying the upper connecting plate 1 and the lower connecting plate 4, different glass products can be supported. The first connecting shaft 3.1 is vertically inserted into the mounting hole of the support plate 3.2, and both ends are fixed with nuts. One end is connected to the floating joint 2.2 through the first connecting structure 2.1, and the other end is connected to the second connecting shaft 3.4 through the first connecting plate 3.3, forming a stable force transmission path to transmit the force of the roller device 5 to the pneumatic device 2 step by step. The first connecting structure 2.1 connects the cylinder 2.3 to the first connecting shaft 3.1 and the first connecting plate 3.3, which can transmit the force of the glass 6 contacting the roller mechanism 5 to the pneumatic device 2 for absorption, and also has a certain supporting function.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the roller device 5 includes a second connecting plate 5.1, a second connecting structure 5.3, a third connecting plate 5.4, and several rollers 5.2. The second connecting plate 5.1 and the third connecting plate 5.4 are detachably connected via the second connecting structure 5.3. By disassembling the second connecting structure 5.3, the second connecting plate 5.1 can be quickly separated, allowing for the complete replacement of the rollers 5.2 without disassembling the entire mechanism. The third connecting plate 5.4 is connected to the first connecting plate 3.3, thus connecting the roller device 5 to the connecting device 3. Several rollers 5.2 are evenly distributed on the first connecting plate 3.3 via the second connecting plate 5.1, directly adsorbing and contacting the glass 6 for flexible support. The rollers 5.2 are made of a material resistant to temperatures above 300℃, with a diameter ≥50mm. They are mounted on the second connecting plate 5.1 via a rotating shaft, allowing free rotation. A high-temperature bearing connects the rotating shaft to the second connecting plate 5.1 to reduce frictional wear with the high-temperature glass. When the roller 5.2 is subjected to force, the force it is in contact with the glass 6 is transmitted to the first connecting shaft 3.1 through the second connecting plate 5.1 and the second connecting structure 5.3, and then transmitted to the first connecting plate 3.3 through the second connecting shaft 3.4, thereby driving the entire roller mechanism 5 to move forward or backward together.

[0042] The present invention also provides a method for operating a glass support mechanism, comprising: The glass support mechanism is installed to the corresponding station of the glass production or processing equipment via the upper connecting plate 1 and the lower connecting plate 4. The upper connecting plate 1 and the lower connecting plate 4 are adapted and modified according to the specifications of the glass product to be processed to ensure accurate alignment between the mechanism and the glass 6. The working pressure of the cylinder 2.3 is pre-adjusted, and the appropriate pneumatic support force is set.

[0043] After the mechanism is started, several rollers 5.2 on the roller device 5 come into contact with the surface of the glass 6 to be processed and form an adsorption connection. The rollers 5.2 are freely rotatable structures that rotate synchronously with the glass as it is conveyed or moved, thereby providing flexible support for the glass 6 and preventing hard impacts to the glass.

[0044] When the glass 6 is displaced in the conveying direction, the force on the roller 5.2 is transmitted to the support plate 3.2 and the first connecting shaft 3.1 through the second connecting plate 5.1, the second connecting structure 5.3, and the third connecting plate 5.4. Then, the first connecting plate 3.3 and the second connecting shaft 3.4 drive the entire roller device 5 to move forward or backward synchronously with the glass 6, ensuring the continuity of the support state.

[0045] When the glass 6 is subjected to external forces such as impact, vibration, or displacement, the force is first applied to the roller 5.2, and then transmitted sequentially through the second connecting plate 5.1, the second connecting structure 5.3, the third connecting plate 5.4, the support plate 3.2, the first connecting shaft 3.1, and the first connecting structure 2.1 to the floating joint 2.2. The floating joint 2.2 utilizes its preset floating distance to generate an adaptive displacement, and in conjunction with the pneumatic buffering effect of the pressure-adjustable cylinder 2.3, absorbs and buffers the external force transmitted by the glass 6, preventing the external force from being directly transmitted to the main body of the equipment or causing glass breakage. At the same time, the connecting device 3 provides stable structural support for the entire mechanism.

[0046] Since the second connecting structure 5.3 and the second connecting plate 5.1 are detachably connected, when the roller 5.2 is worn or needs to be replaced, the second connecting plate 5.1 and the roller 5.2 installed on it can be detached from the mechanism as a whole, and after quick replacement, they can be reassembled and reset through the second connecting structure 5.3.

[0047] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A glass support mechanism, characterized in that, Includes a pneumatic device (2) and a roller device (5); The pneumatic device (2) and the roller device (5) are connected by a connecting device (3). The pneumatic device (2) is equipped with a cylinder (2.3), and the output end of the cylinder (2.3) is connected to a floating joint (2.2). The roller device (5) is equipped with several rollers (5.2), and the several rollers (5.2) are all connected to the floating joint (2.2) through the connecting device (3). The several rollers (5.2) are all adsorbed and connected to the glass (6) to transfer the force on the glass (6) to the floating joint (2.2) for absorption.

2. The glass support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pneumatic device (2) is installed on the connecting device (3), and the upper connecting plate (1) and the lower connecting plate (4) are respectively installed at both ends of the connecting device (3).

3. The glass support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cylinder guard plate (2.4) is installed on the outside of the cylinder (2.3).

4. The glass support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating joint (2.2) is connected to the first connecting shaft (3.1) through the first connecting structure (2.1), and the first connecting shaft (3.1) is mounted on the support plate (3.2).

5. The glass support mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connecting shaft (3.1) is connected to the second connecting shaft (3.4) via the first connecting plate (3.3).

6. The glass support mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connecting shaft (3.1) is connected to the third connecting plate (5.4) via the support plate (3.2), and the third connecting plate (5.4) is connected to the second connecting structure (5.3).

7. The glass support mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second connecting structure (5.3) is detachably connected to the second connecting plate (5.1).

8. The glass support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller (5.2) is mounted on the second connecting plate (5.1) and can rotate freely.

9. The glass support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller (5.2) is made of a material that can withstand temperatures above 300℃, and the diameter of the roller (5.2) is ≥50mm.

10. A method of operating the glass support mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, include: Several rollers (5.2) on the roller device (5) are adsorbed and connected to the surface of the glass (6). The rollers (5.2) rotate synchronously with the glass as it is conveyed or moved, so as to provide flexible support for the glass (6). When the glass (6) is displaced in the conveying direction, the force on the roller (5.2) is transmitted to the connecting device (3), and then the connecting device (3) drives the roller device (5) to move forward or backward synchronously with the glass (6); When the glass (6) is subjected to external forces such as impact, vibration or displacement, the force of the roller (5.2) is transmitted to the floating joint (2.2). The floating joint (2.2) uses its preset floating distance to generate an adaptive displacement, and in conjunction with the pneumatic buffering effect of the cylinder (2.3), absorbs and buffers the external force transmitted by the glass (6).

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