Apparatus for manufacturing glass sheet and method for manufacturing glass sheet

Abstract

Provided is a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus and a glass sheet manufacturing method that accurately measure the moving speed of a glass sheet while suppressing the generation of slip between a measuring roller used to measure the moving speed of the glass sheet and the glass sheet. A glass sheet manufacturing apparatus (1) includes: a forming device (2) that forms a glass sheet (R); a conveying device (3) that conveys the glass sheet (R) in a downward direction; a speed measuring device (4) that measures the moving speed of the glass sheet (R) being conveyed in the downward direction; and a cutting device (5) that cuts out a single glass sheet (Gp) from the glass sheet (R). The speed measuring device (4) includes: a measuring roller (13) that rotates in contact with the glass sheet (R); and an auxiliary roller (14) that is disposed at a position corresponding to the measuring roller (13) with the glass sheet (R) interposed therebetween. The measuring roller (13) is a free roller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a manufacturing technology for a glass plate having a structure for measuring the moving speed of a glass ribbon. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of glass sheet manufacturing, it is well known that a method is used to form glass ribbons using a pull-down process and to cut individual glass sheets from the formed glass ribbons.

[0003] In this method, in order to reduce the unevenness of the glass strip thickness and strain, it is necessary to accurately measure the moving speed of the glass strip.

[0004] As a method for measuring the moving speed of the glass belt, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for calculating the moving speed of the glass belt based on the rotational speed of the traction roller that pulls the glass belt downward.

[0005] Therefore, in this document, the traction roller serves as a measuring roller for measuring the moving speed of the glass belt.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-043828 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, slippage occurs between the traction roller (measuring roller) and the glass belt, which may prevent the accurate measurement of the moving speed of the glass belt.

[0011] In detail, a traction roller is a roller that applies a downward traction force to the glass ribbon. Therefore, a drive roller that applies a rotational driving force is typically used as the traction roller. When the traction roller is a drive roller, there are cases where the force that the traction roller exerts to move the glass ribbon is greater than the frictional force acting between the traction roller and the glass ribbon. In this case, slippage occurs between the glass ribbon and the traction roller, making it impossible to accurately measure the speed of the glass ribbon.

[0012] Based on the above viewpoints, the objective of this invention is to accurately measure the speed of the glass ribbon by suppressing the slippage between the measuring roller used to measure the speed of the glass ribbon and the glass ribbon.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] (1) A first aspect of the present invention, made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a forming device for forming a glass strip from molten glass; a conveying device for conveying the glass strip in a downward direction; a speed measuring device for measuring the moving speed of the glass strip conveyed downward by the conveying device; and a cutting device for cutting a single sheet of glass from the glass strip. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that the speed measuring device comprises: a measuring roller that rotates in contact with the glass strip; and an auxiliary roller disposed at a position corresponding to the measuring roller, spaced apart from the glass strip. The measuring roller is a free roller. Here, a free roller means a roller that is not given a rotational driving force (hereinafter, the same).

[0015] The main feature of this structure is that the measuring roller used to measure the moving speed of the glass ribbon in the speed measuring device is a free roller, and the glass ribbon is sandwiched between the measuring roller and the auxiliary roller. As a synergistic effect, it is possible to suppress slippage between the glass ribbon and the measuring roller, and accurately measure the moving speed of the glass ribbon.

[0016] (2) In the structure of (1) above, the speed measuring device can also measure the moving speed of the glass belt based on the rotation speed of the measuring roller.

[0017] In this way, the rotational speed of the measuring roller can be accurately measured using simple methods such as encoders, thus simplifying the structure of the speed measuring device and increasing the accuracy of the measurement.

[0018] (3) In the structure of (1) or (2) above, the auxiliary roller may also be a drive roller. In this case, the drive roller means a roller that is given a rotational driving force (hereinafter the same).

[0019] Here, if the structure is configured such that the auxiliary roller, which serves as the drive roller, is driven by a motor whose rotational speed can be variably controlled, such as a servo motor, the following effect is achieved: That is, during startup or maintenance of the manufacturing apparatus, the auxiliary roller is used to rotate the measuring roller in a state where the glass belt is not clamped and the measuring roller is in direct contact. Furthermore, if the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller is set to N times, it is possible to confirm whether the measurement result of the measuring roller is erroneous simply by checking whether the rotational speed of the measuring roller is also N times. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to check in advance whether the measuring roller is functioning accurately using a simple method.

[0020] (4) In the structure of (3) above, the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller may also be controlled in such a way as to follow the moving speed of the glass belt measured by the measuring roller.

[0021] Here, we consider making the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller follow the transport speed of the glass ribbon being transported by the transport device. However, slippage may inevitably occur between the rollers of the transport device and the glass ribbon. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately match the moving speed of the glass ribbon with the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller. According to the structure here, the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller follows the moving speed measured by the measuring roller, thus enabling a more accurate match between the moving speed of the glass ribbon and the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller.

[0022] (5) In any of the structures (1) to (4) above, at least the outer periphery of the measuring roller may be formed of heat-resistant rubber.

[0023] This design minimizes slippage between the glass belt and the measuring roller, enabling accurate measurement of the glass belt's movement speed. Furthermore, it is less affected by the temperature of the glass belt (high temperature), thus extending the lifespan of the measuring roller.

[0024] (6) In any of the structures in (1) to (5) above, the cutting device may include: a scribing device that forms a scribing line along the width direction of the glass strip from one end side of the glass strip in the width direction orthogonal to the other end side; and a breaking device that breaks the glass strip at the location where the scribing line is formed to obtain a single sheet of glass, and a speed measuring device that measures the moving speed of the area of ​​the glass strip that is closer to one end side than the center in the width direction.

[0025] In this way, the scribing line is formed by the scribing device from one end of the glass ribbon in the width direction toward the other end, thus the other end of the glass ribbon becomes the terminal side of the scribing line in the glass ribbon. In this case, wrinkles are prone to form in the region at the terminal side of the scribing line during its formation. Therefore, in this configuration, the speed measuring device measures the moving speed of the glass ribbon in the region other than the terminal side of the scribing line, that is, the region on one side of the glass ribbon closer to the center in the width direction. As a result, the speed measuring device can measure the moving speed of the glass ribbon in a region where wrinkles are less likely to occur, enabling accurate measurement of the moving speed.

[0026] (7) In any of the structures (1) to (6) above, the measuring roller may be arranged on one side of the glass belt and the auxiliary roller may be arranged on the other side of the glass belt, and the measuring roller may be subjected to pressure from the auxiliary roller through the glass belt.

[0027] In this way, under the pressing force exerted by the auxiliary roller on the measuring roller, slippage is less likely to occur between the measuring roller and one side of the glass belt.

[0028] (8) In the structure of (7) above, the scribing device may also include: a scribing tool that forms scribing lines on the other side of the glass strip; and a support body that contacts one side of the glass strip and supports the glass strip when the scribing tool forms scribing lines.

[0029] In this way, when forming the scribe lines on the glass strip, the direction in which the scribe tool presses against the support body is consistent with the direction in which the auxiliary roller presses against the measuring roller. As a result, the glass strip is less likely to wobble during the formation of the scribe lines, and the measurement of the glass strip's moving speed by the measuring roller can be performed more accurately.

[0030] (9) A second aspect of the present invention made to solve the above-mentioned problems is a method for manufacturing a glass plate, comprising: a forming step of forming a glass strip from molten glass; a conveying step of conveying the glass strip in a downward direction; a speed measuring step of measuring the moving speed of the glass strip during the conveying step; and a cutting step of cutting a single sheet of glass from the glass strip. The method for manufacturing the glass plate is characterized in that, in the speed measuring step, a speed measuring device is used to measure the moving speed of the glass strip by using a measuring roller having a measuring roller that rotates in contact with the glass strip and is a free roller and an auxiliary roller disposed at a position corresponding to the measuring roller across the glass strip.

[0031] According to the manufacturing method of the glass plate, the effect is substantially the same as that of the structure described above (1).

[0032] Invention Effects

[0033] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the slippage between the measuring roller used to measure the moving speed of the glass belt and the glass belt, and to accurately measure the moving speed of the glass belt. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 The longitudinal section side view obtained by cutting along line A-A.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional side view used to illustrate the operation of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional side view used to illustrate the operation of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional side view used to illustrate the operation of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional top view illustrating the operation of the main part of the breaking device, a component of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional side view used to illustrate the operation of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional side view used to illustrate the operation of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the structure of the main part of the speed measuring device, a constituent element of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a front view obtained by observing the structure of the main parts of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention from one side (surface side) of the glass strip.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a top view showing the cross-section of a glass strip cut along its width.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional top view for illustrating the operation of the scribing device, a component of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of a scribing apparatus, a component of a glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0048] 1 Manufacturing apparatus

[0049] 2. Forming device

[0050] 3. Handling device

[0051] 4. Speed ​​measuring device

[0052] 5. Cutting device

[0053] 6 Forming furnace

[0054] 7 formed body

[0055] 8 edge rollers

[0056] 9 Annealing furnace

[0057] 10 Annealing Rollers

[0058] 11 Cooling Chamber

[0059] 12 support rollers

[0060] 13 Measuring rollers

[0061] 14 Auxiliary rollers

[0062] 15. Engraving device

[0063] 16. Breaking device

[0064] 17. Engraving tools

[0065] 19. Support body (first support rotating body)

[0066] 22. Broken body

[0067] 25 Support mechanism (support part)

[0068] 27 Holding components

[0069] 41 First contact mark (the contact area between the glass ribbon and the edge roller)

[0070] 42 Second contact mark (the contact area between the glass belt and the annealing roller and the support roller)

[0071] 45 guide rollers

[0072] 46. ​​Restricting component (restricting roller)

[0073] Gm molten glass

[0074] Gp glass plate

[0075] Lx is the distance between multiple sensors.

[0076] R glass ribbon

[0077] R1 is one end of the glass strip in the width direction (the end on one side of the width direction).

[0078] R2 is the other end of the glass strip in the width direction (the end on the other side of the width direction).

[0079] Ra is the surface (one side) of the glass strip.

[0080] Rb: The back side of the glass strip (the other side).

[0081] Rc glass ribbon cutting target part

[0082] Rm glass strap ear

[0083] Effective area of ​​Rs glass strip

[0084] Ineffective area of ​​Rt glass strip

[0085] Rv - Lower end face of the glass ribbon (cut-off end face)

[0086] Rz is the center of the width direction of the glass band.

[0087] S-shaped scribing line

[0088] S1 The beginning of the scribed line

[0089] S2 is the end of the scribed line. Detailed Implementation

[0090] Hereinafter, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus and glass plate manufacturing method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0091] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 According to Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional side view obtained by cutting along line A-A. It should be noted that in the following description, [the following will be used to describe the process]. Figure 1 The B-B direction is denoted as the width direction, and... Figure 1 The C-C direction is described as the back direction (the same applies to other figures).

[0092] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus 1, if roughly divided, includes a forming device 2, a conveying device 3, a speed measuring device 4, and a cutting device 5 in sequence from top to bottom.

[0093] Forming apparatus 2 is disposed within forming furnace 6. Forming furnace 6 is a region for forming glass strip R from molten glass Gm using an overflow-pull method. Forming apparatus 2 includes forming body 7 that causes the molten glass Gm overflowing from the upper end to converge at the lower end to form glass strip R. Furthermore, forming apparatus 2 includes edge rollers 8 that clamp the periphery of the two ends R1 and R2 of the glass strip R formed by forming body 7 in the width direction from both sides in the front and back direction. These edge rollers 8 cool the glass strip R and suppress shrinkage of the glass strip R in the width direction.

[0094] A component of the conveying device 3 is disposed within the annealing furnace 9. The annealing furnace 9 is a region for reducing warping and strain of the glass ribbon R, and has a predetermined temperature gradient that tends downwards within the annealing furnace 9. Furthermore, an annealing roller 10, which is also a component of the conveying device 3, is disposed within the annealing furnace 9. The annealing roller 10 is arranged in multiple stages (two stages in the illustration) and clamps the peripheries of the two ends R1 and R2 in the width direction of the glass ribbon R from both sides in the face-back direction.

[0095] The remaining components of the conveying device 3 are disposed within the cooling chamber 11. The cooling chamber 11 is a region used to cool the glass ribbon R to near room temperature. Gas at room temperature (e.g., clean air) is supplied into the cooling chamber 11, and no heating device such as a heater is provided. Furthermore, a support roller 12, which is the remaining component of the conveying device 3, is disposed within the cooling chamber 11. The support roller 12 is arranged in multiple stages (two stages in the illustration) and clamps the periphery of the two ends R1 and R2 in the width direction of the glass ribbon R from both sides in the front-back direction.

[0096] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In order to facilitate understanding of the structure of the speed measuring device 4 and the cutting device 5, the structure of the annealing furnace 9 and the cooling chamber 11 is simplified. Specifically, the vertical length of the annealing furnace 9 and the cooling chamber 11 is shortened, or the number of stages of the annealing rollers 10 and the support rollers 12 is reduced. Furthermore, in the following description, for convenience, the following will be... Figure 1 The end R1 of the glass strip R in the width direction is denoted as one end, and the end R2 in the other width direction is denoted as the other end (the same applies to the other figures). Furthermore, the surface Ra of one side of the glass strip R is denoted as the surface, and the surface Rb of the other side is denoted as the back side (the same applies to the other figures).

[0097] The speed measuring device 4 includes: a measuring roller 13 disposed on the surface Ra side of the glass strip R; and an auxiliary roller 14 disposed on the back side Rb side of the glass strip R. The measuring roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14 are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the glass strip R in the surface-back direction. The measuring roller 13 is in contact with the surface Ra of the glass strip R, and the auxiliary roller 14 is in contact with the back side Rb of the glass strip R. It should be noted that the detailed structure of the speed measuring device 4 and its surrounding structure will be described later.

[0098] The cutting device 5 includes: a scribing device 15, which forms a scribing line S extending along the width direction on the back side Rb of the glass strip R; and a breaking device 16, which breaks the glass strip R at the location where the scribing line S is formed to obtain a single sheet of glass.

[0099] The engraving device 15 includes: an engraving tool 17 (in...) Figure 2 (For convenience, it is shown in solid line in the diagram), which is located on the back side Rb of the glass strip R; and the traveling mechanism 18 (in Figure 2(For convenience, it is illustrated with a dashed line). It is similarly positioned on the back side Rb of the glass strip R, and the marking tool 17 travels along the width direction. In this embodiment, the marking tool 17 is composed of a disc-shaped member with a blade at its periphery. When forming the marking line S on the glass strip R, the marking tool 17 travels from one end R1 side of the glass strip R towards the other end R2 side via the operation of the travel mechanism 18. The marking tool 17 is configured to be integrated with the travel mechanism 18 and move along the surface and back directions as well as the vertical direction.

[0100] Furthermore, the scribing apparatus 15 includes a support body 19 disposed on the surface Ra side of the glass strip R. The support body 19 and the scribing tool 17 are disposed on opposite sides of the glass strip R in the surface-back direction. The support body 19 is composed of a member that is longer in the width direction and has a support surface 19a opposite to the surface Ra of the glass strip R. The support surface 19a is a plane that extends in a straight line in the width direction and is parallel to the vertical plane. The support body 19 is configured to move in the surface-back direction and in the vertical direction.

[0101] The breaking device 16 consists of an upper breaking device 20 disposed on the upper side and a lower breaking device 21 disposed on the lower side.

[0102] The upper breaking device 20 includes a breaking body 22 disposed on the surface Ra side of the glass strip R. The breaking body 22 is composed of a member that is longer in the width direction. Furthermore, the breaking body 22 has an abutting end 22a opposite to the surface Ra of the glass strip R. The abutting end 22a is bent in such a way that it protrudes toward the front end side when viewed from the side.

[0103] Furthermore, the upper breaking device 20 includes a dust collector 23 disposed on the back side Rb of the glass strip R. The dust collector 23 is longer in the width direction. Moreover, the dust collector 23 has a suction section (not shown) that sucks in glass dust generated when the glass strip R is broken. Both the breaking body 22 and the dust collector 23 are configured to move in the back direction and the up and down direction.

[0104] The lower breaking device 21 includes a support mechanism 25 that supports the cutting object portion Rc, which is the object from which a single sheet of glass is cut from the glass strip R. The support mechanism 25 has a pair of arm members 24 disposed at one end R1 and the other end R2 in the width direction of the glass strip R. Both arm members 24 extend in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the support mechanism 25 has holding members 27 installed at multiple locations (two locations in the illustration) in the vertical direction of each pair of arm members 24. Each holding member 27 can be opened and closed to an open state, indicated by solid lines, and a closed state, indicated by dashed lines. The pair of arm members 24 are configured to be integral and rotate in a vertical plane orthogonal to the width direction.

[0105] Here, the basic operation of this manufacturing apparatus 1, namely the operation of the engraving device 15 and the breaking device 16, will be explained.

[0106] First, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the glass strip R moves downward, the arm member 24 of the breaking device 16 (lower breaking device 21) moves downward in tandem, while the holding member 27 holds the cutting target portion Rc of the glass strip R. After this holding, the arm member 24 also moves downward in tandem with the glass strip R. At this time, the scribing tool 17 and support body 19 of the scribing device 15, the breaking body 22 of the breaking device 16 (upper breaking device 20), and the dust collector 23 are in the retracted position and ready for use.

[0107] Next, as Figure 4 As shown, the scribing tool 17 and the support body 19 move downwards while following the glass strip R, moving from a retracted position to a contact position. Furthermore, with the support body 19 in contact with the surface Ra of the glass strip R, the scribing tool 17 travels from one end R1 side of the glass strip R towards the other end R2 side. This forms a scribing line S extending in the width direction on the back surface Rb of the glass strip R. During the period until the formation of the scribing line S is completed, the scribing tool 17 and the support body 19 move downwards following the glass strip R. After the formation of the scribing line S is completed, the scribing tool 17 and the support body 19 move back to the initial retracted position.

[0108] After that, as Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the broken body 22 and the dust collector 23 move downwards while following the glass strip R, moving from the retracted position to the contact position. In this case, the abutting end 22a of the broken body 22 contacts the surface Ra of the glass strip R, while the dust collector 23 is slightly separated from the back surface Rb of the glass strip R. At this moment, as... Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from above, the glass strip R extends in a straight line along the width direction, mimicking the straight shape of the abutting end 22a of the broken body 22.

[0109] In this state, such as Figure 7 As shown, the pair of arm members 24 become one and rotate, thereby shifting the orientation of the pair of arm members 24 from a vertical orientation to an inclined orientation. Consequently, a bending stress, accompanied by longitudinal bending, acts at the location where the scribe line S of the glass strip R is formed. Under the action of this bending stress, the glass strip R is broken along the scribe line S, as... Figure 8 As shown, a glass plate Gp is ​​cut from the glass strip R. It should be noted that the glass dust generated during this cutting process is sucked in by the dust collector 23.

[0110] Here, the thickness of the glass strip R is 10 μm to 1000 μm. The upper limit of this thickness is preferably 700 μm or less, more preferably 500 μm or less. The length of the glass strip R in the width direction is 500 mm to 3800 mm. Furthermore, the glass plate Gp cut from the glass strip R is used as a glass substrate and cover glass in panel displays such as liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays.

[0111] Next, the detailed structure of the speed measuring device 4 and its surrounding structure will be described.

[0112] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the measuring roller 13 and auxiliary roller 14 of the speed measuring device 4 clamping the glass strip R. As shown in the figure, the measuring roller 13 is in contact with the surface Ra of the glass strip R. The auxiliary roller 14 is in contact with the back surface Rb of the glass strip R.

[0113] A first roller shaft 30 is integrally mounted on the measuring roller 13, extending from one end R1 in the width direction of the glass belt R. The first roller shaft 30 is supported by a plurality of bearings 31 for free rotation. Thus, the measuring roller 13 is cantilevered and capable of rotation. The measuring roller 13 is held in a position not to move in any direction, either vertically or horizontally.

[0114] Furthermore, the measuring roller 13 is a free roller. The outer periphery or the entire measuring roller 13 is formed of heat-resistant rubber. Fluororubber, ethylene propylene rubber, nitrile rubber, etc. are used as heat-resistant rubbers.

[0115] The measuring roller 13 rotates in contact with the surface Ra of the glass strip R, thereby measuring the moving speed of the glass strip R. As a structure for this purpose, the speed measuring device 4 includes a rotational speed detector 32 that detects the rotational speed of the measuring roller 13. In this embodiment, a rotary encoder is used as the rotational speed detector 32. Furthermore, the speed measuring device 4 includes a calculation unit 33 that calculates the moving speed of the glass strip R based on the rotational speed of the measuring roller 13 detected by the rotational speed detector 32. In this calculation unit 33, the circumferential speed of the measuring roller 13 (the moving speed of the outer circumferential surface of the measuring roller 13) is calculated as the moving speed of the glass strip R.

[0116] A signal indicating the moving speed of the glass strip R as measured by the measuring roller 13 (a signal indicating the measurement result of the measuring roller 13) is sent to the cutting device 5 (the scribing device 15 and the breaking device 16). As a result, the scribing cutter 17, the support body 19, the breaking body 22, the dust collector 23, and the pair of arm members 24 move downward in accordance with the moving speed of the glass strip R measured by the measuring roller 13.

[0117] A second roller shaft 34 extending toward one end R1 of the glass belt R is integrally mounted on the auxiliary roller 14. The second roller shaft 34 is supported by a plurality of (two in the illustration) bearings 35 for free rotation. Thus, the auxiliary roller 14 is cantilevered and rotatable. The auxiliary roller 14 is held in a position not to move in the vertical direction.

[0118] Furthermore, the auxiliary roller 14 is a drive roller that rotates by transmitting power from a motor M, such as a servo motor. The rotational speed of the motor M is variably controlled by the controller 36.

[0119] Additionally, the auxiliary roller 14 is pressed towards the measuring roller 13 by a pressing mechanism 37 such as a cylinder. Thus, a pressing force is applied to the measuring roller 13 from the auxiliary roller 14 via the glass belt R.

[0120] Furthermore, the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller 14 is controlled in such a way that it follows the moving speed of the glass strip R measured by the measuring roller 13. Here, a signal indicating the measurement result of the measuring roller 13 is input to the controller 36. Therefore, in this case, control is performed by the controller 36 based on the signal indicating the measurement result of the measuring roller 13 (the signal sent from the arithmetic unit 33).

[0121] Based on the structure of the speed measuring device 4 described above, the following effects are achieved. Since the measuring roller 13 is a free roller that contacts the surface Ra of the glass strip R, slippage between it and the surface Ra of the glass strip R is less likely to occur compared to the case where it is a drive roller. Therefore, the moving speed of the glass strip R can be accurately measured. Furthermore, the measuring roller 13 is subjected to pressing pressure from the auxiliary roller 14, further reducing the likelihood of slippage between it and the surface Ra of the glass strip R.

[0122] Furthermore, at least the outer periphery of the measuring roller 13 is made of heat-resistant rubber, which makes it less prone to slippage between it and the surface Ra of the glass belt R. It is also less susceptible to the temperature (high temperature) of the glass belt R, thus extending the lifespan of the measuring roller 13.

[0123] On the other hand, since the auxiliary roller 14 is a drive roller and its rotational speed is variably controlled, during startup or maintenance of this manufacturing apparatus 1, if the auxiliary roller 14 is brought into direct contact with the measuring roller 13 and rotated, it is possible to confirm whether the measuring roller 13 operates accurately. Specifically, with the auxiliary roller 14 in direct contact with the measuring roller 13, by checking whether the rotational speed of the measuring roller 13 is also accurately N times the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller 14, it is possible to check in advance whether the measuring roller 13 operates accurately.

[0124] Furthermore, the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller 14 is controlled to follow the moving speed of the glass strip R measured by the measuring roller 13, thus ensuring that the moving speed of the glass strip R is accurately matched with the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller 14. In detail, assuming that the rotational speeds of the annealing roller 10 and the support roller 12 of the conveying device 3 follow the moving speed of the glass strip R measured by the measuring roller 13, slippage may inevitably occur between these rollers 10, 12 and the glass strip R. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately match the rotational speeds of these rollers 10, 12 with the moving speed of the glass strip R. In contrast, as described above, if the rotational speed of the auxiliary roller 14 follows the moving speed of the glass strip R measured by the measuring roller 13, such an undesirable situation will not occur.

[0125] Furthermore, since the measuring roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14 are positioned below the conveying device 3 and above the marking device 15, they do not obstruct the measurement of the moving speed of the glass ribbon R. That is, when the measuring roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14 are positioned above the conveying device 3, the glass ribbon R may bend between the conveying device 3 and the forming device 2, making it impossible to accurately measure the moving speed of the glass ribbon R using the measuring roller 13. On the other hand, when the measuring roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14 are positioned below the marking device 15, the marking line S formed on the glass ribbon R passes through the measurement area measured by the measuring roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14, which may prevent accurate measurement of the moving speed of the glass ribbon R or cause the glass ribbon R to break at the starting point of the marking line S. In contrast, as described above, if the measuring roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14 are positioned below the conveying device 3 and above the marking device 15, such adverse situations will not occur.

[0126] The auxiliary roller 14 applies pressure to the measuring roller 13 from the back side (Rb) of the glass strip R. The scribing cutter 17 moves while simultaneously applying pressure to the support body 19 from the back side (Rb) of the glass strip R. Therefore, the directions of pressure application are aligned between the auxiliary roller 14 and the scribing cutter 17. Consequently, oscillation is less likely to occur on the glass strip R when the scribing cutter 17 moves.

[0127] Figure 10 This is a front view of the main parts of the manufacturing apparatus 1, viewed from the Ra side of the glass strip R. As shown in the figure, the annealing roller 10 and the support roller 12 of the conveying device 3 are positioned at the center side in the width direction, closer to the edge roller 8. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the annealing roller 10 and the support roller 12 are positioned at the same location in the width direction.

[0128] Therefore, the contact mark 41 (hereinafter referred to as the first contact mark 41) in the glass belt R that contacts the annealing roller 10 and the support roller 12 is located on the central side in the width direction compared to the contact mark 42 (hereinafter referred to as the second contact mark 42) in the glass belt R that contacts the edge roller 8. In this figure, the first contact mark 41 is illustrated as a striped area marked with relatively large-spaced crosshairs, and the second contact mark 42 is illustrated as a striped area marked with relatively small-spaced crosshairs. In this case, the first contact mark 41 and the second contact mark 42 are separated in the width direction, and there is a striped gap area 43 (the area 43 without crosshairs) between the first contact mark 41 and the second contact mark 42.

[0129] Figure 11 This is a top view showing a cross-section of the glass strip R when it is cut along its width direction. As shown in the figure, an ear portion Rm with a thickness greater than the central portion in the width direction is formed in the region on the side of one end R1 in the width direction of the glass strip Rm. Furthermore, a concave-convex region Rn is formed in the region on the side of one end R1 in the width direction of the ear portion Rm. The region on which this concave-convex region Rn is formed is the second contact mark 42. In addition, the region in the ear portion Rm where the concave-convex region Rn is not formed exists within the striped gap region 43. It should be noted that the above description also applies to the region on the side of the other end R2 in the width direction of the glass strip R. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the region on the side of the other end R2 in the width direction of the glass strip R shown in this figure to refer to the common constituent elements as described above.

[0130] Here, as Figure 10 As shown, the measuring roller 13 is positioned in the region of the glass belt R near one end R1, at the center Rz in the width direction. This achieves the effect shown below. That is, as... Figure 12 As shown, when the scribing tool 17 moves from one end R1 side to the other end R2 side in the width direction of the glass strip R in order to form the scribing line S, wrinkles Rp are sometimes generated in the glass strip R. In detail, wrinkles Rp are generated in the latter half of the period from the beginning of the formation of the scribing line S by the scribing tool 17 to the end of the formation.

[0131] Therefore, the folds Rp in Figure 10 The region on the side of the end S2 of the scribe line S in the glass belt R shown is generated. Therefore, when the measuring roller 13 is positioned in the region on the side of the end S2 of the scribe line S in the glass belt R, it is difficult to accurately measure the moving speed of the glass belt R due to the influence of the wrinkles Rp.

[0132] Therefore, if the measuring roller 13 is positioned in the region on the side of the beginning S1 of the scribe line S in the glass belt R, that is, in the region on the side of the end R1 of the glass belt R in the width direction as described above, the moving speed of the glass belt R can be accurately measured without being affected by the wrinkles Rp.

[0133] Based on the following Figure 10 In the description, the first contact mark 41, the second contact mark 42, the ear Rm and the gap region 43 mean the aforementioned elements 41, 42, Gm and 43 existing on the side of one end R1 in the width direction of the glass strip R.

[0134] The measuring roller 13 is positioned closer to the center of the width direction than the first contact mark 41. Therefore, the measuring roller 13 does not interfere with the first contact mark 41 or the ear Rm (including the second contact mark 42). It should be noted that the separation distance L1 from the center Rz of the glass strip R in the width direction to the measuring roller 13 is longer than the separation distance L2 from the second contact mark 42 to the measuring roller 13.

[0135] according to Figure 10 The configuration shown allows the measuring roller 13 to accurately measure the moving speed of the glass strip R for the following reasons. Specifically, because the second contact mark 42 formed on the glass strip R has an unevenness Rn, when the measuring roller 13 is configured to interfere with the second contact mark 42, the moving speed of the glass strip R cannot be accurately measured due to the influence of the unevenness Rn. Furthermore, the formation site of the second contact mark 42 has significant residual stress, which can lead to breakage of the formation site of the second contact mark 42 during the downward transport of the glass strip R. Due to this breakage, the measuring roller 13 also cannot accurately measure the moving speed of the glass strip R. It should be noted that the same problem arises with the ear Rm. Therefore, by configuring the measuring roller 13 as described above so as not to interfere with the ear Rm including the second contact mark 42, the moving speed of the glass strip R can be accurately measured.

[0136] Furthermore, glass powder and other particles adhering to the annealing roller 10 and the support roller 12 are pressed against the first contact mark 41 by the annealing roller 10 and the support roller 12, resulting in the formation of tiny cracks. Therefore, the strength at the crack formation site of the glass strip R is low. Consequently, if the crack comes into contact with the measuring roller 13, it will cause the glass strip R to break. Therefore, by configuring the measuring roller 13 in a manner that does not interfere with the first contact mark 41 as described above, the moving speed of the glass strip R can be accurately measured.

[0137] As a further structural feature, as shown in the figure, the glass strip R has an effective region Rs, which is the central area in the width direction, and ineffective regions Rt, which are the entire areas of one end R1 and the other end R2 in the width direction of the effective region Rs. The effective region Rs is the area used as the product glass sheet. The ineffective region Rt is the area that is cut off as an unnecessary part in a later process. Furthermore, the measuring roller 13 is disposed within the ineffective region Rt. This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the effective region Rs or causing damage to the effective region Rs, thereby improving the quality of the product glass sheet.

[0138] Here, the measuring roller 13 can also be disposed within the striped gap region 43. Therefore, the measuring roller 13 may interfere with areas in the ear portion Rm where no unevenness Rn is formed. However, areas in the ear portion Rm where no unevenness Rn is formed may have residual stress and exhibit some thickness variation. Therefore, it is preferable that the measuring roller 13 is disposed within the striped gap region 43 in a manner that does not interfere with the entire area of ​​the ear portion Rm.

[0139] Furthermore, unlike the illustration, when the position of the annealing roller 10 in the width direction differs from that of the support roller 12, the length of the first contact mark 41 in the width direction becomes longer, or the two first contact marks 41 are separated in the width direction. Even in this case, the measuring roller 13 is positioned so as not to interfere with the first contact marks 41. Therefore, the measuring roller 13 may also be positioned in the striped gap region between the two first contact marks 41.

[0140] It should be noted that, in the illustration, in the second contact mark 42, the portion where the measuring roller 13 is positioned at its height is located closer to the center of the width direction than the position near the bottom of the edge roller 8. In this case, the position of the second contact mark 42 in the width direction means the position in the width direction at the height position where the measuring roller 13 is positioned. Therefore, "position closer to the center of the width direction than the second contact mark 42" means "position closer to the center of the width direction than the second contact mark 42 at the height position where the measuring roller 13 is positioned".

[0141] The above is based on Figure 10 The same explanation applies to the auxiliary roller 14. It should be noted that the length of the auxiliary roller 14 in the width direction is preferably the same as the length of the measuring roller 13 in the width direction, but it is also possible that the length of one in the width direction is longer than the length of the other.

[0142] The surrounding structure of the speed measuring device 4 is shown below.

[0143] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 10 As shown, a guide roller 45 is positioned at a height corresponding to the measuring roller 13 in a region of the glass strip R that is closer to the other end R2 than the center Rz in the width direction. In the illustration, the guide roller 45 consists of a pair of rollers positioned in a portion in the width direction and clamping the glass strip R from both sides in the face-back direction. Both guide rollers 45 are free rollers. It should be noted that... Figure 10 The first contact mark 41, the second contact mark 42, the ear Rm, and the gap region 43 shown are also formed in the same manner with respect to the back surface Rb of the glass strip R.

[0144] Preferably, the pair of guide rollers 45 are positioned in the same manner as the measuring roller 13 described above, in the surface Ra and back surface Rb of the glass strip R, relative to the first contact mark 41, second contact mark 42, ear Rm, and gap region 43 formed on the other end R2 side in the width direction of the glass strip R. In this case, the clamping force of the pair of guide rollers 45 is smaller than the pressing force exerted on the measuring roller 13 from the auxiliary roller 14, so the above-mentioned positional relationship may be partially or completely different from that of the measuring roller 13 described above. However, the pair of guide rollers 45 are preferably configured so as not to interfere with the second contact mark 42 or the ear Rm.

[0145] In the illustration, a pair of guide rollers 45 are positioned at the same height as the measuring roller 13, but their vertical positions may differ slightly from those of the measuring roller 13. However, even in this case, it is preferable that they are positioned at substantially the same height. In this case, the pair of guide rollers 45 are positioned above the marking device 15 and below the conveying device 3 (the lowermost support roller 12).

[0146] If a pair of guide rollers 45 are set in this way, the swaying of the glass strip R can be suppressed at the height position corresponding to the measuring roller 13, so that the moving speed of the glass strip R can be accurately measured without being affected by the swaying.

[0147] Furthermore, a limiting member 46 (restricting roller 46 in the illustration) is positioned below the measuring roller 13 and above the marking device 15, clamping the glass strip R from both sides in the direction of the back of the watch and restricting the swing of the glass strip R. The limiting roller 46 is positioned in the region of the glass strip R near one end R1 of the center Rz in the width direction and in the region of the glass strip R near the other end R2 of the center Rz in the width direction. Thus, the glass strip R is clamped by two pairs of limiting rollers 46. The vertical separation distance L3 between the two pairs of limiting rollers 46 and the measuring roller 13 is shorter than the vertical separation distance L4 between the two pairs of limiting rollers 46 and the marking device 15 (see reference). Figure 10 In addition, the vertical separation distance L3 between the two pairs of limiting rollers 46 and the measuring roller 13 is shorter than the vertical separation distance L5 between the two pairs of limiting rollers 46 and the lowest support roller 12.

[0148] Preferably, the two pairs of limiting rollers 46 are positioned in the same manner as the measuring roller 13 described above, with the first contact mark 41, the second contact mark 42, and the gap region 43 formed on one end R1 and the other end R2 respectively in the width direction of the glass strip R. In this case, the clamping force of each pair of limiting rollers 46 is smaller than the pressing force exerted on the measuring roller 13 from the auxiliary roller 14, so the above-mentioned positional relationship may be partially or completely different from that of the measuring roller 13 described above. However, the two pairs of limiting rollers 46 are preferably arranged so as not to interfere with the second contact mark 42 or the ear Rm.

[0149] By configuring the limiting roller 46 in this way, the swaying of the glass strip R caused by the scribing device 15 during the formation of the scribing line S on the glass strip R can be suppressed, thus preventing the transmission of this sway to the positioning of the measuring roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14. This allows for accurate measurement of the moving speed of the glass strip R. It should be noted that the limiting roller 46 is preferably a free roller. If the limiting roller 46 is a free roller, the moving speed of the glass strip R can be accurately measured using the measuring roller 13 without causing any change in the moving speed of the glass strip R.

[0150] Next, a method for manufacturing a glass plate according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This manufacturing method includes a forming process, a transport process, a speed measurement process, and a cutting process. Furthermore, the cutting process includes a scribing process and a breaking process.

[0151] The forming process is a process of forming glass strip R from molten glass Gm using forming device 2 (in this embodiment, forming body 7 and edge roller 8).

[0152] The transport process is a process of transporting the glass strip R downward using the transport device 3 (in this embodiment, the annealing roller 10 and the support roller 12).

[0153] The speed measurement process is a process in which the speed measuring device 4 measures the moving speed of the glass belt R during the handling process. In the speed measurement process, the moving speed of the region of the glass belt R near one end R1, which is located in the width direction from the center Rz, is measured.

[0154] The cutting process is a process of cutting a single sheet of glass Gp from the glass strip R using the scribing device 15 and the breaking device 16.

[0155] The scribing process is a process in which scribing device 15 forms scribing lines S from one end R1 side to the other end R2 side in the width direction of the glass strip R.

[0156] The breaking process is a process in which the glass strip R is broken at the position where the scribed line S is formed by the breaking device 16 to obtain a single glass plate Gp.

[0157] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0158] For example, the marking device 15 in the above embodiment can also be replaced with Figure 13 The engraving device 15 is shown. Specifically, in... Figure 13 In the scribing apparatus 15 shown, the support body 19 that supports the scribing cutter 17 disposed on the back side Rb of the glass strip R from the surface Ra side of the glass strip R is composed of a roller-shaped first support rotating body. This first support rotating body 19 is integral with the scribing cutter 17 and moves in the direction of arrow E (from one end R1 side towards the other end R2 side in the width direction of the glass strip R). Furthermore, the scribing apparatus 15 includes a coating roller 52 that moves ahead of the scribing cutter 17 on the back side Rb of the glass strip R at the same speed in the direction of arrow E. The coating roller 52 coats the back side Rb of the glass strip R with liquids such as ethanol and methanol. In addition, the scribing apparatus 15 includes a second support rotating body 53 that supports the coating roller 52 from the surface Ra side of the glass strip R. This second support rotating body 53 is integral with the coating roller 52 and moves in the direction of arrow E. When the scribing device 15 with this structure forms a scribing line S on the glass strip R, wrinkles Rp may also be generated in the region on the side of the end S2 of the scribing line S in the glass strip R, just as in the case described above.

[0159] In the above embodiments, based on Figure 10The configuration of the measuring roller 13 described above can also be as shown below (the same applies to the auxiliary roller 14). That is, when measuring the moving speed of the glass strip R using the speed measuring device 4, the presence of wrinkles Rp caused by the formation of the scribing line S on the glass strip R is not a problem. In this case, the measuring roller 13 can be configured to measure the moving speed of the center Rz in the width direction of the glass strip R, and it can also be configured to measure the moving speed of the region of the glass strip R R on the other end R2 side of the center Rz in the width direction. When the measuring roller 13 is configured to measure the moving speed of the region of the glass strip R R on the other end R2 side of the center Rz in the width direction, the guide roller 45 can also be configured to contact the region of the glass strip R R R on the one end R1 side of the center Rz in the width direction. In this case, the positional relationship of the first contact mark 41, the second contact mark 42, the ear Rm, and the gap region 43 on the other end R2 side of the measuring roller 13 relative to the width direction of the glass strip R is the same as that of the aforementioned elements 41, 42, Rm, and 43 on the one end R1 side of the measuring roller 13 relative to the width direction of the glass strip R.

[0160] In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to an apparatus and method for manufacturing glass plates using the overflow down-draw method, but the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus and method for manufacturing glass plates using other methods such as the slit down-draw method.

[0161] In the above embodiment, when the glass strip R is broken by the breaking device 16, bending stress is applied to the glass strip R while the broken body 22 is in contact with the glass strip R. However, the broken body 22 can also touch the glass strip R while bending stress is applied to the glass strip R.

[0162] In the above embodiment, when the glass strip R is broken by the breaking device 16, the broken body 22 is brought into contact with the position where the scribe line S of the glass strip R is formed, but the broken body 22 may also be brought into contact with a position on the glass strip R above the scribe line S (including the above-mentioned contact).

[0163] In the above embodiment, a limiting roller 46 is used as a limiting member to restrict the oscillation of the glass strip R, but the limiting member may not be roller-shaped, for example, it may be a sphere that rotates in the same way as the limiting roller 46.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the limiting rollers 46 clamp the glass strip R from both sides in the direction of the back of the glass strip, thereby limiting the swing of the glass strip R. However, the limiting rollers 46 may not clamp the glass strip R. That is, they may be configured such that the gap between the pairs of limiting rollers 46 is larger than the thickness of the glass strip R, and the glass strip R only contacts the limiting rollers 46 when the glass strip R swings.

[0165] In the above embodiment, the beginning S1 and the end S2 of the scribe line S are located on the glass strip R at a position closer to the center of the width direction than the first contact mark 41. However, the beginning S1 and the end S2 of the scribe line S can also be located within the first contact mark 41 or within the striped gap region 43. However, the beginning S1 and the end S2 of the scribe line S are preferably located on the glass strip R at a position closer to the center of the width direction than the ear portion Rm.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the measuring roller 13 is integrally mounted on the first roller shaft 30, but the first roller shaft 30 can also be fixedly set and the measuring roller 13 can be rotatably mounted on the first roller shaft 30.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the measuring roller 13 is cantilevered, but the measuring roller 13 can also be mounted on a first roller shaft 30 supported at both ends in the width direction. The same applies to the auxiliary roller 14.

Claims

1. A glass sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a forming device for forming a glass ribbon from molten glass; a conveying device for conveying the glass ribbon in a downward direction; a speed measuring device for measuring the moving speed of the glass ribbon being conveyed downward by the conveying device; and a cutting device for cutting single-sheet glass sheets from the glass ribbon. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that, The speed measuring device includes: a measuring roller that rotates in contact with the glass belt; and an auxiliary roller disposed at a position corresponding to the measuring roller, spaced apart from the glass belt. The measuring roller is a free roller.

2. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The speed measuring device measures the moving speed of the glass belt based on the rotational speed of the measuring roller.

3. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The auxiliary roller is a drive roller.

4. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The rotational speed of the auxiliary roller is controlled in such a way that it follows the moving speed of the glass ribbon as measured by the measuring roller.

5. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least the outer periphery of the measuring roller is formed of heat-resistant rubber.

6. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cutting device includes: a scribing device that forms a scribing line along the width direction of the glass strip from one end side orthogonal to the other end side in the width direction of the glass strip; and a breaking device that breaks the glass strip at the location where the scribing line is formed to obtain a single sheet of glass. The speed measuring device measures the moving speed of the region on one side of the glass strip that is closer to the center in the width direction.

7. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The measuring roller is disposed on one side of the glass strip, and the auxiliary roller is disposed on the other side of the glass strip. Pressure is applied to the measuring roller from the auxiliary roller via the glass strip.

8. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The cutting device includes: a scribing device that forms a scribing line along the width direction of the glass strip from one end side orthogonal to the other end side in the width direction of the glass strip; and a breaking device that breaks the glass strip at the location where the scribing line is formed to obtain a single sheet of glass. The scribing apparatus includes: a scribing tool that forms the scribing line on the other side of the glass strip; and a support body that contacts the other side of the glass strip when the scribing tool forms the scribing line and supports the glass strip.

9. A method for manufacturing a glass plate, comprising: The forming process involves shaping molten glass into glass ribbons. The process includes a conveying step, in which the glass strip is conveyed downwards; a speed measurement step, in which the moving speed of the glass strip is measured during the conveying step; and a cutting step, in which single-sheet glass plates are cut from the glass strip. The method for manufacturing the glass plate is characterized in that, In the speed measurement process, a speed measuring device is used to measure the moving speed of the glass strip by using a measuring roller that is a free roller that rotates in contact with the glass strip and an auxiliary roller that is positioned across the glass strip and corresponds to the measuring roller.

Images