Glass plate transport trolley

Abstract

The utility model provides a glass plate transport trolley which is used for transporting glass plates and can process the glass plates (change forward roads) without large enough space. A glass plate transport trolley (1 (101)) is provided with: a placement unit (10 (110)) on which a glass plate (G) is placed; a trolley part (20 (120)) which holds the carrying part (10 (110)) and can move; a traction unit (30 (130)) that draws the trolley unit (20 (120)); and a variable mechanism (a turning mechanism (22) or a plurality of engaged members (124, 124)) capable of changing the pulling direction (A) of the pulling part (30 (130)) to the mounting part (10 (110)).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a glass plate transport cart. Background Art

[0002] For example, in the manufacturing process of glass plates for substrates and cover glass of displays such as liquid crystal display devices and organic EL display devices, after each process is completed, multiple processed glass plates are randomly extracted at regular intervals as sampling glass plates, and quality inspections are performed on the multiple sampling glass plates, thereby improving the quality of the glass plates as final products.

[0003] Here, regarding the transport cart (glass plate transport cart) for transporting the extracted glass plates (sampling glass plates) to a specified inspection process, various transport carts have been proposed in the past.

[0004] For example, as an example, Patent Document 1 discloses a glass plate handling tray that transports multiple glass plates stacked in a vertically placed state by the labor of an operator.

[0005] On the other hand, for reasons such as cost reduction, the outer dimensions of glass plates have become larger in recent years to achieve higher manufacturing efficiency. For example, large-sized glass plates with dimensions of 1000 mm × 1000 mm or more have become mainstream.

[0006] Therefore, regarding the transport operation of glass plates by the labor of an operator using the above-mentioned transport cart, the burden has become increasingly large, and there is an urgent demand for improving work efficiency.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-315759 Summary of the Utility Model

[0010] Problems to be Solved by the Utility Model

[0011] In the transport operation of glass plates using a transport cart, as a solution for improving work efficiency, for example, it is considered to tow the transport cart along the orthogonal direction of the glass plate placed in a vertically placed state on the transport cart using an electric tractor to achieve labor-saving in the transport operation.

[0012] However, in the case of transporting a glass plate of the aforementioned large size, a relatively large space is required for handling (changing the forward path) of the transport cart. Generally, the working area for extracting the processed glass plate is surrounded by partition walls, and in many cases, sufficient space cannot be ensured for the entrances and exits for entering and leaving the working area. Further improvement solutions are required for towing the transport cart using an electric tractor.

[0013] The present utility model is completed in view of the current problems shown above. The problem is to provide a glass plate transport cart for performing glass plate transport operations and capable of handling (changing the forward path) without requiring a sufficiently large space.

[0014] Solutions for solving the problem

[0015] The problem to be solved by the present utility model is as described above. Next, the solutions for solving this problem will be described.

[0016] That is, the glass plate transport cart of Solution 1 of the present utility model is characterized in that the glass plate transport cart includes: a placement part for placing the glass plate; a cart part for holding the placement part and capable of moving; a towing part for towing the cart part; and a variable mechanism capable of changing the towing direction of the towing part with respect to the placement part.

[0017] With this structure, according to the glass plate transport cart of the present utility model, for example, even in the case of transporting a glass plate of the aforementioned large size, the traveling direction with respect to the glass plate can be easily changed by using the variable mechanism to change the towing direction of the towing part with respect to the placement part, and there is no need to significantly handle the cart itself, and the handling (changing the forward path) of the glass plate transport cart can be performed in a narrower space.

[0018] In addition, the glass plate transport cart of Solution 2 of the present utility model is based on Solution 1 above, and is characterized in that the variable mechanism is composed of a holding part provided between the cart part and the placement part and holding the placement part so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction with respect to the cart part.

[0019] With this structure, the traveling direction (towing direction) with respect to the glass plate placed on the placement part can be easily changed by rotating the placement part by using the variable mechanism composed of the holding part.

[0020] In addition, the glass plate transport cart of Solution 3 of the present utility model is based on Solution 1 above, and is characterized in that the variable mechanism is composed of a plurality of connecting parts provided at different positions of the cart part and capable of being respectively connected to the towing part.

[0021] With such a structure, by appropriately selecting the connecting portion (variable mechanism) connected to the towing portion, it is possible to easily change the traveling direction (towing direction) with respect to the glass plate placed on the placing portion.

[0022] In addition, the glass plate transport cart according to the fourth aspect of the present utility model is based on any one of the above-described first to third aspects, and is characterized in that the cart portion has casters at the bottom that can change the moving direction.

[0023] With such a structure, when processing the glass plate transport cart (changing the forward path), it is possible to easily change the traveling direction of the cart portion by means of the casters, and it is possible to reliably follow the towing direction of the towing portion.

[0024] In addition, the glass plate transport cart according to the fifth aspect of the present utility model is based on any one of the above-described first to fourth aspects, and is characterized in that the placing portion has: a bottom edge support portion that supports the bottom edge of the glass plate; and a back surface support portion that supports the back surface of the glass plate, and the back surface support portion has a window portion through which the other side can be visually confirmed from one side.

[0025] With such a structure, for example, when moving the glass plate transport cart in the opposite direction (backward) of the towing direction, such as when moving the glass plate transport cart to a predetermined extraction position for extracting the processed glass plate, it is possible to ensure the field of view on the moving direction side through the window portion while reliably moving the glass plate transport cart.

[0026] In addition, the glass plate transport cart according to the sixth aspect of the present utility model is based on any one of the above-described first to fifth aspects, and is characterized in that the placing portion holds the glass plate in a state where the glass plate is inclined in a vertically placed posture.

[0027] With such a structure, for example, even when transporting a large-sized glass plate as described above, like when placing the glass plate in a horizontally placed posture, the glass plate does not extend significantly in the plane direction, and it is possible to process the glass plate transport cart (change the forward path) in a narrower space and transport the glass plate.

[0028] In addition, the glass plate transport cart according to the seventh aspect of the present utility model is based on any one of the above-described first to sixth aspects, and is characterized in that the towing portion has a driving mechanism that can travel in the towing direction.

[0029] By towing the cart portion with the towing portion having such a driving mechanism, it is possible to achieve labor saving in the transportation operation of the glass plate, reduce the burden borne by the labor of the operator, and improve the operation efficiency.

[0030] In addition, based on any one of the above-described Solutions 1 to 7, the glass plate transport cart of Solution 8 of the present utility model is characterized in that the glass plate transport cart transports a sampling glass plate.

[0031] Here, the work area for extracting the processed glass plate is generally surrounded by a partition wall, and in many cases, sufficient space is not ensured at the entrance and exit for entering and exiting the work area.

[0032] Even for a sampling glass plate that uses the entrance and exit of such a work area where sufficient space is not ensured, or other narrow areas in the factory as a transport path, it is possible to change the traction direction of the traction part with respect to the placement part by using the glass plate transport cart of any one of the above-described Solutions 1 to 7, and it can be easily transported.

[0033] In addition, based on the above-described Solution 8, the glass plate transport cart of Solution 9 of the present utility model is characterized in that the length of one side of the sampling glass plate is 1500 mm or more and 2700 mm or less.

[0034] Even for a large-sized sampling glass plate with such an outer dimension, according to the glass plate transport cart of Solution 8, it is possible to change the traction direction of the traction part with respect to the placement part, and it is easy to handle (change the forward path) the glass plate transport cart in a narrower space.

[0035] In addition, the glass plate transport cart of Solution 10 of the present utility model is characterized in that the glass plate transport cart includes: a placement part for placing a glass plate; a cart part for holding the placement part and capable of moving; and a traction part for traction the cart part, the placement part having: a bottom support part for supporting the bottom edge of the glass plate; and a back support part for supporting the back surface of the glass plate, the back support part having a window part through which one side can visually confirm the other side.

[0036] By having such a structure, for example, when the glass plate transport cart moves in the opposite direction (recedes) of the traction direction, such as when moving the glass plate transport cart to a specified extraction position for extracting the processed glass plate, it is possible to ensure the field of view on the moving direction side via the window part and reliably move the glass plate transport cart.

[0037] Effect of the Utility Model

[0038] As an effect of the present utility model, the following effects are achieved.

[0039] That is, according to the glass plate transport cart of the present utility model, it is possible to perform handling (change the forward path) without requiring a sufficiently large space. Description of the Drawings

[0040] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view showing the overall structure of a glass plate transport cart according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) of FIG. 2 is a rear view thereof. Figure 1 (b) of FIG. 2 is a side view thereof.

[0041] Figure 2 FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the variable operation of the placement portion in the glass plate transport cart. Figure 2 (a) of FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where the placement portion is displaced to the first variable position. Figure 2 (b) of FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where the placement portion is displaced to the second variable position.

[0042] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a series of operations when sampling glass plates for measurement are extracted using the glass plate transport cart, and is a plan view showing the operations until the glass plate transport cart enters the workroom and moves to a specified extraction position.

[0043] Figure 4 FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a series of operations when sampling glass plates for measurement are extracted using the glass plate transport cart, and is a plan view showing the operations until the glass plate transport cart moves from the specified extraction position and exits the workroom.

[0044] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a view showing the overall structure of a glass plate transport cart according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 (a) of FIG. 6 is a rear view thereof. Figure 5 (b) of FIG. 6 is a side view thereof.

[0045] Figure 6 FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the variable operation of the placement portion in the glass plate transport cart according to another embodiment. Figure 6 (a) of FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state where the traction portion is connected (engaged) with the first engaged member of the cart portion. Figure 6 (b) of FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state where the traction portion is connected (engaged) with the second engaged member of the cart portion.

[0046] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0047] 1, 101 Glass plate transport cart

[0048] 10, 110 Placement portion

[0049] 11a Upper surface (placement surface)

[0050] 124 Engaged member (connection portion)

[0051] 124a First engaged member (connection portion)

[0052] 124b Second engaged member (connection part)

[0053] 12a Surface (back surface)

[0054] 12c Window part

[0055] 20, 120 Trolley part

[0056] 22 Rotating mechanism (holding part)

[0057] 23, 123 Caster wheels

[0058] 30, 130 Traction part

[0059] 31 Driving mechanism

[0060] A Traction direction

[0061] G Glass plate

[0062] Ga Sampling glass plate. Detailed implementation mode

[0063] Next, a description will be given of an implementation mode of the present utility model. Figures 1 to 6 using

[0064] It should be noted that in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the glass plate transport trolley 1 (or the glass plate transport trolley 101) are defined by the direction of the arrow for description.

[0065] In addition, in the following description, the direction of the arrow A in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 is defined as the traction direction of the traction part 30 (or the traction part 130) for description.

[0066] [Structure of the glass plate transport trolley 1]

[0067] First, the overall structure of the glass plate transport trolley 1 embodying the present utility model will be described using (a), (b) of Figure 1 and (a), (b) of Figure 2 .

[0068] The glass plate transport trolley 1 in this implementation mode is used to transport the processed glass plate G to a desired place. For example, it is used to transport multiple glass plates G, G... taken out at regular intervals or randomly as sampling glass plates Ga to the inspection process for quality inspection during the manufacturing process of the glass plate G.

[0069] It should be noted that the purpose of using the glass plate transport cart 1 is not limited to transporting the sampling glass plate Ga (glass plate G) to the inspection process as in this embodiment, and it can be used regardless of the situation of transporting the glass plate G to any place.

[0070] In addition, the number of glass plates G transported by the glass plate transport cart 1 at one time is not limited to multiple sheets, and it can also be one sheet.

[0071] Here, in this embodiment, the glass plate G transported by the glass plate transport cart 1 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped glass plate used in substrates and cover glass of displays such as liquid crystal display devices and organic EL display devices. One side of it is set to be 1500 mm or more and 2700 mm or less, and its thickness is set to be 0.2 mm or more and 1.3 mm or less.

[0072] Even for a large-sized glass plate G with such external dimensions, according to the glass plate transport cart 1 in this embodiment, the traction direction A of the traction part 30 on the placement part 10 can be changed as described later, and the handling (forward path change) of the glass plate transport cart 1 can be easily performed in a narrower space.

[0073] The glass plate transport cart 1 is a cart that transports the glass plate G in a vertically placed state. As shown in (a) and (b) of Figure 1 , it mainly includes: a placement part 10 that places the glass plate G; a cart part 20 that holds the placement part 10 and can move; and a traction part 30 that tractions the cart part 20.

[0074] It should be noted that the placement posture of the glass plate G when transporting the glass plate G by the glass plate transport cart 1 is not limited to the vertically placed posture as in this embodiment. For example, in the case of a rectangular glass plate G, etc., it can also be placed on the placement part 10 in a horizontally placed state.

[0075] The placement part 10 has: a placement table 11 that supports the lower end of the glass plate G; a back support member 12 that supports the back surface of the glass plate G (the front surface in Figure 1 ); and a reinforcing frame 13 that reinforces the placement table 11 and the back support member 12.

[0076] The placement table 11 is composed of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member extending in the horizontal direction and one direction (the left-right direction in Figure 1 ), and is arranged in a state where the upper surface 11a faces backward and is slightly inclined upward.

[0077] Further, the upper surface 11a is an example of the bottom support portion of the present invention, and the glass plate G is placed thereon in a vertically placed state. In other words, the upper surface 11a supports the bottom edge of the glass plate G.

[0078] The back support member 12 is composed of a flat plate-shaped member and is erected at one end portion (the front end portion in Figure 1 this case) of the mounting table 11.

[0079] That is, the surface 12a on the side of the mounting table 11 (the rear side in Figure 1 this case) of the back support member 12 is an example of the back support portion of the present invention, and is provided in a state of being erected along a substantially right angle direction with respect to the upper surface 11a of the mounting table 11.

[0080] Moreover, the glass plate G placed on the upper surface 11a of the mounting table 11 in a vertically placed state is supported on the back surface (front surface) by the surface 12a of the back support member 12, and thus is held in a state of being slightly tilted (inclined) toward the side of the back support member 12 (the front side in Figure 1 this case).

[0081] In other words, the mounting portion 10 holds the glass plate G in a state of tilting the glass plate G in a vertically placed state.

[0082] By having such a structure, for example, even when transporting the large-sized glass plate G as described above by the glass plate transport cart 1, like the case of placing the glass plate G in a horizontally placed state, the glass plate G does not extend significantly in the plane direction, and the glass plate transport cart 1 can be processed (forward path change) and the glass plate G can be transported in a narrower space.

[0083] A rectangular opening 12b extending upward from the lower end portion is formed in the central portion of the back support member 12.

[0084] The opening 12b is sealed by a sealing member 2 composed of a transparent plate-shaped member such as polycarbonate, and the sealing member 2 and the back support member 12 are supported by a reinforcing frame 13 (more specifically, a back frame 13d) described later.

[0085] In other words, a window portion 12c composed of the opening 12b sealed by the sealing member 2 is provided in the central portion of the back support member 12, and is configured to be able to visually confirm the other side from either the side of the glass plate G (the rear side in Figure 1 this case) or the opposite side of the side of the glass plate G (the front side in Figure 1 this case) through the window portion 12c with respect to the back support member 12.

[0086] Thus, in the present embodiment, the following structure is formed, that is, the placing portion 10 includes: the upper surface (bottom edge supporting portion) 11a of the placing table 11 that supports the bottom edge of the glass plate G; and the back surface supporting member (back surface supporting portion) 12 that supports the back surface of the glass plate G, and the surface 12a of the back surface supporting member 12 has a window portion 12c through which the other side (the rear side or the front side with respect to the back surface supporting member 12) can be visually confirmed from one side (the front side or the rear side with respect to the back surface supporting member 12).

[0087] By having such a structure, for example, when the glass plate transport cart 1 is moved in the opposite direction (backward) to the pulling direction A (the forward direction in Figure 1 ), such as when the glass plate transport cart 1 is moved to a predetermined extraction position P0 for extracting the processed glass plate G as a sampled glass plate Ga as described later, the glass plate transport cart 1 can be reliably moved while ensuring the field of view on the moving direction side through the window portion 12c.

[0088] It should be noted that the structure of the window portion 12c is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the sealing member 2 may not be provided, and it may be constituted only by the opening portion 12b formed in the back surface supporting member 12.

[0089] In addition, the position where the window frame 12c is provided is not limited to one part as in the present embodiment, and it may be provided at multiple parts.

[0090] In addition, the shape of the opening portion 12b (or the sealing member 2) is not limited to the rectangular shape as in the present embodiment. As long as the other side can be visually confirmed from either the glass plate G side (the rear side) or the opposite side (the front side) of the glass plate G side with respect to the back surface supporting member 12, it may be any shape.

[0091] Moreover, the member forming the sealing member 2 is not limited to a resin member such as polycarbonate as in the present embodiment. For example, as long as it is a transparent member such as a glass plate, it may be any member.

[0092] The reinforcing frame 13, for example, includes: a base frame 13a having a rectangular shape in plan view, which extends along the placing table 11; a plurality of support blocks 13b, 13b..., which support the placing table 11 along one end portion (the rear end portion in Figure 1 on the upper surface of the base frame 13a; a plurality of support columns 13c, 13c..., which are erected along the other end portion (the front end portion in Figure 1 on the upper surface of the base frame 13a; and a back frame 13d, which extends along the opposite side of the surface 12a side of the back surface supporting member 12 (in Figure 1is provided inside 12d (the front side in the figure) and is composed of a lattice structure; and a plurality of beam members 13e, 13e..., which connect the support column 13c and the back frame 13d.

[0093] In addition, the above-mentioned sealing member 2 and the back support member 12 are supported by the back frame 13d together.

[0094] Moreover, the reinforcement frame 13 is disposed directly above the carriage portion 20 described later and is held by the carriage portion 20 so as to be rotatable (revolvable) in the horizontal direction by means of a rotation mechanism 22.

[0095] The carriage portion 20 has a carriage main body 21, a rotation mechanism 22 provided on the upper surface 21a of the carriage main body 21, and a plurality of casters 23, 23... provided on the lower surface 21b of the carriage main body 21.

[0096] The carriage main body 21 is configured to have a substantially square shape in plan view, for example.

[0097] In addition, the dimension La in the longitudinal direction of the carriage main body 21 (that is, the length of one side of the carriage main body 21 having a substantially square shape in plan view) is preferably set to be substantially equal (La≒Lb) or slightly larger (La>Lb) than the width dimension Lb of the mounting portion 10 along the thickness direction of the glass plate G to be mounted (in the Figure 1 figure, it is the front-rear direction).

[0098] With this structure, for example, when the mounting portion 10 is displaced to the second variable position S2 described later (refer to Figure 2 figure (b)), it is possible to prevent the mounting portion 10 from protruding significantly in the horizontal direction (in the Figure 2 figure (b), it is the left-right direction) from the carriage portion 20, and it is possible to handle (change the forward path) the glass plate transport cart 1 and transport the glass plate G in a narrower space.

[0099] The rotation mechanism 22 is an example of the holding portion of the present invention and constitutes a variable mechanism capable of changing the traction direction A of the traction portion 30 that traction the mounting portion 10 via the carriage portion 20 with respect to the mounting portion 10.

[0100] The rotation mechanism 22 has, for example: a rotation shaft 22a, which is inserted into the center portion in plan view of the upper surface 21a of the carriage main body 21 with its axial direction being the vertical direction; and a bearing member (not shown), which is provided on the carriage main body 21 and supports the rotation shaft 22a so as to be rotatable (revolvable) about the axis Z.

[0101] That is, the rotation mechanism 22 is provided between the carriage portion 20 and the mounting portion 10.

[0102] The upper end portion of the rotation shaft 22a is connected to the base frame 13a of the mounting portion 10.

[0103] Thus, the mounting portion 10 is held by the carriage portion 20 so as to be rotatable (revolvable) horizontally about the axis Z by means of the rotary shaft 22a.

[0104] In addition, a locking mechanism 4 for holding the position of the mounting portion 10 relative to the carriage portion 20 is provided between the mounting portion 10 and the carriage portion 20.

[0105] The locking mechanism 4 has, for example: a mounting-portion-side protruding piece 41 that protrudes from the base frame 13a of the mounting portion 10 toward one side in the horizontal direction (the rear side in Figure 1 ); a first carriage-portion-side protruding piece 42a and a second carriage-portion-side protruding piece 42b that protrude from the carriage main body 21 of the carriage portion 20 toward one side in the horizontal direction (the rear side in Figure 1 ), and toward the other side in the horizontal direction (the left side in Figure 1 ), respectively; and a locking pin 43.

[0106] Through holes (not shown) that penetrate the two members coaxially are provided in the mounting-portion-side protruding piece 41 and the first carriage-portion-side protruding piece 42a, respectively.

[0107] In addition, a through hole coaxial with the through hole of the mounting-portion-side protruding piece 41 is also provided in the second carriage-portion-side protruding piece 42b (not shown).

[0108] Moreover, when the mounting portion 10 rotates horizontally relative to the carriage portion 20, the mounting portion 10 is configured to be movable between a first variable position S1 (see Figure 2 (a)) and a second variable position S2 (see Figure 2 (b)).

[0109] When the mounting portion 10 is displaced to the first variable position S1, by inserting the locking pin 43 into the mounting-portion-side protruding piece 41 and the first carriage-portion-side protruding piece 42a simultaneously, the position of the mounting portion 10 relative to the carriage portion 20 can be held (becomes a locked state).

[0110] In addition, when the mounting portion 10 is displaced to the second variable position S2, by inserting the locking pin 43 into the mounting-portion-side protruding piece 41 and the second carriage-portion-side protruding piece 42b simultaneously, the position of the mounting portion 10 relative to the carriage portion 20 is held (becomes a locked state).

[0111] Here, as shown in Figure 2 (a), the first variable position S1 is the position of the mounting portion 10 relative to the carriage portion 20 in which the traction direction A of the traction portion 30 is orthogonal in plan view to the glass plate G mounted on the mounting portion 10.

[0112] In addition, asFigure 2 As shown in FIG. (b), the second variable position S2 is the position of the placing unit 10 relative to the cart unit 20 where the pulling direction A of the pulling unit 30 is parallel to the plane of the glass plate G placed on the placing unit 10.

[0113] By displacing the position of the placing unit 10 relative to the cart unit 20 between the first variable position S1 and the second variable position S2 by means of the rotation mechanism 22, the pulling direction A of the pulling unit 30 on the placing unit 10 can be changed.

[0114] Thus, in the present embodiment, the cart unit 20 has a variable mechanism capable of changing the pulling direction A of the pulling unit 30 on the placing unit 10, and this variable mechanism is configured by a rotation mechanism (holding unit) 22 provided between the cart unit 20 and the placing unit 10 and holding the placing unit 10 so as to be rotatable relative to the cart unit 20 in the horizontal direction.

[0115] By having such a structure, it is possible to easily change the traveling direction (pulling direction A) of the glass plate G placed on the placing unit 10 by rotating the placing unit 10 by using the variable mechanism constituted by the rotation mechanism (holding unit) 22.

[0116] It should be noted that in the rotation mechanism 22 in the present embodiment, it is configured to be able to rotate the placing unit 10 in the horizontal direction around the axis Z (refer to FIGS. (a) and (b)), but it is not limited thereto, and at least a structure capable of reciprocally rotating the placing unit 10 in the horizontal direction between the first variable position S1 and the second variable position S2 is sufficient. Figure 1 The casters 23 are constituted by so-called swivel casters capable of rotating around an axis in the orthogonal direction with respect to the axis of the wheel.

[0117] For example, as shown in FIGS. (a) and (b), four casters 23, 23, 23, 23 are provided in the present embodiment and are respectively arranged at the four corners of the lower surface 21b of the cart main body 21.

[0118] And, by means of these casters 23, 23, 23, 23, the cart unit 20 is configured to be movable, and the moving direction (traveling direction) of the cart unit 20 can be arbitrarily changed. Figure 1

[0119]

[0120]

[0121] Thus, in the present embodiment, the cart unit 20 (more specifically, the cart main body 21) has a structure in which casters 23 capable of changing the moving direction are provided at the bottom (lower surface 21b).

[0121] With this structure, when the glass plate transport cart 1 is being processed (changing the forward path), the traveling direction of the cart unit 20 can be easily changed by means of the casters 23, and the traction direction A of the traction unit 30 can be reliably followed.

[0122] The traction unit 30 is composed of a commercially available tractor that can drive the wheels 32 using an electric drive mechanism 31.

[0123] The traction unit 30 is arranged on one side of the cart unit 20 (the front side in Figure 1 this case) with a prescribed interval from the cart unit 20, and is connected to the cart unit 20 via a connecting member 33.

[0124] Here, regarding the separation interval Lc between the cart unit 20 and the traction unit 30, it is set to a separation interval such that the placement unit 10 does not interfere with the traction unit 30 when the placement unit 10 is displaced to the second variable position S2 (refer to Figure 2 the (b) of this). That is, in a plan view, the above-mentioned separation distance Lc is larger than the extension distance Ld of the placement unit 10 extending from the cart unit 20.

[0125] A handle 34 for operating the traveling direction of the traction unit 30 is provided on the traction unit 30, and various control switches (not shown) for controlling the drive of the drive mechanism 31 are provided on the handle 34.

[0126] Moreover, while the operator is holding the handle 34, operating the above-mentioned various control switches and controlling the drive of the drive mechanism 31, the traction unit 30 is made to travel in the traction direction A.

[0127] Thereby, the cart unit 20 is towed by the traction unit 30 in the traction direction A.

[0128] It should be noted that the traction unit 30 can also travel in the direction opposite to the traction direction A by controlling the above-mentioned various control switches provided on the handle 34.

[0129] In this way, in the present embodiment, the traction unit 30 has a structure with a drive mechanism 31 that can travel in the traction direction A.

[0130] By towing the cart unit 20 with the traction unit 30 having the drive mechanism 31, the labor-saving of the transportation operation of the glass plate G can be achieved, the burden borne by the labor of the operator can be reduced, and the improvement of the operation efficiency can be realized.

[0131] [Operating steps of the extraction operation of the sampled glass plate Ga using the glass plate transport cart 1]

[0132] Next, as an example of the transportation operation of the glass plate G using the glass plate transport cart 1, the operation steps in the case of performing the extraction operation of the sampling glass plate Ga will be described using Figure 3 and Figure 4 for explanation.

[0133] In Figure 3 , generally, the manufacturing process of the glass plate G is isolated from the surrounding environment by the partition wall B, and the extraction operation of the sampling glass plate Ga is performed in a restricted space within the operation area surrounded by the partition wall B.

[0134] In the above operation area, a handling device 50 is arranged. The handling device 50 sandwiches (holds) the upper end portion of the glass plate G that has been processed through various processes and continuously transports the glass plate G in a vertical posture toward, for example, the bundling process as the final process.

[0135] In addition, an entrance / exit B1 for entering and exiting the operation area is provided in the partition wall B of the operation area located on the downstream side of the handling device 50 in the transportation direction C.

[0136] And the operator moves the glass plate transport cart 1 to the specified extraction position P0 and extracts the sampling glass plate Ga according to the steps shown below.

[0137] It should be noted that the above extraction position P0 is located on the upstream side of the transportation direction C of the handling device 50, and the operator randomly extracts the glass plate G held (clamped) by the handling device 50 at regular intervals or randomly as the sampling glass plate Ga.

[0138] First, the glass plate transport cart 1 is located at an arbitrary first position P1 outside the operation area.

[0139] At the first position P1, the placement part 10 is in the state of being held at the aforementioned second variable position S2 (refer to Figure 2 (b)).

[0140] It should be noted that in the placement part 10, it can be either a state where the sampling glass plate Ga has not been placed or a state where several sampling glass plates Ga have been placed.

[0141] When starting the extraction operation of the sampling glass plate Ga, the operator holds the handle 34 and drives the traction part 30, and uses the traction part 30 to traction the cart part 20 along the traction direction A (refer to Figure 1 ) toward the entrance / exit B1 of the operation area.

[0142] And the operator, while holding the placement part 10 in the state of the second variable position S2, tractions the cart part 20 using the traction part 30 and passes through the entrance / exit B1 into the operation area.

[0143] At this time, relative to the carriage unit 20, the placement unit 10 does not extend significantly in the direction orthogonal to the towing direction A in plan view. Therefore, even when there is not enough space ensured at the entrance / exit B1, it is possible to easily handle (change the forward path) the glass plate transport carriage 1 and pass through the entrance / exit B1.

[0144] When the glass plate transport carriage 1 reaches the second position P2 within the work area through the entrance / exit B1, the operator releases the locked state brought about by the locking mechanism 4 (refer to Figure 1 ), displaces the placement unit 10 to the first variable position S1 (refer to Figure 2 (a)), and then sets the locking mechanism 4 to the locked state again.

[0145] Furthermore, while handling (changing the forward path) the glass plate transport carriage 1, the operator uses the towing unit 30 to tow the carriage unit 20 toward the third position P3 at the further inner corner within the work area.

[0146] When the glass plate transport carriage 1 reaches the third position P3, the operator arranges the glass plate transport carriage 1 in a state where the back support member 12 (refer to Figure 1 ) faces the handling device 50.

[0147] And the operator moves the towing unit 30 in the direction opposite to the towing direction A, and moves the glass plate transport carriage 1 toward the extraction position P0 for extracting the sampled glass plate Ga (moves backward in the direction of Figure 1 ).

[0148] At this time, as described above, the operator can move the glass plate transport carriage 1 while ensuring the field of view on the moving direction side through the window portion 12c (refer to Figure 1 (b)), and can move the glass plate transport carriage 1 toward the extraction position P0 while confirming the presence or absence of surrounding obstacles, etc. (moves backward in the direction of Figure 1 ).

[0149] When the glass plate transport carriage 1 reaches the extraction position P0, the operator extracts multiple glass plates G held (clamped) by the handling device 50 at regular intervals or randomly, and sequentially places them on the placement unit 10 as the sampled glass plates Ga.

[0150] And when the placement of a specified number of glass plates G, G... on the placement unit 10 is completed, as shown in Figure 4 , the operator moves the towing unit 30 in the towing direction A (refer to Figure 1 ), and temporarily moves the glass plate transport carriage 1 toward the third position P3.

[0151] When the glass plate transport cart 1 reaches the third position P3, while the operator processes the glass plate transport cart 1 (changing the forward path), the cart unit 20 is towed toward the second position P2 near the entrance / exit B1 by the towing unit 30.

[0152] When the glass plate transport cart 1 reaches the second position P2, the operator releases the locked state brought about by the locking mechanism 4 (refer to Figure 1 ), and again displaces the placement unit 10 to the second variable position S2 (refer to Figure 2 (b) of ), and then sets the locking mechanism 4 to the locked state.

[0153] Moreover, while the operator holds the placement unit 10 in the state of the second variable position S2, the operator tows the cart unit 20 by the towing unit 30 and passes through the entrance / exit B1 toward the outside of the work area.

[0154] At this time, similar to the case of passing through the entrance / exit B1 toward the inside of the work area described above, with respect to the cart unit 20, the placement unit 10 does not extend significantly in the direction orthographic to the towing direction A in plan view. Therefore, even when sufficient space is not ensured at the entrance / exit B1, it is possible to easily process the glass plate transport cart 1 (change the forward path) and pass through this entrance / exit B1.

[0155] After that, the glass plate handling cart 1 passes through the entrance / exit B1 and reaches an arbitrary first position P1 outside the work area as the work area, and thus a series of operation steps in the extraction operation of the sampled glass plate Ga using the glass plate transport cart 1 are completed.

[0156] [Structure of the glass plate transport cart 101 (other embodiment)]

[0157] Next, the structure of the glass plate transport cart 101 in other embodiments of the present utility model will be described using Figure 5 (a)(b) of and Figure 6 (a)(b) of .

[0158] The glass plate transport cart 101 in other embodiments has a structure substantially equivalent to that of the glass plate transport cart 1 in the foregoing present embodiment. On the other hand, the structure of the variable mechanism capable of changing the towing direction A of the towing unit 130 with respect to the placement unit 110 is different from that of this glass plate transport cart 1.

[0159] Therefore, in the following description, mainly the differences from the glass plate transport cart 1 in the present embodiment will be described, and the description of the structure equivalent to that of this glass plate transport cart 1 will be omitted.

[0160] The glass plate transport cart 101 is a cart that transports the glass plate G in a longitudinally placed state, asFigure 5 As shown in FIGS. (a) and (b), it mainly includes: a placement part 110 for placing the glass plate G; a cart part 120 for holding the placement part 110 and capable of moving; and a towing part 130 for towing the cart part 120.

[0161] It should be noted that the placement part 110 has a structure substantially equivalent to that of the placement part 10 of the glass plate transport cart 1 in the present embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0162] The cart part 120 includes: a cart main body 121; a holding member 122 for holding the placement part 110 from the upper surface 121a of the cart main body 121; and a plurality of casters 123, 123... provided on the lower surface 121b of the cart main body 121.

[0163] In addition, the cart part 120 has a plurality of (two in this other embodiment) engaged members 124, 124 provided on the side surface of the cart main body 121.

[0164] It should be noted that the cart main body 121 and the casters 123 have structures substantially equivalent to those of the cart main body 21 and the casters 23 in the present embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0165] The holding member 122 is provided, for example, protruding upward from the central part in plan view on the upper surface 121a of the cart main body 121, and the protruding end of the holding member 122 is connected to the base frame 113a of the placement part 110.

[0166] Thus, the placement part 110 is held by the cart part 120 via the holding member 122.

[0167] The engaged member 124 is an example of the connecting part of the present utility model, and constitutes a variable mechanism capable of changing the towing direction A (the front direction in Figure 5 ) of the towing part 130 that tows the placement part 110 via the cart part 120 with respect to the placement part 110.

[0168] The engaged members 124, 124 are formed in a shape capable of engaging with the engaging member 133a of the towing part 130 to be described later, and are respectively provided protruding in the horizontal direction on one side surface (the front side surface in Figure 5 ) and the other side surface (the left side surface in Figure 5 ) of the cart main body 121.

[0169] Further, as will be described later, it has the following structure: by changing the engaged member 124 that engages with the engaging member 133a of the traction unit 130 between the engaged member 124 provided on the front side of the carriage body 121 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "first engaged member 124a") and the engaged member 124 provided on the left side of the carriage body 121 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "second engaged member 124b"), the traction direction A of the traction unit 130 on the placement unit 110 can be easily changed.

[0170] The traction unit 130 has a structure substantially equivalent to that of the traction unit 30 in the present embodiment. On the other hand, the shape of one end portion of the connecting member 133 (more specifically, the end portion on the carriage unit 120 side) is different from that of the traction unit 30.

[0171] Therefore, in the following description, mainly the differences from the traction unit 30 in the present embodiment will be described, and the description of the structure equivalent to that of the traction unit 30 will be omitted.

[0172] An engaging member 133a that can engage with each of the above-described engaged members 124 is provided at one end portion of the connecting member 133 (the end portion on the carriage unit 120 side).

[0173] When the traction unit 130 is connected to the carriage unit 120 via the connecting member 133, the engaging member 133a is engaged with the first engaged member 124a of the carriage body 121, so that the placement unit 110 is held in the first variable position S101 (refer to Figure 6 of (a)).

[0174] In addition, the engaging member 133a is engaged with the second engaged member 124b of the carriage body 121, so that the placement unit 110 is held in the second variable position S102 (refer to Figure 6 of (b)).

[0175] It should be noted that the above-described first variable position S101 and second variable position S102 are positions substantially equivalent to the first variable position S1 and second variable position S2 in the present embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0176] Thus, in other embodiments, the carriage unit 120 has a variable mechanism capable of changing the traction direction A of the traction unit 130 on the placement unit 110. The variable mechanism has a structure formed by a plurality of engaged members (connecting portions) 124, 124 provided at different positions (i.e., the front side and the left side) of the carriage unit 120 and capable of respectively engaging and connecting with the engaging member 133a in the traction unit 130.

[0177] With such a structure, by appropriately selecting the engaged members (variable mechanisms) 124, 124 connected to the traction unit 130, it is possible to easily change the traveling direction (traction direction) with respect to the glass plate G placed on the placement unit 110.

[0178] It should be noted that, regarding the operation steps in the case of extracting the sampled glass plate Ga using the glass plate transport cart 101 in other embodiments, they become substantially the same as the operation steps in the case of using the glass plate transport cart 1 in the present embodiment. On the other hand, at the second position P2 in the work area (refer to Figure 3 , 4 ), only regarding appropriately changing the engaged members 124, 124 of the cart unit 120 with which the engaging member 133a engages, so that the placement unit 110 is variable between the first variable position S101 and the second variable position S102, it is different from the operation steps based on the glass plate transport cart 1.

[0179] As described above, the glass plate transport cart 1 (101) in the present embodiment has the following structure, that is, it includes: a placement unit 10 (110) that places the glass plate G; a cart unit 20 (120) that holds the placement unit 10 (110) and is movable; a traction unit 30 (130) that traction the cart unit 20 (120); and a variable mechanism (more specifically, the rotation mechanism 22 in the present embodiment or the plurality of engaged members 124, 124 in other embodiments), which can change the traction direction A of the traction unit 30 (130) with respect to the placement unit 10 (110).

[0180] With such a structure, according to the glass plate transport cart 1 (or the glass plate transport cart 101 in other embodiments) in the present embodiment, for example, even when transporting the large-sized glass plate G as described above, by using the above variable mechanism to change the traction direction A of the traction unit 30 (130) with respect to the placement unit 10 (110), it is possible to easily change the traveling direction with respect to the glass plate G, and it is not necessary to perform major processing on the cart 1 (101) itself, and the processing (changing the forward path) of the glass plate transport cart 1 (101) can be performed in a narrower space.

[0181] In addition, the glass plate transport cart 1 (101) in the present embodiment mainly transports the glass plate G composed of the sampled glass plate Ga.

[0182] Here, the work area from which the processed glass plate G is taken out is generally surrounded by a partition wall B, and there are many cases where sufficient space is not ensured at the entrance B1 for entering and exiting the work area.

[0183] Even for the sampling glass plate Ga that uses the entrances and exits B1 of the work area that does not ensure sufficient space, other narrow areas inside the factory, etc. as the transportation path, the above-described glass plate transportation cart 1 (101) can change the traction direction A of the traction unit 30 (130) with respect to the placement unit 10 (110), and can be easily transported.

[0184] As described above, one embodiment of embodying the present utility model has been described. However, the present utility model is not limited to any such embodiment and is merely illustrative. Of course, within the scope of not departing from the gist of the present utility model, it can also be implemented in various ways. The scope of the present utility model is represented by the description of the patent technical solution and also includes all equivalent meanings and all changes within the scope described in the patent technical solution.

[0185] In the above-described embodiment, the structure is such that the traction unit 30 (130) moves in the traction direction A so that the glass plate transportation cart 1 (101) passes through the entrance and exit B1, but it is not limited thereto. It may also be a structure in which the traction unit 30 (130) moves in a direction opposite to the traction direction A so that the glass plate transportation cart 1 (101) passes through the entrance and exit B1.

Claims

1. A glass plate transport cart, characterized in that the glass plate transport cart includes: a placement part for placing a glass plate; a cart part for holding the placement part and capable of moving; a traction part for pulling the cart part; and a variable mechanism capable of changing the traction direction of the traction part with respect to the placement part.

2. The glass plate transport cart according to claim 1, characterized in that the variable mechanism is composed of a holding part provided between the cart part and the placement part and holding the placement part so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction with respect to the cart part.

3. The glass plate transport cart according to claim 1, characterized in that the variable mechanism is composed of a plurality of connecting parts provided at different positions of the cart part and capable of being respectively connected to the traction part.

4. The glass plate transport cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cart part has casters at the bottom capable of changing the moving direction.

5. The glass plate transport cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the placement part has: a bottom edge support part for supporting the bottom edge of the glass plate; and a back surface support part for supporting the back surface of the glass plate, and the back surface support part has a window part capable of visually confirming the other side from one side.

6. The glass plate transport cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the placement part holds the glass plate in a state where the glass plate is inclined in a vertically placed posture.

7. The glass plate transport cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the traction part has a driving mechanism capable of traveling in the traction direction.

8. The glass plate transport cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the glass plate transport cart transports a sampling glass plate.

9. The glass plate transport cart according to claim 8, characterized in that the length of one side of the sampling glass plate is 1500 mm or more and 2700 mm or less.

10. A glass plate transport cart, characterized in that the glass plate transport cart includes: a placement part for placing a glass plate; a cart part for holding the placement part and capable of moving; and a traction part for pulling the cart part, the placement part has: a bottom edge support part for supporting the bottom edge of the glass plate; and a back surface support part for supporting the back surface of the glass plate, and the back surface support part has a window part capable of visually confirming the other side from one side.

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