Glass plate packing tray and glass plate packing body

Abstract

A bottom side supporting part (5) of a tray (3) for packing glass plates is provided with a buffer component (7) and a clamping component (8). The buffer member (7) has a space portion provided at a position corresponding to an intermediate portion (Gb3) of a bottom edge portion (Gb) of the glass plate (G), and support portions (10, 11) that support a first end portion (Gb1) and a second end portion (Gb2) of the bottom edge portion (Gb) of the glass plate (G). The sandwiching member (8) includes a first portion (14) disposed at a position corresponding to the space portion of the buffer member (7), and second portions (15, 16) disposed at positions corresponding to the support portions (10, 11) of the buffer member (7). As a result, damage to the bottom edge (Gb) of the glass plate (G) packed in the glass plate packing tray (3) is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a tray for packaging glass plates, a glass plate package body formed by packaging glass plates on the tray, and a method for manufacturing the glass plate package body. Background Art

[0002] When conveying various glass plates including glass substrates for displays such as liquid crystal displays, a glass plate packaging pallet is used.

[0003] A glass plate packaging tray can accommodate a glass plate stack formed by stacking multiple glass plates in a vertical position with a protective sheet (e.g., interleaving paper) interposed therebetween. The glass plate packaging tray includes a base portion that accommodates the glass plate stack, a bottom edge support portion that supports the bottom edge of the glass plate stack, and a back side support portion that supports the back side of the glass plate stack (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

[0004] The bottom edge support portion of the glass plate packaging tray includes a buffer member at a portion in contact with the bottom edge of the glass plate laminate in order to prevent the glass plates from being damaged by impact, vibration, or the like.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 129764 Utility Model Content

[0008] Issues to be solved by utility models

[0009] The glass sheets included in a glass sheet laminate are supported at their bottom edges by a buffer member. However, even when supported by the buffer member, the bottom edges of the glass sheets may sometimes be damaged. The following describes the reasons why the bottom edges of the glass sheets may be damaged.

[0010] The glass sheet is transported to a glass sheet packaging pallet by a transport device. The transport device includes, for example, a set of grippers (gripping units) that grip the upper edge of the glass sheet. The grippers are configured to grip one widthwise end and the other widthwise end of the upper edge of the glass sheet. The grippers transport the glass sheet to the glass sheet packaging pallet in a suspended state.

[0011] Because the top edge of a glass sheet is gripped by the chuck, the shape of its bottom edge is unstable, and the bottom edge may be placed in a bent position on the bottom edge support. It should be noted that in handling devices that use suction pads instead of chucks, the bottom edge may also be placed in a bent position on the bottom edge support. When a glass sheet is loaded onto a glass sheet packaging pallet in this state, the cushioning member cannot evenly support the bottom edge of the glass sheet. As a result, the cushioning member cannot fully absorb the impact during handling, causing damage to the bottom edge of the glass sheet.

[0012] The present inventors' research has confirmed that this breakage is likely to occur in the center of the bottom edge of the glass sheet. The cause of the breakage in the center of the bottom edge of the glass sheet is believed to be that the bottom edge of the glass sheet is placed in a curved, deformed state on the bottom edge support portion of the glass sheet packaging tray, resulting in excessive tensile stress acting on the center of the bottom edge.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and a technical object of the present invention is to prevent damage to the bottom edge portions of glass plates packed on a glass plate packaging tray.

[0014] Solutions to Problems

[0015] (1) The present invention is a tray for packaging glass plates for solving the above-mentioned problems, comprising: a base portion that accommodates a glass plate stack including a glass plate and a protective sheet in a vertical posture at the top; a back support portion that supports the back of the glass plate stack; and a bottom edge support portion that supports the bottom edge of the glass plate stack, characterized in that the glass plate has a bottom edge portion that constitutes the bottom edge of the glass plate stack, the bottom edge portion has a first end and a second end in the width direction of the glass plate and an intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end, the bottom edge support portion has a buffer member arranged between the base portion and the glass plate stack and a sandwich member arranged between the buffer member and the glass plate stack, the buffer member has a space portion provided at a position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the bottom edge portion of the glass plate and a support portion that supports the first end and the second end of the bottom edge portion of the glass plate, the sandwich member includes a first portion arranged at a position corresponding to the space portion of the buffer member and a second portion arranged at a position corresponding to the support portion of the buffer member.

[0016] With this structure, when the glass plate stack is loaded onto a glass plate packaging pallet, the bottom edges of the glass plates included in the glass plate stack are supported by the buffer member via the intervening member. The buffer member has a hollow portion, so the first portion of the intervening member, positioned corresponding to the hollow portion, easily deforms toward the hollow portion. This prevents excessive pressure from acting on the middle portion of the bottom edge of the glass plate, effectively preventing damage to the bottom edge.

[0017] (2) In addition to the configuration of (1) above, a space may be formed in the space portion, so that the first portion of the intervening member can be easily deformed toward the space.

[0018] (3) In addition to the configuration of (1) above, a second buffer member having lower rigidity than the support portion of the buffer member may be disposed in the space portion.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the first portion of the interposition member is deformed, it comes into contact with the second buffer member, and the deformation amount of the first portion can be adjusted.

[0020] (4) In addition to the configuration of (3), the second buffer member may be made of a material having a 25% compressive stress smaller than that of the support portion of the buffer member.

[0021] According to this configuration, the deformation amount of the first portion can be easily adjusted by changing the material of the second buffer member.

[0022] (5) In the configuration of any one of (1) to (4), the buffer member may be provided on the base portion such that the first end portion and the second end portion of the bottom edge portion of the glass plate extend from the buffer member in the width direction.

[0023] According to this structure, each end portion of the bottom side portion of the glass plate can be prevented from coming into contact with the buffer member, thereby preventing each end portion of the bottom side portion of the glass plate from being damaged.

[0024] (6) Based on any one of the structures (1) to (5) above, the bottom edge support portion may include a cover member covering the clamping member between the clamping member and the glass plate stack, and the cover member includes at least one of a rubber part, cardboard, foamed resin, and plastic corrugated paper.

[0025] According to this structure, by covering the intervening member with the cover member, contact between the glass sheet laminate and the intervening member or the buffer member can be prevented. Therefore, wear of the intervening member or the buffer member can be prevented, and the intervening member or the buffer member can be used continuously for a long time.

[0026] (7) In any one of the structures (1) to (6) above, the cushioning member may include at least one of a rubber material and a foamed resin. In this way, the cushioning member can fully exert its cushioning effect.

[0027] (8) The glass plate package of the present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and is characterized in that the glass plate package is formed by packaging the glass plate laminate on the above-mentioned glass plate packaging tray.

[0028] (9) The manufacturing method of the glass plate package body of the present invention is a manufacturing method of the glass plate package body for solving the above-mentioned problems, and is characterized in that the manufacturing method of the glass plate package body includes a packing process of packing the glass plate laminated body on the above-mentioned glass plate packing tray, and the packing process includes a loading process of loading the glass plate on the bottom edge support portion, and in the loading process, the first portion is deformed toward the inside of the space portion of the buffer member so that the first portion of the clamping member does not contact the middle portion of the bottom edge portion of the glass plate.

[0029] According to this structure, during the placement process, the first portion of the intervening member is deformed toward the inside of the space portion of the buffer member, thereby preventing the middle portion of the bottom edge of the glass sheet from contacting the first portion of the intervening member. This prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the middle portion of the bottom edge of the glass sheet, thereby preventing damage to the bottom edge of the glass sheet.

[0030] (10) The present invention is a tray for packaging glass plates for solving the above-mentioned problems, comprising: a base portion that accommodates a glass plate stack including a glass plate and a protective sheet in a vertical posture at the top; a back support portion that supports the back of the glass plate stack; and a bottom edge support portion that supports the bottom edge of the glass plate stack, characterized in that the glass plate has a bottom edge portion that constitutes the bottom edge of the glass plate stack, the bottom edge portion has a first end and a second end in the width direction of the glass plate and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end, and the bottom edge support portion supports the glass plate so that the pressure acting on the middle portion of the bottom edge portion of the glass plate is smaller than the pressure acting on the first end or the second end of the bottom edge portion of the glass plate.

[0031] According to this configuration, the pressure acting on the middle portion of the bottom side of the glass sheet is made smaller than the pressure acting on the first end portion or the second end portion of the bottom side of the glass sheet, thereby preventing damage to the middle portion.

[0032] Utility model effect

[0033] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the bottom edge portions of the glass plates packed on the glass plate packaging tray from being damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the glass plate package according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a side view of the glass plate package.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a front view of a glass plate package.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional image of a glass plate.

[0038] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the bottom side support portion of the glass plate packaging tray.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a front view showing a placing step in the method for manufacturing a glass plate package.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a front view showing a part of the bottom side support portion of the glass plate packaging tray in an enlarged manner.

[0041] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the glass plate laminated body is fixed to the glass plate package.

[0042] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the glass plate package according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a front view of a glass plate package.

[0044] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the bottom side support portion of the glass plate packaging tray.

[0045] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of the glass plate package according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of the bottom side support portion of the glass plate packaging tray.

[0047] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the glass plate package according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of the bottom side support portion of the glass plate packaging tray.

[0049] Figure 16It is a perspective view of the glass plate package according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view of the bottom side support portion of the glass plate packaging tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 8 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a glass plate package (hereinafter simply referred to as a "package") 1 of the first embodiment includes a glass plate stack (hereinafter simply referred to as a "stack") 2 and a glass plate packaging tray (hereinafter simply referred to as a "tray") 3.

[0053] The laminate 2 is formed by laminating a plurality of glass plates G and protective sheets P in a vertical position (in this embodiment, an inclined position). In this embodiment, the glass plates G and protective sheets P are both rectangular, and the protective sheets P are arranged on the front and back sides of the laminate 2.

[0054] The weight of the laminate 2 is, for example, 1500 kg to 4000 kg. The number of glass sheets G included in the laminate 2 is, for example, 200 to 400. The size of the glass sheets G is, for example, 730 mm × 920 mm to 3200 mm × 3600 mm, and the thickness of the glass sheets G is, for example, 300 μm to 1500 μm. The glass sheets G are, for example, glass substrates for displays.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the glass plate G has an upper side Ga constituting the upper side of the laminate 2, a bottom side Gb constituting the bottom side of the laminate 2, and a pair of side sides Gc and Gd located between the upper side Ga and the bottom side Gb.

[0056] The upper side Ga of the glass sheet G has one end Ga1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first end") and another end Ga2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second end") in the width direction X, and an intermediate portion Ga3 located between the first and second ends Ga1 and Ga2. The width Wa1 of the first end Ga1 and the width Wa2 of the second end Ga2 are substantially equal. The width Wa3 of the intermediate portion Ga3 is preferably 15 to 60% of the width Wa of the upper side Ga.

[0057] The glass plate G is transported by the transport device when it is loaded onto the tray 3. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the transport device includes, for example, a plurality of gripping parts CH for gripping the upper side Ga. The gripping parts CH are configured to Figure 4As shown by the two-dot chain line, the first end portion Gal and the second end portion Ga2 of the upper side portion Ga are grasped.

[0058] The bottom edge Gb of the glass plate G has one end (hereinafter referred to as "first end") Gb1 and another end (hereinafter referred to as "second end") Gb2 in the width direction X, and an intermediate portion Gb3 located between the first end Gb1 and the second end Gb2.

[0059] The width Wb of the bottom side Gb is approximately equal to the width Wa of the top side Ga. The width Wb1 of the first end Gb1 of the bottom side Gb is approximately equal to the width Wb2 of the second end Gb2 of the bottom side Gb. The width Wb3 of the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom side Gb is approximately equal to the width Wa3 of the middle portion Ga3 of the top side Ga.

[0060] The side edges Gc and Gd of the glass plate G are straight lines that form substantially right angles with the top edge Ga and the bottom edge Gb. The angles formed by the side edges Gc and Gd and the top edge Ga and the bottom edge Gb are not limited to those in the present embodiment.

[0061] The protective sheet P is, for example, a backing paper (pure pulp paper) or a foamed resin sheet. The protective sheet P is larger than the glass sheets G so that the glass sheets G do not come into direct contact with each other. That is, the protective sheet P may extend laterally and / or upward from the glass sheets G. However, the protective sheet P preferably does not extend downward from the glass sheets G. The protective sheet P is fed to the tray 3 while being held in a vertical position by a sheet feeding device.

[0062] The tray 3 includes a base portion 4 that accommodates the stacked body 2 at its upper side, a bottom side support portion 5 that supports the bottom side of the stacked body 2 , and a back side support portion 6 that supports the back side of the stacked body 2 .

[0063] The base portion 4 is formed of a metal frame such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or aluminum alloy.

[0064] The bottom edge support portion 5 includes: a bottom portion 5a, which is arranged on the base portion 4; a buffer member 7, which is arranged between the base portion 4 (bottom portion 5a) and the stack 2; a clamping member 8, which is arranged between the buffer member 7 and the stack 2; and a cover member 9, which covers the clamping member 8 between the clamping member 8 and the stack 2.

[0065] The bottom surface portion 5a is formed of a metal frame made of, for example, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum alloy, etc. The bottom surface portion 5a forms a bottom surface (upper surface) on which the buffer member 7 is placed.

[0066] The cushioning member 7 preferably comprises at least one of a rubber member and a foamed resin. When the cushioning member 7 is formed of a foamed resin sheet, it is primarily made of, for example, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyurethane, foamed styrene, or foamed melamine. The foaming ratio of the foamed resin sheet is preferably, for example, 10 to 40 times. The thickness of the foamed resin sheet is preferably, for example, 10 mm to 30 mm. The 25% compressive stress of the foamed resin sheet is preferably, for example, 100 to 300 kPa.

[0067] The cushioning member 7 is not bonded to the bottom surface of the bottom portion 5a but is disposed so as to be removable. In this embodiment, the cushioning member 7 supports the entire width of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G included in the laminate 2. In other words, the width dimension Wc of the cushioning member 7 is greater than the width dimension Wb of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the buffer member 7 includes a pair of support portions 10 and 11 supporting the ends Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom side portion Gb of the glass plate G, a connecting portion 12 connecting the pair of support portions 10 and 11 , and a recessed portion 13 formed above the connecting portion 12 .

[0069] The pair of supports 10 and 11 supports the portion of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G included in the laminate 2, excluding the middle portion Gb3, that is, the end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom edge Gb. The pair of supports 10 and 11 includes a first support 10 for supporting the first end Gb1 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G, and a second support 11 for supporting the second end Gb2 of the bottom edge Gb. The width Wc1 of the first support 10 is equal to the width Wc2 of the second support 11.

[0070] The connecting portion 12 connects the lower portion of the first support portion 10 and the lower portion of the second support portion 11. The thickness of the connecting portion 12 is smaller than the thickness of each of the support portions 10 and 11.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the recess 13 has a bottom surface 13a and sidewall surfaces 13b. The bottom surface 13a is formed by the upper surface of the connecting portion 12. The sidewall surfaces 13b are formed by the side surfaces of the first supporting portion 10 and the second supporting portion 11. The lower limit value of the ratio Wc3 / Wb of the width dimension Wc3 of the recess 13 to the width dimension Wb of the bottom edge portion Gb of the glass sheet G is preferably 15%, more preferably 20%, and even more preferably 25%, and the upper limit value is preferably 60%, more preferably 50%, and even more preferably 40%. The lower limit value of the height dimension H of the recess 13 is preferably 5 mm, more preferably 10 mm, and even more preferably 15 mm. The upper limit value of the height dimension H of the recess 13 is preferably set within a range that does not damage the connecting portion 12.

[0072] The recess 13 is located at a position corresponding to the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G. This structure provides a space within the recess 13 that allows a portion of the intervening member 8, which overlaps the buffer member 7, to enter. Specifically, the recess 13 functions as a space for deforming a portion of the intervening member 8 inward when the glass sheet G is loaded onto the tray 3, thereby preventing excessive pressure from being applied to the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb.

[0073] The interposing member 8 is made of, for example, natural rubber, and has a Type A durometer hardness of 40 to 70. The thickness of the interposing member 8 is preferably, for example, 2 mm to 10 mm. The thickness of the interposing member 8 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the buffer member 7. The width Wd of the interposing member 8 is substantially equal to the width Wc of the buffer member 7. The width of the interposing member 8 is not limited to Wd in this embodiment and may be different from the width Wc of the buffer member 7.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, interposition member 8 includes a first portion 14 arranged at a position corresponding to recess 13 (space portion) of cushioning member 7 and a pair of second portions 15 and 16 arranged at positions corresponding to support portions 10 and 11 of cushioning member 7 .

[0075] The first part 14 is arranged so as to cover the recess 13 of the buffer member 7. The width dimension Wd1 of the first part 14 is substantially equal to the width dimension Wc3 of the recess 13 of the buffer member 7. The first part 14 can be deformed downward under the action of its own weight in a state where it is set on the buffer member 7. The first part 14 is deformed into a concave shape so as to enter the inner side of the recess 13 of the buffer member 7. Through this deformation, the first part 14 is located below the second parts 15 and 16. In this way, even when the first part 14 is deformed, a gap is formed between the first part 14 and the bottom surface 13a of the recess 13. Therefore, the first part 14 does not contact the bottom surface 13a of the recess 13 even when it is deformed into a concave shape.

[0076] The pair of second portions 15 and 16 are arranged so as to overlap the support portions 10 and 11 of the buffer member 7. The second portions 15 and 16 are not bonded to the support portions 10 and 11 but are arranged so as to be separable. The width dimension Wd2 of the second portions 15 and 16 is substantially equal to the width dimensions Wc1 and Wc2 of the support portions 10 and 11 of the buffer member 7. Parts of the second portions 15 and 16 extend outward in the width direction X from the side edges Gc and Gd of the glass sheet G.

[0077] The cover member 9 preferably includes at least one of a rubber member, cardboard, foamed resin, and plastic corrugated paper. The cover member 9 in this embodiment is made of cardboard, for example. The cardboard is made of cardboard such as coarse cardboard, and also includes the form of corrugated cardboard in which the cardboard is set as a multi-layer structure. In this embodiment, the cover member 9 is a sheet of plate that is continuous in the width direction X of the stack 2. In the case where the cover member 9 is a single-layer structure, the thickness dimension of the cover member 9 is preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm, for example. The width dimension We of the cover member 9 is approximately equal to the width dimension Wc of the buffer member 7.

[0078] The cover member 9 is not bonded to the upper surface of the intervening member 8 but is disposed so as to be removable. The cover member 9 is in direct contact with the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G included in the laminate 2, thereby protecting the buffer member 7 and the intervening member 8 from the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G. It should be noted that the cover member 9 may be omitted and the intervening member 8 may be in direct contact with the laminate 2.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover member 9 has a first contact portion 17 that contacts the first portion 14 of the interposing member 8 and a pair of second contact portions 18 , 19 that contact the second portions 15 , 16 of the interposing member 8 .

[0080] The first contact portion 17 overlaps with the first portion 14 of the clamping member 8 so as to be located above the recess 13 of the buffer member 7. The first contact portion 17, like the first portion 14 of the clamping member 8, is capable of deforming downward. That is, when the cover member 9 and the clamping member 8 overlap, the first contact portion 17 deforms into a concave shape, like the first portion 14 of the clamping member 8. This deformation positions the first contact portion 17 below the second contact portions 18 and 19. The width dimension We1 of the first contact portion 17 is substantially equal to the width dimension Wc3 of the recess 13 of the buffer member 7.

[0081] The second contact portions 18 and 19 overlap the second portions 15 and 16 of the interposition member 8 so as to be positioned above the support portions 10 and 11 of the buffer member 7. The second contact portions 18 and 19 contact the respective end portions Gb1 and Gb1 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G. Portions of the second contact portions 18 and 19 extend outward in the width direction X from the side edges Gc and Gd of the glass sheet G. The width dimension We2 of the second contact portions 18 and 19 is substantially equal to the width dimensions Wc1 and Wc2 of the support portions 10 and 11 of the buffer member 7.

[0082] The rear surface support portion 6 includes a rear surface portion 20 rising from the base portion 4 and a cushioning member 21 provided on the front surface of the rear surface portion 20 .

[0083] The back surface portion 20 is formed of a metal frame such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or aluminum alloy.

[0084] The cushioning member 21 is not bonded to the front surface of the back portion 20 but is detachably laminated. In this embodiment, the cushioning member 21 supports the entire back surface of the glass plate G included in the laminate 2. The cushioning member 21 is formed, for example, from a rubber sheet, a foamed resin sheet, or a laminate thereof. Examples of foamed resin sheets include those primarily made of foamed polypropylene, foamed polyurethane, foamed styrene, and foamed melamine. In this embodiment, the cushioning member 21 is a foamed polypropylene sheet.

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper surface of the bottom support portion 5, that is, the upper surface of the cover member 9, is inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 (e.g., 5° to 60°) relative to the horizontal direction in a direction that tends to be upward as it moves away from the back support portion 6. In addition, the front surface of the back support portion 6, that is, the front surface of the buffer member 21, is inclined at a predetermined angle θ2 (e.g., 5° to 60°) relative to the vertical direction in a direction that tends to be rearward as it moves away from the bottom support portion 5. At this time, the front surface of the back support portion 6 is approximately at a right angle to the upper surface of the bottom support portion 5. The angle formed by the front surface of the back support portion 6 and the upper surface of the bottom support portion 5 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0086] Hereinafter, a method for producing the package body 1 having the above-described structure will be described. This method includes a packing step of packing the stacked body 2 on a pallet 3 .

[0087] The packing process includes a step of placing the glass sheets G on the tray 3. Figure 6 As shown, in the placing step, the glass sheet G transferred in a vertical posture by the gripping portion CH of the conveying device is placed on the bottom edge support portion 5 of the tray 3. In the placing step, the protective sheet P conveyed in a vertical posture by the sheet supply device SV is supplied to the tray 3 so as to overlap with the glass sheet G.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, during the placement process, the gripping unit CH of the transport device and the sheet feeding device SV stop the glass sheet G and the protective sheet P above the bottom edge support 5 of the tray 3, and then lower the glass sheet G and the protective sheet P at a low speed. This movement brings the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G into contact with the bottom edge support 5.

[0089] At this time, the end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom side Gb of the glass sheet G are in contact with the second contact portions 18 and 19 of the cover member 9. The support portions 10 and 11 of the buffer member 7 support the end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom side Gb of the glass sheet G via the second contact portions 18 and 19 of the cover member 9 and the second portions 15 and 16 of the interposition member 8.

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G does not contact the concavely deformed first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9. A gap GP is formed between the first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9 and the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G. Therefore, the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G is not pressed by the bottom edge support portion 5.

[0091] Furthermore, during the placement step, when the glass sheet G is transferred by the gripping portion CH of the conveying device, the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G may bend, causing the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G to come into contact with the first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9. However, the first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9 can deform toward the inside of the recess 13 when it comes into contact with the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G, thereby preventing excessive pressure from being applied to the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G.

[0092] Thereafter, the gripping portion CH of the conveying device releases the grip of the glass plate G. Furthermore, the sheet supply device SV releases the grip of the protective sheet P. Thus, the glass plate G is supported by the bottom edge support portion 5 and the back surface support portion 6 in an inclined posture.

[0093] By repeating the above-mentioned loading process, a plurality of glass plates G are loaded on the pallet 3. A predetermined number of glass plates G are loaded on the pallet 3 to form the stacked body 2. When the stacked body 2 is loaded on the pallet 3, the package 1 is shipped (transported) in a state where the stacked body 2 is fixed to the pallet 3 by a predetermined fixing mechanism, for example. The fixing mechanism is not particularly limited and can be used, for example, Figure 8 As shown, the fixing mechanism includes a belt 22 that restrains the stack 2 , a pressing member 23 disposed between the belt 22 and the front surface of the stack 2 , and a side stopper 24 disposed between the belt 22 and the side of the stack 2 .

[0094] With the stacked body 2 stored in a longitudinal position at a predetermined position on the tray 3, both ends of the belt 22 in the longitudinal direction are hooked onto hooks 25 provided on the back support portion 6, and are provided in a double manner. In this state, the belt 22 is fixed by being fastened to the front surface of the pressing member 23 using a ratchet (not shown). In this manner, the stacked body 2 is fixed to the tray 3 while being restricted from moving in the front, rear, and left and right directions.

[0095] It should be noted that, at this time, it can also be, for example Figure 8 As shown, a frame plate 26 is placed on the front side of the stacked body 2, and the frame plate 26, the stacked body 2, and the pressing member 23 are pressed toward the back support portion 6 by the belt 22. In order to prevent dust from adhering to the stacked body 2, the stacked body 2 may be covered with a protective bag or wrapped with a protective film.

[0096] According to the package 1, tray 3, and method for manufacturing the package 1 described above, when the stack 2 is placed on the tray 3, the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G included in the stack 2 is supported by the support portions 10 and 11 of the buffer member 7 via the interposition member 8. In this case, the first portion 14 of the interposition member 8, which is arranged to cover the recess 13 (space) of the buffer member 7, deforms concavely toward the inside of the recess 13. This prevents excessive pressure from acting on the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G. Consequently, damage to the bottom edge Gb (middle portion Gb3) of the glass sheet G can be prevented.

[0097] Furthermore, the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 11 of the buffer member 7 of the bottom support portion 5 are connected by the connecting portion 12, so the distance therebetween is always constant. This allows efficient installation of the buffer member 7 relative to the base portion 4 (bottom portion 5a).

[0098] The package 1 is sometimes stored for a certain period of time before or after shipment. Furthermore, depending on the transport mechanism and transport path of the package 1, the transport period may be prolonged. In this case, the cushioning member 7 of the bottom edge support 5 is compressed by the weight of the laminate 2 and gradually shrinks over time. Consequently, the thickness of the support portions 10 and 11 of the cushioning member 7 gradually decreases. As the thickness of the support portions 10 and 11 decreases, the gap formed between the first portion 14 of the interposition member 8 and the bottom surface 13a of the recess 13 gradually decreases. Consequently, the gap GP formed between the first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9 of the bottom edge support 5 and the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G also gradually decreases.

[0099] Depending on the storage or transportation of the package 1, this gap GP may disappear, and the first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9 may contact the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G. Consequently, the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G is supported by the center portion of the bottom edge support portion 5 (the first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9 and the first portion 14 of the intervening member 8). In this case, the pressure acting between the first portion 14 of the intervening member 8 and the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G is lower than the pressure acting between the second portions 15 and 16 of the intervening member 8 and the respective end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G, due to the presence of the recessed portion 13 (space) of the buffer member 7 below.

[0100] Thus, even when the middle portion Gb3 of the bottom edge portion Gb of the glass plate G is supported by the interposition member 8 and the cover member 9 while the package 1 is stored, excessive pressure can be prevented from being applied to the middle portion Gb3, thereby preventing the middle portion Gb3 from being damaged.

[0101] Figures 9 to 11 A second embodiment of the present invention is described. In the pallet of this embodiment, the structure of the cushioning member of the bottom side support portion is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0102] The buffer member 7 includes a first buffer member 7A and a second buffer member 7B. The first buffer member 7A has support portions 10 and 11, a connecting portion 12, and a recessed portion 13, similar to the first embodiment. The width dimension Wc of the first buffer member 7A is smaller than the width dimension Wb of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G. Specifically, the buffer member 7 is provided on the base portion 4 such that the end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G extend laterally (outward in the width direction X) from the support portions 10 and 11 of the first buffer member 7A. The upper limit of the amount by which the end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G extend from the support portions 10 and 11 of the first buffer member 7A is preferably 300 mm, more preferably 100 mm, and the lower limit is preferably 10 mm, more preferably 30 mm.

[0103] Second cushioning member 7B is formed in a plate or block shape that fits into recess 13 of first cushioning member 7A. Second cushioning member 7B is made of a material having a lower 25% compressive stress than supporting portions 10 and 11 of first cushioning member 7A. The 25% compressive stress of second cushioning member 7B is preferably 50 to 100 kPa, for example. Consequently, second cushioning member 7B has lower rigidity than supporting portions 10 and 11 of first cushioning member 7A.

[0104] The width Wc4 of the second cushioning member 7B is substantially equal to the width Wc3 of the recess 13 of the first cushioning member 7A. The thickness of the second cushioning member 7B is smaller than the thickness of the support portions 10 and 11 of the first cushioning member 7A. The thickness of the second cushioning member 7B is substantially equal to the depth of the recess 13 of the first cushioning member 7A.

[0105] In the bottom side support portion 5 of the tray 3 of this embodiment, the first portion 14 of the intervening member 8 is deformed concavely downward by its own weight. The first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9 is deformed concavely downward while in contact with the first portion 14 of the intervening member 8.

[0106] Second cushioning member 7B, while being housed in recess 13 of first cushioning member 7A, contacts first portion 14 of interposition member 8. The upper surface of second cushioning member 7B is pressed by first portion 14 and deformed into a concave shape.

[0107] According to the tray 3 of the present embodiment described above, the deformation of the first portion 14 of the interposing member 8 and the first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9 can be adjusted by utilizing the second cushioning member 7B housed in the space (recess 13) provided in the first cushioning member 7A of the bottom edge support portion 5. Furthermore, by allowing the end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom edge Gb of the glass sheet G to extend in the width direction X from the support portions 10 and 11 of the first cushioning member 7A, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure from acting on the end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the glass sheet G, thereby preventing damage to the end portions Gb1 and Gb2.

[0108] Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 A third embodiment of the present invention is described. In the pallet of this embodiment, the structure of the cushioning member of the bottom side support portion is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0109] The cushioning member 7 includes a first connecting portion 12a connecting the upper portions of the support portions 10 and 11 , a second connecting portion 12b connecting the lower portions of the support portions 10 and 11 , and a hole 7a serving as a space formed between the first connecting portion 12a and the second connecting portion 12b .

[0110] The first connecting portion 12a is in contact with the first portion 14 of the interposition member 8. The first connecting portion 12a is pressed by the first portion 14 and deformed downward into a concave shape.

[0111] The hole 7a is configured to penetrate the buffer member 7 in the front-rear direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The hole 7a may be configured to block one of the two openings.

[0112] Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 A fourth embodiment of the present invention is described. The pallet of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the cushioning member of the bottom side support portion.

[0113] The cushioning member 7 includes a connecting portion 12 that connects the upper portions of the supporting portions 10 and 11, and a recessed portion 13 that serves as a space formed below the connecting portion 12. The cushioning member 7 does not include a connecting portion that connects the lower portions of the supporting portions 10 and 11. This configuration allows the recessed portion 13 to be open downward.

[0114] Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 A fifth embodiment of the present invention is described below. The pallet of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the cushioning member of the bottom edge support portion.

[0115] The buffer member 7 does not have a connecting portion connecting the support portions 10 and 11. That is, the buffer member 7 has a pair of support portions 10 and 11 that are formed in a plate shape or a block and are separated, and a space portion S formed between the pair of support portions 10 and 11.

[0116] The pair of support portions 10 and 11 are provided on the base portion 4 in a state separated in the width direction X so as to support the end portions Gb1 and Gb2 of the bottom side portion Gb of the glass sheet G. Thus, the space S formed between the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 11 allows the first portion 14 of the interposing member 8 and the first contact portion 17 of the cover member 9 to deform downward.

[0117] According to the cushioning member 7 of this embodiment, the width dimension Wc of the cushioning member 7 can be adjusted by changing the positions of the support portions 10 and 11. Thus, the cushioning member 7 can be set to an optimal width dimension Wc according to the size of the laminate 2.

[0118] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0119] In the second embodiment described above, the rigidity of second cushioning member 7B is reduced by using a material having a 25% lower compressive stress than first cushioning member 7A. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Alternatively, the rigidity of second cushioning member 7B may be reduced by modifying its shape or dimensions, such as by providing holes or grooves in second cushioning member 7B, dividing second cushioning member 7B into multiple components, or reducing its lateral dimensions.

[0120] In the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the cushioning member 7 is provided with a recess or space, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A second cushioning member may be provided so as to fit into the recess or space, similarly to the second embodiment.

[0121] Description of Reference Numerals

[0122] 1 Glass plate package

[0123] 2 Glass sheet laminate

[0124] 3 Glass plate packaging pallets

[0125] 4 abutment

[0126] 5 Bottom support

[0127] 6. Back support

[0128] 7 Buffer components

[0129] 7A First buffer member

[0130] 7B Second buffer member

[0131] 8 Clamping components

[0132] 9 Cover member

[0133] 10 First support

[0134] 11 Second support

[0135] 13. Recess (space)

[0136] 14 The first part of the clamping member

[0137] 15 The second part of the clamping member

[0138] 16 The second part of the clamping member

[0139] G Glass Plate

[0140] Gb bottom edge of the glass plate

[0141] Gb1 First end of the bottom edge

[0142] Gb2 Second end of the bottom edge

[0143] Gb3 middle part of the bottom edge

[0144] P protective sheet

[0145] X width direction.

Claims

1. A glass plate packaging tray comprising: a base portion for accommodating a glass plate stack including glass plates and a protective sheet in a vertical position on top; a back support portion for supporting the back surface of the glass plate stack; and a bottom support portion for supporting the bottom side of the glass plate stack. It is characterized in that The glass sheet has a bottom side portion constituting the bottom side of the glass sheet laminate. The bottom edge portion includes a first end portion and a second end portion in the width direction of the glass plate, and a middle portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The bottom side support portion includes a buffer member disposed between the base portion and the glass plate laminate, and an intervening member disposed between the buffer member and the glass plate laminate. The buffer member includes a space portion provided at a position corresponding to the middle portion of the bottom side portion of the glass plate, and a support portion supporting the first end portion and the second end portion of the bottom side portion of the glass plate. The intervening member includes a first portion disposed at a position corresponding to the space portion of the buffer member and a second portion disposed at a position corresponding to the support portion of the buffer member.

2. The glass plate packaging pallet according to claim 1, wherein A space is formed in the space portion.

3. The glass plate packaging pallet according to claim 1, wherein A second buffer member having lower rigidity than the support portion of the buffer member is arranged in the space portion.

4. The glass plate packaging pallet according to claim 3, wherein: A 25% compressive stress of the second buffer member is smaller than a 25% compressive stress of the support portion of the buffer member.

5. The glass plate packaging pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The buffer member is provided on the base portion such that the first end portion and the second end portion of the bottom side portion of the glass plate protrude from the buffer member in the width direction.

6. The glass plate packaging pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The bottom side support portion includes a cover member that covers the intervening member between the intervening member and the glass plate laminate. The cover component includes one of rubber, cardboard, foamed resin, and plastic corrugated paper.

7. The glass plate packaging pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The buffer member includes one of a rubber member and a foamed resin.

8. A glass plate package, characterized in that: The glass plate package is formed by packaging the glass plate laminate on the glass plate packaging tray according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

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