Glass plate manufacturing device

Abstract

This glass plate manufacturing device is provided with a conveyance device (2) that holds a glass plate (G) in a vertical orientation and conveys the glass plate (G) to a work area (E), and the conveyance device (2) is provided with: a holding mechanism (5) that holds the upper part of the glass plate (G), is movable in the front-rear direction, and moves forward to make the glass plate (G) reach the work area (E); and a guide mechanism (6) that uses lubricating oil to guide the movement of the holding mechanism (5) in the front-rear direction, and a leakage prevention member (9) that prevents the lubricating oil from leaking outward is disposed at the front end of the guide mechanism (6).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus and a glass sheet manufacturing method, which have a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus that carries a glass sheet in a vertical attitude with the upper portion thereof toward a work area. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of glass sheet manufacturing, measures are taken to carry a glass sheet cut out by cutting a glass sheet along the width direction from a glass ribbon formed by a down-draw method such as a fusion down-draw method or a slot down-draw method toward various work areas in a vertical attitude.

[0003] As a specific example thereof, Patent Literature 1 discloses a configuration in which a plurality of carrying apparatuses are used to carry the glass sheet cut out toward work areas such as a handover area, a second cutting area, an inspection area, and a bundling area. Each of the plurality of carrying apparatuses holds the glass sheet cut out and the upper portion of a glass sheet obtained by cutting and removing both end portions in the width direction of the glass sheet cut out at the second cutting area, and carries the glass sheet in a state of being suspended and supported in a vertical attitude.

[0004] Here, Patent Literature 2 discloses an example of the configuration of such a carrying apparatus. In detail, Patent Literature 2 discloses a holding mechanism that moves the glass sheet backward from an advancing end position (a position present in a work area) indicated by a dotted line to a retreating position indicated by a solid line, and a guide mechanism that guides the movement of the holding mechanism in the front-rear direction. Figure 2

[0005] The holding mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature 2 has a chuck that holds the upper portion of the glass sheet, and a plate that supports the chuck at the front end. In addition, the guide mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature 2 has an LM guide rail that is fixed to a base and extends in the front-rear direction, and an LM block that is fixed to the lower end of the plate and moves in the front-rear direction along the LM guide rail.

[0006] In this case, the carrying apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 2 (Patent Literature 2) first moves the holding mechanism that does not hold the glass sheet forward to the work area, and then receives the glass sheet at the work area and moves backward. Figure 2

[0007] In addition, the carrying apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 2 is disposed at a position lower than the upper end of the glass sheet with respect to the LM guide rail. In other words, it is disposed in such a manner that the LM guide rail opposes the main surface of the glass sheet.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Literature 3 discloses that lubricant, which is a contaminant, is easily attached to the glass sheet from the carrying apparatus located above the glass sheet in a vertical attitude.

[0009] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0010] PATENT LITERATURE ​​

[0011] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 090625

[0012] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-202958

[0013] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-045267 Utility Model Content

[0014] Issues to be solved by utility models

[0015] The present invention aims to prevent lubricating oil from leaking outward from a guide mechanism that guides the front-rear movement of a holding mechanism holding a glass plate while the glass plate is being transported to a work area, thereby preventing the lubricating oil from adhering to the glass plate.

[0016] Solutions to Problems

[0017] (1) The first aspect of the present invention, which is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a glass plate manufacturing device, comprising a conveying device for holding a glass plate in a longitudinal position and conveying it to a work area, wherein the conveying device comprises: a holding mechanism that holds the upper portion of the glass plate and is movable in the front-back direction, and moves the glass plate to the work area by moving forward; and a guide mechanism that uses lubricating oil to guide the front-back movement of the holding mechanism, wherein a leakage prevention member is arranged at the front end position of the guide mechanism to prevent the lubricating oil from leaking outward. The "lubricating oil" mentioned here refers to not only low-viscosity liquid lubricating oil but also high-viscosity grease, etc. (hereinafter, the same). In addition, the "front end position of the guide mechanism" mentioned here refers to not only the front end position of the guide mechanism but also a position a small distance (e.g., within 50 mm) forward from the front end position or a position a small distance (e.g., within 50 mm) backward from the front end position (hereinafter, the same).

[0018] With this structure, even if lubricating oil leaks outward from the guide mechanism while the holding mechanism is moving forward to transport the glass sheet to the work area, the leakage prevention member located at the front end of the guide mechanism prevents such leakage. This prevents lubricating oil from adhering to the glass sheet, preventing a decrease in production efficiency due to reduced glass sheet quality and increased difficulty in cleaning. Furthermore, even if lubricating oil does not adhere to the glass sheet, it can be prevented from dripping onto the factory floor or onto manufacturing equipment, thereby improving the work environment.

[0019] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the front-rear direction in which the holding mechanism is movable may be a direction intersecting the main surface of the glass sheet.

[0020] In this case, if the lubricating oil leaks toward the main surface of the glass plate, the amount of lubricating oil attached to the glass plate may increase. According to the structure here, the leakage prevention member prevents the leakage of the lubricating oil having such directionality, so a more significant effect can be obtained.

[0021] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the guide mechanism may be arranged above the glass sheet conveyed to the work area or may be arranged so as to face the main surface of the glass sheet.

[0022] The phrase "arranged above the glass sheet" here encompasses not only placement vertically above the glass sheet but also placement diagonally above the glass sheet. Furthermore, "arranged so as to oppose the main surface of the glass sheet" strictly means that the front end of the guide mechanism, along the front-back direction, is positioned so as to oppose the main surface of the glass sheet. Positioning the guide mechanism above the glass sheet allows the holding mechanism and the guide mechanism to be close together, enabling stable transport of the glass sheet. Furthermore, positioning the guide mechanism so as to oppose the main surface of the glass sheet reduces the height of the transport device.

[0023] (4) In the configuration of (3) above, the leakage prevention member may be configured to prevent the lubricating oil from falling downward.

[0024] In this manner, when the guide mechanism is positioned above the glass sheet, even if lubricating oil falls downward from the guide mechanism (including if it scatters and attempts to fall downward), the oil is prevented from falling by the leakage prevention member. This prevents the lubricating oil from adhering to the glass sheet. On the other hand, when the guide mechanism is positioned opposite the main surface of the glass sheet, even if lubricating oil attempts to fall obliquely forward from the guide mechanism, the oil is prevented from falling by the leakage prevention member. This prevents the lubricating oil from adhering to the main surface of the glass sheet.

[0025] (5) In the configuration of (3) above, the leakage prevention member may be configured to prevent the lubricating oil from scattering forward.

[0026] In this manner, when the guide mechanism is disposed above the glass sheet, even if the lubricating oil splashes forward from the guide mechanism and attempts to fall downward, the scattering and falling of the lubricating oil are prevented by the leakage prevention member. On the other hand, when the guide mechanism is disposed opposite the main surface of the glass sheet, even if the lubricating oil splashes forward from the guide mechanism, the scattering of the lubricating oil is prevented by the leakage prevention member.

[0027] (6) In any one of the structures (1) to (5) above, the leakage prevention member may be composed of only a flat plate-shaped member.

[0028] In this way, a very simple structure prevents the lubricating oil from falling or scattering forward. This simplifies the production and installation of the leakage prevention member, and reduces production and installation costs. It should be noted that if the flat plate member is bent midway to form a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion, the longitudinal portion can be used to prevent the lubricating oil from scattering forward, while the transverse portion can be used to prevent the lubricating oil from falling downward.

[0029] (7) In any one of the structures (1) to (6) above, the guide mechanism may be formed using a linear guide.

[0030] In this way, the production and installation work of the guide mechanism can be simplified, and the production and installation costs can be reduced.

[0031] (8) In any one of the structures (1) to (7) above, the glass plate manufacturing device may further include: a forming device that continuously forms a glass ribbon extending in the longitudinal direction; and a cutting device that cuts the glass ribbon in the width direction to cut out the glass plate, and the working area is a handover area where the glass plate reaches when the conveying device conveys the glass plate cut by the cutting device, and the handover area is an area for handing over the glass plate from the conveying device to other conveying devices.

[0032] In this case, when transferring a glass sheet from a conveying device having the aforementioned structure to another conveying device in the transfer area, lubricating oil could leak outward from the aforementioned guide mechanism and adhere to the glass sheet. Furthermore, the glass sheet is cut from a formed glass ribbon and is therefore at a high temperature. Therefore, if the lubricating oil adheres to the glass sheet, it could burn, making cleaning extremely difficult. However, according to the aforementioned structure, leakage of lubricating oil from the guide mechanism is prevented by the leakage prevention member, thereby avoiding this undesirable situation.

[0033] (9) In any one of the above structures (1) to (7), the manufacturing device of the glass plate may also include an inspection device for inspecting the glass plate, the working area is the inspection area where the glass plate arrives when the conveying device receives and conveys the glass plate from other conveying devices, and the inspection area is an area for inspecting the glass plate using the inspection device.

[0034] In this case, the inspection device inspects the glass sheet for defects, dirt, and the like within the inspection area. Furthermore, when a conveying device with the aforementioned structure delivers a glass sheet received from another conveying device to the inspection area, lubricating oil may leak outward from the aforementioned guide mechanism and adhere to the glass sheet. Furthermore, there are cases where the inspection device also includes a conveying device with the aforementioned structure, in which case lubricating oil may also adhere to the inspection device. However, with this configuration, leakage of lubricating oil from the guide mechanism is prevented by the leakage prevention member, thereby avoiding these undesirable situations.

[0035] (10) In any one of the structures described above (1) to (7), the working area may be a packing area where the glass plates are received and transported by the conveying device from another conveying device, and the packing area is an area for packing the glass plates using a packing pallet.

[0036] In this case, when the conveying device of the aforementioned structure brings the glass sheets received from another conveying device to the packaging area, there is a possibility that lubricating oil may leak outward from the aforementioned guide mechanism and adhere to the glass sheets or packaging pallets. However, according to the present structure, the leakage prevention member prevents the lubricating oil from leaking outward from the guide mechanism, thereby avoiding such an undesirable situation.

[0037] (11) The second aspect of the present invention, which is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a method for manufacturing a glass plate, including a conveying process of holding a glass plate in a longitudinal position and conveying it to an operating area, characterized in that in the conveying process, the glass plate reaches the operating area by moving forward a holding mechanism that holds the upper part of the glass plate and can move in the front-to-back direction, a guiding mechanism uses lubricating oil to guide the front-to-back movement of the holding mechanism, and a leakage prevention member arranged at the front end position of the guiding mechanism prevents the lubricating oil from leaking outward.

[0038] According to this method, substantially the same operational effects as those of the corresponding glass sheet manufacturing apparatus described above can be achieved.

[0039] Utility model effect

[0040] According to the present invention, when the glass plate is transported to the work area, the lubricating oil is prevented from leaking outward from the guide mechanism for guiding the front-rear movement of the holding mechanism holding the glass plate, and the lubricating oil is prevented from adhering to the glass plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view schematically showing a conveying step of a glass plate in a process of manufacturing a glass plate using the manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 Observe along the XX line Figure 1 A schematic side view of a manufacturing device.

[0043] Figure 3 Observe along the YY line Figure 1 A schematic side view of a manufacturing device.

[0044] Figure 4 Observe along the ZZ line Figure 1 A schematic side view of a manufacturing device.

[0045] Figure 5 It is a side view which shows the conveyance apparatus of the 1st example with which the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped.

[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 VV line cross-sectional view.

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 WW line cross-sectional view.

[0048] Figure 8 It is a side view which shows the effect|action of the conveyance apparatus of the 1st example with which the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped.

[0049] Figure 9 It is a main part side view which shows the 1st modification of the conveyance apparatus of the 1st example with which the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped.

[0050] Figure 10 It is a main part side view which shows the 2nd modification of the conveyance apparatus of the 1st example with which the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped.

[0051] Figure 11 It is a side view which shows the conveyance apparatus of the 2nd example with which the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped.

[0052] Figure 12 It is a side view which shows the effect|action of the conveyance apparatus of the 2nd example with which the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped.

[0053] Figure 13 It is a side view which shows the more detailed structure of the conveying apparatus of the 2nd example with which the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped.

[0054] Figure 14It is a principal part side view which shows the modification of the conveyance apparatus of the 2nd example with which the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate which concerns on embodiment of this invention is equipped. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, the manufacturing apparatus of the glass plate and the manufacturing method of the glass plate which concern on embodiment of this invention are demonstrated with reference to drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view illustrating the steps of conveying a glass sheet during the manufacturing process using a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that, in the present invention, a structurally distinctive conveying apparatus among the multiple conveying apparatuses included in the manufacturing apparatus is considered a primary element. Therefore, in the following description, this structurally distinctive conveying apparatus will be referred to as the present conveying apparatus. Furthermore, in the illustration, only the gripping claws for gripping the upper portion of the glass sheet are shown as components of the multiple conveying apparatuses included in the manufacturing apparatus, and these gripping claws are labeled with the reference numerals of the respective conveying apparatuses.

[0057] First, a glass ribbon is continuously formed by a forming device that performs an overflow down-draw method and is fed downward. Figure 1 The first cutting region E1 in the first region 1 is cut along the width direction of the glass ribbon by a cutting device, thereby cutting out a glass sheet G1 having unnecessary portions at both ends (ear portions thicker than the widthwise center).

[0058] As shown in the figure, after receiving the cut glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion from the first cutting area E1, the conveying device 2A conveys the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion to the transfer area E2 within the first area 1. At this time, the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion is conveyed in a direction (in this embodiment, a direction perpendicular to) its main surface Ga (the direction of arrow A). In the transfer area E2, the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion is transferred from the conveying device 2A to the other conveying device 2B.

[0059] Another conveying device 2B conveys the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion from the intersection area E2 to the second cutting area E3 in the second area 2 on the right side of the figure. At this time, the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion is conveyed along its width direction (direction of arrow B). In the second cutting area E3, score lines S are respectively engraved along the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface) on the inner side edges of the two end portions in the width direction of the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion. Then, the glass sheet G2 is broken along these score lines S to obtain a glass sheet G2 with the unnecessary portion cut off and removed. It should be noted that the second cutting area E3 may also include an area for engraving the score lines S and an area for breaking along the score lines S. The unnecessary portions at the two end portions in the width direction of the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion may also be removed by laser cutting or laser melting.

[0060] Afterwards, the other conveying device 2B conveys the glass plate G2 from the second cutting area E3 to the third area 3 on the right side of the figure. At this time, the glass plate G2 is conveyed along its width direction. In the third area 3, first, the glass plate G2 is handed over from the other conveying device 2B to the present conveying device 2C. Then, the present conveying device 2C conveys the glass plate G2 to the inspection area E4 within the third area 3. At this time, the glass plate G2 is conveyed along a direction intersecting its main surface Ga (in this embodiment, a direction orthogonal to it). In the inspection area E4, the glass plate G2 is inspected for dirt, defects (for example, platinum foreign matter, mixing of bubbles, strain or collapse (improper cracks on the cut end face)) using an inspection device (for example, an image processing device including a shooting mechanism) D1. It should be noted that the inspection area E4 can also have multiple areas, and different inspections are performed in each area.

[0061] After the inspection, the main conveying device 2C returns to its original position within the third area 3 and transfers the glass sheet G2 from the main conveying device 2C to the other conveying device 2B. The other conveying device 2B transports the glass sheet G2 from the third area 3 to the fourth area 4 on the right side of the figure. At this time, the glass sheet G2 is transported along its width. In the fourth area 4, the glass sheet G2 is transferred from the other conveying device 2B to the main conveying device 2D. Thereafter, the main conveying device 2D transports the glass sheet G2 to the packaging area E5 within the fourth area 4. At this time, the glass sheet G2 is transported in a direction intersecting its main surface Ga (in this embodiment, a direction perpendicular to it). In the packaging area E5, the glass sheet G2 is packaged using the packaging tray D2.

[0062] Here, further description will be given of the manner in which the above-mentioned conveying devices 2A, 2C, and 2D convey the glass plates G1 and G2 to the work areas E2, E4, and E5, respectively. Figure 2 Observe along the XX line Figure 1FIG2 is a side view of the first area 1 of FIG2. As shown in the figure, the main conveying device 2A grasps the upper end of the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion using its gripping claws 2a and conveys the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion to the delivery area E2, where it temporarily stops. In the delivery area E2, the other conveying device 2B, shown by the dotted line, which is on standby, grasps the upper end of the glass sheet G1 with the unnecessary portion using its gripping claws 2b and releases the grip of the gripping claws 2a of the main conveying device 2A, thereby performing the delivery.

[0063] Figure 3 Observe along the YY line Figure 1 3 . As shown in this figure, the transport device 2C grips the upper end of the glass sheet G2 with its gripping claws 2c and transports the glass sheet G2 to the inspection area E4. As indicated by the dotted line in this figure, the transport device 2C temporarily stops in the inspection area E4. In the inspection area E4, the inspection device D1 inspects the glass sheet G2 while the gripping claws 2c of the transport device 2C grip the upper end of the glass sheet G2.

[0064] Figure 4 Observe along the ZZ line Figure 1 This is a side view of the fourth area 4. As shown in the figure, the conveying device 2D grasps the upper end of the glass sheet G2 with the gripping claw 2d and conveys the glass sheet G2 to the packaging area E5, where it temporarily stops as indicated by the dotted line in the figure. In the packaging area E5, a robotic arm (not shown) equipped with a suction cup at its front end, for example, holds the glass sheet G2 and releases the grip of the gripping claw 2d of the conveying device 2D. Furthermore, the glass sheet G2 and the protective sheet (not shown) are alternately loaded onto the packaging pallet D2 through the action of the robotic arm. It should be noted that the glass sheet G2 can also be loaded onto the packaging pallet D2 by the conveying device 2D, rather than being handed over from the conveying device 2D to the robotic arm. In this case, the conveying device 2D includes a mechanism (not shown) for conveying the glass sheet G2 in the vertical direction.

[0065] Here, the glass plate G2 has a thickness of 100 to 1500 μm, a vertical length of 700 to 3300 mm, and a width length of 900 to 3900 mm. The glass plate G2 is processed and treated to become a substrate, cover glass, or the like for a panel display.

[0066] The structure of the above-described conveyance device 2A, 2C, 2D will be described in detail below. Note that the conveyance devices 2A, 2C, 2D are basically the same in structure, and thus in the following description, these devices 2A, 2C, 2D will be described as the conveyance device 2. Also, the conveyance device 2 is commonly used with respect to the handover region E2, the inspection region E4, and the baling region E5, and thus in the following description, these regions E2, E4, E5 will be described as the work region E. Furthermore, the conveyance device 2 can be applied to either the glass plate G1 with a portion not needed or the glass plate G2 with a portion to be cut off removed, and thus in the following description, these glass plates G1, G2 will be described as the glass plate G. Note that the gripping claws 2a, 2c, 2d will be described as the gripping claw 5ca for convenience.

[0067] First, a first example of the conveyance device 2 will be described. Figure 5 is a side view of the conveyance device 2 of the first example, Figure 6 is a V-V line cross-sectional view of Figure 5 Figure 7 is a W-W line cross-sectional view of Figure 5 Note that in the description based on the above-described each drawing, the direction toward the work region E is set as the front direction, and the opposite direction thereof is set as the rear direction. Also, the direction along the width direction of the glass plate G is set as the width direction. As shown in these each drawing, the conveyance device 2 of the first example is provided with a holding mechanism 5 that holds the upper end portion of the glass plate G and is movable in the front-rear direction, a guide mechanism 6 that guides the front-rear direction movement of the holding mechanism 5 using lubricating oil, and a drive mechanism 7 that moves the holding mechanism 5 in the front-rear direction.

[0068] The holding mechanism 5 is provided with a base member 5a that is rectangular in plan view and is plate-shaped, an arm member 5b that is fixed upright to the upper surface of the base member 5a, and a gripping mechanism 5c that is fitted to the front end portion of the arm member 5b. The arm member 5b has a support portion 5ba that extends upward from the base member 5a and a front extension portion 5bb that extends forward from the upper end of the support portion 5ba. The gripping mechanism 5c is installed below the front end portion of the front extension portion 5bb. The gripping mechanism 5c has a gripping claw 5ca that grips the upper end portion of the glass plate G. The gripping mechanism 5c (including the gripping claw 5ca) is arranged at a plurality of positions (two positions in this embodiment) in the width direction of the glass plate G. Note that in this embodiment, a plurality of gripping mechanisms 5c are installed to a plurality of arm members 5b, but the width direction length of the arm member 5b can be lengthened and a plurality of gripping mechanisms 5c can be installed to one arm member 5b.

[0069] ​The guide mechanism 6 is constructed using a linear guide (e.g., an LM guide (registered trademark)). In detail, the guide mechanism 6 includes: a guide rail 6a, which is fixed to the upper surface of the base 8 and extends in the front-to-back direction; and a block 6b, which engages with the guide rail 6a from above and is held so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction. The base 8 is set in a fixed position. The guide rail 6a is arranged at multiple locations in the width direction (two locations in this embodiment). The block 6b is arranged at multiple locations in the front-to-back direction of each guide rail 6a (two locations in this embodiment). The base member 5a of the holding mechanism 5 is fixed to the upper surface of the block 6b. The block 6b and the guide rail 6a are lubricated with lubricating oil. In addition, the front end portion of the guide mechanism 6 (specifically, the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a) is arranged so as to be opposite to the main surface (main surface on the rear side) Gb of the glass plate G.

[0070] In this embodiment, the driving mechanism 7 includes: a servo motor 7a that can rotate forward and reverse; and a front-to-back direction moving mechanism 7b, which is a ball screw mechanism, a belt mechanism, or a rack-and-pinion mechanism that converts the forward and reverse rotation of the servo motor 7a into front-to-back direction movement. Therefore, through the forward and reverse rotation of the servo motor 7a, the holding mechanism 5 becomes a structure that moves in the front-to-back direction along the guide rail 6a together with the block 6b. In this case, the restriction of the forward movement of the block 6b can also be carried out by position control based on the servo motor 7a, or a sensor for detecting the position of the block 6b can be provided and the servo motor 7a can limit the forward movement of the block 6b based on the signal from the sensor. It should be noted that the movement of the block 6b to the rear is also restricted.

[0071] The transport device 2 also includes a leakage prevention member 9 for preventing the lubricating oil from leaking outward. The leakage prevention member 9 is arranged at the front end position of the guide mechanism 6 (the definition is as described above). Here, the front end position of the guide mechanism 6 is, for example, Figure 5 The position in the area EA along the front-to-back direction from the point P1 to the point P2 shown. In each illustration, the leakage prevention member 9 is composed of a plate that is a flat plate-shaped member extending in the up-down direction and the width direction. The plate 9 is formed of various metals, resins, etc., but is preferably formed of metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy for reasons of good heat resistance and processability. In this case, the plate 9 is fixed to the front end 8a of the base 8. It should be noted that the plate 9 can also be fixed from the front of the base 8 using a fastening member such as a bolt, or can be fixed by welding, etc. In addition, in the illustration (refer to Figure 5), the front end 8a of the base 8 and the front end 6ax of the rail 6a are arranged at the same position in the front-rear direction, and therefore the plate 9 can be fixed to both of them or can be fixed only to the front end 6ax of the rail 6a. Also, unlike the example, the front end 8a of the base 8 can protrude forward from the front end 6ax of the rail 6a (in this case, the plate 9 is fixed to the base 8), or the front end 6ax of the rail 6a can protrude from the front end 8a of the base 8 (in this case, the plate 9 is fixed to the rail 6a). Note that in the example, the rear surface (the receiving surface) 9a of the plate 9 is in contact with the front end 6ax of the rail 6a and the front end 8a of the base 8, but in the case where the front end 8a of the base 8 protrudes forward from the front end 6ax of the rail 6a, the receiving surface 9a of the plate 9 is separated from the front end 6ax of the rail 6a. Also, in the example, the lower end of the plate 9 is at the same height position as the lower surface of the base 8, but if the lower end of the plate 9 is positioned lower than the lower surface of the rail 6a, the lower end of the plate 9 can be higher than the lower surface of the base 8 or can be lower than the lower surface of the base 8.

[0072] Also, the plate 9 protrudes upward from the upper surface 6ay of the rail 6a, and the lower limit value of the protruding length Ll is preferably 30 mm or more, more preferably 50 mm or more, and the upper limit value of the protruding length Ll is preferably 200 mm or less, more preferably 100 mm or less (see Figure 5 Also, the plate 9 protrudes outward in the width direction from both of the rails 6a, and the lower limit value of the protruding length L2 is preferably 100 mm or more, more preferably 200 mm or more, and the upper limit value of the protruding length L2 is preferably 400 mm or less, more preferably 300 mm or less (see Figure 6 Thus, the front ends 6ax of the two rails 6a are covered from the front side by the plate 9 over the entire circumference.

[0073] Next, the effects of the first example of the conveyance device 2 having the above-described structure will be described based on Figure 5 and Figure 8 Here, Figure 8 A state in which the holding mechanism 5 and the blocks 6b have reached the advancing end position and stopped in accordance with the operation of the servo motor 7a is exemplified. At the time point of this stop, the front-side block (hereinafter referred to as the front-side block 6b) of the two blocks 6b reaches the front end portion position 6az of the rail 6a. Also, at the time point of this stop, the glass plate G reaches the work area E.

[0074] During conveyance of the glass plate G in the forward direction by the conveyance device 2, the front-side block 6b moves from Figure 5 to the position shown in Figure 8When the front end position 6az of the guide rail 6a is shown, the lubricating oil is gathered and accumulated by the front block 6b. When the front block 6b reaches the front end position 6az of the guide rail 6a or during the period of reaching the front end position 6az, the accumulated lubricating oil is pushed out by the front block 6b and leaks outward. Examples of the leakage of the lubricating oil include Figure 8 There are examples of the lubricating oil scattering forward as shown by reference symbol H1 in the figure, and the lubricating oil falling obliquely forward without scattering as shown by reference symbol H2 in the figure.

[0075] In this case, the front block 6b is as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, at the time the guide rail 6a reaches the front end position 6az and stops, the distance L3 between the rear main surface Gb of the glass sheet G and the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a in the front-to-back direction is preferably 100 mm or greater, more preferably 150 mm or greater, with an upper limit of 400 mm or less, more preferably 300 mm or less. Furthermore, the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a is positioned so as to face the upper portion of the rear main surface Gb of the glass sheet G. Therefore, if the lubricating oil leaks as described above, the lubricating oil will adhere to the rear main surface Gb of the glass sheet G, making it difficult to clean the glass sheet G in the subsequent washing process and potentially causing degradation in the quality of the glass sheet G. However, in the present conveying device 2, the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a is covered from the front side by the plate 9 along its entire circumference, thus preventing such problems.

[0076] Figure 9 The first modification of the leakage prevention member 9 of the first example of the conveying device 2 is shown. As shown in the figure, the leakage prevention member 9 of the first modification is a receiving member for receiving the lubricating oil that falls downward from the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a. A recess 9b is formed in the receiving member 9 for accumulating the lubricating oil that falls downward. The receiving member 9 is mounted on the front end 8ba of the lower surface 8b of the base 8. The width direction of the receiving member 9 is the same as that of the plate 9 described above. According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the lubricating oil from falling onto the floor surface of a factory or manufacturing equipment, thereby deteriorating the working environment. In addition, if the receiving member 9 and the plate 9 described above are used at the same time, the receiving member 9 can be used to receive the lubricating oil that falls downward because the plate 9 cannot completely prevent the lubricating oil from leaking.

[0077] Figure 10A second modified example of the leakage prevention member 9 provided in the first example of the present conveying device 2 is shown. As shown in the figure, the leakage prevention member 9 of the second modified example extends the plate described above downward and bends the extended portion to form a receiving portion 9c extending rearward. In other words, the leakage prevention member bends a plate 9 in the middle to form a longitudinal posture portion 9d extending in the vertical direction and the width direction and a transverse posture portion 9c extending in the rear direction and the width direction. The longitudinal posture portion 9d is installed in the same manner as the plate 9 described above, and the transverse posture portion 9c is arranged with a gap from the lower surface 8b of the base 8. According to this leakage prevention member 9, the transverse posture portion 9c can be used to receive the lubricating oil that falls downward because the leakage of the lubricating oil cannot be completely prevented by the longitudinal posture portion 9d.

[0078] Figure 11 This is a side view of the second embodiment of the present conveying device 2. The second embodiment of the present conveying device 2 is basically different from the first embodiment of the present conveying device 2 in that the holding mechanism 5 and the guide mechanism 6 are reversed. Therefore, the description of the second embodiment of the present conveying device 2 is based only on the Figure 11 The side view is carried out, about the components common to the first example of the present conveying device 2, in Figure 11 The same reference numerals are used throughout, and their descriptions are omitted. Here, the differences between the second embodiment of the conveying device 2 and the first embodiment described above will be described in detail. As shown in the figure, the guide mechanism 6 comprises a guide rail 6a fixed to the lower surface of the base 8, and a block 6b engages with the guide rail 6a from below. The holding mechanism 5 comprises an arm member 5b fixed to the lower surface of the base member 5a. The arm member 5b comprises a support portion 5ba extending downward from the base member 5a, and a front extension portion 5bb extending forward from the lower end of the support portion 5ba. A gripping mechanism 5c having gripping claws 5ca for gripping the upper end of the glass sheet G is attached below the front end of the front extension portion 5bb. The base member 5a is fixed to the lower surface of the block 6b. The guide rail 6a is positioned above the glass sheet G. A plate 9, serving as a leakage prevention member, protrudes downward from the lower surface 6ay of the guide rail 6a. The downward protrusion length L1 in this case is the same as the upward protrusion length L1 of the plate 9 in the first example described above. Furthermore, the widthwise state of the plate 9 is also the same as the widthwise state of the plate 9 in the first example described above. It should be noted that the drive mechanism 7, like the drive mechanism 7 in the first example described above, is composed of a servo motor 7a and a front-to-back movement mechanism 7b.

[0079] based on Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The effects of the second example of the transport device 2 having the above-mentioned structure will be described. Figure 12The example shows a state where the holding mechanism 5 and block 6b have reached their forward end positions and have been stopped by the operation of the servo motor 7a. At the time of this stop, the front block 6b of the front and rear blocks 6b has reached the front end position 6az of the guide rail 6a. Furthermore, at the time of this stop, the glass sheet G has reached the work area E.

[0080] Regarding the second example of the transport device 2, when the front block 6b reaches the front end position 6az of the guide rail 6a or during the period from the front block 6b reaching the front end position 6az of the guide rail 6a, the accumulated lubricating oil is pushed out by the front block 6b and leaks outward. Examples of the leakage of the lubricating oil include: Figure 12 The lubricating oil scatters forward as shown by reference numeral H3 in the figure, and the lubricating oil falls obliquely forward without scattering as shown by reference numeral H4 in the figure.

[0081] In this case, the front block 6b is as shown in FIG. Figure 12 When the guide rail 6a reaches the front end position 6az and stops, the distance L4 between the rear main surface Gb of the glass sheet G and the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a in the front-to-back direction is preferably 100 mm or more, more preferably 150 mm or more, with an upper limit of 400 mm or less, more preferably 300 mm or less. Furthermore, the distance L5 between the lower surface 6ay of the guide rail 6a and the upper end Gc of the glass sheet G in the top-to-bottom direction is preferably 150 mm or more, more preferably 200 mm or more, with an upper limit of 400 mm or less, more preferably 350 mm or less. Therefore, if the lubricating oil leaks as described above, it may adhere to the rear main surface Gb and the upper end Gc of the glass sheet G. However, in the present conveying device 2, the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a is covered from the front side by the plate 9 along its entire circumference, thus preventing such an inconvenience.

[0082] Figure 13 The second example of the transport device 2 includes a second guide mechanism 10. As shown in the figure, the second guide mechanism 10 comprises a plurality of (two in the example) guide rails 10a extending in the width direction, fixed to the upper surface of the base 8, and blocks 10b that engage with each of these guide rails 10a from above. Furthermore, the blocks 10b are fixed to the lower surface 11a of the base 11. The base 11 is fixedly mounted. Thus, the base 8, and thus the glass sheet G, is also configured to be movable in the width direction.

[0083] Figure 14A modified example of the leakage prevention member 9 included in the second example of the transport device 2 is shown. As shown in the figure, the leakage prevention member 9 of this modified example extends the previously described plate downward and bends the extended portion to form a receiving portion 9e extending rearward. In other words, the leakage prevention member is formed by bending a single plate 9 midway to form a longitudinal portion 9f extending in the vertical and width directions, and a transverse portion 9e extending in the rear and width directions. The longitudinal portion 9f is installed in the same manner as the previously described plate 9, while the transverse portion 9e is arranged with a gap from the lower surface 5aa of the base member 5a of the retaining mechanism 5. With this leakage prevention member 9, the transverse portion 9e can receive lubricating oil that falls downward through the gap 12 between the front end 5ab of the base member 5a and the longitudinal portion 9f. This also prevents the lubricating oil from adhering to the arm member 5b of the retaining mechanism 5.

[0084] Next, a brief description will be given of a method for manufacturing a glass sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. This method includes a transport step in which a glass sheet G in a vertical position is held by its upper portion and transported to a work area E. During this transport step, a holding mechanism 5, which holds the glass sheet G and is movable in the front-to-back direction, moves forward, thereby allowing the glass sheet G to reach the work area E. Furthermore, during this transport step, a guide mechanism 6 guides the front-to-back movement of the holding mechanism 5 using lubricating oil, and a leakage prevention member 9, located at the front end of the guide mechanism 6, prevents the lubricating oil from leaking outward. The detailed structures of these structures have already been described, and therefore their description is omitted here.

[0085] 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.

[0086] In the above-described embodiments, the conveying devices 2 of the first and second examples are configured to convey the glass sheet G in a direction perpendicular to its main surface. However, the glass sheet G may also be conveyed in its width direction. To achieve this configuration, the conveying device 2 of the second example can simply change the orientation and arrangement of the multiple gripping mechanisms 5c. Alternatively, the conveying device 2 of the first example can be configured by additionally providing a lower extension extending further downward from the front end of the front extension 5bb of the arm member 5b. A support member extending in the front-to-back direction is attached to the lower end of the lower extension, and the multiple gripping mechanisms 5c are mounted on the support member. This allows the support member, gripping mechanisms 5c, and the upper end of the glass sheet G to be positioned below the base 8. With these configurations, the conveying devices 2 of the first and second examples can both position the front end 6az of the guide rail 6a above the glass sheet G, thereby preventing lubricating oil from adhering to the glass sheet G, similar to the above-described embodiment.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the leakage prevention member 9 is not divided in the width direction with respect to the plurality of guide rails 6 a , but may be divided in the width direction for each of the plurality of guide rails 6 a .

[0088] In the above embodiment, the leakage prevention member 9 is fixed to the base 8 and / or the guide rail 6a, but as long as the leakage prevention member 9 is arranged at the end position in front of the guide mechanism 6, the leakage prevention member 9 can also be fixed to members other than these fixedly arranged members.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the holding mechanism 5 includes the base member 5a and the arm member 5b. However, the base member 5a and the arm member 5b may be integrated, or may be members having shapes different from those in the illustrations.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an LM guide (registered trademark) is used as the guide mechanism 6, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the mechanism guides the linear motion of the transport device 2, a mechanism using a rolling guide (e.g., a cross roller, a ball spline, etc.) or a mechanism using a sliding guide (e.g., a linear sleeve, etc.) may also be used.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the guide rails 6a are provided at multiple locations (two locations in the present embodiment) in the width direction of the base 8, but the guide rail 6a may be provided at a single location. Furthermore, the blocks 6b are arranged at multiple locations (two locations in the present embodiment) in the front-rear direction of the guide rail 6a, but the block 6b may be arranged at a single location.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the conveying device 2 is applied to the three work areas of the delivery area E2 , the inspection area E4 , and the packing area E5 . However, the conveying device 2 can also be applied to work areas other than these work areas.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the conveying device 2 conveys a glass sheet formed by the overflow down-draw method. However, the conveying device 2 can also convey a glass sheet formed by other down-draw methods or float glass methods.

[0094] In the first example of the above-described embodiment, the front end portion of the guide mechanism 6 (the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a) is disposed so as to face the principal surface Gb of the glass sheet G. However, the front end portion of the guide mechanism 6 (the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a) may be disposed so as to face an imaginary principal surface Gb of the glass sheet G when the glass sheet G is virtually extended in the width direction. In other words, the front end portion of the guide mechanism 6 (the front end 6ax of the guide rail 6a) may be disposed so as to face a surface extending along the principal surface Gb of the glass sheet G in the width direction.

[0095] Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 2 Carrying device (the present carrying device)

[0097] 2A Carrying device (the present carrying device)

[0098] 2C Carrying device (the present carrying device)

[0099] 2D Carrying device (the present carrying device)

[0100] 5 Holding mechanism

[0101] 6 Guide mechanism

[0102] 6a Guide rail

[0103] 6b Block

[0104] 9 Leakage preventing member (plate)

[0105] D1 Inspection device

[0106] D2 Pallet for bales

[0107] E2 Handover area

[0108] E4 Inspection area

[0109] E5 Baling area

[0110] G Glass sheet

[0111] G1 Glass sheet

[0112] G2 Glass sheet

[0113] Ga Main face of glass sheet

[0114] Gb Main face of glass sheet

Claims

1. A glass plate manufacturing device comprising a conveying device for holding a glass plate in a vertical position and conveying it to a work area, It is characterized in that The conveying device includes: a holding mechanism that holds the upper portion of the glass plate and is movable in the front-rear direction, and moves forward to allow the glass plate to reach the working area; and a guiding mechanism that uses lubricating oil to guide the front-rear movement of the holding mechanism. A leakage prevention member for preventing the lubricating oil from leaking outward is disposed at a front end portion of the guide mechanism.

2. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein: The front-rear direction in which the holding mechanism is movable is a direction intersecting the main surface of the glass sheet.

3. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The guide mechanism is arranged above the glass sheet conveyed to the work area or is arranged to face the main surface of the glass sheet.

4. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 3, wherein: The leakage prevention member is configured to prevent the lubricating oil from falling downward.

5. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 3, wherein: The leakage prevention member is configured to prevent the lubricating oil from scattering forward.

6. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 5, wherein: The leakage prevention member is composed only of a flat plate-shaped member.

7. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The guide mechanism is formed using a linear guide.

8. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The glass sheet manufacturing device further comprises: a forming device that continuously forms a glass ribbon extending in the longitudinal direction; and a cutting device that cuts the glass ribbon in the width direction to cut out the glass sheet. The working area is a delivery area where the glass sheet cut by the cutting device is delivered by the conveying device, and the delivery area is an area for delivering the glass sheet from the conveying device to another conveying device.

9. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The glass plate manufacturing device further includes an inspection device for inspecting the glass plate. The work area is an inspection area where the glass sheet reaches after the conveying device receives and conveys the glass sheet from another conveying device, and the inspection area is an area for inspecting the glass sheet using the inspection device.

10. The glass plate manufacturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The work area is a packing area where the glass sheets arrive after the conveying device receives and conveys the glass sheets from another conveying device, and the packing area is an area for packing the glass sheets using a packing pallet.

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