Glass plate manufacturing device

Abstract

The utility model provides a glass plate manufacturing device which is provided with a processing part for performing specified processing on a glass plate. Even if dust is generated from a drag chain for holding a cable group and / or a supporting component for holding the drag chain, the dust can be prevented from being attached to the glass plate. The present invention is provided with: a moving frame (63b) having a drive unit (63a) as a power source for driving a processing unit; a control unit (63d) that is provided at a predetermined position and that controls the drive unit (63a); a cable group (63e) that connects the drive unit (63a) and the control unit (63d); a drag chain (63f) that holds the cable group (63e); a support member (63 g) that supports the drag chain (63f) in a state in which the drag chain (63f) is placed; and a cover member (63 h) that covers the lower side of the support member (63 g).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the manufacturing device of glass plate. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, in the manufacturing process of the glass plate for the display of the glass substrate, cover glass for liquid crystal display, organic EL display, etc., there are: a cutting process that cuts a glass ribbon into a predetermined size; an ear cutting process that removes the unnecessary part including the ear of the cut glass ribbon piece to form a glass plate; an inspection process that inspects the presence or absence of defects in the glass plate; and a bundling process that places a plurality of glass plates on a predetermined tray and bundles the plurality of glass plates. These cutting processes, ear cutting processes, inspection processes, and bundling processes are generally arranged in sequence along the conveying path of the conveying device that conveys the glass plate.

[0003] Here, as a glass ribbon forming method, there are known down-draw methods such as the overflow down-draw method (fusion method), slit down-draw method, and float method, in which a glass ribbon is continuously formed in a vertical attitude.

[0004] Therefore, based on the space-saving of the entire manufacturing equipment, no additional process is provided for changing the attitude of the glass plate, and the glass ribbon piece (glass plate) cut from the glass ribbon in the cutting process is conveyed by the conveying device in the vertical attitude, and then the prescribed processing is performed in each process (for example, refer to "Patent Literature 1").

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-61531 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] In the aforementioned conveying device that conveys the glass plate, a cable carrier that can flexibly bend in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the movement frame is appropriately provided to maintain the cable set connected to the driving portion that reciprocally moves with the movement frame between processes and the control portion that controls the driving portion.

[0010] The aforementioned cable carrier is supported by a support roller (support member) that can rotate around the shaft center when the reciprocating movement distance of the movement frame is relatively long, the reciprocating movement speed of the movement frame is relatively fast, or the load on the cable carrier from the cable set is relatively large, and is maintained in an appropriate attitude by the support roller.

[0011] However, sometimes the supporting roller cannot rotate smoothly while following the moving action of the drag chain due to annual changes, unexpected external factors applied from the outside, and the like, in which case the drag chain slips with respect to the supporting roller.

[0012] As a result, dust is easily generated between the drag chain and the supporting roller due to wear and the like, and the generated dust adheres to the glass plate, thereby there is a risk of becoming a factor that causes a decrease in the quality of the glass plate.

[0013] In addition, not only the carrying device that carries the glass plate, but also in a scribing device that forms a scribe line on the glass plate, an end surface polishing device that polishes the end surface of the glass plate, sometimes the drag chain and the supporting roller are used in a driving portion that reciprocally moves a cutter wheel, a polishing stone, there is also a risk of dust generation and adhesion to the glass plate.

[0014] The present application is completed in view of the above-described current problems, and the subject is to provide a glass plate manufacturing device that performs a predetermined process on a glass plate, which can suppress dust generated from a drag chain that holds a cable group and / or a supporting member that holds the drag chain from adhering to the glass plate.

[0015] Solution for solving the subject

[0016] The subject to be solved by the present application is as described above, and the solution for solving the subject will be described next.

[0017] That is, the glass plate manufacturing device of the solution 1 of the present application has a processing portion that performs a predetermined process on a glass plate, and is characterized in that the glass plate manufacturing device has: a moving frame having a driving portion as a power source that drives the processing portion; a control portion provided at a predetermined position and controlling the driving portion; a cable group connecting the driving portion and the control portion; a drag chain holding the cable group; a supporting member supporting the drag chain in a state of placing the drag chain; and a cover member covering the lower side of the supporting member.

[0018] Thus, in the glass plate manufacturing device of the present application, the cover member is provided below the supporting member that supports the drag chain, so even in a case where dust is generated from the drag chain and / or the supporting member, the generated dust can be caught by the cover member, the dust can be effectively prevented from flying around, and the dust can be suppressed from adhering to the glass plate.

[0019] In addition, the glass plate manufacturing device of the solution 2 of the present application is based on the above-described solution 1, and is characterized in that the processing portion is a carrying device that can reciprocally move in a direction along a main surface of the glass plate in a state of clamping an end portion of the glass plate in a vertical attitude.

[0020] Thus, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application, even if dust is generated from the tow chain and / or the support member of the glass plate carrying apparatus in the carrying longitudinal posture, the generated dust can be received by the cover member, and the dust can be effectively prevented from flying around, and the dust can be inhibited from adhering to the glass plate.

[0021] Further, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application of the sixth aspect is based on any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 5, and is characterized in that the cover member is arranged so as to overlap the tow chain in plan view and extend along the length direction of the tow chain.

[0022] Thus, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application, even if dust is generated from the tow chain and / or the support member of the glass plate carrying apparatus in the carrying longitudinal posture, the generated dust can be received by the cover member, and the dust can be effectively prevented from flying around, and the dust can be inhibited from adhering to the glass plate.

[0023] Further, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application of the fourth aspect is based on the above-mentioned aspect 1, and is characterized in that the processing section is an end surface grinding device that grinds the end surface of the glass plate.

[0024] Thus, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application, even if dust is generated from the tow chain and / or the support member of the glass plate carrying apparatus in the carrying longitudinal posture, the generated dust can be received by the cover member, and the dust can be effectively prevented from flying around, and the dust can be inhibited from adhering to the glass plate.

[0025] Further, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application of the fifth aspect is based on any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 4, and is characterized in that the cover member is composed of a container-shaped member that is open upward, and the glass plate manufacturing apparatus further has a dust collecting mechanism that collects dust by suctioning the inside space of the cover member.

[0026] With this structure, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application can more effectively prevent the dust from flying around and inhibit the dust from adhering to the glass plate by collecting the dust accumulated in the inside space of the cover member by suctioning the dust with the dust collecting mechanism.

[0027] Further, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application of the sixth aspect is based on any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 5, and is characterized in that the cover member is arranged so as to overlap the tow chain in plan view and extend along the length direction of the tow chain.

[0028] Thus, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application, the cover member extends along the length direction of the tow chain, and therefore, the generated dust can be more reliably received by the cover member regardless of the presence or absence of the movement of the tow chain, and the dust can be effectively prevented from flying around.

[0029] Further, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application according to the above-mentioned aspect 7 is characterized in that the support member is composed of a cylindrical member, and is configured to be rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member.

[0030] Thus, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application, the support member is composed of a cylindrical member rotatable about the axis, and therefore the support member rotates in accordance with the movement of the cable chain, whereby the cable chain is prevented from sliding with respect to the support member, and dust is prevented from being generated between the cable chain and the support member due to abrasion and the like.

[0031] Further, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application according to the above-mentioned aspect 8 is characterized in that the cable chain is composed of a member having higher abrasion resistance than the support member.

[0032] Thus, in the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application, the cable chain is composed of a member having higher abrasion resistance than the support member, and therefore the frequency of replacement of the cable chain can be suppressed, for example, due to aging and the like, as compared with the frequency of replacement of the support member, and the maintenance cost of the entire carrying apparatus can be reduced.

[0033] Effects of the Invention

[0034] As the effects of the present application, the following effects are exhibited.

[0035] That is, according to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of the present application, even in the case where dust is generated from the cable chain of the cable set and / or the support member holding the cable chain, the dust can be suppressed from adhering to the glass plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a side view showing the entire structure of a glass plate manufacturing apparatus provided with a glass plate carrying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of the glass plate carrying apparatus.

[0038] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of a support member, a cover member, and a dust collecting device, Figure 3 (a) of FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway side view thereof, Figure 3 (b) of FIG. 4 is a plan view thereof.

[0039] EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0040] 42b lower side moving device (glass plate carrying apparatus)

[0041] 42b9, 63j dust collecting mechanism

[0042] 42b1, 63a driving section

[0043] 42b2, 63b moving frame

[0044] 42b5, 63e cable set

[0045] 42b6, 63f drag chain

[0046] 42b7, 63g support member

[0047] 42b8, 63h cover member

[0048] 63 third conveyance device (glass plate conveyance device)

[0049] 63d control section

[0050] G glass plate

[0051] V interior space DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Next, using Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0053] Note that, for convenience, the following description will be given using the directions of the arrows shown in the drawings to define the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the glass plate G manufacturing device 1. Also, the direction of the arrow A shown in the drawings will be used to define the conveyance direction of the glass plate G. Figures 1 to 3 Figure 1 Figure 2

[0054] [Overall structure of glass plate G manufacturing device 1]

[0055] First, the overall structure of the glass plate G manufacturing device 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "manufacturing device 1") provided with the glass plate conveyance device of the present application will be described. Figure 1 The manufacturing device 1 in the present embodiment is a device that cuts a glass ribbon R in a band shape formed by a down-draw method to a prescribed size, and conveys the cut glass ribbon piece Ra (glass plate G) while passing through each process (ear portion cutting process S02, inspection process S03, and bundling process S04 described later) in a state in a vertical attitude, thereby continuously manufacturing glass plates G composed of desired outer dimensions.

[0056]

[0057] ​​​​Note that as the manufactured glass sheet G, for example, a glass sheet for display used in a glass substrate, a cover glass for a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like can be cited.

[0058] The manufacturing apparatus 1 mainly has a cutout section 2, an ear cutting section 3, an inspection section 4, a bundling section 5, and a conveyance section 6 that conveys the glass sheet G between these sections, which are arranged in this order along a conveyance direction A (a front direction in the present embodiment) of the glass sheet G.

[0059] The cutout section 2 is a section that performs a cutout process S01 for cutting out the glass ribbon R to a prescribed size.

[0060] The cutout section 2 has an arm device 21, and a scribing support rod 22 and a cutter wheel 23 arranged above the arm device 21.

[0061] The arm device 21 has a pair of arm frames 21a, 21a that extend in the vertical direction and are opposed to each other along the conveyance direction A (the front-back direction), and a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) collets 21b, 21b… that are arranged with prescribed intervals in the vertical direction along the side surfaces of the opposed sides of the arm frames 21a.

[0062] The scribing support rod 22 is composed of, for example, a long rectangular flat plate-shaped member, and is arranged above the arm device 21 in a state in which the plane is oriented orthogonal to the plan view of the conveyance direction A (the left-right direction in the present embodiment) in a manner in which the length direction is along the conveyance direction A.

[0063] The cutter wheel 23 is arranged on the one side (the right side in the present embodiment) of the conveyance direction A in the vertical direction with the axis direction as the vertical direction with respect to the scribing support rod 22.

[0064] In addition, the cutter wheel 23 is arranged so as to be able to rotate around the axis, and is arranged so as to be able to reciprocate in the front-back direction along the first cutting intended line L1.

[0065] A not-shown split wedge-shaped forming body is arranged above the cutout section 2, and is covered by a bottom-opened forming furnace (not shown).

[0066] Furthermore, molten glass (not shown) that overflows from the top of the forming furnace is fused at the lower end of the forming body after flowing down the side surfaces of the forming body, and is formed into a ribbon-shaped glass ribbon R.

[0067] The glass ribbon R formed in the forming furnace is annealed and the residual stress is reduced when it flows down in an annealing furnace (not shown) arranged below the forming furnace.

[0068] After that, the glass ribbon R is supplied to the arm device 21 (more specifically, between the pair of arm frames 21a, 21a) in a state where the thickness direction is set to be orthogonal to the plan view of the conveyance direction A (left-right direction) after passing through the above-mentioned annealing furnace in a longitudinal attitude.

[0069] When the glass ribbon R reaches between the pair of arm frames 21a, 21a, the arm device 21 grips both end portions in the width direction (direction along the conveyance direction A and in the present embodiment, front-rear direction) of the glass ribbon R with the collet 21b provided to each arm frame 21a.

[0070] When the glass ribbon R is gripped with the collet 21b, the scribe support rod 22 contacts the back surface (main surface on the other side of the plan view of the conveyance direction A and in the present embodiment, left main surface) of the glass ribbon R, and after that, the cutter wheel 23 moves along the first cut-off intended line Ll, thereby forming a scribe line in the glass ribbon R.

[0071] When the scribe line is formed in the glass ribbon R, a breakage support point rod not shown contacts the surface (main surface on one side of the plan view of the conveyance direction A and in the present embodiment, right main surface) of the glass ribbon R and the vicinity of the upper side of the scribe line formed.

[0072] After that, in a state where the glass ribbon R is gripped with the collet 21b, the arm device 21 performs a rotational operation toward the surface side (right side) of the glass ribbon R with the vicinity of the scribe line as the center, and thereby the glass ribbon R is cut off (cut) along the above-mentioned scribe line, and a glass ribbon piece Ra (glass sheet G) composed of a prescribed size is cut out in a longitudinal attitude.

[0073] Note that, regarding the cutting method of the glass ribbon R, it is not limited to the cutting based on the bending stress shown in the present embodiment, and for example, laser cutting, laser fusion cutting, or the like can be used.

[0074] The ear cutting section 3 is a section that performs an ear cutting process S02 for removing an unnecessary portion including the ear portion Ra1 in the glass ribbon piece Ra (glass sheet G) cut out in the cutting-out process S01 to form the glass sheet G.

[0075] Note that the ear portion Ra1 means both end portions in the width direction (front-rear direction) of the glass ribbon R in which the thickness is relatively large compared to the central portion in the width direction (front-rear direction) in the process of forming the glass ribbon R from molten glass by the down-draw method.

[0076] The ear cutting section 3 has a pair of ear cutting devices 31, 31 that are opposed to each other along the conveyance direction A (front-rear direction).

[0077] Each of the ear portion cutting apparatuses 31 has a breakage fulcrum rod 31a which is elongated in the up-down direction and is arranged so as to be able to contact the back surface (left main surface) of the glass ribbon R in a state in which the plane is oriented in a direction orthogonal to the plan view of the conveyance direction A (left-right direction), a pressing rod 31b which extends in the up-down direction and is arranged so as to be able to contact the surface (right main surface) of the glass ribbon R in a state in which the plane is oriented in a direction orthogonal to the plan view of the conveyance direction A (left-right direction), and a cutter wheel 31c which is arranged with the axial direction as the front-back direction.

[0078] The breakage fulcrum rod 31a and the pressing rod 31b are arranged so as to sandwich a second cutting intended line L2 which is set in advance and be parallel to each other when viewed in the thickness direction of the glass ribbon piece Ra (a direction orthogonal to the above-described width direction and in the present embodiment, the left-right direction).

[0079] In addition, the breakage fulcrum rod 31a is arranged in the vicinity of the central portion side of the glass ribbon piece Ra with respect to the second cutting intended line L2, and the pressing rod 31b is arranged in the vicinity of the end portion side (the side opposite to the central portion side) of the glass ribbon piece Ra with respect to the second cutting intended line L2.

[0080] Note that the second cutting intended lines L2, L2 are respectively set in both end portions in the width direction (front-back direction) of the glass ribbon piece Ra.

[0081] On the other hand, the cutter wheel 31c is arranged so as to be able to rotate around the axis and so as to be able to reciprocate in the up-down direction along the second cutting intended line L2.

[0082] Further, when the glass ribbon piece Ra which is cut out by the cutting-out portion 2 is supplied to the ear portion cutting portion 3 in a state in which the longitudinal attitude, and the upper end portion is supported by a support apparatus which is not shown, an incision support rod (not shown) which is elongated in the up-down direction contacts the back surface of the glass ribbon R, and the cutter wheel 31c of each of the ear portion cutting apparatuses 31 moves along the second cutting intended line L2.

[0083] Thus, an incision line is formed in each of both end portions in the width direction (front-back direction) of the glass ribbon piece Ra.

[0084] When the incision lines are formed in both end portions in the width direction (front-back direction) of the glass ribbon piece Ra, the pair of breakage fulcrum rods 31a, 31a respectively contact the back surface (left main surface) of the glass ribbon piece Ra and the vicinity of each of the incision lines which are formed.

[0085] In addition, the upper end portion of the glass ribbon piece Ra (more specifically, a region between the pair of incision lines in the upper end portion) is held by a holding apparatus which is not shown.

[0086] After the pair of pressing levers 31b, 31b have contacted the surface (the right main surface) of the glass ribbon sheet Ra and the respective score lines formed thereby, the pair of pressing levers 31b, 31b are further pressed into the glass ribbon sheet Ra toward the back surface side (the left side) of the glass ribbon sheet Ra, and thus the ear portions Ra1, Ra1 at both ends in the width direction (the front-back direction) are cut off (severed) and removed.

[0087] Thus, the ear portions Ra1, Ra1 at both ends in the width direction (the front-back direction) are cut off and removed from the glass ribbon sheet Ra, and thus the glass plate G is formed.

[0088] The inspection section 4 is a section that performs an inspection process S03 for inspecting the presence or absence of defects of the glass plate G and the like.

[0089] The inspection section 4 includes an inspection device 41 and a moving device 42.

[0090] The inspection device 41 includes, for example, a photographing section 41a that is elongated in the up-down direction on the right side of the glass plate G, and a light source section (not shown) that is disposed at a position corresponding to the photographing section 41a with the glass plate G interposed therebetween.

[0091] The photographing section 41a can be, for example, obtained by arranging a plurality of digital cameras at equal intervals in the up-down direction.

[0092] The light source section in this case can be obtained by arranging a plurality of light sources at equal intervals in the up-down direction at positions corresponding to the respective digital cameras.

[0093] Further, the inspection device 41 determines the presence or absence of defects of the glass plate G on the basis of image data captured by the photographing section 41a.

[0094] The moving device 42 includes an upper moving device 42a disposed above the inspection device 41 and a lower moving device 42b disposed below the inspection device 41, and is configured to be capable of moving the glass plate G in the conveyance direction A (the front direction) while the glass plate G is held in the vertical attitude, by means of the upper moving device 42a and the lower moving device 42b.

[0095] The upper moving device 42a includes a self-propelled moving frame 42a2 having a driving section 42a1 as a driving source constituted by a driving motor or the like, and a guide rail 42a3 that guides the moving direction of the moving frame 42a2.

[0096] In addition, the upper moving device 42a includes a pair of collets 42a4, 42a4 that protrude downward at both ends (in this embodiment, the front and rear ends) in the direction of the conveyance direction A of the lower surface of the moving frame 42a2.

[0097] On the other hand, the lower side moving device 42b is an example of the glass plate carrying device of the present application, has substantially the same structure as the upper side moving device 42a, and has a pair of collets 42b4, 42b4 protruding toward the upper side.

[0098] Note that details of the structure of the lower side moving device 42b will be described later.

[0099] Also, when the glass plate G formed by removing the ear portion Ra1 and the like of the glass ribbon sheet Ra with the ear portion cutting portion 3 is supplied to the inspection portion 4 in the state of the longitudinal attitude, the moving device 42 grips both end portions in the width direction (front-rear direction) of the upper end portion of the glass plate G with the pair of collets 42a4, 42a4 of the upper side moving device 42a, and grips both end portions in the width direction (front-rear direction) of the lower end portion of the glass plate G with the pair of collets 42b4, 42b4 of the lower side moving device 42b.

[0100] Thus, the glass plate G is held by the moving device 42 in the state of the longitudinal attitude.

[0101] After that, the moving device 42 moves at a predetermined constant speed (low speed) along the carrying direction A (front direction) while holding the glass plate G in the state of the longitudinal attitude.

[0102] In addition, the inspection device 41 acquires image data by photographing the main surface of the glass plate G with the photographing portion 41a described above in conjunction with the movement of the moving device 42.

[0103] By executing a predetermined image processing program based on the image data thus acquired, the inspection portion 4 inspects the glass plate G for the presence or absence of defects and the like.

[0104] The bundling portion 5 executes a bundling process S04 for placing a plurality of glass plates G, G… as final products on the tray 7 in a state of being aggregated and bundling them.

[0105] Note that the tray 7 in the present embodiment is of a type that tilts and bundles a plurality of glass plates G, G… in a state of the longitudinal attitude, but is not limited thereto, and a tray of a type that bundles a plurality of glass plates G, G… in a state of the horizontal attitude can also be used.

[0106] The bundling portion 5 is provided with a transfer device (not shown) that is provided between one or a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) trays 7, 7 disposed in advance at a predetermined position and the third carrying device 63 described later.

[0107] The transfer device sequentially receives the glass plates G carried by the third carrying device 63 in the state of the longitudinal attitude and transfers them to each tray 7.

[0108] And, when a prescribed number of glass plates G, G... are carried on each tray 7, these multiple glass plates G, G... are bundled together with the tray 7, and then moved to a temporary storage location or shipped to a prescribed shipping destination.

[0109] The conveyance section 6 is provided with: a first conveyance device 61 that conveys the cut glass ribbon piece Ra from the cutting section 2 to the lug section cutting section 3; a second conveyance device 62 that conveys the formed glass plate G from the lug section cutting section 3 to the inspection section 4; and a third conveyance device 63 that conveys the glass plate G that has completed inspection from the inspection section 4 to the bundling section 5.

[0110] In addition, these first conveyance device 61, second conveyance device 62, and third conveyance device 63 are configured to be able to move while the glass plate G (or glass ribbon piece Ra) is held in a state of being hung down in a vertical attitude.

[0111] The first conveyance device 61 has: a self-propelled moving frame 61b that has a driving section 61a as a driving source constituted by a driving motor or the like; and a pair of collets 61c, 61c that protrude downward at both end portions (front and rear end portions) in the direction of the conveyance direction A on the lower surface of the moving frame 61b.

[0112] In addition, the first conveyance device 61 has a guide rail 64 that is shared with the second conveyance device 62 and the third conveyance device 63 and that guides the moving direction of the moving frame 61b.

[0113] Note that, regarding the structure of the guide rail 64, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the guide rail 64 can be provided separately with respect to the first conveyance device 61, second conveyance device 62, and third conveyance device 63.

[0114] In addition, the first conveyance device 61 grips the upper end portion of the glass ribbon piece Ra that is cut by the cutting section 2 with the pair of collets 61c, 61c at a first stop position P1 that is located above the cutting section 2.

[0115] Subsequently, the first conveyance device 61 moves in a state of hanging down the glass ribbon piece Ra in a vertical attitude toward a second stop position P2 that is located above the lug section cutting section 3, and when reaching the second stop position P2, the upper end portion of the glass ribbon piece Ra is supported by a support device that is not shown, and then the grip state of the pair of collets 61c, 61c is released.

[0116] Thus, the glass ribbon piece Ra is conveyed by the first conveyance device 61 from the cutting section 2 to the lug section cutting section 3, and is supplied to the lug section cutting section 3.

[0117] The second conveyance device 62 also has, like the first conveyance device 61, a self-propelled moving frame 62b having a driving section 62a as a driving source constituted by a driving motor or the like, and a pair of chuck heads 62c, 62c projecting downward at both end portions (front and rear end portions) of the moving frame 62b in the direction of the conveyance direction A.

[0118] In addition, as described above, the second conveyance device 62 has a guide rail 64 that is common to the first conveyance device 61 and the third conveyance device 63 and guides the moving direction of the moving frame 62b.

[0119] Further, the second conveyance device 62 grips the upper end portion of the glass plate G formed by removing the ear portion Ga1 and the like from the glass ribbon sheet Ra by the ear portion cutting section 3, using the pair of chuck heads 62c, 62c at the second stop position P2.

[0120] After that, a support device not shown opens the support of the upper end portion of the glass plate G.

[0121] After that, the second conveyance device 62 moves toward the third stop position P3 located above the inspection section 4 in a state in which the glass plate G in the vertical attitude is hanging down, and opens the gripping state of the pair of chuck heads 62c, 62c when reaching the third stop position P3.

[0122] Thus, the glass plate G is conveyed from the ear portion cutting section 3 to the inspection section 4 by the second conveyance device 62, and is supplied to the inspection section 4.

[0123] The third conveyance device 63 is an example of the glass plate conveyance device of the present application, has substantially the same structure as the first conveyance device 61 and the second conveyance device 62 described above, and has a pair of chuck heads 63c, 63c projecting downward.

[0124] Note that details of the structure of the third conveyance device 63 will be described later.

[0125] Further, the third conveyance device 63 grips the upper end portion of the glass plate G for which the inspection by the inspection section 4 is completed, using the pair of chuck heads 63c, 63c at the fourth stop position P4 located above the inspection section 4 and adjacent to the third stop position P3 on the downstream side (front side in the present embodiment) in the conveyance direction.

[0126] After that, the third conveyance device 63 moves toward either one of the fifth stop position P5 and the sixth stop position P6 located above the trays 7, 7 arranged in advance at predetermined positions in a state in which the glass plate G in the vertical attitude is hanging down, and opens the gripping state of the pair of chuck heads 63c, 63c when reaching either one of the fifth stop position P5 and the sixth stop position P6.

[0127] Thus, the glass sheet G is carried from the inspection section 4 to the bundling section 5 by the third carrying device 63, and is supplied to a not-illustrated transfer device. In addition, the glass sheet G supplied to the above-mentioned transfer device is placed on a prescribed pallet 7 by the transfer device and is bundled.

[0128] [Structure of the third carrying device 63]

[0129] Next, the structure of the third carrying device 63 will be described in detail using (a) (b) of FIG. 12. Figure 2 Figure 3

[0130] The third carrying device 63 is an example of the glass sheet carrying device of the present application as described above, and constitutes the carrying section 6 together with the first carrying device 61 (refer to FIG. 2) and the second carrying device 62. Figure 1

[0131] In addition, the third carrying device 63 is configured to be movable in a direction along the main surface of the glass sheet G (i.e., the carrying direction A) in a state of gripping the upper end portion of the glass sheet G in the longitudinal attitude.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 12, the third carrying device 63 mainly has: a self-propelled moving frame 63b having a driving section 63a as a driving source constituted by a driving motor or the like; and a pair of collets 63c, 63c protruding downward at both end portions (front and rear end portions) of the lower surface of the moving frame 63b in the direction of the carrying direction A. Figure 2 In addition, the third carrying device 63 has a guide rail 64 that is common to the first carrying device 61 and the second carrying device 62 and guides the moving direction of the moving frame 63b.

[0133] Furthermore, the third carrying device 63 has a control section 63d provided at a prescribed position and controlling the operation of the driving section 63a that moves together with the moving frame 63b.

[0134] Note that the control section 63d in the present embodiment controls the operation of the entire manufacturing device 1, and is electrically connected to the aforementioned arm device 21, the ear portion cutting device 31, the inspection device 41, the moving device 42, and each of the driving sections 61a, 62a of the first carrying device 61 and the second carrying device 62, in addition to the driving section 63a of the third carrying device 63, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] For example, the control section 63d can be separately provided so as to control only the operation of the driving section 63a of the third carrying device 63, and a dedicated control section can be separately provided for each of the above-mentioned other devices (the arm device 21, etc.).

[0136]

[0137] ​​​​The third conveying device 63 has a cable group 63e consisting of multiple power cables that connects the drive unit 63a and the control unit 63d.

[0138] Here, the third transport device 63 is configured as described above to move between the fourth stop position P4 located above the inspection section 4 and the fifth stop position P5 or the sixth stop position P6 located above the tray 7 pre-positioned at a predetermined position. Since the moving distance is relatively long, a drag chain 63f is provided to hold the cable group 63e.

[0139] The cable chain 63f is a long, hollow component with a cross-sectional rectangular shape that can flexibly bend along with the movement of the moving frame 63b.

[0140] The cable chain 63f is configured with the transport direction A along its length, and one end 63f1 (the end on the upstream side (rear side in this embodiment) of the transport direction A) bends upward and is supported near the drive unit 63a.

[0141] In addition, the other end 63f2 of the drag chain 63f in the length direction (the end on the downstream side (front side in this embodiment) of the transport direction A) is fixed at a predetermined position.

[0142] Furthermore, the cable chain 63f retains the cable group 63e by storing the cable group 63e in its internal space.

[0143] In addition, one end 63f1 of the cable chain 63f moves along with the moving frame 63b, increasing or decreasing the length of the upwardly curved region X, while following the drive part 63a of the moving frame 63b.

[0144] In the third conveying device 63, in order to prevent the sagging of the aforementioned region X of the cable chain 63f, which increases or decreases with the movement of the moving frame 63b, a support member 63g is provided to support the aforementioned region X of the cable chain 63f in a state where the aforementioned region X of the cable chain 63f is placed, and a cover member 63h is provided to cover the underside of the support member 63g.

[0145] like Figure 3 As shown in (a) and (b), the support member 63g is a general support roller made of a cylindrical member, with its axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the drag chain 63f (left-right direction in this embodiment) as its axial direction, and is configured to be able to rotate around this axis.

[0146] In addition, the support member 63g is supported at both ends or cantilevered (in this embodiment, supported at both ends) by a protruding member 63g1 that protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the cover member 63h, so that it can rotate about the axis.

[0147] With this structure, according to the third conveyance device 63 in the present embodiment, the support member 63g rotates in correspondence with the moving action of the one end portion 63fl of the drag chain 63f, so that the drag chain 63f is inhibited from sliding with respect to the support member 63g, and dust generated between the drag chain 63f and the support member 63g due to abrasion or the like is more effectively prevented.

[0148] Note that the support member 63g is generally made of engineering plastic composed of polyamide resin, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or the like, but the drag chain 63f is made of a member having higher abrasion resistance than the support member 63g.

[0149] Here, the replacement work of the drag chain 63f takes more time and labor than the replacement work of the support member 63g.

[0150] In the third conveyance device 63 in the present embodiment, the drag chain 63f is made of a member having higher abrasion resistance than the support member 63g, so that the replacement frequency of the drag chain 63f due to, for example, annual change or the like is inhibited compared with the replacement frequency of the support member 63g, and the maintenance cost taken by the third conveyance device 63 as a whole can be reduced.

[0151] The cover member 63h is made of a container-shaped member opened upward, and is, for example, made of a long, rectangular-shaped bottomed member in plan view in the present embodiment.

[0152] In addition, the cover member 63h is arranged so as to overlap the drag chain 63f in plan view and so as to extend in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the drag chain 63f.

[0153] Here, in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the drag chain 63f, the moving action of the drag chain 63f accompanying the movement of the moving frame 63b (see Figure 2 ) tends to cause the dust generated to be easily raised and scattered.

[0154] In the third conveyance device 63 in the present embodiment, the cover member 63h extends in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the drag chain 63f, so that the dust generated can be more reliably caught by the cover member 63h regardless of the action of the drag chain 63f, and the dust can be effectively prevented from scattering around.

[0155] In addition, the third conveyance device 63 conveys the glass plate G in a vertically standing state, so that the drag chain 63f is positioned on the upper side of the glass plate G, but the cover member 63h extends in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the drag chain 63f, so that the cover member 63h can be used to effectively prevent the dust generated from adhering to the glass plate G by being shaken off.

[0156] The third conveyance device 63 is an example of a dust collecting mechanism of the present application, and has a general dust collecting device 63j, and an inner space V of the cover member 63h is communicated with the dust collecting device 63j via a pipe member or the like.

[0157] In other words, the third conveyance device 63 further has the dust collecting device 63j which collects dust by suction of the inner space V of the cover member 63h.

[0158] With this structure, according to the third conveyance device 63 in the present embodiment, dust accumulated in the inner space V of the cover member 63h is collected by suction by the dust collecting device (dust collecting mechanism) 63j, so that the dust can be more effectively prevented from scattering around, and the dust can be suppressed from adhering to the glass plate G.

[0159] [Structure of lower side moving device 42b]

[0160] Next, the structure of the lower side moving device 42b will be described. Figure 2 The structure of the lower side moving device 42b will be described in detail.

[0161] The lower side moving device 42b is also an example of a glass plate conveyance device of the present application, like the aforementioned third conveyance device 63, and constitutes a moving device 42 together with the upper side moving device 42a.

[0162] In addition, the lower side moving device 42b is configured to be movable together with the upper side moving device 42a in a direction along a main surface of the glass plate G (i.e., a conveyance direction A) in a state where the glass plate G in a vertical attitude is gripped at a lower end portion thereof.

[0163] The lower side moving device 42b has a self-propelled moving frame 42b2 having a drive section 42b1 as a drive source constituted by a drive motor or the like, and a guide rail 42b3 which guides a moving direction of the moving frame 42b2.

[0164] In addition, the lower side moving device 42b has a pair of collets 42b4, 42b4 which protrude upward at both end portions (front and rear end portions in the present embodiment) of an upper surface of the moving frame 42b2 in a direction along the conveyance direction A.

[0165] Further, the lower side moving device 42b shares the control section 63d which is provided at a prescribed position and controls an operation of the drive section 42b1 which moves together with the moving frame 42b2, with the third conveyance device 63.

[0166] Note that, as mentioned above, the structure of the control section 63d is not limited to the present embodiment, and a dedicated control section which controls only the operation of the drive section 42b1 of the lower side moving device 42b can be provided.

[0167] Here, in the lower side moving device 42b, a cable set 42b5 connecting the driving section 42b1 with the control section 63d, a drag chain 42b6 holding the cable set 42b5, a support member 42b7 supporting the drag chain 42b6, a cover member 42b8 covering the lower side of the support member 42b7, and a dust collecting device 42b9 attracting the inside space of the cover member 42b8 to collect dust are provided similarly to the third carrying device 63.

[0168] The cable set 42b5, the drag chain 42b6, the support member 42b7, and the dust collecting device 42b9 are configured by substantially the same structures as the aforementioned cable set 63e, the drag chain 63f, the support member 63g, and the dust collecting device 63j in the third carrying device 63.

[0169] Thus, the description of the cable set 42b5, the drag chain 42b6, the support member 42b7, and the dust collecting device 63j is omitted.

[0170] On the other hand, the structure of the cover member 42b8 is partially different from that of the aforementioned cover member 63h in the third carrying device 63.

[0171] That is, the cover member 42b8 is configured by a container-like member opened upward, for example, by a bottomed member of a rectangular shape in plan view in the present embodiment.

[0172] In addition, the cover member 42b8 can cover at least the lower side of the support member 42b7, and does not need to be configured to extend sufficiently along the length direction (front-rear direction) of the drag chain 42b6 as the cover member 63h of the third carrying device 63.

[0173] Here, the lower side moving device 42b carries the glass plate G with the lower end portion of the glass plate G in a vertical attitude, and thus the drag chain 42b6 is positioned on the lower side of the glass plate G.

[0174] Thus, the dust shaken off as in the third carrying device 63 is less likely to adhere to the glass plate G, and thus the cover member 42b8 does not need to extend along the length direction (front-rear direction) of the drag chain 42b6, and can cover at least the lower side of the support member 42b7.

[0175] Thus, the cover member 42b8 can be compact, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the installation work can be facilitated.

[0176] Note that the shape of the cover member 42b8 is not limited to a flat bottom surface as in the present embodiment, and can be any shape such as a shape in which the bottom surface is curved along the outer periphery of the support member 42b7.

[0177] As above, the third conveyance device 63 in this embodiment is a glass plate conveyance device capable of moving in a direction along a main surface of the glass plate G (conveyance direction A) in a state of gripping the upper end portion (end portion) of the glass plate G in the longitudinal attitude.

[0178] Further, the third conveyance device 63 is structured to have: a moving frame 63b having a drive section 63a as a power source; a control section 63d provided at a prescribed position and controlling the drive section 63a; a cable set 63e connecting the drive section 63a and the control section 63d; a tow chain 63f holding the cable set 63e; a support member 63g supporting the tow chain 63f in a state of placing the tow chain 63f; and a cover member 63h covering a lower side of the support member 63g.

[0179] Further, the lower side moving device 42b in this embodiment is a glass plate conveyance device capable of moving in a direction along a main surface of the glass plate G (conveyance direction A) in a state of gripping the lower end portion (end portion) of the glass plate G in the longitudinal attitude.

[0180] Further, the lower side moving device 42b is structured to have: a moving frame 42b2 having a drive section 42b1 as a power source; a control section 63d provided at a prescribed position and controlling the drive section 42b1; a cable set 42b5 connecting the drive section 42b1 and the control section 63d; a tow chain 42b6 holding the cable set 42b5; a support member 42b7 supporting the tow chain 42b6 in a state of placing the tow chain 42b6; and a cover member 42b8 covering a lower side of the support member 42b7.

[0181] Thus, in the third conveyance device 63 (or the lower side moving device 42b) of this embodiment, the cover member 63h (cover member 42b8) is provided at a lower side of the support member 63g (support member 42b7) supporting the tow chain 63f (tow chain 42b6), so even in a case where dust is generated from the tow chain 63f (tow chain 42b6) and / or the support member 63g (support member 42b7), the generated dust can be caught by the cover member 63h (cover member 42b8), the dust can be effectively prevented from flying around, and the dust can be suppressed from adhering to the glass plate G.

[0182] The above describes an embodiment in which the present application is embodied, but the present application is not limited to this embodiment and is ultimately an example. Of course, the present application can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present application, and the scope of the present application is indicated by the description of the technical solution of the present application and includes the equivalent meaning and all modifications within the scope.

[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the lower moving device 42b and the third carrying device 63 are provided with the drag chain 42b6, 63f, the support member 42b7, 63g, and the cover member 42b8, 63h are provided at each of the drag chains 42b6, 63f, but are not limited thereto.

[0184] That is, the at least one of the upper moving device 42a, the first carrying device 61, and the second carrying device 62 can be provided with the drag chain, the support member, and the cover member.

[0185] In addition, the not-illustrated transfer device in the baling section 5 can be provided with the drag chain, the support member, and the cover member.

[0186] In the above-described embodiment, the self-propelled moving frame 42a2, 61b, 62b, 63b is used, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] That is, the moving frame can be driven by a timing belt or a ball screw outside the moving frame.

[0188] In the above-described embodiment, the carrying device that carries the glass plate is provided with the drag chain, the support member, and the cover member, but is not limited thereto.

[0189] That is, the scribing device that forms a scribe line on the glass plate can be provided with the drag chain, the support member, and the cover member.

[0190] In detail, the scribing device can include: a scribing wheel; a first driving section that switches the scribing wheel between a state of contacting a main surface of the glass plate and a state of separating from the main surface of the glass plate; a second driving section that drives the first driving section in a direction along the main surface of the glass plate; a control section that controls the first driving section and the second driving section; a cable group that connects the first driving section and the control section; a drag chain that accommodates the cable group; a support member that supports the drag chain; and a cover member that covers a lower side of the support member.

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, the carrying device that carries the glass plate is provided with the drag chain, the support member, and the cover member, but is not limited thereto.

[0192] That is, the end face polishing device that polishes an end face of the glass plate can be provided with the drag chain, the support member, and the cover member.

[0193] In detail, the end face polishing apparatus can further include a polishing grindstone, a first driving portion that switches the polishing grindstone between a state of contacting the end face of the glass plate and a state of being separated from the end face of the glass plate, a second driving portion that drives the first driving portion in a direction along the edge of the glass plate, a control portion that controls the first driving portion and the second driving portion, a cable group that connects the first driving portion and the control portion, a drag chain that accommodates the cable group, a support member that supports the drag chain, and a cover member that covers a lower portion of the support member.

Claims

1. A glass sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising a processing section that performs a predetermined process on a glass sheet, wherein the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus comprises: a moving frame having a drive section as a power source that drives the processing section; a control section provided at a predetermined position and controlling the drive section; a cable group connecting the drive section and the control section; a drag chain that holds the cable group; a support member that supports the drag chain in a state in which the drag chain is placed; and a cover member that covers a lower portion of the support member.

2. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing section is a handling device that is capable of reciprocating in a direction along a main surface of the glass sheet in a state in which an end portion of the glass sheet in a longitudinal attitude is gripped.

3. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing section is a scribing device that forms a scribe line on the glass sheet.

4. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing section is an end surface polishing device that polishes an end surface of the glass sheet.

5. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover member is composed of a container-shaped member that is open upward, and the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus further comprises a dust collecting mechanism that collects dust by suctioning an inner space of the cover member.

6. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover member is disposed so as to overlap the drag chain in a plan view and extend in a length direction of the drag chain.

7. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support member is composed of a cylindrical member that is disposed so as to be rotatable about an axis that is orthogonal to a plan view of the length direction of the drag chain.

8. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drag chain is composed of a member that has higher wear resistance than the support member. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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