Apparatus for manufacturing glass sheet

Abstract

The utility model provides a glass plate's manufacturing device of continuously manufacturing glass plate and placing the glass plate made in order on tray and bundling, it can realize the shortening of production interval time as the whole equipment while inhibiting the breakage of glass plate. Possess: handling device (horizontal width direction handling device), it keeps glass plate in the state of vertical posture, and carries glass plate along horizontal width direction (front direction); plate thickness direction handling device, it keeps glass plate in the state of vertical posture, and carries glass plate along plate thickness direction; and control device, it controls the action of handling device and the plate thickness direction handling device, so that the horizontal width direction handling speed as the handling speed of glass plate when handling by handling device is faster than the plate thickness direction handling speed as the handling speed of glass plate when handling by above -mentioned plate thickness direction handling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an apparatus for manufacturing glass plates. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of glass sheets using down-drawing methods such as overflow down-drawing (fusion method) and slit down-drawing, the process includes: a cutting process, in which a strip of glass formed continuously flowing down is cut into a single sheet of glass; a scribing process, in which scribing lines are formed on the cut glass sheet; a cutting process, in which the glass sheet is cut along the scribing lines to form a glass sheet with unwanted parts, including ears, removed; an inspection process, in which the formed glass sheet is inspected for defects; and a bundling process, in which the inspected glass sheets are sequentially placed on a tray and bundled using a specified transfer device.

[0003] In addition, generally speaking, the above-mentioned processes (cutting process, engraving process, severing process, inspection process and bundling process) are arranged sequentially from upstream to downstream along the transport path of the glass plate (or glass raw plate) transported by the prescribed transport device.

[0004] As an example of a glass plate manufacturing apparatus capable of performing such manufacturing processes, Patent Document 1 discloses a glass plate manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conveying device (horizontal conveying device) that, while holding the glass plate in a longitudinal position, conveys the glass plate to each process along the horizontal direction (a direction orthogonal to the plate thickness direction in a top view); and a loading device (transfer device) that, while holding the glass plate that has arrived at the loading area (bundling process) in a longitudinal position, conveys the glass plate along the plate thickness direction and transfers it onto a tray.

[0005] It should be noted that the aforementioned transverse transport device and transfer device transport the glass plate in a suspended state by maintaining the upper end of the glass plate in a longitudinal orientation.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 090625 Utility Model Content

[0009] The problem to be solved by utility models

[0010] In recent years, the goal of improving productivity in conventional glass plate manufacturing equipment has been to reduce the overall production interval time (the time required to manufacture a unit number of glass plates).

[0011] In order to shorten the overall production interval of the equipment, the glass plate (or raw glass plate) needs to be transported at a higher speed than before.

[0012] Here, as mentioned above, regarding the handling of glass plates between processes by the transverse transport device, since the glass plates in a longitudinal orientation are transported along the transverse direction, the air resistance affecting the glass plates (original glass plates) is also small, and the transport speed can be fully increased while maintaining a stable transport posture.

[0013] However, in the aforementioned cutting and bundling processes, it becomes a structure that transports the longitudinally oriented glass plate (the original glass plate) along the thickness direction.

[0014] Specifically, in the cutting process, for example, if a transverse width conveying device is installed directly below the flowing glass ribbon, there is a risk that if the glass ribbon breaks and longitudinal fractures, the falling glass shards will directly impact and damage the transverse width conveying device. Therefore, the transverse width conveying device is generally positioned offset to one side in the thickness direction relative to the glass ribbon.

[0015] Therefore, in the cutting process, in order to hand over the glass sheet cut from the glass strip to the transverse width transport device, the glass sheet needs to be transported along the thickness direction.

[0016] In addition, during the bundling process, in order to arrange (stack) the continuously manufactured glass sheets sequentially along the thickness direction on the pallet, the glass sheets handed over from the width direction transport device need to be transported along the thickness direction.

[0017] Regarding the transport of this longitudinally oriented glass plate (original glass plate) in the thickness direction, the air resistance encountered by the glass plate is relatively large. Therefore, the glass plate is prone to swaying during transport, posing a risk of breakage, thus making it difficult to fully increase the transport speed.

[0018] Therefore, in order to shorten the overall production interval of the equipment, and to make the glass plate (or glass plate) transport speed higher than the previous transport speed, it is necessary to combine the two aspects of transporting the glass plate in the longitudinal orientation along the width direction and transporting the glass plate in the longitudinal orientation along the thickness direction.

[0019] This invention was made in view of the problems of the present situation described above. Its objective is to provide a glass manufacturing apparatus that continuously manufactures glass plates and sequentially places the manufactured glass plates on a tray and bundles them together. This glass plate manufacturing apparatus can reduce the production interval time of the entire equipment while suppressing the breakage of the glass plates.

[0020] Solution for solving the problem

[0021] The problem to be solved by this utility model is as described above. The solution to solve this problem will be described below.

[0022] That is, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 1 of this utility model continuously manufactures glass plates and sequentially places the manufactured glass plates on a tray and bundles them. The apparatus is characterized by comprising: a transverse width transport device that holds the glass plate in a longitudinal position and transports it along a transverse width direction that is orthogonal to the thickness direction in a top view; a thickness transport device that holds the glass plate in a longitudinal position and transports it along the thickness direction; and a control device that controls the operation of the transverse width transport device and the thickness transport device, such that the transverse width transport speed Vw, which is the transport speed of the glass plate transported by the transverse width transport device, is faster than the thickness transport speed Vt, which is the transport speed of the glass plate transported by the thickness transport device.

[0023] With this structure, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to this invention sets the transverse width transport speed Vw to be faster than the plate thickness transport speed Vt, thereby enabling a reduction in the overall production interval time of the equipment.

[0024] In addition, by setting the thickness-direction transport speed Vt to be slower than the width-direction transport speed Vw, it is possible to reduce the swaying caused by air resistance when transporting the glass plate in the longitudinal orientation along the thickness direction, and to transport the glass plate in a stable state without breakage.

[0025] Furthermore, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 2 of this utility model is based on Scheme 1 above, characterized in that the speed ratio of the transverse width direction transport speed Vw to the plate thickness direction transport speed Vt, i.e., Vw / Vt, is 1.5 or more.

[0026] With this structure, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can more reliably reduce the production interval time as a whole.

[0027] In addition, it can transport glass plates with a longitudinal orientation in a more stable state along the thickness direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 3 of this utility model, based on Scheme 1 or Scheme 2 above, is characterized in that the glass plate manufacturing apparatus further comprises: a forming unit that forms a strip of glass from molten glass; a first cutting device that cuts a single sheet of glass from the glass strip; and a second cutting device that cuts off and removes both ends of the glass plate in the transverse width direction. The plate thickness direction conveying device has a first plate thickness direction conveying device that conveys the glass plate cut by the first cutting device along the plate thickness direction and transfers the glass plate to the transverse width direction conveying device. The speed ratio of the transverse width direction conveying speed Vw to the first plate thickness direction conveying speed Vt1, which is the conveying speed when the glass plate is conveyed by the first plate thickness direction conveying device, i.e., Vw / Vt1, is 1.5 or more.

[0029] With this structure, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to this invention sets the transverse width transport speed Vw to be faster than the first plate thickness transport speed Vt1, thereby enabling a reduction in the overall production interval time of the equipment.

[0030] In addition, by setting the first thickness direction transport speed Vt1 to be slower than the width direction transport speed Vw, the swaying caused by air resistance when the glass plate cut in the longitudinal position is transported along the thickness direction can be reduced in the cutting process, and the glass plate can be transported in a stable state without breakage and handed over to the width direction transport device.

[0031] Furthermore, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 4 of this utility model, based on Scheme 3 above, is characterized in that the first plate thickness direction conveying device includes: an upstream first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism section that receives the cut glass plate from the first cutting device; and a downstream first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism section that receives the glass plate from the upstream first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism section and transfers the glass plate to the transverse width direction conveying device, wherein the upstream plate thickness direction conveying distance is the conveying distance of the glass plate conveyed by the upstream first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism section. The ratio of distance L1 to downstream thickness direction transport distance L2, which is the transport distance of the glass plate transported by the downstream first thickness direction transport mechanism, i.e., L1 / L2, is 2 or more. The ratio of upstream first thickness direction transport speed Vt11, which is the transport speed when the glass plate is transported by the upstream first thickness direction transport mechanism, to downstream first thickness direction transport speed Vt12, which is the transport speed when the glass plate is transported by the downstream first thickness direction transport mechanism, i.e., Vt11 / Vt12, is 2 or less.

[0032] Here, the downstream side plate thickness direction transport distance L2 is less than 1 / 2 of the upstream side plate thickness direction transport distance L1. The distance is short enough that it is possible to reduce the sway caused by air resistance when transporting the longitudinally oriented glass plate along the plate thickness direction, while setting the downstream side first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt12 as fast as possible.

[0033] According to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of this utility model, by setting the downstream side first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt12 to be faster than the upstream side first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt11, the transport speed of the first plate thickness direction transport device as a whole can be set to be faster. In the cutting process, the glass plate cut in the longitudinal position can be transported more quickly in a stable state without breakage and handed over to the transverse width direction transport device.

[0034] Furthermore, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 5 of this utility model is based on Schemes 1 to 4 above, characterized in that the plate thickness direction conveying device includes a second plate thickness direction conveying device that receives the glass plate from the transverse width direction conveying device and conveys the glass plate along the plate thickness direction and places it on a tray, wherein the speed ratio of the transverse width direction conveying speed Vw to the second plate thickness direction conveying speed Vt2, which is the conveying speed when the glass plate is conveyed by the second plate thickness direction conveying device, i.e., Vw / Vt2, is 2 or more.

[0035] With this structure, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to this invention sets the transverse width transport speed Vw to be faster than the second plate thickness transport speed Vt2, thereby enabling a reduction in the overall production interval time of the equipment.

[0036] In addition, by setting the second thickness direction transport speed Vt2 to be slower than the width direction transport speed Vw, the swaying caused by air resistance when the glass plate is transported in a longitudinal posture along the thickness direction can be reduced in the bundling process, so that the glass plate is transported and placed on the pallet in a stable state without breakage and then bundled.

[0037] Furthermore, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 6 of this utility model is based on any one of Schemes 1 to 5 above, characterized in that, in terms of the external dimensions of the glass plate, in the longitudinal orientation, the dimension in the horizontal width direction is 1000 mm or more, and the dimension in the vertical direction is 1000 mm or more.

[0038] Here, the larger the size of the glass plate, the greater the swing amplitude caused by air resistance when the glass plate is transported longitudinally along the thickness direction using the plate thickness transport device, making it more difficult to increase the plate thickness transport speed.

[0039] According to the glass plate manufacturing apparatus of this utility model, even when manufacturing glass plates with relatively large external dimensions, having a width of 1000 mm or more and a height of 1000 mm or more, the overall production interval of the equipment can be shortened without drastically increasing the conveying speed in the thickness direction.

[0040] Utility Model Effect

[0041] As a result of this utility model, it achieves the effects shown below.

[0042] That is, the glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to this utility model can reduce the production interval time of the entire equipment while suppressing the breakage of the glass plate. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the overall structure of a glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus and is along... Figure 1 A sectional side view observed in the X-direction.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the conveying device.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the structure of the input device.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the first input device. Figure 5 (a) is its side view. Figure 5 (b) is its front view.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the second input device. Figure 6 (a) is its side view. Figure 6 (b) is its front view.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the structure of the transfer device.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the structure of the first horizontal conveying device. Figure 8 (a) is its side view. Figure 8 (b) is its front view.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the structure of a vertical conveying device. Figure 9 (a) is its side view. Figure 9 (b) is its front view.

[0052] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the structure of the second horizontal conveying device. Figure 10 (a) is its side view. Figure 10 (b) is its front view.

[0053] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the control device.

[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0055] 1. Glass plate manufacturing apparatus

[0056] 101 Molded body (molding unit)

[0057] 21-arm device (first cutting device)

[0058] 22. Scribing support rod (first cutting device)

[0059] 23. Cutting wheel (first cutting device)

[0060] 25. Input device (first plate thickness direction conveying device) (plate thickness direction conveying device)

[0061] 251 Upstream side input device (upstream side first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism)

[0062] 252 Downstream side input device (downstream side first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism)

[0063] 31. Scribing device (second cutting device)

[0064] 41 Cutting device (second cutting device)

[0065] 61 Transfer device (Second plate thickness direction transport device) (Plate thickness direction transport device)

[0066] 7. Handling equipment (transfer equipment in the horizontal direction)

[0067] 8. Control device

[0068] Ga glass plate

[0069] T-tray

[0070] Vt Thickness direction transport speed

[0071] Vt1 Transfer speed in the first plate thickness direction

[0072] Vt11 Upstream side first plate thickness direction transport speed

[0073] Vt12 Downstream side first plate thickness direction transport speed

[0074] Vt2 Second plate thickness direction transport speed

[0075] Vw is the lateral transport speed. Detailed Implementation

[0076] Next, use Figures 1 to 11 One embodiment of this utility model will be described.

[0077] It should be noted that, for convenience, the following explanation uses... Figures 1 to 10 The directions of the arrows shown are used to explain the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the glass plate Ga manufacturing apparatus 1. Additionally, using... Figures 1 to 3 The direction of arrow A shown in the illustration specifies the direction of transport of the glass plate Ga (or the original glass plate Ga1).

[0078] [Overall structure of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for glass plate Ga]

[0079] First, use Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 11 The overall structure of the manufacturing apparatus 1 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "manufacturing apparatus 1") for manufacturing glass plate Ga, which embodies the present invention, will be described.

[0080] The manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment is an apparatus that continuously manufactures glass plates Ga using a pull-down method, and then sequentially places the manufactured glass plates Ga onto a tray T and bundles them to construct a specified glass plate bundle body M.

[0081] Here, the glass plate Ga used in manufacturing can be exemplified by rectangular glass plates used in glass substrates and cover glass of liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tray T is of the vertical type, and the constructed glass plate bundle M has a structure comprising a glass plate stack G composed of multiple stacked glass plates Ga and a tray T that bundles the glass plate stack G in an upright state (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0083] It should be noted that, as for the external dimensions of the glass plate Ga, in the longitudinal orientation, the dimension in the horizontal width direction (the orthogonal direction to the thickness direction in a top view) is 1000 mm or more, and the dimension in the vertical direction is 1000 mm or more.

[0084] Here, the larger the external dimensions of the glass plate Ga, the greater the swing amplitude caused by air resistance when the glass plate Ga is transported in a longitudinal posture along the thickness direction using the input device 25 and the transfer device 61 described later. Therefore, it is more difficult to increase the transport speed (thickness direction transport speed Vt) transported by these input devices 25 and the transfer device 61.

[0085] According to the manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment, even when manufacturing a glass plate Ga with a relatively large external dimension of 1000 mm or more in both the width and height directions, it is possible to shorten the overall production interval time of the equipment without drastically increasing the transport speed (thickness direction transport speed Vt) carried by the input device 25 and the transfer device 61, as will be described later.

[0086] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus 1 mainly includes a cutting section 2, a scribing section 3, a cutting section 4, an inspection section 5, and a bundling section 6 arranged sequentially along a straight line along the transport direction A (the forward direction in this embodiment) of the glass plate Ga.

[0087] In addition, the manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a conveying device 7 for moving glass plate Ga between the aforementioned sections, and a control device 8 for controlling the operation of the conveying device 7, the input device 25 provided in the cutting section 2, and the transfer device 61 provided in the bundling section 6 (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0088] It should be noted that the conveying device 7 is an example of the transverse conveying device of this utility model.

[0089] In addition, the input device 25 and the transfer device 61 are examples of the plate thickness direction conveying device of this utility model.

[0090] Furthermore, the input device 25 is an example of the first plate thickness direction conveying device of this utility model, and the transfer device 61 is an example of the second plate thickness direction conveying device of this utility model.

[0091] In this embodiment, for example, to address delays in operations in the bundling section 6, a standby section 10 for temporarily suspending the glass plate Ga is provided between the inspection section 5 and the bundling section 6.

[0092] Cutting section 2 is used to cut the glass strip R (see reference). Figure 3 The section of the cutting process S01, which involves cutting a single sheet of glass Ga1 to a specified size.

[0093] like Figure 3As shown, the cutting section 2 includes an arm device 21 and a scribing support rod 22 and a cutting wheel 23 disposed above the arm device 21.

[0094] In addition, the cutting section 2 is equipped with an input device 25 that transfers and inputs the glass sheet Ga1 cut into a single sheet shape to the conveying device 7.

[0095] It should be noted that the scribing support rod 22 and the cutting wheel 23 are positioned offset from the glass plate Ga1 being transported by the transport device 7 on the other side (right side in this embodiment) in the plate thickness direction.

[0096] The arm assembly 21 has a pair of arm frames 21a extending in the vertical direction and facing each other along the transport direction A (front-back direction), and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) grippers 21b arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction along the opposite sides of each arm frame 21a.

[0097] The engraving support rod 22 is, for example, made of a long rectangular plate-shaped component, and is arranged above the arm device 21 in such a way that its length direction is along the transport direction A with the plane facing the plate thickness direction (left and right direction in this embodiment).

[0098] The cutter wheel 23 is located on the other side (right side) in the plate thickness direction, and the glass strip R is clamped by the cutter wheel 23 and the scribing support rod 22, so that the axial direction is set in the vertical direction.

[0099] In addition, the cutter wheel 23 is configured to rotate around the axis and to reciprocate along the first cutting predetermined line L11 in the front-back direction.

[0100] A wedge-shaped forming body 101 (see reference) is arranged above the cut-out portion 2. Figure 4 The molded body 101 is covered by a molding furnace (not shown) with an opening at the bottom.

[0101] Furthermore, the molten glass overflowing from the top of the molded body 101 flows down both sides of the molded body 101 and fuses at the lower end of the molded body 101, forming a strip-shaped glass strip R.

[0102] The glass ribbon R formed in the forming furnace is annealed when it flows down into an annealing furnace (not shown) located below the forming furnace, thereby reducing residual stress.

[0103] After passing through the annealing furnace in a longitudinal orientation, the glass belt R is supplied to the arm assembly 21 (more specifically, between a pair of arm frames 21a) in a state where the thickness direction is set to a top-view orthogonal direction (left-right direction) that is orthogonal to the transport direction A in a top-view orientation.

[0104] When the glass strip R arrives between a pair of arm frames 21a, the arm device 21 uses the chucks 21b provided on each arm frame 21a to clamp the two ends of the glass strip R in the transverse direction (along the direction of the transport direction A, and in this embodiment, the front-back direction).

[0105] When the glass strip R is held by the chuck 21b, the scribing support rod 22 contacts the surface of the glass strip R (the main surface on one side in the thickness direction, and in this embodiment, the main surface on the left side). Then, the cutter wheel 23 moves along the first cutting predetermined line L11 to form a scribing line on the glass strip R.

[0106] When a scribe line is formed on the glass strip R, the broken fulcrum bar (not shown) contacts the surface of the glass strip R (the main surface on one side in the thickness direction, and in this embodiment, the main surface on the left side) and near the upper side of the scribe line formed.

[0107] After the aforementioned breakage fulcrum rod contacts the glass strip R, while the glass strip R is held in place by the chuck 21b, the arm device 21 rotates towards the surface side (left side) of the glass strip R with the vicinity of the scribed line as the center, thereby cutting (severing) the glass strip R along the scribed line, and the glass plate Ga1 made of the specified size is cut out in a longitudinal position.

[0108] Thus, the manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment is structured to also include a forming body 101 for forming a strip of glass R from molten glass, an arm device 21 for cutting single sheets of glass from the glass strip R, a scribing support rod 22, and a cutting wheel 23.

[0109] It should be noted that the molded body 101 is an example of the molding unit of this utility model.

[0110] In addition, the arm device 21, the engraving support rod 22, and the cutter wheel 23 are examples of the first cutting device of this utility model.

[0111] When the glass plate Ga1 is cut out, the input device 25 (more specifically, the upstream input device 251 and the downstream input device 252 described later) clamps the upper end of the glass plate Ga1 with a pair of chucks 251c (or a pair of chucks 252c), and then the arm device 21 releases the clamped state of the glass plate Ga1.

[0112] Thus, the cut glass plate Ga1 is transferred from the arm device 21 to the input device 25.

[0113] The glass plate Ga1 is transferred by the feeding device 25 towards the side in the thickness direction (left side in this embodiment). When the glass plate Ga1 reaches a predetermined position below the feeding device 7 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "feeding position P1"), it is temporarily stopped (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0114] Then, the upper end of the glass plate Ga1 is held by the transport device 7 (more specifically, the first transport device body 71 described later), thereby releasing the clamped state of the glass plate Ga1 by the input device 25.

[0115] Thus, the cut glass plate Ga1 is transferred from the input device 25 to the transport device 7.

[0116] Here, the method for cutting the glass strip R is not limited to the bending stress-based cutting shown in this embodiment; for example, it can also be laser cutting, laser melting, etc.

[0117] Furthermore, the structure for transferring the cut glass plate Ga1 to the conveying device 7 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, it may be a structure in which the arm device 21 is used to directly transfer the glass plate Ga1 to the conveying device 7. Alternatively, it may be a structure in which other conveying equipment, such as a robotic arm, is used for the transfer.

[0118] Furthermore, in the cutting section 2, a waste chute 100a is provided below the conveying device 7 to pre-discard glass blanks Ga1 that have defects or breakage due to poor cutting before being handed over to the conveying device 7 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0119] It should be noted that the detailed structure of the input device 25 will be described later.

[0120] The scribing section 3 is the section that performs scribing process S02, which forms a specified scribing line at both ends of the glass plate Ga1 cut out by the cutting process S01 in the horizontal (front-back) direction.

[0121] The engraving section 3 has a pair of engraving devices 31 arranged along the transport direction A (front and back direction).

[0122] Each marking device 31 has a marking support rod 31a and a cutting wheel 31b.

[0123] The engraving support rod 31a is composed of a rectangular plate-shaped component, for example, and is configured with its length direction set in the vertical direction when the plane is facing the thickness direction (left-right direction).

[0124] In addition, the scribing support rod 31a is configured to contact the surface (main surface on the left side) of the glass plate Ga1 along a pre-set second cutting predetermined line L12.

[0125] It should be noted that the second cutting predetermined line L12 is set at both ends of the horizontal width direction (front and back direction) of the glass plate Ga1.

[0126] The cutter wheel 31b is located on the other side (right side) in the thickness direction of the plate, and the glass plate Ga1 is clamped by the cutter wheel 31b and the scribing support rod 31a, so that the axial direction is set in the front-back direction.

[0127] In addition, the cutter wheel 31b is configured to rotate about the axis and to reciprocate in the vertical direction along the second cutting predetermined line L12.

[0128] Furthermore, when the glass plate Ga1 cut by the cutting section 2 is supplied to the scribing section 3 in a longitudinal position, the scribing support rod 31a contacts the back side (main side of the right side) of the glass plate Ga1, and the cutting wheel 31b moves along the second cutting predetermined line L12.

[0129] Thus, scribing lines are formed at both ends of the glass plate Ga1 in the transverse (front-back) direction.

[0130] The cutting section 4 is the section that performs the cutting process S03, which cuts (cuts) the glass plate Ga1 along the scribing line formed by the scribing process S02 and removes the non-essential portion, including the ear Gb, from the glass plate Ga1.

[0131] It should be noted that the term "ear" (Gb) refers to the two ends of the glass strip R in the transverse (front-back) direction where the thickness of the strip is relatively greater than that of the central part in the transverse (front-back) direction during the process of forming the glass strip R from molten glass by the pull-down method.

[0132] The cutting section 4 is equipped with a pair of cutting devices 41 arranged along the transport direction A (front and back direction).

[0133] Each cutting device 41 includes: a breaking fulcrum rod 41a, which is elongated in the vertical direction and can be arranged to contact the surface (main surface on the left side) of the original glass plate Ga1 when the plane is facing the thickness direction (left-right direction); and a pressing rod 41b, which extends in the vertical direction and can be arranged to contact the back side (main surface on the right side) of the original glass plate Ga1 when the plane is facing the thickness direction (left-right direction).

[0134] When viewed along the thickness direction of the original glass plate Ga1 (in this embodiment, the left-right direction), the break fulcrum rod 41a and the pressing rod 41b are arranged parallel to each other, with the pre-set second cutting predetermined line L12 sandwiched in the middle.

[0135] In addition, the break fulcrum rod 41a is disposed near the center of the glass plate Ga1 relative to the second cutting predetermined line L12, and the pressing rod 41b is disposed near the end of the glass plate Ga1 (the side opposite to the center) relative to the second cutting predetermined line L12.

[0136] Furthermore, when the glass plate Ga1, which has been formed by the scribing section 3 along the second cutting predetermined line L12, is supplied to the cutting section 4 in a longitudinal orientation, a pair of break-off fulcrum rods 41a respectively contact the surface (main surface on the left side) of the glass plate Ga1 and the vicinity of each scribing line formed thereon.

[0137] Additionally, the upper end of the glass plate Ga1 (more specifically, the area between a pair of scribe lines at the upper end) is held using a holding device (not shown).

[0138] Afterwards, after a pair of pressing rods 41b respectively contact the back side (right side main surface) of the glass plate Ga1 and the vicinity of each scribed line formed, the pair of pressing rods 41b press the glass plate Ga1 toward the surface side (left side) of the glass plate Ga1, thereby cutting off and removing the ears Gb at both ends in the horizontal (front-back direction) to form the glass plate Ga.

[0139] It should be noted that the scribing device 31 and the cutting device 41 are examples of the second cutting device of this utility model.

[0140] Inspection section 5 is the section that performs inspection process S04 to check the quality of the formed glass plate Ga.

[0141] The inspection unit 5 is equipped with an inspection device 51 and a moving device 52.

[0142] The inspection device 51 has an imaging section 51a located on the surface side (left side) of the glass plate Ga and elongated in the vertical direction, and a light source section (not shown) disposed across the glass plate Ga at a position corresponding to the imaging section 51a.

[0143] The shooting unit 51a may be, for example, a shooting unit obtained by arranging multiple digital cameras at equal intervals along the vertical direction.

[0144] In this case, the light source unit can also be a light source unit obtained by arranging multiple light sources at equal intervals in the vertical direction at positions corresponding to each digital camera.

[0145] Furthermore, the inspection device 51 determines the number and size of defects in the glass plate Ga based on the image data captured by the imaging unit 51a, and determines the quality of the glass plate Ga.

[0146] It should be noted that, in the bundling section 6 described later, a waste chute 100b is provided below the conveying device 7 to pre-discard glass plates Ga that are determined to be defective by the inspection device 51 before being handed over to the conveying device 7 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0147] The moving device 52 has an upper moving device 52a disposed above the inspection device 51 and a lower moving device 52b disposed below the inspection device 51. The upper moving device 52a and the lower moving device 52b are configured to move along the transport direction A (forward direction) while holding the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal position.

[0148] The upper moving device 52a has: a self-moving moving frame 52a2, which has a drive part 52a1 as a drive source composed of a drive motor or the like; and a pair of clamps 52a3, which protrude downward at both ends (front and rear ends in this embodiment) on the lower surface of the moving frame 52a2 and along the direction of the transport direction A.

[0149] On the other hand, the lower moving device 52b has: a self-moving moving frame 52b2, which has a driving part 52b1 as a driving source composed of a drive motor or the like; and a pair of clamps 52b3, which protrude upward at both ends (front and rear ends in this embodiment) on the upper surface of the moving frame 52b2 and along the direction of the transport direction A.

[0150] Furthermore, when the glass plate Ga is supplied from the cutting section 4 to the inspection section 5 in a longitudinal position, the moving device 52 uses a pair of clamps 52a3 in the upper moving device 52a to clamp the two ends of the upper end of the glass plate Ga in the horizontal width direction (front-back direction), and uses a pair of clamps 52b3 in the lower moving device 52b to clamp the two ends of the lower end of the glass plate Ga in the horizontal width direction (front-back direction).

[0151] Thus, the glass plate Ga is held in a longitudinal position by the moving device 52.

[0152] Then, while holding the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal orientation, the moving device 52 moves at a predetermined constant speed along the transport direction A (forward direction).

[0153] In addition, as the moving device 52 moves, the inspection device 51 uses the imaging unit 51a to capture the main surface of the glass plate Ga and obtain image data.

[0154] Based on the image data thus obtained, the prescribed procedures are executed, thereby the inspection unit 5 inspects the quality of the glass plate Ga.

[0155] The bundling section 6 is the section that performs the bundling process S05, which involves collecting multiple glass plates Ga that have been inspected by the inspection process S04, placing them together on the tray T, and bundling them to form a glass plate bundle M.

[0156] like Figure 1As shown, the bundling section 6 has a transfer device 61 that transfers the glass plate Ga to the tray T in a longitudinal orientation.

[0157] The transfer device 61 is, for example, positioned between a pallet T pre-configured at a predetermined location on the floor and the handling device 7.

[0158] The transfer device 61 receives the glass plates Ga that are being transported by the transport device 7 in a longitudinal orientation in sequence and transfers them to the tray T.

[0159] Furthermore, when a specified number of glass plates Ga are transferred onto a pallet T, these multiple glass plates Ga are bundled together with the pallet T and then moved to a temporary storage location or shipped to a specified destination.

[0160] It should be noted that the detailed structure of the transfer device 61 will be described later.

[0161] like Figure 3 As shown, the conveying device 7 includes: a first conveying device body 71, which conveys the cut glass plate Ga1 from the cutting part 2 toward the scribing part 3; a second conveying device body 72, which conveys the glass plate Ga1 with scribing lines formed from the scribing part 3 toward the cutting part 4; a third conveying device body 73, which conveys the glass plate Ga1 with the ears Gb and other parts removed from the cutting part 4 toward the inspection part 5; a fourth conveying device body 74, which conveys the glass plate Ga that has completed inspection from the inspection part 5 toward the standby part 10; and a fifth conveying device body 75, which conveys the glass plate Ga as the final product from the standby part 10 toward the bundling part 6.

[0162] Furthermore, these first transport device bodies 71, second transport device bodies 72, third transport device bodies 73, fourth transport device bodies 74, and fifth transport device bodies 75 are configured to hold the glass plate Ga (or the original glass plate Ga1) hanging down in a longitudinal position while being transported in the transverse direction (the forward direction in this embodiment) along the transport direction A.

[0163] Furthermore, the conveying device 7 has a guide rail 76 extending along the conveying direction A (front-back direction) and guiding the movement direction of the first conveying device body 71, the second conveying device body 72, the third conveying device body 73, the fourth conveying device body 74 and the fifth conveying device body 75.

[0164] It should be noted that the structure of the guide rail 76 is not limited to this embodiment. It can also be provided separately for the first transport device body 71, the second transport device body 72, the third transport device body 73, the fourth transport device body 74, and the fifth transport device body 75.

[0165] The main body 71 of the first conveying device includes: a self-moving moving frame 71b, which has a drive unit 71a as a drive source composed of a drive motor or the like; and a pair of clamps 71c that protrude downward at both ends (front and rear ends) on the lower surface of the moving frame 71b and along the conveying direction A.

[0166] In addition, a pair of clamps 71c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 71b.

[0167] Furthermore, as described above, when the glass plate Ga1 is transported to the input position P1 using the input device 25, the main body 71 of the first transport device, which is waiting in the cutting process S01, lowers a pair of chucks 71c and clamps the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0168] Then, the main body 71 of the first conveying device moves the glass plate Ga1 in a vertical position toward the marking section 3. When the glass plate Ga1 reaches the predetermined first intermediate stop position P2 in the marking section 3, after the upper end of the glass plate Ga1 is held by the first support device (not shown), the clamping state of the pair of clamps 71c is released.

[0169] Thus, the glass plate Ga1 is transported from the cutting section 2 to the marking section 3 by the main body 71 of the first transport device, and supplied to the marking section 3.

[0170] It should be noted that after the first conveying device body 71 releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 71c, it raises the chucks 71c, then moves towards the cutting part 2 again and returns to the designated standby position.

[0171] The second transport device body 72 also has the same features as the first transport device body 71: a self-moving moving frame 72b, which has a drive unit 72a as a drive source composed of a drive motor or the like; and a pair of clamps 72c that protrude downwards at both ends (front and rear ends) on the lower surface of the moving frame 72b and along the transport direction A.

[0172] In addition, a pair of clamps 72c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 72b.

[0173] Furthermore, the second transport device body 72 lowers a pair of chucks 71c at the first intermediate stop position P2, and uses the chucks 72c to clamp the upper end of the glass plate Ga1, which has scribed lines formed by the scribed part 3.

[0174] In addition, the aforementioned first support device (not shown) releases the holding state of the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0175] Then, the second transport device body 72 moves the glass plate Ga1 in a vertical orientation toward the cutting section 4. When the glass plate Ga1 reaches the predetermined second intermediate stop position P3 in the cutting section 4, the clamping state of the pair of clamps 72c is released after the upper end of the glass plate Ga1 is held by the second support device (not shown).

[0176] Thus, the glass plate Ga1 is transported from the scribing section 3 to the cutting section 4 by the main body 72 of the second transport device, and supplied to the cutting section 4.

[0177] It should be noted that, similar to the first transport device body 71, after the clamping state of the pair of chucks 72c is released, the second transport device body 72 raises the chucks 72c, then moves towards the engraving part 3 again, and returns to the designated standby position.

[0178] The third transport device body 73 also has the same features as the first transport device body 71: a self-moving moving frame 73b, which has a drive unit 73a as a drive source composed of a drive motor or the like; and a pair of clamps 73c that protrude downwards at both ends (front and rear ends) on the lower surface of the moving frame 73b and along the transport direction A.

[0179] In addition, a pair of clamps 73c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 73b.

[0180] Furthermore, the third transport device body 73 lowers a pair of chucks 73c at the second intermediate stop position P3, and uses the chucks 73c to clamp the upper end of the glass plate Ga1 from which the ear Gb and other parts have been removed by the cut-off part 4.

[0181] In addition, the aforementioned second support device (not shown) releases the holding of the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0182] Then, the main body 73 of the third transport device moves toward the inspection section 5 with the glass plate Ga1 in a vertical orientation hanging down.

[0183] When the glass plate Ga1, which is being transported by the main body 73 of the third transport device, reaches the designated third intermediate stop position P4 in the inspection section 5, the upper moving device 52a and the lower moving device 52b in the moving device 52 respectively hold the upper end and the lower end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0184] Then, the main body 73 of the third transport device releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 72c.

[0185] Thus, the glass plate Ga1 is transported from the cutting section 4 to the inspection section 5 by the main body 73 of the third transport device, and supplied to the inspection section 5.

[0186] It should be noted that, similar to the first transport device body 71, after the clamping state of the pair of chucks 73c is released, the third transport device body 73 raises the chucks 73c, then moves towards the cutting part 4 again, and returns to the designated standby position.

[0187] The fourth transport device body 74 also has the same features as the first transport device body 71: a self-moving moving frame 74b, which has a drive unit 74a as a drive source composed of a drive motor or the like; and a pair of clamps 74c that protrude downward at both ends (front and rear ends) on the lower surface of the moving frame 74b and along the transport direction A.

[0188] In addition, a pair of clamps 74c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 74b.

[0189] Furthermore, the fourth transport device body 74 lowers a pair of chucks 74c at the third intermediate stop position P4, and uses the chucks 74c to clamp the upper end of the glass plate Ga, which has finished the inspection performed by the inspection unit 5.

[0190] In addition, the upper moving device 52a and the lower moving device 52b release the holding state of the upper and lower ends of the glass plate Ga1.

[0191] Then, the fourth transport device body 74 moves the glass plate Ga in a vertical orientation toward the standby unit 10. When the glass plate Ga1 reaches the predetermined fourth intermediate stop position P5 in the standby unit 10, the clamping state of the pair of clamps 74c is released after the upper end of the glass plate Ga is held by the third support device (not shown).

[0192] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transported from the inspection section 5 to the standby section 10 by the main body 74 of the fourth transport device, and supplied to the standby section 10.

[0193] It should be noted that, similar to the first transport device body 71, after releasing the clamping state of a pair of chucks 74c, the fourth transport device body 74 raises the chucks 74c, then moves towards the inspection unit 5 again, and returns to the designated standby position.

[0194] The fifth transport device body 75 also has the same features as the first transport device body 71: a self-moving moving frame 75b, which has a drive unit 75a as a drive source composed of a drive motor or the like; and a pair of clamps 75c that protrude downward at both ends (front and rear ends) on the lower surface of the moving frame 75b and along the transport direction A.

[0195] In addition, a pair of clamps 75c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 75b.

[0196] Furthermore, the fifth transport device body 75 lowers a pair of chucks 75c at the fourth intermediate stop position P5 and uses the chucks 75c to clamp the upper end of the glass plate Ga of the standby unit 10.

[0197] In addition, the aforementioned third support device (not shown) releases the holding state of the upper end of the glass plate Ga.

[0198] Then, the fifth transport device body 75 moves the glass plate Ga, which is in a vertical orientation and hanging down, toward the bundling section 6.

[0199] When the glass plate Ga, carried by the main body 75 of the fifth transport device, reaches the designated removal position P6 in the bundling section 6 (refer to...), Figure 2 When the glass plate Ga is in use, the transfer device 61 (more specifically, the first horizontal transport device 611 described later) holds the upper end of the glass plate Ga.

[0200] Then, the fifth transport device body 75 releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 75c.

[0201] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transported from the standby section 10 to the bundling section 6 by the main body 75 of the fifth transport device, and supplied to the bundling section 6.

[0202] It should be noted that, similar to the first transport device body 71, after the fifth transport device body 75 releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 75c, it raises the chucks 75c, then moves towards the standby unit 10 again and returns to the designated standby position.

[0203] On the other hand, as will be described later, the transfer device 61, which takes over the glass plate Ga from the fifth transport device body 75, places the glass plate Ga on a tray T positioned at a predetermined location on the floor.

[0204] The control device 8 controls the operation of the conveying device 7, the input device 25 provided in the cutting section 2, and the transfer device 61 provided in the bundling section 6 as described above. Figure 11 As shown, it includes an arithmetic processing unit 81 composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit 82 composed of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.

[0205] In addition, the control device 8 is electrically connected to the conveying device 7 (more specifically, the first conveying device body 71, the second conveying device body 72, the third conveying device body 73, the fourth conveying device body 74 and the fifth conveying device body 75), the input device 25 (more specifically, the upstream input device 251 and the downstream input device 252) and the transfer device 61 (more specifically, the first horizontal conveying device 611, the vertical conveying device 612 and the second horizontal conveying device 613).

[0206] Furthermore, the storage unit 82 stores in advance a program for controlling the operation of these transport devices 7, input devices 25 and transfer devices 61. By reading the program and having the arithmetic processing unit 81 perform the prescribed arithmetic processing, the transport devices 7, input devices 25 and transfer devices 61 perform the prescribed operations.

[0207] It should be noted that the structure of the control device 8 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, it may also have the function of controlling the operation of the inspection device 51 provided in the inspection unit 5 and the function of judging the presence or absence of defects in the glass plate Ga based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 51a.

[0208] Alternatively, it could be a structure that controls the overall movement of the manufacturing device 1.

[0209] [Structure of the input device 25]

[0210] Next, use Figures 4 to 6 The structure of the input device 25 is described in detail.

[0211] As mentioned above, the input device 25 is a device provided in the cutting section 2 of the manufacturing device 1, which transports the glass plate Ga1 cut out from the glass strip R in a single sheet in a longitudinal orientation along the thickness direction (leftward direction in this embodiment) and hands it over to the transport device 7 (more specifically, the first transport device body 71).

[0212] like Figure 4 As shown, the input device 25 mainly includes: an upstream input device 251, which receives the cut glass plate Ga1 from the arm device 21 and transports the glass plate Ga1 toward one side (left side) in the thickness direction in a generally horizontal direction; and a downstream input device 252, which receives the glass plate Ga1 from the upstream input device 251, further transports the glass plate Ga1 toward that side (left side) in a generally horizontal direction, and transfers the glass plate Ga1 to the transport device 7 (first transport device body 71).

[0213] It should be noted that the upstream input device 251 is an example of the upstream first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism of this utility model.

[0214] In addition, the downstream input device 252 is an example of the downstream first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism of this utility model.

[0215] like Figure 5 As shown in (a) and (b), the upstream feeding device 251 is positioned on one side of the glass strip R formed by the forming body 101 in the thickness direction (left side in this embodiment), and is positioned near the upper end relative to the original glass plate Ga1 that has just been cut from the glass strip R.

[0216] The upstream side input device 251 has a movable frame 251a, a pair of guide mechanism parts 251b that enable the movable frame 251a to reciprocate in the left and right direction, and a pair of clamps 251c that protrude downward from the lower surface of the movable frame 251a.

[0217] The movable frame 251a supports the chuck 251c so that it can reciprocate in the left and right directions.

[0218] In addition, a pair of chucks 251c are arranged separately from each other relative to the glass plate Ga1 that has just been cut, along the transverse (front-back) direction of the glass plate Ga1.

[0219] Furthermore, when a single sheet of glass Ga1 is cut out by the rotation of the arm device 21, the moving frame 251a moves from the designated standby position Q50 toward the other side (right side) in the thickness direction, and temporarily stops when the chuck 251c reaches the intermediate stop position Q51 located above the glass Ga1.

[0220] When the moving frame 251a stops at the intermediate stop position Q51, a pair of clamps 251c clamp and hold the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0221] On the other hand, after the glass plate Ga1 is clamped by a pair of chucks 251c in the upstream input device 251, the arm device 21 releases the clamping state of the multiple chucks 21b.

[0222] Then, the moving frame 251a begins to move toward the side (left side) in the plate thickness direction, and stops when the chuck 251c reaches the specified stop position Q52.

[0223] Thus, the glass plate Ga1 is transported longitudinally along the thickness direction (leftward in this embodiment) by the upstream input device 251, and arrives at the downstream input device 252 (see reference). Figure 4 The relay position P0 is the handover point.

[0224] like Figure 6As shown in (a) and (b), the downstream input device 252 is positioned relative to the glass plate Ga1 located at the relay position P0 on one side (left side in this embodiment) in the thickness direction and near the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0225] The downstream input device 252 includes: a pair of movable frames 252a, which are separately arranged relative to the glass plate Ga1 located at the relay position P0 along the lateral (front-back) direction of the glass plate Ga1; a pair of guide mechanism portions 252b, which enable each movable frame 252a to reciprocate in the left-right direction; and a pair of clamps 252c, which protrude downward at the end of each movable frame 252a on the glass plate Ga1 side (the right end in this embodiment).

[0226] Furthermore, when the glass plate Ga1, which is transported by the upstream input device 251, reaches the relay position P0, a pair of moving frames 252a move simultaneously from the designated standby position Q60 toward the other side (right side) in the plate thickness direction, and temporarily stop when the chuck 252c reaches the stop position Q62 located above the glass plate Ga1.

[0227] When the pair of moving frames 252a stop at the stop position Q62, the pair of chucks 252c clamp and hold the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0228] On the other hand, after the upstream input device 251 has clamped the glass plate Ga1 by a pair of chucks 252c in the downstream input device 252, it releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 251c and then moves toward the standby position Q50 (refer to...). Figure 5 (b) movement.

[0229] After holding the glass plate Ga1 with a pair of chucks 252c, the pair of moving frames 252a simultaneously begin to move again toward the side (left side) in the plate thickness direction, and stop when the chucks 611c reach the specified intermediate stop position Q61.

[0230] Thus, the glass plate Ga1 is transported by the downstream feeding device 252 in a longitudinal orientation along the thickness direction (leftward direction in this embodiment) and arrives at the aforementioned feeding position P1.

[0231] Subsequently, the main body 71 of the first conveying device, which is waiting above the input position P1, lowers a pair of clamps 71c to clamp and hold the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0232] On the other hand, after the glass plate Ga1 is held by a pair of chucks 71c in the main body 71 of the first conveying device, the downstream input device 252 releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 252c and then moves toward the standby position Q60.

[0233] Thus, the glass plate Ga1 is transferred from the downstream input device 252 to the main body 71 of the first conveying device.

[0234] However, in this embodiment, the transport distance (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "upstream side plate thickness direction transport distance L1") when the upstream side input device (upstream side first plate thickness direction transport mechanism) 251 transports the cut glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) to the relay position P0 is specified. Figure 5 The ratio (L1 / L2) of (b) to the transport distance (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "downstream thickness direction transport distance L2") when the glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) is transported from the relay position P0 to the input position P1 by the downstream input device (downstream first plate thickness direction transport mechanism) 252 is set to 2 or more ((L1 / L2)≥2).

[0235] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transport speed (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "upstream first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt11") when the upstream side input device (upstream side first plate thickness direction transport mechanism) 251 transports the glass plate Ga1 is as follows. Figure 5 The speed ratio (Vt11 / Vt12) between (b) and the speed of the glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) transported by the downstream input device (downstream first plate thickness direction transport mechanism) 252 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "downstream first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt12") is set to 2 or less ((Vt11 / Vt12) ≤ 2).

[0236] Here, the downstream side plate thickness direction transport distance L2 is less than 1 / 2 of the upstream side plate thickness direction transport distance L1. The distance is short enough that it is possible to reduce the sway caused by air resistance when transporting the longitudinally oriented glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) along the plate thickness direction (left direction) while setting the downstream side first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt12 as fast as possible.

[0237] According to the glass plate Ga manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment, by setting the downstream first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt12 to be faster than the upstream first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt11, the transport speed of the entire input device (first plate thickness direction transport device) 25 can be set to be faster. In the cutting process S01, the glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) cut in a longitudinal position can be transported faster in a stable state without breakage and handed over to the transport device (horizontal width direction transport device) 7 (more specifically, the main body 71 of the first transport device).

[0238] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transport speed (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "transverse transport speed Vw") when the transport device (horizontal transport device) 7 transports the glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) is as follows. Figure 3 The speed ratio (Vw / Vt1) between the glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) transported by the input device (first plate thickness direction transport device) 25 and the first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt1 (more specifically, the upstream first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt11 or the downstream first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt12) is set to 1.5 or more ((Vw / Vt1) ≥ 1.5).

[0239] With this structure, the glass plate Ga manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can shorten the production interval time of the entire equipment by setting the transverse width direction transport speed Vw to be faster than the first plate thickness direction transport speed Vt1.

[0240] In addition, by setting the first thickness direction transport speed Vt1 slower than the width direction transport speed Vw, the swaying caused by air resistance when the glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) cut in a longitudinal position is transported along the thickness direction (left direction) can be reduced in the cutting process S01. The glass plate Ga1 (glass plate Ga) is transported in a stable state without breakage and handed over to the transport device (width direction transport device) 7 (more specifically, the first transport device body 71).

[0241] [Structure of transfer device 61]

[0242] Next, use Figures 7 to 10 The structure of the transfer device 61 will be described in detail.

[0243] The transfer device 61 is a device that is provided in the bundling section 6 of the manufacturing device 1 as described above, and sequentially transfers the glass plate Ga, which is transported by the transport device 7 (more specifically, the fifth transport device body 75) in a longitudinal position, onto the tray T and bundles it.

[0244] like Figure 7 As shown, the transfer device 61 mainly includes: a first horizontal transport device 611, which transports the glass plate Ga, which is transported by the fifth transport device body 75 to the transfer position P6, in a generally horizontal direction towards the other side (right side) in the thickness direction; a vertical transport device 612, which receives the glass plate Ga from the first horizontal transport device 611 and transports the glass plate Ga to the vertical direction (the lower side in this embodiment); and a second horizontal transport device 613, which receives the glass plate Ga from the vertical transport device 612 and transports the glass plate Ga again in a generally horizontal direction towards the thickness direction and places it on the tray T.

[0245] like Figure 8 As shown in (a) and (b), the first horizontal transport device 611 is positioned relative to the glass plate Ga located at the transport position P6 on one side of the plate thickness direction (left side in this embodiment) and near the upper end of the glass plate Ga.

[0246] The first horizontal transport device 611 includes: a pair of movable frames 611a, which are separately arranged relative to the glass plate Ga located at the transport position P6 along the lateral (front-back) direction of the glass plate Ga; a pair of guide mechanisms 611b, which enable each movable frame 611a to reciprocate in the left-right direction; and a pair of clamps 611c, which protrude downward at the end of each movable frame 611a on the glass plate Ga side (the right end in this embodiment).

[0247] Furthermore, when the glass plate Ga, which is being transported by the fifth transport device body 75, reaches the transport position P6, a pair of moving frames 611a move simultaneously from the designated standby position Q10 toward the other side (right side) in the plate thickness direction. When the chuck 611c reaches the intermediate stop position Q11 located above the glass plate Ga, it temporarily stops.

[0248] When the pair of moving frames 611a stop at the intermediate stop position Q11, the pair of clamps 611c clamp and hold the upper end of the glass plate Ga.

[0249] On the other hand, after the glass plate Ga is held by a pair of chucks 611c in the first horizontal transport device 611, the fifth transport device body 75 releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 75c, and then raises the pair of chucks 75c toward the standby unit 10 (see reference). Figure 3 )move.

[0250] Then, the pair of moving frames 611a simultaneously begin to move again toward the other side (right side) in the plate thickness direction, and stop when the chuck 611c reaches the specified stop position Q12.

[0251] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transported by the first horizontal transport device 611 in a longitudinal orientation toward the thickness direction (rightward direction in this embodiment) and arrives at a predetermined first intermediate placement position P7 located at approximately the same height as the transport position P6.

[0252] like Figure 9As shown in (a) and (b), the vertical transport device 612 has: a plurality of (in this embodiment, a pair) chucks 612a, which are capable of holding the upper end of the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal orientation at the first intermediate placement position P7; a support frame 612b, which supports the pair of chucks 612a; a pair of guides 612c, which guide the direction of movement of the support frame 612b; and a pair of direct-acting actuators 612d, which serve as a drive source for moving the support frame 612b.

[0253] A pair of clamps 612a protrude downwards and are configured separately from each other along the transverse (front-back) direction of the glass plate Ga located at the first intermediate placement position P7.

[0254] The support frame 612b is composed of a long strip-shaped member and is configured relative to the glass plate Ga located at the first intermediate placement position P7 in such a way that it extends on the upper side and along the glass plate Ga in the horizontal (front-back) direction.

[0255] In addition, the support frame 612b supports a pair of clamps 612a on its lower surface.

[0256] A pair of guides 612c are respectively constructed by, for example, a general linear guide, and are configured at both ends (both ends in the front and rear directions) of the support frame 612b in the extension direction to guide the movement direction of the support frame 612b in the up and down direction.

[0257] A pair of direct-acting actuators 612d are configured such that the telescopic rods 612d1 face upwards and are upright relative to each other.

[0258] In addition, a pair of direct-acting actuators 612d are arranged parallel to each other on both sides (front and rear sides in this embodiment) of the glass plate Ga located at the first intermediate mounting position P7 in the lateral direction.

[0259] Furthermore, the pair of direct-acting actuators 612d are connected to the two ends (two ends in the front and rear directions) of the support frame 612b via the front end of the telescopic rod 612d1.

[0260] In the vertical transport device 612 constructed with this structure, the support frame 612b is in a standby state at the specified upper limit position Q21. When the glass plate Ga, which is transported by the first horizontal transport device 611, reaches the first intermediate placement position P7, a pair of clamps 612a clamp and hold the upper end of the glass plate Ga.

[0261] On the other hand, after the glass plate Ga is clamped by a pair of chucks 612a in the vertical transport device 612, the first horizontal transport device 611 releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 611c, and then causes the pair of moving frames 611a to move simultaneously and return to the predetermined standby position Q10 (see reference). Figure 8 (b)

[0262] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transferred from the first horizontal direction conveying device 611 to the vertical direction conveying device 612.

[0263] Then, the support frame 612b moves downward and stops when it reaches the specified lower limit position Q22.

[0264] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transported by the vertical transport device 612 to a predetermined second intermediate placement position P8 located below the first intermediate placement position P7.

[0265] like Figure 10 As shown in (a) and (b), the second horizontal transport device 613 is positioned above the glass plate Ga, which is located in a longitudinal orientation at the second intermediate placement position P8, and the tray T, which is positioned at a predetermined position on the floor (more specifically, near the opposite side (right side) of the thickness direction of the glass plate Ga).

[0266] The second horizontal conveying device 613 includes: a movable frame 613a; a pair of first guide mechanisms 613b that enable the movable frame 613a to reciprocate in the left-right direction; a movable frame 613c located below the movable frame 613a; a pair of second guide mechanisms 613d that enable the movable frame 613c to move up and down relative to the movable frame 613a; and a pair of clamps 613e that protrude downward from the lower surface of the movable frame 613c.

[0267] In addition, a pair of clamps 613e are arranged separately from each other relative to the glass plate Ga located at the second intermediate placement position P8 along the transverse (front-back) direction of the glass plate Ga.

[0268] Here, in this embodiment, the height of the glass plate Ga when it is placed on the tray T in a vertical position (more specifically, the height of the second intermediate placement position P8) is set based on the lower end face of the glass plate Ga. For example, it is structured such that when the external dimensions (vertical dimensions) of the glass plate Ga are changed according to the type of glass plate Ga being manufactured, and the position of the upper end of the glass plate Ga is different, the movable frame 613c is moved up and down appropriately via the second guide mechanism 613d, thereby adjusting the height of the pair of clamps 613e according to the position of the upper end.

[0269] In the second horizontal transport device 613 with this structure, the movable frame 613a is in a standby state at the specified standby position Q31. When the glass plate Ga, which is transported by the vertical transport device 612, reaches the second intermediate placement position P8, a pair of clamps 613e clamp and hold the upper end of the glass plate Ga.

[0270] On the other hand, after the glass plate Ga is clamped by a pair of chucks 613e in the second horizontal transport device 613, the vertical transport device 612 releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 612a, then moves the support frame 612b and returns it to the predetermined upper limit position Q21 (see reference). Figure 9 (a)).

[0271] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transferred from the vertical transport device 612 to the second horizontal transport device 613.

[0272] When the support frame 612b of the vertical conveying device 612 moves toward the upper limit position Q21, the moving frame 613a moves toward the other side (right side) in the plate thickness direction and stops when it reaches the specified stop position Q32.

[0273] Afterwards, the clamping state of the pair of chucks 613e is released, and the moving frame 613a moves again toward the standby position Q31.

[0274] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transported by the second horizontal transport device 613 and placed on the tray T.

[0275] Thus, the transfer device (second thickness direction transport device) 61 becomes a structure that receives the glass plate Ga from the transport device (width direction transport device) 7 (more specifically, the fifth transport device body 75) and transports the glass plate Ga along the thickness direction (right direction) and places it on the tray T.

[0276] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transport speed (transport speed Vw) when the glass plate Ga is transported by the transport device (transport device in the lateral direction) 7 is specified. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The transport speed (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "second thickness direction transport speed Vt2") when the glass plate Ga is transported along the thickness direction (right direction) by the transfer device (second thickness direction transport device) 61 (more specifically, first horizontal direction transport device 611 or second horizontal direction transport device 613). Figure 8 (b) and Figure 10 The speed ratio (Vw / Vt2) of (b) is set to 2 or more ((Vw / Vt2) ≥ 2).

[0277] With this structure, the glass plate Ga manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment sets the transverse width direction transport speed Vw to be faster than the second plate thickness direction transport speed Vt2, thereby enabling a reduction in the overall production interval time of the equipment.

[0278] In addition, by setting the second thickness direction transport speed Vt2 to be slower than the width direction transport speed Vw, the swaying caused by air resistance when transporting the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal posture along the thickness direction (right direction) can be reduced in the bundling process S05, so that the glass plate Ga can be transported in a stable state without breakage and placed on the tray T for bundling.

[0279] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aforementioned transverse width transport speed Vw is the same as the transport speed when the glass plate Ga is transported along the thickness direction using the thickness direction transport device composed of the input device (first thickness direction transport device) 25 and the transfer device (second thickness direction transport device) 61 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "thickness direction transport speed Vt"). Figure 5 (b) Figure 6 (b) Figure 8 (b) and Figure 10 The speed ratio (Vw / Vt) of (b) is set to 1.5 or higher ((Vw / Vt) ≥ 1.5).

[0280] With this structure, the glass plate Ga manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can more reliably achieve a reduction in the production interval time as a whole.

[0281] In addition, it is possible to transport a vertically oriented glass plate Ga (glass substrate Ga1) along the thickness direction in a more stable state.

[0282] As described above, the glass plate Ga manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment continuously manufactures glass plates Ga, and sequentially places the manufactured glass plates Ga onto a tray T and bundles them. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus includes: a transport device (horizontal transport device) 7, which holds the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal position and transports the glass plate Ga along a horizontal direction (forward direction) that is orthogonal to the thickness direction in a top view; a thickness direction transport device (more specifically, an input device (first thickness direction transport device) 25 and a transfer device (second thickness direction transport device) 61), which holds the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal position and transports the glass plate Ga along the thickness direction; and a control device 8, which controls the operation of the transport device (horizontal transport device) 7 and the thickness direction transport device.

[0283] Furthermore, the control device 8 is configured to control the operation of the transport device (horizontal width transport device) 7 and the plate thickness transport device, such that the horizontal width transport speed Vw, which is the transport speed of the glass plate Ga transported by the transport device (horizontal width transport device) 7, is faster than the plate thickness transport speed Vt, which is the transport speed of the glass plate Ga transported by the aforementioned plate thickness transport device (input device (first plate thickness transport device) 25 and transfer device (second plate thickness transport device) 61).

[0284] With this structure, the glass plate Ga manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment sets the transverse width direction transport speed Vw to be faster than the plate thickness direction transport speed Vt, thereby enabling a reduction in the overall production interval time of the equipment.

[0285] In addition, by setting the thickness-direction transport speed Vt to be slower than the width-direction transport speed Vw, the swaying caused by air resistance when transporting the longitudinally oriented glass plate Ga (glass original plate Ga1) along the thickness direction can be reduced, and the glass plate Ga can be transported in a stable state without breakage.

[0286] The above describes one embodiment of the present utility model, but the present utility model is not limited to this embodiment in any way and is merely an example. Of course, it can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present utility model. The scope of the present utility model is indicated by the description of the utility model technical solution, and also includes all equivalent meanings and modifications within the scope of the utility model technical solution.

Claims

1. A glass plate manufacturing apparatus, comprising continuously manufacturing glass plates and sequentially placing the manufactured glass plates onto a tray and bundling them. Its features are, The glass plate manufacturing apparatus includes: A transverse transport device that holds a glass plate in a longitudinal position and transports the glass plate along a transverse direction that is orthogonal to the thickness direction in a top view. A plate thickness direction conveying device, which holds the glass plate in a longitudinal position and conveys the glass plate along the plate thickness direction; as well as A control device controls the operation of the transverse width transport device and the thickness transport device, such that the transverse width transport speed Vw, which is the transport speed of the glass plate transported by the transverse width transport device, is faster than the thickness transport speed Vt, which is the transport speed of the glass plate transported by the thickness transport device.

2. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The speed ratio of the transverse width transport speed Vw to the plate thickness transport speed Vt, i.e., Vw / Vt, is 1.5 or higher.

3. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass plate manufacturing apparatus also includes: A forming unit that shapes a strip of glass from molten glass; A first cutting device cuts a single sheet of glass from the glass strip; as well as The second cutting device cuts off and removes both ends of the glass plate in the transverse direction. The thickness-direction conveying device includes a first thickness-direction conveying device that conveys the glass plate cut by the first cutting device along the thickness direction and transfers the glass plate to the width-direction conveying device. The speed ratio of the transverse width transport speed Vw to the first thickness transport speed Vt1, which is the transport speed when the glass plate is transported by the first thickness transport device, i.e., Vw / Vt1, is 1.5 or more.

4. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first plate thickness direction conveying device has: The upstream side first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism receives the cut glass plate from the first cutting device; and The downstream first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism receives the glass plate from the upstream first plate thickness direction conveying mechanism and transfers the glass plate to the transverse width direction conveying device. The ratio of the upstream side thickness direction transport distance L1, which is the transport distance of the glass plate transported by the upstream side first thickness direction transport mechanism, to the downstream side thickness direction transport distance L2, which is the transport distance of the glass plate transported by the downstream side first thickness direction transport mechanism, i.e., L1 / L2, is 2 or more. The ratio of the upstream first thickness direction transport speed Vt11, which is the transport speed when the glass plate is transported by the upstream first thickness direction transport mechanism, to the downstream first thickness direction transport speed Vt12, which is the transport speed when the glass plate is transported by the downstream first thickness direction transport mechanism, i.e., Vt11 / Vt12, is 2 or less.

5. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness-direction conveying device includes a second thickness-direction conveying device that receives the glass plate from the width-direction conveying device, conveys the glass plate along the thickness direction, and places it on a tray. The speed ratio of the transverse width transport speed Vw to the second thickness transport speed Vt2, which is the transport speed when the glass plate is transported by the second thickness transport device, i.e., Vw / Vt2, is 2 or more.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass plate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Regarding the external dimensions of the glass plate, In longitudinal orientation, The dimension in the lateral width direction is 1000mm or more. The vertical dimension is 1000mm or more.

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