Apparatus for manufacturing a glass plate bundle

Abstract

The utility model provides a glass plate bundle body's manufacturing devices with the glass plate laminated body formed by the laminated multiple glass plates and the tray of the glass plate laminated body is bound in the state of vertical leans, it can easily cope with the multiple kinds of glass plates of different external dimensions, can realize the improvement of productivity as the whole equipment. The transfer device that glass plate is in the state of vertical posture is transferred on the tray has: first horizontal direction handling device, glass plate is handled to the glass plate that is handled to the fifth handling device main body to the carrying -out position along the plate thickness direction; Up -down direction handling device, the glass plate that is handled to the first intermediate placement position by first horizontal direction handling device is handled to the second intermediate placement position of the prescribed height; And second horizontal direction handling device, the glass plate that is handled to the second intermediate placement position by up -down direction handling device is handled and is placed on the tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a manufacturing apparatus for glass plate bundles. 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 manufacturing apparatus for a glass plate bundle capable of performing such a manufacturing process, 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 above-mentioned transverse transport device transports the glass plate in a suspended state by maintaining the upper end of the glass plate in a longitudinal orientation.

[0006] In addition, the aforementioned transfer device also transports the glass plate in a suspended state by maintaining its longitudinal orientation at the upper end of the glass plate.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 090627 Utility Model Content

[0010] The problem to be solved by utility models

[0011] As with the conventional glass plate bundle manufacturing apparatus described above, when the glass plate is transported in a suspended state with the upper end of the glass plate (or original glass plate) held in a longitudinal posture, the vertical position (height) of the glass plate during transport between each process is set based on the upper end surface of the glass plate.

[0012] On the other hand, when the glass plate is transferred to the tray while suspended at the upper end of the glass plate in a vertical position, the height of the glass plate during the transfer to the tray is set based on the lower end surface of the glass plate.

[0013] Here, in the glass manufacturing process, sometimes multiple types of glass sheets with different external dimensions (more specifically, dimensions in the vertical direction) are manufactured according to the end user's expectations.

[0014] In this situation, it is difficult to easily cope with the change in the height of the glass plate when it is transferred to the pallet, whenever the external dimensions of the glass plate are changed according to the type of glass plate.

[0015] This invention was made in view of the current problems described above. Its objective is to provide a manufacturing apparatus for a glass plate bundle comprising a glass plate stack consisting of multiple stacked glass plates and a tray for bundling the glass plate stack in an upright state. This manufacturing apparatus for glass plate bundles can easily handle multiple types of glass plates with different shapes and sizes, and can improve the overall productivity of the equipment.

[0016] Solution for solving the problem

[0017] The problem to be solved by this utility model is as described above. The solution to solve this problem will be described below.

[0018] That is, regarding the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of Scheme 1 of this utility model, the glass plate bundle includes: a glass plate stack, which is composed of a plurality of stacked glass plates; and a tray, which bundles the glass plate stack in an upright state. The manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle includes: a transverse transport device, which holds the glass plate in a longitudinal position and transports the glass plate along a transverse direction that is orthogonal to the thickness direction in a planar view; a transfer device, which transfers the glass plate in a longitudinal position onto the tray; and a control device, which controls the transverse direction. The operation of the conveying device and the transfer device includes: a thickness-direction conveying mechanism that conveys the glass plate, which is conveyed to a first predetermined position by the width-direction conveying device, along the thickness direction; a height adjustment mechanism that receives the glass plate, which has been conveyed to a second predetermined position by the thickness-direction conveying mechanism, from the thickness-direction conveying mechanism and conveys the glass plate to a third predetermined position at a predetermined height; and a placement mechanism that receives the glass plate, which has been conveyed to the third predetermined position by the height adjustment mechanism, from the height adjustment mechanism and conveys and places the glass plate on the tray.

[0019] Thus, in the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of this utility model, the structure is as follows: the glass plate, which is transported to the first predetermined position in the longitudinal posture by the plate thickness direction transport mechanism and the height adjustment mechanism, is transported to the height of the glass plate when it is transferred to the pallet, i.e., the third predetermined position mentioned above, by the height of the glass plate when it is transferred to the pallet, and then the glass plate is placed on the pallet by the placement mechanism.

[0020] Therefore, the glass plate bundle manufacturing apparatus according to this utility model can keep the height of the glass plate at a constant third predetermined position when transferring it to the pallet by making appropriate adjustments using the plate thickness direction conveying mechanism and the height adjustment mechanism, even when the external dimensions of the glass plate are changed according to the type of glass plate. This allows it to easily handle multiple types of glass plates with different external dimensions and improve the overall productivity of the equipment.

[0021] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of Scheme 2 of this utility model is based on Scheme 1 above, characterized in that the height adjustment mechanism is composed of a vertical transport device for transporting the glass plate in the vertical direction.

[0022] With this structure, the glass plate bundle manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, as a mechanism for adjusting the height of the glass plate which is composed of a longitudinal posture, transports the glass plate in the vertical direction with less air resistance affecting the glass plate and can adjust the height of the glass plate in a stable state.

[0023] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of Scheme 3 of this utility model is based on Scheme 2 above, characterized in that the transport speed V1 of the glass plate transported by the vertical transport device is faster than the transport speed V2 of the glass plate transported by the plate thickness transport mechanism and the transport speed V3 of the glass plate transported by the loading mechanism, that is, V1 > V2 and V1 > V3.

[0024] Here, the vertical conveying device moves the glass plate vertically, thus reducing the air resistance that affects the glass plate and increasing the conveying speed while suppressing swaying.

[0025] On the other hand, the thickness-direction conveying mechanism and the loading mechanism convey the glass plate in a longitudinal orientation along the approximate thickness direction, resulting in relatively large air resistance affecting the glass plate, making it difficult to increase the conveying speed while suppressing swaying.

[0026] In the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of this utility model, the transport speed V1 of the vertical transport device is set to be faster than the transport speed V2 of the plate thickness transport mechanism and the transport speed V3 of the loading mechanism (V1 > V2, V1 > V3). As a result, the production interval time of the entire transfer device can be effectively shortened while suppressing the swaying of the glass plate during transport.

[0027] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of Scheme 4 of this utility model is based on Scheme 2 or Scheme 3 above, characterized in that the control device stops the transporting action of the vertical transporting device during the period from when the vertical transporting device receives the glass plate from the plate thickness transporting mechanism to when the transfer action performed by the loading mechanism begins.

[0028] With this structure, the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle according to the present invention, for example, even if the operation of the loading mechanism is delayed due to unexpected external factors, can adjust the timing of the loading mechanism returning to normal operation by keeping the glass plate in standby state through the up-down transport device.

[0029] Furthermore, the glass plate bundle manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 5 of this utility model is based on any one of Schemes 2 to 4 above, characterized in that the vertical transport device comprises: a plurality of holding portions arranged along the horizontal width direction relative to the glass plate in its longitudinal orientation, and capable of holding the upper end of the glass plate; a support frame extending along the horizontal width direction and supporting the plurality of holding portions; a pair of guide portions disposed at both ends of the extension direction of the support frame and guiding the movement direction of the support frame to the vertical direction; and a drive portion serving as a drive source for moving the support frame.

[0030] Thus, in the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of this utility model, the structure is as follows: the support frame of the vertical transport device is a two-end support structure with a pair of guide parts supporting the two ends extending in the direction, and the glass plate held in a longitudinal position by a plurality of holding parts is transported in the vertical direction via the support frame.

[0031] Therefore, the glass plate bundle manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, for example, can hold the glass plate in a more stable state compared to the case where the support frame has a cantilever structure, and can transport the glass plate in the vertical direction while suppressing vibrations, etc.

[0032] Furthermore, the glass plate bundle manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 6 of this utility model is based on any one of the above schemes 1 to 5, characterized in that the loading mechanism holds the glass plate in a longitudinal posture and in a bent state in which the central part in the lateral width direction protrudes towards the transport direction, and transports the glass plate.

[0033] With this structure, the glass plate bundle manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can suppress the influence of air resistance on the glass plate when the glass plate is transported by the loading mechanism, and transport the glass plate onto the tray in a stable state.

[0034] Furthermore, the glass plate bundle manufacturing apparatus of Scheme 7 of this utility model is based on any one of Schemes 2 to 6 above, characterized in that the transverse width direction conveying device, the plate thickness direction conveying mechanism and the vertical direction conveying device hold the glass plate in a longitudinal posture and in a planar state along the transverse width direction, and convey the glass plate.

[0035] Here, in the transverse transport device, when the glass plate is bent in the direction of thickness during transport, the air resistance experienced by the glass plate is relatively large. Therefore, the glass plate is prone to swaying during transport, which poses a risk of breakage.

[0036] Furthermore, in the thickness-direction transport mechanism, the transport distance of the glass plate is relatively short, so the advantages gained by setting the glass plate to a bent state in the thickness direction during transport are minimal.

[0037] Furthermore, in vertical transport devices, since the glass plate in a vertical orientation is transported along the vertical direction, the air resistance experienced by the glass plate during transport is already minimal, making it less necessary to set the glass plate to bend towards the thickness direction during transport.

[0038] Therefore, in the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of this utility model, the glass plate is positioned in a longitudinal posture and in a planar state along the horizontal width direction in the transverse width transport device, the plate thickness transport mechanism, and the vertical transport device. As a result, the glass plate can be transported more appropriately without causing breakage.

[0039] In addition, the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of Scheme 8 of this utility model is based on any one of Schemes 2 to 7 above, characterized in that the vertical transport device transports the glass plate downwards.

[0040] Here, in the glass plate manufacturing process, when the glass plate is transported in a longitudinal position between each process using a transverse transport device, there are obstacles such as wiring equipment for inspection devices and other piping equipment below the transport path. Therefore, in order to avoid interference with these obstacles, the transport height of the glass plate transported by the transverse transport device is set to a relatively high position.

[0041] On the other hand, since the pallet is moved out of the glass manufacturing process by the operator after it is constructed as a bundle of glass plates, it is difficult to place it at a high position corresponding to the handling height of the horizontal and vertical handling device. Generally, it is placed on the floor.

[0042] According to the manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle of the present invention, a glass plate in a vertical orientation can be effectively transported between a horizontal transport device located at a high position and a pallet located below the horizontal transport device and disposed on the floor using a vertical transport device.

[0043] Utility Model Effect

[0044] As a result of this utility model, it achieves the effects shown below.

[0045] That is, the glass plate bundle manufacturing device according to this utility model can easily handle multiple types of glass plates with different external dimensions, and can improve the overall productivity of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1This is a top view showing the overall structure of a manufacturing apparatus for a glass plate bundle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the manufacturing apparatus for glass plate bundles, and it is along... Figure 1 A sectional side view observed in the X-direction.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the conveying device.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the structure of the transfer device.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the first horizontal conveying device. Figure 5 (a) is its side view. Figure 5 (b) is its front view.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of a vertical conveying device. Figure 6 (a) is its side view. Figure 6 (b) is its front view.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of the second horizontal conveying device. Figure 7 (a) is its side view. Figure 7 (b) is its front view.

[0053] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the control device.

[0054] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the state of a glass plate being transported by a second horizontal transport device.

[0055] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0056] 1. Manufacturing apparatus for glass plate bundles

[0057] 61 Transfer device

[0058] 611 First horizontal transport device (plate thickness transport mechanism)

[0059] 612 Vertical conveying device (height adjustment mechanism)

[0060] 612a Chuck (Retaining Part)

[0061] 612b Support Frame

[0062] 613 Second Horizontal Transport Device (Loading Mechanism)

[0063] 7. Handling equipment (transfer equipment in the horizontal direction)

[0064] 75. Main body of the fifth transport device (transport device in the horizontal direction)

[0065] 8. Control device

[0066] G Glass plate laminate

[0067] Ga glass plate

[0068] M Glass plate bundle

[0069] P6 Move-out location (first designated location)

[0070] P7 First intermediate placement position (second specified position)

[0071] P8 Second intermediate placement position (third specified position)

[0072] T-tray

[0073] V1, V2, V3 are the transport speeds. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Next, use Figures 1 to 9 One embodiment of this utility model will be described.

[0075] It should be noted that, for convenience, the following explanation uses... Figures 1 to 7 The directions of the arrows shown are used to describe the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M. 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).

[0076] [The overall structure of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M]

[0077] First, use Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 8 The overall structure of the manufacturing apparatus 1 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "manufacturing apparatus 1") for manufacturing the glass plate bundle M that embodies the present invention will be described.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 4 ).

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 and the transfer device 61 provided in the bundling section 6 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0083] It should be noted that the conveying device 7 is an example of the transverse conveying device of this utility model.

[0084] 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.

[0085] In addition, there are four or more bundled sections 6 along the transport direction A (front and back direction) (four in this embodiment). The glass plate Ga is appropriately allocated to the designated bundled sections 6 according to the inspection results of the inspection section 5, and then placed on the tray T.

[0086] 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.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, the cutting section 2 includes an arm assembly 21 and a scribing support rod 22 and a cutting wheel 23 disposed above the arm assembly 21.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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.

[0092] In addition, the cutter wheel 23 is configured to rotate around the axis and to reciprocate along the first cutting predetermined line L1 in the front-back direction.

[0093] Above the cut-out section 2 is a wedge-shaped molding body (not shown) in cross-section, which is covered by a molding furnace (not shown) with an opening at the bottom.

[0094] Furthermore, the molten glass (not shown) overflowing from the top of the molded body flows down both sides of the molded body and then fuses at the lower end of the molded body, forming a strip-shaped glass strip R.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Afterwards, the glass strip R passes through the annealing furnace in a longitudinal orientation and is then 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 be orthogonal to the transport direction A in a top-view orthogonal direction (left-right direction).

[0097] 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).

[0098] When the glass strip R is clamped by the chuck 21b, the scribing support rod 22 contacts the back side 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 L1 to form a scribing line on the glass strip R.

[0099] 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 the other side in the thickness direction, and in this embodiment, the main surface on the right side) and near the upper side of the scribe line formed.

[0100] 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.

[0101] When the original glass plate Ga1 is cut out, the arm device 21, while maintaining the clamping state of the original glass plate Ga1, moves to one side in the thickness direction (left side in this embodiment) and temporarily stops at a predetermined position below the conveying device 7 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "putting-in position P1"). Figure 1 ).

[0102] 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 clamping state of the glass plate Ga1 by the arm device 21.

[0103] Thus, the cut glass plate Ga1 is transferred from the arm device 21 to the transport device 7.

[0104] It should be noted that 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.

[0105] Additionally, in the cutting section 2, a waste chute 100a is provided below the conveying device 7 to pre-discard glass blanks Ga1 that are damaged or broken due to poor cutting before being handed over to the conveying device 7 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0106] 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.

[0107] The engraving section 3 has a pair of engraving devices 31 arranged along the transport direction A (front and back direction).

[0108] Each marking device 31 has a marking support rod 31a and a cutting wheel 31b.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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 L2.

[0111] It should be noted that the second cutting predetermined line L2 is set at both ends of the horizontal width direction (front and back direction) of the glass plate Ga1.

[0112] The cutter wheel 31b is positioned on the opposite side (right side) of the plate thickness direction relative to the scribing support rod 31a, with its axial direction set in the front-to-back direction.

[0113] In addition, the cutter wheel 31b is configured to rotate around the axis and to reciprocate in the vertical direction along the second cutting predetermined line L2.

[0114] 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 surface (main surface on the left side) of the glass plate Ga1, and the cutting wheel 31b moves along the second cutting predetermined line L2.

[0115] Thus, scribing lines are formed at both ends of the glass plate Ga1 in the transverse (front-back) direction.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The cutting section 4 is equipped with a pair of cutting devices 41 arranged along the transport direction A (front and back direction).

[0119] Each cutting device 41 includes: a breaking fulcrum rod 41a, which is elongated in the vertical direction and can be disposed in contact with 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 disposed in contact with 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).

[0120] 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 line L2 sandwiched in the middle.

[0121] In addition, the break fulcrum rod 41a is disposed near the center of the glass plate Ga1 relative to the second cutting predetermined line L2, 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 L2.

[0122] Furthermore, when the glass plate Ga1, which has been formed by the scribing section 3 along the second cutting predetermined line L2, is supplied to the cutting section 4 in a longitudinal orientation, a pair of breakage 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.

[0123] 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).

[0124] Afterwards, after a pair of pressing rods 41b respectively contact the surface (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.

[0125] Inspection section 5 is the section that performs inspection process S04 to check the quality of the formed glass plate Ga.

[0126] The inspection unit 5 is equipped with an inspection device 51 and a moving device 52.

[0127] 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.

[0128] The shooting unit 51a may be, for example, a shooting unit obtained by arranging multiple digital cameras at equal intervals along the vertical direction.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] It should be noted that at least one of the four bundling sections 6 (in this embodiment, the first bundling section 6a located on the most upstream side) is included. Figure 1 In the process, a waste chute 100b is provided below the conveying device 7 to pre-discard defective glass plates Ga before they are handed over to the conveying device 7 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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).

[0136] Thus, the glass plate Ga is held in a longitudinal position by the moving device 52.

[0137] 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).

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] like Figure 1 As shown, the bundling section 6 has a transfer device 61 that transfers the glass plate Ga to the tray T in a longitudinal orientation.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] It should be noted that the detailed structure of the transfer device 61 will be described later.

[0146] 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 desired bundling part 6.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] In addition, a pair of clamps 71c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 71b.

[0152] Furthermore, as described above, when the glass plate Ga1 is moved to the input position P1 using the arm device 21, the first transport device body 71, which is waiting in the cutting process S01, lowers a pair of chucks 71c and clamps the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] In addition, a pair of clamps 72c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 72b.

[0158] 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.

[0159] In addition, the aforementioned first support device (not shown) releases the holding state of the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0160] 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).

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] In addition, a pair of clamps 73c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 73b.

[0165] 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.

[0166] In addition, the aforementioned second support device (not shown) releases the holding of the upper end of the glass plate Ga1.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] Then, the main body 73 of the third transport device releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 72c.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] In addition, a pair of clamps 74c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 74b.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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).

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] In addition, a pair of clamps 75c are configured to move up and down relative to the movable frame 75b.

[0181] 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.

[0182] In addition, the aforementioned third support device (not shown) releases the holding state of the upper end of the glass plate Ga.

[0183] Then, the fifth transport device body 75 moves the glass plate Ga, which is in a vertical orientation and hanging down, toward the desired bundling section 6 (the appropriately selected bundling section 6 among the four bundling sections 6).

[0184] When the glass plate Ga, carried by the main body 75 of the fifth transport device, reaches the designated removal position P6 in each bundle 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.

[0185] It should be noted that the move-out position P6 is an example of the first specified position of this utility model.

[0186] Then, the fifth transport device body 75 releases the clamping state of the pair of chucks 75c.

[0187] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transported from the standby section 10 to the desired bundling section 6 by the main body 75 of the fifth transport device, and supplied to the bundling section 6.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] The control device 8 controls the operation of the conveying device 7 and the transfer device 61 provided in the bundling section 6 as described above, and as... Figure 8 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.

[0191] 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) 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).

[0192] Furthermore, the storage unit 82 stores in advance a program for controlling the operation of these transport devices 7 and transfer devices 61. By reading the program and having the arithmetic processing unit 81 perform the prescribed arithmetic processing, the transport devices 7 and transfer devices 61 perform the prescribed operations.

[0193] 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.

[0194] Alternatively, it could be a structure that controls the overall movement of the manufacturing device 1.

[0195] [Structure of transfer device 61]

[0196] Next, use Figures 4 to 7 as well as Figure 9 The structure of the transfer device 61 will be described in detail.

[0197] The transfer device 61 is a device that is provided in each of the bundling sections 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 main body of the fifth transport device 75) in a longitudinal position, onto the tray T and bundles it.

[0198] like Figure 4As 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.

[0199] It should be noted that the first horizontal transport device 611 is an example of the plate thickness transport mechanism of this utility model.

[0200] In addition, the vertical conveying device 612 is an example of the height adjustment mechanism of this utility model.

[0201] Furthermore, the second horizontal transport device 613 is an example of the mounting mechanism of this utility model.

[0202] like Figure 5 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.

[0203] 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).

[0204] 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.

[0205] When the pair of moving frames 611a stop at the intermediate stop position Q11, the pair of chucks 611c clamp and hold the upper end of the glass plate Ga.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] It should be noted that the first intermediate placement position P7 is an example of the second specified position of this utility model.

[0210] like Figure 6 As 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.

[0211] It should be noted that the chuck 612a is an example of the retaining part of this utility model.

[0212] In addition, a pair of direct-acting actuators 612d is an example of the drive source of this invention.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] In addition, the support frame 612b supports a pair of clamps 612a on its lower surface.

[0216] 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.

[0217] A pair of direct-acting actuators 612d are configured such that the telescopic rods 612d1 face upwards and are upright relative to each other.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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 5 (b)

[0222] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transferred from the first horizontal direction conveying device 611 to the vertical direction conveying device 612.

[0223] Then, the support frame 612b moves downward and stops when it reaches the specified lower limit position Q22.

[0224] 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.

[0225] It should be noted that the second intermediate placement position P8 is an example of the third specified position of this utility model.

[0226] Thus, in this embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism is a structure consisting of a vertical transport device 612 that transports the glass plate Ga in the vertical direction.

[0227] With this structure, the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M according to this embodiment, as a mechanism for adjusting the height of the glass plate Ga, which is composed of a longitudinal orientation, can move the glass plate Ga in the vertical direction with low air resistance affecting the glass plate Ga and can adjust the height of the glass plate Ga in a stable state.

[0228] Furthermore, the vertical transport device 612 in this embodiment has the following structure: a plurality of (pairs) clamps (holding parts) 612a, which are arranged along the horizontal width direction (front-back direction) relative to the glass plate Ga in its longitudinal orientation, and are capable of holding the upper end of the glass plate Ga; a support frame 612b, which extends along the horizontal width direction (front-back direction) and supports the plurality of clamps 612a; a pair of guide parts 612c, which are provided at both ends (front-back direction ends) of the support frame 612b in the extension direction, and guide the movement direction of the support frame 612b to the vertical direction; and a pair of direct-acting actuators 612d (driving parts), which serve as the driving source for moving the support frame 612b.

[0229] That is, in the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M in this embodiment, the structure is as follows: the support frame 612b of the vertical transport device 612 is a two-end support structure that is supported by a pair of guides 612c at both ends in the extended direction (both ends in the front and rear directions), and the glass plate Ga, which is held in a longitudinal position by a plurality of (a pair) clamps (holding parts) 612a, is transported in the vertical direction via the support frame 612b.

[0230] Therefore, according to the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M in this embodiment, for example, compared to the case where the support frame 612b has a cantilever structure, the glass plate Ga can be held in a more stable state, and the glass plate Ga can be transported in the vertical direction while suppressing vibrations, etc.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical transport device 612 is configured to transport the glass plate Ga received from the first horizontal transport device 611 downwards.

[0232] Here, in the manufacturing process of glass plate Ga, when the glass plate Ga is transported in a longitudinal position between each process using the transport device 7, there are obstacles such as the wiring equipment of the inspection device 51 and other piping equipment below the transport path A. Therefore, in order to avoid interference with these obstacles, the transport height of the glass plate Ga transported by the transport device 7 is set to a relatively high position.

[0233] On the other hand, since the pallet T is moved out of the glass plate Ga manufacturing process by the operator after it is constructed as a glass plate bundle M, it is difficult to place it at a high position corresponding to the handling height of the handling device 7, and it is generally placed on the floor.

[0234] According to the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the glass plate bundle M in this embodiment, a glass plate Ga in a vertical orientation can be effectively transported between a transport device 7 (more specifically, a fifth transport device body 75) located at a high position and a tray T located below the fifth transport device body 75 and disposed on the floor surface using a vertical transport device 612.

[0235] like Figure 7 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).

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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 6 (a)).

[0241] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transferred from the vertical transport device 612 to the second horizontal transport device 613.

[0242] 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.

[0243] Afterwards, the clamping state of the pair of chucks 613e is released, and the moving frame 613a moves again toward the standby position Q31.

[0244] Thus, the glass plate Ga is transported by the second horizontal transport device 613 and placed on the tray T.

[0245] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the second horizontal transport device 613 is a structure that uses a pair of clamps 613e to hold the glass plate Ga in a slightly bent state toward the tray T and transport the glass plate Ga toward the tray T.

[0246] That is, in this embodiment, the second horizontal transport device (carrying mechanism) 613 is a structure that holds and transports the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal posture and in a state in which the central part of the horizontal width direction (front and back direction) protrudes towards the transport direction side.

[0247] With this structure, the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M according to this embodiment can suppress the influence of air resistance on the glass plate Ga when the glass plate Ga is transported by the second horizontal transport device (loading mechanism) 613, and transport the glass plate Ga to the tray T in a stable state.

[0248] On the other hand, Figure 4In this structure, the transport device (horizontal transport device) 7 (more specifically, the fifth transport device body 75), the first horizontal transport device (thickness transport mechanism) 611, and the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612 are all structures that hold and transport the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal posture and in a planar state along the horizontal (front and back) direction.

[0249] Here, in the fifth transport device body (horizontal transport device) 75, when the glass plate Ga is set to bend in the thickness direction (left-right direction) during transport, the air resistance on the glass plate is relatively large. Therefore, the glass plate Ga is prone to swinging during transport, which poses a risk of breakage.

[0250] Furthermore, in the first horizontal direction conveying device (plate thickness direction conveying mechanism) 611, the conveying distance of the glass plate Ga is relatively short, so the advantages obtained by setting the state of the glass plate Ga during conveying to a state bent in the plate thickness direction (left and right direction) are few.

[0251] Furthermore, in the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612, the glass plate Ga in a vertical orientation is transported in the vertical direction. Therefore, the air resistance experienced by the glass plate Ga during transport is already very small, and there is little need to set the state of the glass plate Ga during transport to a state that is bent in the thickness direction (left-right direction).

[0252] Therefore, in the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M in this embodiment, the glass plate Ga is set to a longitudinal orientation and a planar orientation along the horizontal direction in the fifth transport device main body (horizontal width direction transport device) 75, the first horizontal direction transport device (plate thickness direction transport mechanism) 611, and the vertical direction transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612 during transport. This allows the glass plate Ga to be transported more appropriately without causing breakage.

[0253] In the transfer device 61 constructed with the above structure, the glass plate Ga is moved at a speed V1 (refer to...) by the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612. Figure 6 Let V2 be the speed at which the glass plate Ga is moved by the first horizontal moving device (thickness-direction moving mechanism) 611 (refer to) Figure 5 ) and the transport speed V3 of the glass plate Ga transported by the second horizontal transport device (loading mechanism) 613 (refer to Figure 7 (V1>V2, V1>V3).

[0254] Here, the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612 transports the vertically oriented glass plate Ga in the vertical direction, so the air resistance affecting the glass plate Ga is small, and the transport speed can be increased while suppressing the generation of sway.

[0255] On the other hand, the first horizontal transport device (thickness direction transport mechanism) 611 and the second horizontal transport device (placement mechanism) 613 transport the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal orientation along the approximate thickness direction (left-right direction). Therefore, the air resistance affecting the glass plate Ga is relatively large, making it difficult to increase the transport speed while suppressing the generation of sway.

[0256] In the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M in this embodiment, the transport speed V1 of the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612 is set to be faster than the transport speed V2 of the first horizontal transport device (plate thickness transport mechanism) 611 and the transport speed V3 of the second horizontal transport device (loading mechanism) 613 (V1 > V2, V1 > V3). As a result, the production interval time of the transfer device 61 as a whole can be effectively shortened while suppressing the swaying of the glass plate Ga during transport.

[0257] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the control device 8 (refer to...) Figure 8 The control method for the transfer device 61 is such that the control device 8 is structured such that, after the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612 receives the glass plate Ga from the first horizontal transport device (plate thickness direction transport mechanism) 611 and just before the transfer operation of the second horizontal transport device (placement mechanism) 613 begins, the transport operation of the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612 is stopped.

[0258] With this structure, the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M according to this embodiment, for example, even if the operation of the second horizontal transport device (loading mechanism) 613 is delayed due to unexpected external factors, can adjust the timing of the second horizontal transport device (loading mechanism) 613 returning to normal operation by keeping the glass plate Ga in standby state through the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612.

[0259] As described above, the glass bundle M manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes: a glass plate stack G, which is composed of a plurality of stacked glass plates Ga; and a tray T, which bundles the glass plate stack G in an upright position. The manufacturing apparatus for the glass bundle M includes: a transport device (horizontal transport device) 7 (more specifically, a fifth transport device body 75), which holds the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal position and transports the glass plate Ga along a horizontal direction (front-back direction) that is orthogonal to the thickness direction (left-right direction) in a top view; a transfer device 61, which transfers the glass plate Ga in a longitudinal position onto the tray T; and a control device 8, which controls the operation of the fifth transport device (horizontal transport device) 75 and the transfer device 61.

[0260] Furthermore, the transfer device 61 has the following structure: a first horizontal transport device (thickness direction transport mechanism) 611, which transports the glass plate Ga, which is transported to the transfer position (first predetermined position) P6 by the fifth transport device body (width direction transport device) 75, along the thickness direction (left-right direction); a vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612, which receives the glass plate Ga, which is transported to the first intermediate placement position (second predetermined position) P7 by the first horizontal transport device (thickness direction transport mechanism) 611, and transports the glass plate Ga to the second intermediate placement position (third predetermined position) P8 at a predetermined height; and a second horizontal transport device (placement mechanism) 613, which receives the glass plate Ga, which is transported to the second intermediate placement position (third predetermined position) P8 by the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612, and transports and places the glass plate Ga on the tray T.

[0261] Thus, in the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M in this embodiment, the structure is as follows: the glass plate Ga, which is transported to the transfer position (first predetermined position) P6 by the transport device (horizontal width direction transport device) 7 (fifth transport device body 75) in a longitudinal position, is transported to the height of the glass plate Ga when it is transferred to the tray T, i.e., the second intermediate placement position (third predetermined position) P8, by the first horizontal direction transport device (thickness direction transport mechanism) 611 and the vertical direction transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612. Then, the glass plate Ga is placed on the tray T by the second horizontal direction transport device (placement mechanism) 613.

[0262] Therefore, according to the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the glass plate bundle M in this embodiment, even if the external dimensions (vertical dimensions) are changed according to the type of glass plate Ga, by appropriately adjusting the first horizontal transport device (plate thickness transport mechanism) 611 and the vertical transport device (height adjustment mechanism) 612, the height of the glass plate Ga when transferring to the tray T can always be set to a constant second intermediate placement position (third predetermined position) P8. This allows for easy handling of multiple types of glass plates Ga with different external dimensions, and can improve the overall productivity of the equipment.

[0263] 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. An apparatus for manufacturing a glass plate bundle, the glass plate bundle comprising: a glass plate stack composed of a plurality of stacked glass plates; and a tray for bundling the glass plate stack in an upright position. Its features are, The manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle 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 transfer device that transfers the glass plate onto the tray in a longitudinal orientation; as well as A control device that controls the operation of the transverse transport device and the transfer device. The transfer device has: The thickness-direction conveying mechanism transports the glass plate, which has been transported to a first predetermined position by the width-direction conveying device, along the thickness direction. A height adjustment mechanism receives the glass plate, which has been moved to a second predetermined position by the thickness-direction transport mechanism, from the thickness-direction transport mechanism, and transports the glass plate to a third predetermined position at a predetermined height; and The loading mechanism receives the glass plate, which has been moved to a third predetermined position by the height adjustment mechanism, from the height adjustment mechanism, and loads the glass plate onto the tray.

2. The manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height adjustment mechanism consists of a vertical transport device that moves the glass plate vertically.

3. The manufacturing apparatus for the glass plate bundle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transport speed V1 of the glass plate transported by the vertical transport device is faster than the transport speed V2 of the glass plate transported by the thickness transport mechanism and the transport speed V3 of the glass plate transported by the loading mechanism, that is, V1 > V2 and V1 > V3.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing glass plate bundles according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The control device stops the transporting action of the vertical transport device during the period between when the vertical transport device receives the glass plate from the plate thickness transport mechanism and immediately before the transfer action is started by the loading mechanism.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing glass plate bundles according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The vertical conveying device has: Multiple retaining parts are arranged along the transverse width direction relative to the longitudinal orientation of the glass plate, and are capable of retaining the upper end of the glass plate; A support frame that extends along the said transverse width direction and supports the plurality of retaining parts; A pair of guide portions are disposed at both ends of the support frame in the extending direction, and guide the movement direction of the support frame in the vertical direction; and The drive unit serves as the driving source for moving the support frame.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass plate bundle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The loading mechanism holds the glass plate in a longitudinal position and in a bent state with the central portion protruding towards the transport direction in the transverse direction, and transports the glass plate.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass plate bundle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The horizontal width transport device, the plate thickness transport mechanism, and the vertical transport device hold the glass plate in a longitudinal orientation and in a planar state along the horizontal width direction, and transport the glass plate.

8. The apparatus for manufacturing a glass plate bundle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The vertical transport device transports the glass plate downwards.

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