Glass plate manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method

Abstract

To surely collect glass powder generated by splitting when splitting a glass ribbon while transferring downward in a vertical posture to cut the glass plate.SOLUTION: An apparatus 1 for manufacturing a glass plate includes: a scribing mechanism 3 for forming a scribe line S in the width direction of a glass ribbon G while transferring downward in a vertical posture; a splitting mechanism 4 curving and splitting the formation part of the scribe line S in the glass ribbon G to cut a glass plate Gs from the glass ribbon G; and a dust collector 14 for sucking and collecting glass powder Gk generated by the splitting. The dust collector 14 including a suction nozzle 13 having a suction port 13a expanded in the width direction, a negative pressure generation source 16 for generating negative pressure in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13 and a connection pipe 17 for connecting the suction nozzle 13 and the negative pressure generation source 16 can control the opening of the suction port 13a for every position in the width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a glass plate.

Background Art

[0002] As one of the methods for manufacturing a glass plate, there is a method of cutting out a glass plate from a glass ribbon by cutting the glass ribbon in the width direction while conveying it downward in a vertical posture. An example of the same method is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the method disclosed in the same document, first, a scribe line (groove line in the same document) is formed along the width direction on one surface of the glass ribbon being conveyed downward in a vertical posture. Then, the glass ribbon is cut by folding by curving the formation part of the scribe line so that one surface side becomes convex. As a result, the part below the scribe line from the glass ribbon is cut out as a glass plate. The glass powder generated from the cut part formed along with the folding cut is sucked and dust-collected. When dust-collecting the glass powder, the glass powder is sucked from a suction port (such as a groove-side vacuum port in the same document) that spreads in the width direction and faces the cut part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The air velocity (suction force) generated when the suction port sucks up glass powder varies and is not uniform depending on its position in the width direction of the port. In this case, a higher air velocity is required in positions where a large amount of glass powder is generated in the width direction to suck up a larger quantity of glass powder. However, as mentioned above, due to the non-uniformity of the air velocity, there can be a misalignment in the width direction between the position with the highest air velocity and the position where a lot of glass powder is generated. In this case, the suction port may not be able to suck up all the glass powder, resulting in glass powder adhering to the glass plate cut from the glass ribbon.

[0006] In light of the circumstances described above, the technical challenge to be addressed is to ensure reliable collection of glass dust generated during the folding and cutting process when a glass ribbon is being transported downwards in a vertical position to cut out glass plates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A glass plate manufacturing apparatus for solving the above problems comprises: a scribe mechanism that forms a scribe line along the width direction on one side of a glass ribbon being conveyed downward in a vertical position; a folding mechanism that curves the portion of the glass ribbon where the scribe line is formed so that one side is convex and folds and cuts it, and cuts out the portion of the glass ribbon below the scribe line as a glass plate; and a dust collector that sucks up and collects glass powder generated from the cut portion formed by the folding and cutting, wherein the dust collector comprises a suction nozzle that widens in the width direction and has a suction port facing the cut portion, a negative pressure generating source that generates negative pressure in the internal space of the suction nozzle, and a connecting pipe that connects the suction nozzle and the negative pressure generating source, and the opening of the suction port can be adjusted for each position in the width direction.

[0008] This manufacturing apparatus allows the suction port opening to be adjusted at each position in the width direction. This adjustment makes it possible to adjust the airflow velocity (suction force) at each position in the width direction. Therefore, the desired airflow velocity can be generated at positions in the width direction where a large amount of glass powder is generated and a high airflow velocity is required. As a result, reliable collection of glass powder becomes possible.

[0009] (2) The manufacturing apparatus described in (1) above preferably has an adjustment mechanism that allows the opening dimensions of the suction port along the vertical direction to be adjusted for each position in the width direction, and the opening degree of the suction port at each position in the width direction is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism.

[0010] In this way, the opening degree of the suction port at each position in the width direction can be easily adjusted by using the adjustment mechanism.

[0011] (3) In the manufacturing apparatus described in (2) above, the adjustment mechanism is preferably a blocking member that partially closes the suction port, and the blocking member is preferably attachable to and detachable from the suction port.

[0012] In this way, by simply attaching the blocking member to the suction port, the opening dimensions along the vertical direction of the suction port can be adjusted for each position in the width direction. Furthermore, since the blocking member can be attached and removed, the opening dimensions at each position in the width direction can be easily changed by replacing it with a blocking member that has a different shape for blocking the suction port.

[0013] (4) In the manufacturing apparatus described in (3) above, it is preferable that the closing member is divided into multiple members along the width direction.

[0014] In this way, because the blocking member is divided into multiple members, when adjusting the opening degree of the suction port at a specific position in the width direction (opening dimension along the vertical direction), it is only necessary to replace the member corresponding to that specific position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of work required when adjusting the opening degree of the suction port at a specific position.

[0015] (5) In any of the manufacturing apparatuses described in (1) to (4) above, it is preferable that the connecting pipe is connected to the end portion in the width direction of the suction nozzle.

[0016] This configuration places the connecting tube at the end of the suction nozzle, eliminating the need for a connecting tube in the central part on the inside in the width direction. In this case, it becomes easier to install sensors, cameras, etc., around the central part where there is no connecting tube.

[0017] (6) In the manufacturing apparatus of (5) above, it is preferable that the connection portion of the connecting pipe with the suction nozzle is directed toward the suction port, or the connection portion is parallel to the suction port, and when viewed from a direction along the vertical direction, the angle between the widthwise centerline of the suction nozzle and the pipe axis of the connection portion is 10° or more and 90° or less.

[0018] This makes it easier to increase the airflow velocity even around the center of the suction port in the width direction. When the connecting pipe is connected to the end portion of the suction nozzle, the area around the center of the suction port in the width direction is the furthest from the connecting part. However, if the connecting part is directed towards the suction port, and the angle between the width-direction centerline of the suction nozzle and the pipe axis of the connecting part is between 10° and 90°, it becomes easier to increase the airflow velocity even around the center of the suction port in the width direction.

[0019] (7) In any of the manufacturing apparatuses described in (1) to (6) above, it is preferable that the apparatus is equipped with multiple connecting pipes, the internal space of the suction nozzle is divided into the same number of flow paths as the number of connecting pipes by partition members, a connecting pipe is connected to each of the multiple flow paths, and in each flow path, the suction port is located at the upstream end and the connecting pipe is located at the downstream end.

[0020] In this way, the internal space of the suction nozzle is divided into multiple flow paths, and each flow path is connected by a connecting pipe, thus preventing large pressure differences between the flow paths. This makes it possible to suppress pressure differences within the internal space as much as possible. As a result, excessive differences in air velocity at different positions in the width direction of the suction port can be avoided.

[0021] (8) In any of the manufacturing apparatuses (1) to (7) described above, it is preferable that the suction nozzle is movable between an operating position for sucking glass powder and a standby position farther from the glass ribbon than the operating position.

[0022] By doing so, when the glass powder is not being sucked, the suction nozzle can be moved to the standby position, thereby preventing unnecessary contact between the suction nozzle and the glass ribbon.

[0023] (9) In any of the manufacturing apparatuses (1) to (8) described above, it is preferable that the suction port is wider than the glass ribbon.

[0024] By doing so, compared to the cut portion formed along with the fold cutting of the glass ribbon, the suction port facing the cut portion is wider, which is advantageous for reliably collecting the glass powder.

[0025] (10) Further, according to the method for manufacturing a glass plate using any of the manufacturing apparatuses (1) to (9) described above, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as those of the above manufacturing apparatus.

Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the glass plate according to the present disclosure, when cutting out a glass plate by fold cutting a vertically conveyed glass ribbon in a vertical posture, reliable dust collection of the glass powder generated along with the fold cutting becomes possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing a manufacturing apparatus of a glass plate. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing the A-A cross section of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing a dust collector. [Figure 4] It is a front view showing a suction port formed in a suction nozzle. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a glass plate. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing glass plates. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing glass plates. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing glass plates. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The glass plate manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the X, Y, and Z directions shown in each drawing referred to in the description of the embodiment are mutually orthogonal directions.

[0029] <Glass plate manufacturing equipment> First, let's explain the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as manufacturing apparatus 1).

[0030] The manufacturing apparatus 1 is equipped with a cutting mechanism 2 for cutting a glass ribbon G that is being transported downward in a vertical position along the width direction (X direction) of the cutting target Gp, thereby cutting out the portion to be cut Gx located below the cutting target Gp from the glass ribbon G. When the glass ribbon G is cut by the cutting mechanism 2, the portion to be cut Gx is cut out as a glass plate Gs.

[0031] Here, the glass ribbon G is glass formed by a downdraw method (e.g., overflow downdraw, redraw, slot downdraw). The glass ribbon G includes an effective portion G1 located in the center in the width direction and ineffective portions G2 located at both ends in the width direction. The effective portion G1 is the part that will later become a finished glass sheet, while the ineffective portion G2 is the part that will be discarded without becoming a finished glass sheet. The ineffective portion G2 includes a thicker edge portion Gm (see Figure 3) than the other parts. Note that the boundary between the effective portion G1 and the ineffective portion G2 is shown by a dashed line in Figure 1.

[0032] The cutting mechanism 2 includes a scribe mechanism 3 for forming a scribe line S (see Figure 5) on one surface Ga of the portion to be cut Gp extending in the width direction of the glass ribbon G, and a folding mechanism 4 for folding and cutting the glass ribbon G along the scribe line S (see Figures 6 to 8).

[0033] The scribe mechanism 3 includes a scribe auxiliary member 5 that supports the portion Gp of the glass ribbon G to be cut from the other side Gb, and a scribe wheel 6 that moves (travels) on one side Ga of the portion Gp to be cut while forming a scribe line S.

[0034] Both the scribe auxiliary member 5 and the scribe wheel 6 can move up and down in the vertical direction (Y direction) by a lifting device (not shown). When the scribe line S is formed, both 5 and 6 descend following the glass ribbon G at the same speed as the downward transport speed of the glass ribbon G. In other words, when the scribe line S is formed, the relative vertical positional relationship between both 5 and 6 and the glass ribbon G remains unchanged and is maintained.

[0035] The scribe auxiliary member 5 is formed to be elongated along the width direction of the glass ribbon G. The scribe auxiliary member 5 has a contact portion 5a that directly contacts the glass ribbon G (the portion to be cut Gp). The contact portion 5a can contact the entire width of the glass ribbon G (the portion to be cut Gp), or the portion excluding the tabs Gm at both ends in the width direction.

[0036] The scribe wheel 6 is a disc-shaped member with a blade-shaped periphery. The scribe wheel 6 travels on the contact portion 5a of the scribe auxiliary member 5 via the glass ribbon G (part to be cut Gp). As the scribe wheel 6 travels, it forms a scribe line S along the entire width of the glass ribbon G (part to be cut Gp), or in the portion excluding the ear portions Gm at both ends in the width direction. The scribe auxiliary member 5 may be roller-shaped, in which case the scribe auxiliary member 5 is configured to move in the width direction following the scribe wheel 6.

[0037] Both the scribe auxiliary member 5 and the scribe wheel 6 are movable along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the glass ribbon G. More specifically, both 5 and 6 can move between a contact position in contact with the glass ribbon G (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 2) and a standby position away from the glass ribbon G (indicated by a solid line in Figure 2). Both 5 and 6 are in the contact position when the scribe line S is being formed, and are in the standby position when the scribe line S is not being formed.

[0038] The folding mechanism 4 bends the glass ribbon G, on which the scribe lines S are formed, so that the portion to be cut Gp is ​​convex on one side Ga, and applies bending stress to the portion to be cut Gp, thereby folding and cutting the glass ribbon G. In this way, the folding mechanism 4 cuts out the portion to be cut Gx from the glass ribbon G as a glass plate Gs.

[0039] The folding mechanism 4 includes a support member 7 that supports the glass ribbon G from the other side Gb, and a holding member 8 that holds the portion Gx of the glass ribbon G to be cut. Although the holding member 8 belongs to the folding mechanism 4, it operates not only when the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, but also when the scribe line S is formed (details will be described later).

[0040] The support member 7 can move up and down vertically by a lifting device (not shown). The holding member 8 can move vertically by a moving device (not shown). When the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, both the support member 7 and the holding member 8 descend at the same speed as the downward transport speed of the glass ribbon G. As a result, when the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, the relative vertical positional relationship between both members 7 and 8 and the glass ribbon G does not change.

[0041] The support member 7 is a member that acts as a fulcrum for curving the portion Gp to be cut when the glass ribbon G is broken or cut. The support member 7 is formed to be elongated along the width direction of the glass ribbon G. The support member 7 has a contact portion 7a that is in direct contact with the glass ribbon G. The contact portion 7a can contact the entire width of the glass ribbon G, or the portion excluding the tabs Gm at both ends in the width direction.

[0042] The support member 7 is movable along the thickness direction of the glass ribbon G. Specifically, the support member 7 can move between a contact position in contact with the glass ribbon G (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 2) and a standby position away from the glass ribbon G (indicated by a solid line in Figure 2). The support member 7 is in the contact position when the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, and is in the standby position at other times.

[0043] The holding member 8 has a pair of arms 9, 9 facing each other at one end and the other end in the width direction of the part to be cut Gx. Each of the pair of arms 9, 9 has an arm body 10 extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of chucks 11 attached to the arm body 10 in an arrangement in the vertical direction.

[0044] Each of the multiple chucks 11 is equipped with a pair of jaws 11a, 11a that grip the non-effective portion G2 of the part to be cut Gx in the thickness direction (Z direction). The pair of jaws 11a, 11a can be opened and closed. By closing each jaw 11a to a closed state (shown by a solid line in Figure 2), the part to be cut Gx is gripped, and by opening each jaw 11a to an open state (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2), the grip on the part to be cut Gx is released.

[0045] The arm body 10 is capable of rotational movement about an axis extending in the X direction by a guide mechanism (not shown). The axis that serves as the center of rotation is located above the arm body 10. As it rotates, the arm body 10 can assume a vertical position parallel to the vertical direction (shown by a solid line in Figure 2) and an inclined position tilted relative to the vertical position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2). As a result, with multiple chucks 11 gripping the part to be cut Gx, the arm body 10 transitions from the vertical position to the inclined position, causing the part of the glass ribbon G to be curved.

[0046] The manufacturing apparatus 1 is further equipped with a gas injection nozzle 12 and a suction nozzle 13 (not shown in Figure 1). The gas injection nozzle 12 has the function of injecting gas 12a (see Figures 7 and 8), such as air (including clean air or clean dry air), to blow away the glass powder Gk generated when the glass ribbon G is broken and cut. The suction nozzle 13 has the function of sucking the glass powder Gk from one side Ga of the glass ribbon G. Here, the suction nozzle 13 is part of a dust collector 14 (see Figure 3) provided in the manufacturing apparatus 1. The dust collector 14 is a device for collecting the glass powder Gk sucked up by the suction nozzle 13, and its details will be described later.

[0047] Both the gas injection nozzle 12 and the suction nozzle 13 can move up and down in the vertical direction (Y direction) by a lifting device (not shown). When the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, both 12 and 13 descend in the same speed as the downward transport speed of the glass ribbon G. In other words, when the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, the relative vertical positional relationship between both 12 and 13 and the glass ribbon G remains unchanged and is maintained.

[0048] The gas injection nozzle 12 is positioned on the other side Gb of the glass ribbon G and below the contact portion 7a of the support member 7. The gas injection nozzle 12 is positioned to inject gas 12a towards the ineffective portion G2 of the glass ribbon G. More specifically, when observed from the Y direction, the gas injection nozzle 12 is inclined with respect to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the glass ribbon G, and the tip of the nozzle is tilted outward in the width direction (X direction).

[0049] In this embodiment, the gas injection nozzle 12 is configured to inject gas 12a directed towards the ineffective portion G2, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the gas injection nozzle 12 may be configured to inject gas 12a over the entire width of the glass ribbon G using an injection port that is elongated in the width direction (X direction) of the glass ribbon G.

[0050] The suction nozzle 13 is positioned opposite the gas injection nozzle 12, sandwiching the glass ribbon G in the thickness direction (Z direction). The suction opening 13a formed in the suction nozzle 13 extends in the width direction (X direction) of the glass ribbon G, and the suction opening 13a is wider than the glass ribbon G (see Figure 3). An elastic member 15 is attached to the suction opening 13a. In this embodiment, three elastic members 15 are attached to the suction opening 13a in three vertical rows, and each elastic member 15 extends across the entire width of the suction opening 13a. The elastic members 15 act as cushioning materials to absorb the impact when the glass ribbon G, or glass plates Gs cut from the glass ribbon G, come into contact with the suction nozzle 13. The number of elastic members 15 may be increased or decreased as appropriate.

[0051] Both the gas injection nozzle 12 and the suction nozzle 13 are movable along the thickness direction of the glass ribbon G. More specifically, both 12 and 13 can move between an operating position close to the glass ribbon G (see Figures 6 to 8) and a standby position further away from the glass ribbon G than the operating position (the position shown in Figure 2). Both 12 and 13 are in the operating position when the glass powder Gk is being sucked (blown away), and in the standby position at all other times.

[0052] The dust collector 14 will be described below based on Figures 3 and 4.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the dust collector 14 comprises a suction nozzle 13, a negative pressure source 16 (e.g., a blower or vacuum tank) that generates negative pressure in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, and a connecting pipe 17 that connects the suction nozzle 13 and the negative pressure source 16. Each arrow in Figure 3 indicates the flow of gas from the suction port 13a into the internal space 13b to the outside of the internal space 13b through the connecting pipe 17. The dust collector 14 may also be equipped with a collector (e.g., a bag filter) between the suction nozzle 13 and the negative pressure source 16 to collect glass powder Gk.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the suction port 13a (the outline of the opening is shown by a thick line) formed in the suction nozzle 13 can be adjusted for each position in the width direction (X direction). In other words, the suction port 13a can have a different opening area per unit width at each position in the width direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, with the aim of maximizing the airflow velocity at the center of the suction port 13a in the width direction, the opening of the suction port 13a is maximized at the center of the width direction, and the opening of the suction port 13a is gradually reduced as it moves from the center of the width direction to both ends of the width direction.

[0056] Here, the configuration shown in Figure 4 is adapted for cases where a large amount of glass powder Gk is present in the center of the width direction when the glass ribbon G is folded and cut, and for this adaptation, the opening of the suction port 13a is maximized at the center of the width direction. Therefore, for example, if a large amount of glass powder Gk is present at a position offset from the center of the width direction or at both ends of the width direction, it is preferable to maximize the opening of the suction port 13a at that offset position or at both ends of the width direction. Note that positions where a large amount of glass powder Gk is present in the width direction are, for example, positions where the scribe line S is deeply formed or positions corresponding to the ear portion Gm.

[0057] The opening degree of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism 18 that can adjust the opening dimension H along the vertical direction (Y direction) of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 18 is a plate 19 that acts as a blocking member to partially close the upper region of the suction port 13a. Alternatively, the plate 19 may partially close the lower region of the suction port 13a (for example, the inverted form of the configuration shown in Figure 4). The plate 19 is divided into multiple members (eight plate pieces 20 in this embodiment) along its width. In the following description, the eight plate pieces 20 may be distinguished by being referred to as plate pieces 20a, 20b, ... 20g, 20h in order of their arrangement. While the material of the plate pieces 20 is not limited, metal plates such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy plates are preferred considering heat resistance and durability.

[0059] Each of the eight plate pieces 20 can be attached to and detached from the suction port 13a. Each plate piece 20 has a through hole (not shown) along its thickness direction (Z direction). Fasteners (e.g., bolts) are inserted through the through holes and are tightened and fixed to a partition member 21 (see Figure 3) located in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. In this way, each plate piece 20 is attached to the suction port 13a. Of course, other configurations may be used to attach each plate piece 20 to the suction port 13a.

[0060] Since each plate piece 20 can be attached to and detached from the suction port 13a, the configuration in which the plate body 19 closes the suction port 13a can be changed by replacing some or all of the eight plate pieces 20. In other words, it is possible to adjust the opening degree of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction.

[0061] The eight plate pieces 20 are arranged in the width direction either without gaps between them or with the gaps between them sealed. One example of sealing the gaps between them is to seal the gaps with a sheet (tape, etc.). In this embodiment, the eight plate pieces 20 have the same width dimension (X-direction dimension). Of course, this is not the case, and the width dimensions of the eight plate pieces 20 may differ from one another.

[0062] All eight plate pieces 20 are formed in a rectangular shape. Among the eight plate pieces 20 are three types of plate pieces 20 with mutually different vertical dimensions (Y-direction dimensions). The four plate pieces 20a, 20b, 20g, and 20h, located near both ends in the width direction, have the largest vertical dimensions, while the two plate pieces 20d and 20e, located near the center in the width direction, have the smallest vertical dimensions. The remaining two plate pieces 20c and 20f have vertical dimensions intermediate between the above two types. Note that the shape of each plate piece 20 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 4 and may be appropriately changed to match the desired opening dimension H.

[0063] Here, let H0 be the dimension of the suction port 13a along the vertical direction (the opening dimension when the plate body 19 is removed), and let H(H1~H) be the opening dimension of the suction port 13a along the vertical direction. max In this case, the opening degree (H1 / H0) of the suction port 13a at the positions corresponding to the four plate pieces 20a, 20b, 20g, and 20h is, for example, 2.5% to 15%. Furthermore, the opening degree (H2 / H0) of the suction port 13a at the positions corresponding to the two plate pieces 20c and 20f is, for example, 2.5% to 20%. In addition, the opening degree (H1 / H0) of the suction port 13a at the center in the width direction is max / H0) is, for example, between 2.5% and 50%.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, there are multiple connecting pipes 17 (four in this embodiment). All connecting pipes 17 are connected to the same negative pressure source 16. In this embodiment, a blower is used as the negative pressure source 16. The negative pressure source 16 is installed at a position sufficiently far from the suction nozzle 13. When the negative pressure source 16 is activated, gas is discharged from the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13, and negative pressure is generated in the internal space 13b. This causes suction by the suction nozzle 13 (suction port 13a).

[0065] Multiple connecting pipes 17 are each connected to the end portion in the width direction of the suction nozzle 13. Here, "end portion" refers to the portion that has a width of 5% to 30% of the width direction edge of the suction nozzle 13, when the total width of the suction nozzle 13 is defined as dimension W.

[0066] The internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13 has a bottom wall 13ba, a ceiling wall (not shown) facing the bottom wall 13ba, and a side wall 13bb that connects the bottom wall 13ba and the ceiling wall. The connecting portion 17a of each connecting pipe 17 to the suction nozzle 13 is connected to the side wall 13bb of the internal space 13b in a state that is directed toward the suction port 13a, or parallel to the suction port 13a. Note that "the connecting portion 17a is directed toward the suction port 13a" means that when the pipe axis 17aa of the connecting portion 17a is extended, that extension line passes through the suction port 13a, and "the connecting portion 17a is parallel to the suction port 13a" means that the pipe axis 17aa of the connecting portion 17a and the suction port 13a are parallel.

[0067] In this embodiment, multiple (four in this embodiment) connecting portions 17a are arranged symmetrically with respect to the widthwise centerline 13c of the suction nozzle 13. Here, when observed from the Y direction, the lower limit of the angles θ1 and θ2 between the widthwise centerline 13c of the suction nozzle 13 and the pipe axis 17aa of the connecting portion 17a is preferably 10°, more preferably 20°. The upper limit is preferably 90°, more preferably 30°. In this embodiment, angles θ1 and θ2 are the same, but angles θ1 and θ2 may be different.

[0068] Multiple partition members 21 (seven in this embodiment) are arranged in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. In this embodiment, the multiple partition members 21 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the widthwise center line 13c of the suction nozzle 13. Each partition member 21 has a screw hole (not shown) for tightening the fasteners mentioned above.

[0069] The internal space 13b and each partition member 21 have the same dimensions in the vertical direction (Y-direction dimension). That is, the upper end of each partition member 21 is in contact with the ceiling wall of the internal space 13b, and the lower end is in contact with the bottom wall 13ba. Therefore, it is impossible for gas or glass powder Gk to pass through the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13 with the partition members 21 in between. In addition, each partition member 21 also serves as a reinforcing material to prevent the internal space 13b from collapsing due to the generation of negative pressure.

[0070] The internal space 13b is divided into the same number of flow paths 22 as the number of connecting pipes 17 (four in this embodiment) by the multiple partition members 21 described above. Each of the flow paths 22 is connected to a corresponding connecting pipe 17. In each flow path 22, a suction port 13a is located at its upstream end, and a connecting pipe 17 is located at its downstream end. Of the four flow paths 22, the two flow paths 22 at both ends in the width direction are mainly for collecting glass powder Gk generated from the ineffective part G2 as a result of folding and cutting the glass ribbon G. On the other hand, the two flow paths 22 on the inside in the width direction are mainly for collecting glass powder Gk generated from the effective part G1 as a result of folding and cutting.

[0071] Here, the number of connecting pipes 17 and the number of flow paths 22 are not limited to the numbers in this embodiment and may be increased or decreased as appropriate. In this case, the number of partition members 21 may also be increased or decreased in accordance with the increase or decrease in the number of connecting pipes 17 and flow paths 22. The number of connecting pipes 17 can be, for example, 2 to 8, and preferably 2 to 6. The number of flow paths 22 can be, for example, 2 to 8, and preferably 2 to 6. The number of connecting pipes 17 and the number of flow paths 22 may be different, but preferably the same. In addition, the connection portion 17a of each connecting pipe 17 to the suction nozzle 13 is preferably connected to the side wall 13bb of the internal space 13b as in this embodiment, but it may also be connected to the bottom wall 13ba or the ceiling wall.

[0072] <Method for manufacturing glass plates> The following describes a method for manufacturing glass plates using the above-mentioned manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0073] In this manufacturing method, when cutting glass plates Gs from glass ribbon G formed by the down-draw method, a scribing step P1 (Figure 5) is performed to form scribe lines S on the glass ribbon G, and a folding step P2 (Figures 6-8) is performed to fold and cut the glass ribbon G along the scribe lines S.

[0074] In the scribing process P1 shown in Figure 5, first, the glass ribbon G being transported downward after molding is held by a pair of arms 9,9 that descend following the glass ribbon G to hold the portion Gx to be cut. Specifically, in each of the multiple chucks 11 on each of the pair of arms 9,9, the portion Gx to be cut is gripped by changing the pair of claws 11a, 11a from an open state to a closed state.

[0075] Next, both the scribe auxiliary member 5 and the scribe wheel 6 are lowered in accordance with the glass ribbon G, moving them from their respective standby positions to their contact positions. Then, the scribe wheel 6 is made to travel along one side Ga of the section to be cut Gp, thereby forming the scribe line S. This completes the scribe process P1.

[0076] After the completion of the scribing process P1, both the scribe auxiliary member 5 and the scribe wheel 6 are moved from the contact position to the standby position. Furthermore, both 5 and 6 are raised to the height position before the formation of the scribe line S. Meanwhile, the pair of arms 9, 9 continue to descend to follow the glass ribbon G and to hold the part to be cut Gx.

[0077] In the folding process P2 shown in Figure 6, first, the support member 7 is moved from the standby position to the contact position while being lowered in accordance with the glass ribbon G. Similarly, the gas injection nozzle 12 and the suction nozzle 13 are moved from the standby position to the operating position while being lowered in accordance with the glass ribbon G. In this embodiment, the contact portion 7a is brought into contact with the glass ribbon G above the portion to be cut Gp. Of course, this is not the only option, and the contact portion 7a may be brought into contact with the portion to be cut Gp.

[0078] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the injection of gas 12a by the gas injection nozzle 12 and suction by the suction nozzle 13 are started. In this embodiment, suction by the suction nozzle 13 is performed only when the folding process P2 is executed, but suction may also be performed at times other than when the folding process P2 is executed. In this case, it is preferable to reduce the air velocity (suction force) compared to when the folding process P2 is executed. In other words, it is preferable to reduce the negative pressure generated in the internal space 13b of the suction nozzle 13. This is to avoid the glass ribbon G oscillating in the thickness direction as the suction of the suction nozzle 13 is performed.

[0079] After injecting gas 12a and initiating suction by the suction nozzle 13, the arm body 10 is rotated to change its orientation from vertical to inclined. This causes the portion of the glass ribbon G to be cut, Gp, to be curved. As bending stress acts on the portion of the glass ribbon G due to the curvature, the glass ribbon G is broken and cut along the scribe line S. Then, as shown in Figure 8, a glass plate Gs is cut out from the glass ribbon G. The upper edge of the cut glass plate Gs is supported from the other side Gb by an elastic member 15 attached to the suction port 13a.

[0080] Glass powder Gk is generated from the cut portion (the cut end surface of the glass ribbon G and glass plate Gs) formed when the glass ribbon G is folded and cut. The generated glass powder Gk is blown away toward the suction nozzle 13 by the gas 12a injected by the gas injection nozzle 12, and is also sucked in from the suction port 13a of the suction nozzle 13, which is facing the cut portion. With this, the folding process P2 is completed.

[0081] After the folding process P2 is completed, the support member 7 is moved from the contact position to the standby position. The gas injection nozzle 12, which has stopped injecting gas 12a, and the suction nozzle 13, which has stopped suction, are moved from the operating position to the standby position. Furthermore, the support member 7, the gas injection nozzle 12, and the suction nozzle 13 are raised to the height position before the glass ribbon G was folded and cut. The cut glass plates Gs are then handed over to a transfer device (not shown) for transporting the glass plates Gs to a downstream process. After the glass plates Gs are handed over to the transfer device, the pair of arms 9, 9 return to the position before the scribe line S was formed.

[0082] Herein, the following modifications can also be applied to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, a plate 19 (multiple plate pieces 20) that partially closes the suction port 13a is used as the adjustment mechanism 18 to adjust the opening degree of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction. Alternatively, a flap may be attached to the suction port 13a as the adjustment mechanism 18, and the opening degree of the suction port 13a at each position in the width direction may be adjusted according to the change in the posture of the flap.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the suction port 13a is divided into eight parts along the width direction by eight plate pieces 20, and the opening degree can be adjusted for each part. However, the number of divisions of the suction port 13a along the width direction can be any number, for example, 2 to 20, and preferably 4 to 16.

[0084] In the scribing process P1 of the above embodiment, the scribe line S was formed while the portion Gx to be cut from the glass ribbon G was held by a pair of arms 9,9, but the invention is not limited to this. The scribe line S may also be formed without the portion Gx to be cut from the glass ribbon G being held by a pair of arms 9,9.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the glass powder Gk is blown away by the gas injection nozzle 12 and sucked up by the suction nozzle 13, but suction by the suction nozzle 13 alone may also be performed. This can suppress oscillation of the glass ribbon G in the thickness direction. Also, in the above embodiment, the suction nozzle 13 is configured to suck up the glass powder Gk from one side Ga of the glass ribbon G, but it may also be configured to suck up from the other side Gb. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Glass plate manufacturing apparatus 3. Scribing mechanism 4 Folding mechanism 13 Suction nozzle 13a Suction port 13b Interior space 13c Width center line 14 Dust collector 16. Sources of negative pressure 17 Connecting pipe 17a Connection part 17aa tube axis 18 Adjustment mechanism 19 Plate (closing member) 20a-20h plate piece 21 Partition Member 22 Flow channels G Glass Ribbon One side of a glass ribbon Gk glass powder Gs glass plate H Opening Dimensions S scribe line W Suction nozzle overall width

Claims

1. A scribe mechanism that forms a scribe line along the width direction on one side of a glass ribbon being transported downward in a vertical position, A folding mechanism that curves the portion of the glass ribbon where the scribe line is formed so that one side is convex, and then folds and cuts the portion of the glass ribbon below the scribe line as a glass plate, A dust collector that sucks up and collects glass powder generated from the cut section formed during the folding and cutting process, A glass plate manufacturing apparatus equipped with, The aforementioned dust collector, A suction nozzle having a suction port that widens in the width direction and faces the cut portion, A negative pressure source that generates negative pressure in the internal space of the suction nozzle, A connecting pipe that connects the suction nozzle and the negative pressure source, Equipped with, A glass plate manufacturing apparatus in which the opening degree of the suction port can be adjusted for each position in the width direction.

2. The suction port has an adjustment mechanism that allows the opening dimensions along the vertical direction to be adjusted for each position in the width direction, The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening degree of the suction port at each position in the width direction is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism.

3. The adjustment mechanism is a blocking member that partially closes the suction port, The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the blocking member is attachable to and detachable from the suction port.

4. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the closing member is divided into a plurality of members along the width direction.

5. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting pipe is connected to the end portion in the width direction of the suction nozzle.

6. The connecting portion of the connecting pipe with the suction nozzle is directed toward the suction port, or the connecting portion is parallel to the suction port. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when observed from a direction along the vertical direction, the angle between the widthwise center line of the suction nozzle and the pipe axis of the connecting portion is 10° or more and 90° or less.

7. The system includes multiple connecting pipes, The internal space of the suction nozzle is divided by a partition member into the same number of flow paths as the number of connecting pipes. Each of the plurality of flow paths is connected to the connecting pipe, The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in each flow path, the suction port is located at the upstream end and the connecting pipe is located at the downstream end.

8. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction nozzle is movable between an operating position for sucking up glass powder and a standby position further away from the glass ribbon than the operating position.

9. The glass plate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction port is wider than the glass ribbon.

10. A method for manufacturing a glass plate using the glass plate manufacturing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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