Method for manufacturing a glass panel unit and an assembly of a glass panel unit

Abstract

Provided is a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit in which a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate are easy to cut off at a position corresponding to a sealing material. This method comprises a placement step S1, a bonding step S2, and a cutting step S4. In the placement step S1, a first glass substrate 1 and a second glass substrate 2 are disposed to face each other with a sealing material 3 therebetween. In the bonding step S2, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are bonded to each other via the sealing material 3. In the cutting step S4, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut along the sealing material 3 and at the same position as viewed from a facing direction X of the bonded first glass substrate 1 and second glass substrate 2. This is also a step where a plurality of sets of the cut first glass substrate 1 and second glass substrate 2 are formed by cutting at a location where the sealing material 3 can be positioned along the side of each. In a first cutting step, the first glass substrate 1 is cut from the surface side. In a second cutting step, the second glass substrate 2 is cut from the surface side.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit and an assembly of the glass panel unit. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit in which a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate are arranged to face each other with a sealing material interposed therebetween, and an assembly of the glass panel unit used in this manufacturing method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit. In this manufacturing method, a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate arranged to face each other with a sealing material interposed therebetween are joined to each other through the sealing material. Then, from one side of the joined first glass substrate and second glass substrate, the first glass substrate, the sealing material, and the second glass substrate are collectively cut along a cut surface passing through the sealing material, thereby manufacturing a glass panel unit.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, it is desired that the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate be cut at positions corresponding to the sealing material without being damaged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit in which a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate are easily cut at positions corresponding to a sealing material, and an assembly of the glass panel unit used in this manufacturing method.

[0006] A method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an arrangement step, a joining step, and a cutting step. In the arrangement step, a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate are arranged facing each other with a sealing material in between. In the joining step, the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate are joined to each other via the sealing material. In the cutting step, the joined first glass substrate and the second glass substrate are cut at the same position when viewed from the opposing direction, and along the sealing material. In the cutting step, a plurality of sets of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate after cutting are formed by cutting each along its edge at a location where the sealing material can be positioned. Furthermore, the cutting step comprises a first cutting step and a second cutting step. In the first cutting step, the first glass substrate is cut from the surface side. In the second cutting step, the second glass substrate is cut from the surface side.

[0007] An assembly of a glass panel unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, a frame material, a plurality of partition materials, and ventilation holes. The first glass substrate and the second glass substrate face each other. The frame material is formed in a frame shape between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate. The plurality of partition materials divide the internal space enclosed by the first glass substrate, the second glass substrate and the frame material into a first space and a second space. The ventilation holes connect the second space to the external space. The plurality of partition materials face each other with gaps between them. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement process of the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement process and joining process of the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a partially broken plan view illustrating the processing and cutting steps of the manufacturing method for the glass panel unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a glass panel unit manufactured by the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement process and joining process of the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC line in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view illustrating the cutting process of the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting process in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19A is a schematic view showing an example of a region forming material in a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19B is a schematic view showing another example of the region forming material in the method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19C is a schematic view showing another example of the region forming material in the method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19D is a schematic view showing another example of the region forming material in the method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view showing a comparative example. FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view showing Example 1. FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view showing Example 2. [Figure 21] FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view showing a cutting process of a conventional example. FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view showing a cutting process of a conventional example. FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional view showing problems of a conventional example.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments and modifications will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21. Note that the following embodiments and modifications are only a part of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the following embodiments and modifications can be variously changed according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Further, it is also possible to appropriately combine the configurations of the modifications.

[0010] The drawings referred to below are all schematic drawings, and the dimensional ratios of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] (First Embodiment) (1) Overview The manufacturing method of the glass panel unit 100 of the present embodiment includes an arranging step S1, a bonding step S2, and a cutting step S4 (see FIG. 7). In the arranging step S1, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are arranged so as to face each other with the sealing material 3 interposed therebetween (see FIGS. 1 to 3). In the bonding step S2, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are bonded to each other through the sealing material 3. In the cutting step S4, the bonded first glass substrate 1 and second glass substrate 2 are cut at the same position when viewed from the facing direction X, and at a location where the sealing material 3 can be positioned along the cut edges of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 after cutting (see FIGS. 8 to 12). The cutting step S4 includes a first cutting step and a second cutting step. In the first cutting step, the first glass substrate 1 is cut from the front surface side. In the second cutting step, the second glass substrate 2 is cut from the front surface side.

[0012] According to the present embodiment, in both the first cutting step and the second cutting step, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut from both front surface sides. Therefore, even when the first glass substrate 1 or the second glass substrate 2 is relatively thick, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are easily cut at positions corresponding to the sealing material 3.

[0013] FIGS. 21A and B show a conventional cutting step. This cutting step is a step of cutting the first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2, and the sealing material 3 after bonding the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 to each other through the sealing material 3 by a bonding step.

[0014] In the conventional cutting process, first, as shown in Figure 21A, a notch 901 is formed in the second surface 12 of the first glass substrate 1. The second surface 12 is the surface opposite to the first surface 11 that faces the second glass substrate 2, and constitutes the surface of the first glass substrate 1. The notch 901 is a crack that penetrates slightly into the interior of the first glass substrate 1 from the second surface 12. The notch 901 is formed in a position corresponding to the sealing material 3. That is, when the first glass substrate 1 is viewed from the second surface 12 side, the notch 901 is formed in a position that overlaps with the sealing material 3. The notch 901 is formed by a cutter 902. The cutter 902 is, for example, a cutting wheel provided in a scriber, and the notch 901 is formed by pressing the tip of the cutter 902 against the second surface 12.

[0015] Next, the second glass substrate 2 is pressed from the second surface 22 towards the first glass substrate 1. The second surface 22 of the second glass substrate 2 is the surface opposite to the first surface 21 which faces the first glass substrate 1, and constitutes the surface of the second glass substrate 2. The position where the second glass substrate 2 is pressed corresponds to the position of the notch 901. That is, when the second glass substrate 2 is viewed from the second surface 22 side, the position that overlaps with the sealing material 3 and the notch 901 is pressed.

[0016] Then, as the second glass substrate 2 is pressed from the second surface 22 towards the first glass substrate 1, the cut 901 progresses from the second surface 12 of the first glass substrate 1 to the first surface 11, the sealing material 3, and the first surface 21 and second surface 22 of the second glass substrate 2, cutting the first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2, and the sealing material 3 in the thickness direction. The cutting line 910 in Figure 21B is the direction in which the cut 901 progresses.

[0017] Here, when both the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are relatively thin, the first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2, and the sealing material 3 are smoothly cut parallel to the thickness direction, as shown by the cutting line 910 in Figure 21B. However, when at least one of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 is relatively thick, the first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2, and the sealing material 3 may not be smoothly cut parallel to the thickness direction. For example, as shown in Figure 21C, even if the first glass substrate 1 and the sealing material 3 are cut in the thickness direction, the second glass substrate 2 may not be cut in the thickness direction. In this case, the cutting line 910 is formed in the thickness direction on the first glass substrate 1 and the sealing material 3, but it may extend along the boundary between the sealing material 3 and the first surface 21 of the second glass substrate 2, resulting in a poor cut.

[0018] On the other hand, in this embodiment, both the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut from the surface side in both the first and second cutting steps. Therefore, even if the first glass substrate 1 or the second glass substrate 2 is relatively thick, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are easily cut at the position corresponding to the sealing material 3.

[0019] (2) Details The manufacturing method for the glass panel unit 100 of this embodiment comprises an arrangement step S1, a joining step S2, and a cutting step S4. In addition to the arrangement step S1, joining step S2, and cutting step S4, the manufacturing method for the glass panel unit 100 may also include a processing step S3. As shown in Figure 7, in the manufacturing method for the glass panel unit 100, the joining step S2 is performed after the arrangement step S1, the processing step S3 is performed after the joining step S2, and the cutting step S4 is performed after the processing step S3. Each step will be described in detail below.

[0020] <Placement process> In the arrangement step S1, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are arranged facing each other with a sealing material 3 in between.

[0021] In the placement process S1, the first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2, the sealing material 3, the multiple spacers 5, and the gas adsorbent 55, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, are each placed in their respective predetermined locations.

[0022] The first glass substrate 1 is a rectangular flat plate, having a first surface 11 on one side in the thickness direction and a second surface 12 on the other side in the thickness direction. The first surface 11 and the second surface 12 of the first glass substrate 1 are planes parallel to each other.

[0023] The material of the first glass substrate 1 is, for example, soda-lime glass, high-strain point glass, chemically strengthened glass, alkali-free glass, quartz glass, neoceram, or physically strengthened glass.

[0024] The first surface 11 of the first glass substrate 1 is composed of the outer surface of the coating 13 (see Figure 3). The coating 13 is, for example, an infrared reflective film, but it may also be a film with other physical properties. It is also possible to omit the coating 13 from the first glass substrate 1.

[0025] The second glass substrate 2 is a rectangular flat plate, similar to the first glass substrate 1. The second glass substrate 2 has a first surface 21 on one side in the thickness direction and a second surface 22 on the other side in the thickness direction. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 of the second glass substrate 2 are parallel planes. Ventilation holes 7 are formed in the corners of the second glass substrate 2.

[0026] The material of the second glass substrate 2 is, for example, soda-lime glass, high-strain point glass, chemically strengthened glass, alkali-free glass, quartz glass, neoceram, or physically strengthened glass.

[0027] The first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are arranged facing each other. In this arrangement, the first surface 11 of the first glass substrate 1 and the first surface 21 of the second glass substrate 2 are positioned parallel to and facing each other (see Figure 3).

[0028] The sealing material 3 is placed between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2. The sealing material 3 includes a frame-shaped frame material 31. The sealing material 3 also includes a partition material 32. The frame material 31 and the partition material 32 are placed on the first surface 21 of the second glass substrate 2. On the first surface 21, the rectangular frame-shaped frame material 31 is placed along the outer edge of the second glass substrate 2. The partition material 32 is placed so as to be surrounded by the frame material 31.

[0029] The first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are airtightly joined together via a sealing material 3 (frame material 31 and partition material 32) by the joining process S2 described later. As a result, an internal space 4 is formed between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2. The internal space 4 is the space enclosed by the frame material 31, the first glass substrate 1, and the second glass substrate 2.

[0030] The sealing material 3 (frame material 31 and partition material 32) is both formed from glass frit (glass paste). The glass frit is a low-melting-point glass frit, such as bismuth-based glass frit, lead-based glass frit, or vanadium-based glass frit. The sealing material 3 is a glass frit with a softening point higher than 265°C, preferably with a softening point of 300°C or higher, and more preferably with a softening point of 350°C or higher. Glass frit with such a high softening point tends to approximate the properties of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 when it becomes the sealing material 3. Therefore, the sealing material 3 is easily cut in the cutting process S4, and cutting defects are less likely to occur. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use bismuth-based glass frit with a softening point of 430°C.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the partition material 32 comprises a straight wall portion 325 and a pair of barrier portions 322 extending from both ends of the wall portion 325 in the longitudinal direction. The pair of barrier portions 322 each extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wall portion 325.

[0032] A ventilation passage 43 is formed between the partition material 32 and the frame material 31. The space formed between one end of the wall portion 325 in the longitudinal direction and the frame material 31, and the space formed between the other end of the wall portion 325 in the longitudinal direction and the frame material 31, are both ventilation passages 43. However, the position and number of ventilation passages 43 are not limited to these.

[0033] Multiple spacers 5 are placed on the first surface 21 of the second glass substrate 2. The multiple spacers 5 are used to maintain a predetermined distance between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2. Each of the multiple spacers 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape using a transparent material. The material of each spacer 5, the size of each spacer 5, the shape of each spacer 5, the spacing between adjacent spacers 5, and the arrangement pattern of the multiple spacers 5 can be selected as appropriate. It is also possible to place only one spacer 5, or to place no spacers 5 at all. Furthermore, the spacers 5 do not have to be made of a transparent material.

[0034] The gas adsorbent 55 is placed on the first surface 21 of the second glass substrate 2. On the first surface 21, the gas adsorbent 55 is located away from the partition material 32 and the ventilation passage 43. The gas adsorbent 55 is used to adsorb gases released from the frame material 31 and partition material 32 during heating. Note that the gas adsorbent 55 may be included in multiple spacers 5, or the gas adsorbent 55 may not be placed at all.

[0035] <Joining process> In bonding step S2, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are bonded to each other via a sealing material 3. That is, bonding step S2 is the process in which the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2, which were positioned in the positioning step S1, are bonded to each other via the sealing material 3. Bonding step S2 also includes the process of forming an internal space 4 surrounded by the frame material 31 between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2, which are bonded via the frame material 31. As a result, the internal space 4 is divided into a first space 41 and a second space 42 by a part of the sealing material 3 (partition material 32) (see Figures 2 and 3). The first space 41 and the second space 42 communicate with each other through a ventilation passage 43.

[0036] In joining process S2, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2, which are set with a sealing material 3 etc. sandwiched between them as shown in Figures 2 and 3, are heated in a sealing furnace. In joining process S2, the temperature inside the sealing furnace is set to a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "first melting temperature") that is above the softening point of the frame material 31. The frame material 31 is melted once in the furnace at the first melting temperature, and the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are airtightly joined via the frame material 31.

[0037] Specifically, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2, placed inside the sealing furnace, are heated at a first melting temperature for a predetermined time. The first melting temperature and the predetermined time are determined so that the ventilation passage 43 is not blocked by the partition material 32. When the joining process S2 is completed, the first space 41 and the second space 42 are ventilated through the ventilation passage 43 located between the frame material 31 and the partition material 32.

[0038] The first space 41 is the space on the side where the multiple spacers 5 and gas adsorbent 55 are located. The second space 42 is the space on the side continuous with the ventilation hole 7. The ventilation hole 7 connects the second space 42 to the outside space. In other words, the ventilation hole 7 connects the second space 42 to the outside space. In this embodiment, the ventilation hole 7 is used to exhaust the first space 41 through the second space 42 and the ventilation passage 43.

[0039] <Processing steps> Processing step S3 is a process in which the internal space 4 is made into a vacuum space, and includes an exhaust process and a sealing process. The exhaust process and sealing process of processing step S3 are carried out in the sealing furnace immediately following the joining process S2.

[0040] The exhaust process is a process in which the air in the internal space 4 is discharged to the outside through the vent hole 7, and the entire internal space 4 is made into a vacuum. In the exhaust process of this embodiment, the air in the first space 41 is discharged to the outside through the vent passage 43, the second space 42, and the vent hole 7, and the pressure in the first space 41 is reduced until it becomes a vacuum space. This exhaust operation is performed, for example, using a vacuum pump, via an exhaust pipe 71 (see Figure 1) connected to the second glass substrate 2 so as to communicate with the vent hole 7. The exhaust time is determined so as to obtain a vacuum space with a desired vacuum level (for example, a vacuum level of 0.1 Pa or less).

[0041] In the sealing process, the partition material 32 is melted at a predetermined temperature above its softening point (hereinafter referred to as the "second melting temperature"), and the partition material 32 deforms to block the ventilation passage 43. As a result, the first space 41, which is in a vacuum, is completely surrounded by the frame material 31 and the partition material 32, sealing it so that it cannot be ventilated to the outside (see Figure 4). Specifically, the partition material 32 deforms so that the blocking portion 322 at one end of the partition material 32 closes one ventilation passage 43, and the blocking portion 322 at the other end closes the other ventilation passage 43 (see Figures 2 and 4). The deformed partition material 32 functions as a partition wall that airtightly separates the vacuum interior space 4 into the first space 41 and the second space 42.

[0042] The second melting temperature for melting the partition material 32 is set to a higher temperature than the first melting temperature. In other words, the partition material 32 is designed to deform at a temperature higher than the first melting temperature and block the ventilation passage 43. This temperature setting prevents the partition material 32 from deforming in a way that blocks the ventilation passage 43 when the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are joined in the joining process S2.

[0043] By going through the above processing step S3, an assembly 8 is obtained that has a first space 41 which is a vacuum space, as shown in Figure 4. The assembly 8 is a temporary assembly unit and is an intermediate used in the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit 100 of this embodiment.

[0044] In this embodiment, processing step S3 is a process in which air from the internal space 4 (first space 41 and second space 42) is discharged through a ventilation hole 7 provided in the second glass substrate 2, and then the first space 41 is sealed by the deformation of a part of the sealing material 3 (partition material 32) (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, processing step S3 may further be provided in which air from the internal space 4 is discharged or gas is supplied to the internal space 4.

[0045] <Cutting process> In cutting step S4, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut along a virtual cutting surface 900 that passes through the first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2, and the sealing material 3. That is, in cutting step S4, the assembly 8 removed from the sealing furnace is cut along the virtual cutting surface 900 shown in Figures 4 and 5, and is physically separated into a portion 81 having a first space 41 and a portion 82 having a second space 42. In a plan view, the cutting surface 900 is provided so as to pass through the partition material 32 over its entire length in the longitudinal direction. That is, the assembly 8 is cut over its entire length in the short direction. Here, a plan view means looking at the second surface 12 of the first glass substrate 1 or the second surface 22 of the second glass substrate 2 from the front in the opposing direction X between the joined first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2. The opposing direction X is the same as the thickness direction between the joined first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2, and the sealing material 3.

[0046] A cutter 902 is used to cut the assembly 8 along the cutting surface 900. The cutter 902 is, for example, a cutting wheel provided in a scribe device. A mechanism for applying vibration to the cutter 902 may also be used. The direction in which the vibration is applied is the thickness direction of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2, in other words, the direction in which the first glass substrate 1, the partition material 32, and the second glass substrate 2 are stacked (equivalent to the opposing direction X). In addition, other devices such as a device that cuts by ejecting a water jet or a device that cuts by irradiating with a laser may be used instead of the scrubbing device.

[0047] In this embodiment, the cutting step S4 cuts the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 at the same position when viewed from the opposing direction X of the joined first glass substrate 1 and second glass substrate 2, and along the sealing material 3. That is, in the cutting step S4, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut at overlapping positions (same positions) in a plan view. The overlapping positions in a plan view are on a virtual cutting surface 900. In addition, the sealing material 3 is also cut in the cutting step S4, but the sealing material 3 is cut at a location where a portion of the sealed material 3 after cutting may be located along the cut edges 811 of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 after cutting. Therefore, a portion of the sealed material 3 after cutting exists along the edges 811 included in the portion 81 having the first space 41, and the airtightness of the first space 41 is maintained. Also, a portion of the sealed material 3 after cutting exists along the edges of the cut portions included in the portion 82 having the second space 42.

[0048] Thus, the cutting process S4 is a process in which multiple sets of first glass substrates 1 and second glass substrates 2 after cutting are formed by cutting along their respective edges at locations where the sealing material 3 can be positioned. In this embodiment, two sets of first glass substrates 1 and second glass substrates 2 are formed after cutting. One of the two sets of first glass substrates 1 and second glass substrates 2 after cutting constitutes a portion 81 having a first space 41, as shown in Figure 6. The other of the two sets of first glass substrates 1 and second glass substrates 2 after cutting constitutes a portion 82 having a second space 42, although this is not shown in the figure. Thus, the cutting process S4 is a process in which the first glass substrates 1 and second glass substrates 2 are cut along their respective cut edges at locations where a portion of the sealing material 3 can be positioned.

[0049] In this embodiment, the cutting process S4 includes a first cutting process and a second cutting process. That is, the process of cutting the first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2, and the sealing material 3 can be carried out in two steps: the first cutting process and the second cutting process.

[0050] The first cutting step involves cutting the first glass substrate 1 from the surface side. Here, the surface side in the first cutting step refers to the side of the first glass substrate 1 that is the second surface 12. Therefore, the first cutting step is the step in which the first glass substrate 1 is cut from the second surface 12 toward the first surface 11.

[0051] The second cutting step involves cutting the second glass substrate 2 from the surface side. Here, the surface side in the second cutting step refers to the second surface 22 side of the second glass substrate 2. Therefore, the second cutting step is the step in which the second glass substrate 2 is cut from the second surface 22 toward the first surface 21.

[0052] The first cutting step includes a first insertion step and a first pressing step. That is, the first glass substrate 1 is cut from the surface side by two steps: the first insertion step and the first pressing step.

[0053] The first indentation process involves forming an indentation 91 on the first glass substrate 1 from the surface side. As shown in Figure 8, the indentation 91 is formed by pressing the tip of a cutter 902 against the surface (second surface 12) of the first glass substrate 1. The indentation 91 is formed to a depth such that the surface (second surface 12) of the first glass substrate 1 is scratched (see Figure 9). The first indentation process is performed along the entire length of the assembly 8 in the short direction. Therefore, in a plan view, the indentation 91 is formed in a straight line along the direction in which the sealing material 3 extends (longitudinal direction).

[0054] The first pressing step involves pressing the second glass substrate 2 along the first groove 91, thereby cutting the first glass substrate 1. Therefore, the first pressing step is performed after the first groove step. As shown in Figure 10, the first pressing step can be performed by pressing a pressing tool 903, such as a roller, against the surface (second surface 22) of the second glass substrate 2. At this time, the pressing tool 903 is moved along the direction in which the first groove 91 extends (longitudinal direction). As a result, the parts of the first glass substrate 1 on both sides of the first groove 91 are subjected to force in a direction that separates them from each other, and the first glass substrate 1 is cut along the entire length of the assembly 8 in the short direction. The first pressing step is also a step in which the first glass substrate 1, on which the first groove 91 is formed, is cut from the second surface 12 toward the first surface 11.

[0055] The second cutting step includes a second cutting step and a second pressing step. That is, the second glass substrate 2 is cut from the surface side by two steps: the second cutting step and the second pressing step.

[0056] The second cutting process involves forming a second cut 92 in the second glass substrate 2 from the surface side. As shown in Figure 8, the second cut 92 is formed by pressing the tip of the cutter 904 against the surface (second surface 22) of the second glass substrate 2. The second cut 92 is formed to a depth such that the surface (second surface 22) of the second glass substrate 2 is scratched (see Figure 9). The second cutting process is performed along the entire length of the assembly 8 in the short direction. Therefore, in a plan view, the second cut 92 is formed in a straight line along the direction in which the sealing material 3 extends (longitudinal direction).

[0057] The second pressing step involves pressing the first glass substrate 1 along the second cut 92, thereby cutting the second glass substrate 2. Therefore, the second pressing step is performed after the second cut step. As shown in Figure 9, the second pressing step can be performed by pressing a pressing tool 905, such as a roller, against the surface (second surface 12) of the first glass substrate 1. At this time, the pressing tool 905 is moved along the direction in which the second cut 92 extends (longitudinal direction). As a result, the parts of the second glass substrate 2 on both sides of the second cut 92 are subjected to force in a direction that separates them from each other, and the second glass substrate 2 is cut along the entire length of the assembly 8 in the short direction. The second pressing step is also the step in which the second glass substrate 2, with the second cut 92 formed thereon, is cut from the second surface 22 toward the first surface 21.

[0058] The first notch 91 and the second notch 92 are formed at overlapping positions (the same position) when viewed in a plan view (viewed in the opposing direction X). That is, the first notch 91 and the second notch 92 are formed on a virtual cutting surface 900. As a result, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut at the same position when viewed from the opposing direction X between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2.

[0059] The order in which the first and second cutting processes are performed does not matter. That is, the second cutting process may be performed after the first cutting process, or the first cutting process may be performed after the second cutting process.

[0060] Furthermore, the first cutting process, the first pressing process, the second cutting process, and the second pressing process can be performed in any order. That is, the second cutting process may be performed after the first cutting process, or the first cutting process may be performed after the second cutting process. Also, the first cutting process and the second cutting process may be performed simultaneously.

[0061] The first pressing step may be performed either before or after the second cutting step, as long as it follows the first cutting step. Furthermore, the first pressing step may be performed either before or after the second pressing step, as long as it follows the first cutting step. Therefore, the first pressing step may be performed after the second cutting step and before the second pressing step.

[0062] The second pressing step may be performed either before or after the first cutting step, as long as it follows the second cutting step. Furthermore, the second pressing step may be performed either before or after the first pressing step, as long as it follows the second cutting step. Therefore, the second pressing step may be performed after the first cutting step and before the first pressing step.

[0063] Figures 8 to 10 show the sequence of steps for the first and second cutting processes. First, as shown in Figure 8, the first cutting process and the second cutting process are performed simultaneously. Next, as shown in Figure 9, the second pressing process is performed. Then, as shown in Figure 10, the first pressing process is performed.

[0064] The sealing material 3 is cut in either the first pressing step or the second pressing step, or in both the first and second pressing steps. If the sealing material 3 is cut in the first pressing step, the first glass substrate 1 is cut from the second surface 12 toward the first surface 11, and then the sealing material 3 is cut from the first surface 11 side of the first glass substrate 1 toward the first surface 21 side of the second glass substrate 2. If the sealing material 3 is cut in the second pressing step, the second glass substrate 2 is cut from the second surface 22 toward the first surface 21, and then the sealing material 3 is cut from the first surface 21 side of the second glass substrate 2 toward the first surface 11 side of the first glass substrate 1. If the sealing material 3 is cut in both the first and second pressing steps, the sealing material 3 is cut to a certain point in the thickness direction in either the first or second pressing step. After this, the remaining portion of the sealing material 3 in the thickness direction is cut in either the first or second pressing step.

[0065] The width dimension of the sealing material 3 before cutting is in the range of 2 mm to 40 mm. In this case, the airtightness of the glass panel unit 100 is less likely to be impaired, and the strength is also less likely to decrease. In particular, since the partition material 32 of the sealing material 3 is cut across the short side (width direction), it is preferable that the width dimension of the partition material 32 after cutting is sufficiently secured. If the width dimension of the partition material 32 before cutting is 2 mm or more, even if the partition material 32 before cutting is cut at approximately the center in the width direction, the width dimension of the partition material 32 after cutting can be secured to be 1 mm or more. Also, if the width dimension of the sealing material 3 before cutting is 40 mm or less, it is preferable because the internal space 4 is less likely to be narrowed. If the width dimension of the sealing material 3 before cutting is 5 mm to 35 mm, it is more preferable, and if it is 10 mm to 30 mm, it is even more preferable.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11, the assembly 8 after the cutting process S4 is cut at the position where the first glass substrate 1, the sealing material 3, and the second glass substrate 2 overlap. Reference numeral 910 denotes a cutting line indicating the cutting position of the first glass substrate 1, the sealing material 3, and the second glass substrate 2, and the cutting line 910 is located on the cutting surface 900. Therefore, the first glass substrate 1, the sealing material 3, and the second glass substrate 2 are cut along the cutting surface 900. In this embodiment, in both the first and second cutting processes, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut from both surface sides. Therefore, even if the first glass substrate 1 or the second glass substrate 2 is relatively thick, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are easily cut at the position corresponding to the sealing material 3. For this reason, the cutting line 910 is formed in a straight line parallel to the opposing direction X. Here, a relatively thick first glass substrate 1 or second glass substrate 2 refers to one with a thickness of 2.7 mm or more. In other words, in this embodiment, even if the thickness of one or both of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 is 2.7 mm or more, the cutting line 910 is formed in a straight line on the cutting surface 900, making cutting defects less likely. Of course, in this embodiment, cutting defects are also less likely to occur even if one or both of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 have a relatively thin thickness (less than 2.7 mm).

[0067] Since the sealing material 3 is made by melting glass frit, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are firmly integrated in the assembly 8 via the sealing material 3. Then, in the cutting process S4, cracks are generated in the thickness direction of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2, and the first glass substrate 1, the partition material 32, and the second glass substrate 2 are smoothly cut along the cutting surface 900 as if they were a single glass plate. In other words, the assembly 8 is cut smoothly as if it were a single glass panel.

[0068] Of the assembled product 8, one separated portion 81 is formed as a glass panel unit (insulating glass panel unit) 100. The other separated portion 82 is the excess portion. At the edge 811 of the portion 81 used as the glass panel unit 100, the cross-sections of the first glass substrate 1, the sealing material 3 (partition material 32), and the second glass substrate 2 are continuous and flush with each other. Therefore, strength is ensured and handling is good even before further processing is performed on the cut surface along edge 811. However, further processing may be performed on the cut surface along edge 811.

[0069] (3) Variant The first embodiment is just one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The first embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as it achieves the objectives of this disclosure.

[0070] In the first embodiment, instead of reducing the pressure until the internal space 4 becomes a vacuum in processing step S3, gas may be filled into the entire internal space 4 through the ventilation holes 7 and ventilation passages 43, and then a part of the sealing material 3 (partition material 32) may deform due to heating, thereby sealing the first space 41. The gas is a gas with low thermal conductivity, such as dry air or argon gas. By going through such processing step S3, an assembly 8 having a gas-filled first space 41 is obtained. Of the assembly 8, one of the separated parts 81 is used as a glass panel unit (insulating glass panel unit) in which gas is filled between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2.

[0071] In the first embodiment, rollers were used as the pressing tools 903 and 905, but the invention is not limited to this, and any tool that can press the second surface 12 of the first glass substrate 1 and the second surface 22 of the second glass substrate 2 can be used.

[0072] (Second Embodiment) The manufacturing method of the glass panel unit 100 according to this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the configuration of the sealing material 3 and the assembly 8. Hereinafter, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by common reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The configuration described in the second embodiment can be applied in appropriate combination with the configuration described in the first embodiment (including modified versions).

[0073] In the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit 100 of this embodiment, the assembly 8 is formed such that three glass panel units 100 can be obtained from one assembly 8. 3 The process for obtaining a glass panel unit includes an arrangement step S1, a joining step S2, a processing step S3, and a cutting step S4.

[0074] In the arrangement step S1, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are arranged facing each other with a sealing material 3 (frame material 31 and partition material 32) in between. In the bonding step S2, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are bonded to each other via the sealing material 3 (see Figures 12 and 13).

[0075] The internal space 4 enclosed by the frame material 31 between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 is divided into three first spaces 41 and one second space 42 by four region-forming materials 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d (see Figures 12 and 13). Hereafter, the three first spaces 41 will be denoted by reference numerals 41a, 41b, and 41c.

[0076] In this embodiment, the sealing material 3 includes a plurality of opposing parts that face each other with a gap 34 between them. In this embodiment, the plurality of opposing parts are composed of a plurality of partition materials 32. The plurality of opposing parts (partition materials 32) face each other with a gap 34 between them in a direction perpendicular to the facing direction X between the joined first glass substrate 1 and second glass substrate 2. In this embodiment, two partition materials 32 face each other with a gap 34 between them. The region forming materials 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d are each formed by two pairs of partition materials 32 facing each other with a gap 34 between them. The region forming material 321a is the first space 41c The first space 41b and the second space 42 are separated by the first space 41b and the second space 42. The region-forming material 321c separates the first space 41a and the first space 41b. The region-forming material 321d separates the first space 41a and the first space 41c. In this way, the multiple partitioning materials 32 divide the internal space 4, surrounded by the first glass substrate 1, the second glass substrate 2 and the frame material 31, into the first space 41 and the second space 42.

[0077] In a plan view, the region-forming materials 321a and 321c are formed to be long and parallel to the longitudinal directions of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2. At both ends of the region-forming materials 321a and 321c in the longitudinal direction, the gap 34 is open by an opening 341 at the end facing the frame material 31. At both ends of the region-forming materials 321a and 321c in the longitudinal direction, the gap 34 is closed by a closing portion 342 at the end opposite to the end facing the frame material 31. The closing portions 342 of region-forming materials 321a and 321c face each other in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction X.

[0078] In a plan view, the region-forming members 321b and 321d are formed to be long and parallel to the short-side directions of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2. At both ends of the region-forming members 321b and 321d in the longitudinal direction, the gap 34 is closed by the closing portion 342 at the end facing the frame member 31. At both ends of the region-forming members 321b and 321d in the longitudinal direction, the gap 34 is open by the opening 341 on the opposite side of the end facing the frame member 31. The region-forming members 321b and 321d face each other in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction X, where the openings 341 of each member face each other. At the closing portion 342, the ends of the two pair of partition members 32 are joined together. The ends of the two pair of partition members 32 on the opening 341 side are bent in a direction away from each other.

[0079] A ventilation passage 43 is formed between the frame member 31 and the ends of the region-forming members 321a to 321d that face the frame member 31. A ventilation passage 43 is also formed between the ends of the region-forming members 321a to 321d that face the frame member 31 and the ends that face the opposite end. These ventilation passages 43 allow the first spaces 41a, 41b, and 41c and the second space 42 to communicate in a ventilated manner.

[0080] In the exhaust process of processing step S3, the air in the internal space 4 is discharged through the ventilation holes 7 that are continuous with the second space 42, and the entire internal space 4 becomes a vacuum space. Next, in the sealing process of processing step S3, the frame material 31 and the partition materials 32 of the region forming materials 321a to 321d are deformed by heating, and the ventilation passage 43 is blocked so that air cannot pass through. A gap 34 is maintained between the two opposing partition materials 32 without being blocked. After going through the above processing step S3, an assembly 8 is obtained which has the first spaces 41a to 41c that have become vacuum spaces, as shown in Figure 14. This assembly 8 comprises a first glass substrate 1 and a second glass substrate 2 that face each other, a frame material 31, a plurality of partition materials 32, and ventilation holes 7.

[0081] In cutting step S4, the assembly 8 is cut along a hypothetical cutting surface 900 shown in Figure 14. This cutting physically separates the assembly 8 into a portion 81a having a sealed first space 41a, a portion 81b having a sealed first space 41b, a portion 81c having a sealed first space 41c, and a portion 82 having a second space 42. Of the assembly 8, the portion 81a with the vacuum first space 41a, the portion 81b with the vacuum first space 41b, and the portion 81c with the vacuum first space 41c are all used as glass panel units (insulating glass panel units) 100. The portion 82 with the second space 42 and ventilation holes 7 is superfluous.

[0082] In this embodiment, the cutting step S4 cuts the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 along a position that overlaps with the gap 34 when viewed from the opposing direction of the joined first glass substrate 1 and second glass substrate 2.

[0083] In this embodiment as well, in the cutting step S4, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut at overlapping positions (identical positions) in a plan view. The overlapping positions in a plan view correspond to the gap 34 on the virtual cutting surface 900. In this embodiment, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut in two orthogonal directions, the longitudinal and transverse directions of the assembly 8. In addition, in the cutting step S4, the two opposing partition materials 32 (sealing material 3) are separated at the position of the gap 34. The two opposing partition materials 32 are separated at a point where a portion of the separated partition material 32 can be located along the cut edges 811 of the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 after cutting. Therefore, at least a portion of the separated partition material 32 exists along the edges 811 included in the portion 81a to 81c having the first space 41a to 41c, and the airtightness of the first space 41a to 41c is maintained.

[0084] In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the cutting step S4 includes a first cutting step and a second cutting step. That is, in the first cutting step, the first glass substrate 1 is cut from the surface side. In the second cutting step, the second glass substrate 2 is cut from the surface side.

[0085] The first cutting step includes a first insertion step and a first pressing step. In the first insertion step, a first insertion 91 is formed on the first glass substrate 1 from the surface side. As shown in Figure 15, the first insertion 91 is formed by pressing the tip of a cutter 902 against the surface (second surface 12) of the first glass substrate 1. The first insertion 91 is formed to a depth such that the surface (second surface 12) of the first glass substrate 1 is scratched (see Figure 16). The first insertion step is also performed along the entire length in the short direction of the assembly 8. Therefore, in a plan view, the first insertion 91 is formed in a straight line along the direction in which the gap 34 extends (longitudinal direction).

[0086] The first pressing step involves pressing the second glass substrate 2 along the first groove 91, thereby cutting the first glass substrate 1. Therefore, the first pressing step is performed after the first groove step. As shown in Figure 17, the first pressing step can be performed by pressing a pressing tool 903, such as a roller, against the surface (second surface 22) of the second glass substrate 2. At this time, the pressing tool 903 is moved along the direction in which the first groove 91 extends (longitudinal direction). As a result, the parts of the first glass substrate 1 on both sides of the first groove 91 are subjected to force in a direction that separates them from each other, and the first glass substrate 1 is cut along the entire length of the assembly 8 in the short direction. The first pressing step is also a step in which the first glass substrate 1, on which the first groove 91 is formed, is cut from the second surface 12 toward the first surface 11.

[0087] The second cutting step includes a second cutting step and a second pressing step. In the second cutting step, a second cut 92 is formed in the second glass substrate 2 from the surface side. As shown in Figure 15, the second cut 92 is formed by pressing the tip of the cutter 904 against the surface (second surface 22) of the second glass substrate 2. The second cut 92 is formed to a depth such that the surface (second surface 22) of the second glass substrate 2 is scratched (see Figure 16). The second cutting step is also performed along the entire length in the short direction of the assembly 8. Therefore, in a plan view, the second cut 92 is formed in a straight line along the direction in which the gap 34 extends (longitudinal direction).

[0088] The second pressing step involves pressing the first glass substrate 1 along the second cut 92, thereby cutting the second glass substrate 2. Therefore, the second pressing step is performed after the second cut step. As shown in Figure 16, the second pressing step can be performed by pressing a pressing tool 905, such as a roller, against the surface (second surface 12) of the first glass substrate 1. At this time, the pressing tool 905 is moved along the direction in which the second cut 92 extends (longitudinal direction). As a result, the parts of the second glass substrate 2 on both sides of the second cut 92 are subjected to force in a direction that separates them from each other, and the second glass substrate 2 is cut along the entire length of the assembly 8 in the short direction. The second pressing step is also the step in which the second glass substrate 2, with the second cut 92 formed thereon, is cut from the second surface 22 toward the first surface 21.

[0089] The first notch 91 and the second notch 92 are formed at overlapping positions (the same position) in a plan view (viewed in the opposing direction X). That is, the first notch 91 and the second notch 92 are formed on a virtual cutting surface 900 at a position corresponding to the gap 34. As a result, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut at the same position when viewed from the opposing direction X between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2.

[0090] Similar to the first embodiment, the order in which the first cutting step and the second cutting step are performed is not limited. Also, similar to the first embodiment, the first cutting step, the first pressing step, the second cutting step and the second pressing step are performed in any order that is appropriate.

[0091] Figures 15 to 17 show the sequence of processes for the first cutting process and the second cutting process. First, as shown in Figure 15, the first cutting process and the second cutting process are performed simultaneously. Next, as shown in Figure 16, the second pressing process is performed. Next, as shown in Figure 17, the first pressing process is performed.

[0092] As shown in Figure 18, after the cutting process S4, the assembled product 8 is cut in a plan view at a position where the first glass substrate 1, the gap 34, and the second glass substrate 2 overlap. Reference numeral 910 denotes a cutting line indicating the cutting position between the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2, and the cutting line 910 is located on the cutting surface 900. Therefore, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut along the cutting surface 900. In this embodiment, in both the first and second cutting processes, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut from both surface sides. Therefore, even if the first glass substrate 1 or the second glass substrate 2 is relatively thick, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are easily cut at a position corresponding to the sealing material 3. For this reason, the cutting line 910 is formed in a straight line parallel to the opposing direction X.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are cut at positions corresponding to the gap 34 between the two opposing partition materials 32, a large force is not easily applied to each partition material 32 in the cutting process S4. Therefore, cutting defects are less likely to occur compared to the first embodiment. In this embodiment as well, a portion of the sealing material 3 is cut at the joint between the partition material 32 and the frame material 31.

[0094] In this embodiment, the width dimension of each partition material 32 is in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm. The width dimension of the partition material 32 is the dimension in the direction in which two opposing partition materials 32 face each other. In this case, the airtightness of the glass panel unit 100 is less likely to be impaired, and the strength is also less likely to decrease. If the width dimension of each partition material 32 is 1 mm or more, a width dimension of 1 mm or more can be ensured for the partition material 32 in the glass panel unit 100. Furthermore, if the width dimension of each partition material 32 is 20 mm or less, it is preferable because the internal space 4 is less likely to become narrowed. It is more preferable if the width dimension of each partition material 32 is 2.5 mm to 15 mm, and even more preferable if it is 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0095] Furthermore, the width dimension of the gap 34 (the dimension between the opposing partition materials 32) is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Within this range, it is easier to set the positions of the first notch 91 and the second notch 92, which is preferable.

[0096] In this embodiment, the shapes of the region-forming members 321a to 321d in plan view are not particularly limited. In the region-forming member 321 shown in Figure 19A, one end of the gap 34 in the longitudinal direction is closed by the closing portion 342, the other end of the gap 34 in the longitudinal direction is open by the opening 341, and the end of each partition member 32 on the side of the opening 341 is bent. In the region-forming member 321 shown in Figure 19B, both ends of the gap 34 in the longitudinal direction are open by the opening 341, and both ends of each partition member 32 are bent. In the region-forming member 321 shown in Figure 19C, both ends of the gap 34 in the longitudinal direction are open by the opening 341, and both ends of each partition member 32 are straight without bending. In the region-forming member 321 shown in Figure 19D, both ends of the gap 34 in the longitudinal direction are closed by the closing portion 342. As shown in Figure 19D, the region-forming material 321 has a closed gap 34, so the air inside the gap 34 is not exhausted during processing step S3. Therefore, the first glass substrate 1 and the second glass substrate 2 are pressed by the internal pressure of the gap 34, making it difficult for the sealing material 3 to be crushed, which is undesirable.

[0097] In this embodiment, the assembly 8 is formed to obtain three glass panel units 100, but it is also possible to form the assembly 8 to obtain four or more glass panel units (i.e., to allow for four or more multi-faceted panels).

[0098] (summary) As described above, the manufacturing method of the glass panel unit (100) according to the first embodiment comprises an arrangement step (S1), a joining step (S2), and a cutting step (S4). In the arrangement step (S1), the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are arranged facing each other with a sealing material (3) in between. In the joining step (S2), the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are joined to each other via the sealing material (3). In the cutting step (S4), the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are cut at the same position when viewed from the opposing direction (X) of the joined first glass substrate (1) and second glass substrate (2), and along the sealing material (3). The cutting step (S4) is a step in which multiple sets of first glass substrates (1) and second glass substrates (2) after cutting are formed by cutting each along its edge at a location where the sealing material (3) can be located. Furthermore, the cutting step (S4) includes a first cutting step and a second cutting step. The first cutting step involves cutting the first glass substrate (1) from the surface side. The second cutting step involves cutting the second glass substrate (2) from the surface side.

[0099] In this embodiment, both the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are cut from the surface side in both the first and second cutting steps. Therefore, even if the first glass substrate (1) or the second glass substrate (2) is relatively thick, the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are easily cut at the position corresponding to the sealing material (3).

[0100] A second embodiment is a method for manufacturing the glass panel unit (100) of the first embodiment, wherein the cutting step (S4) is performed by cutting the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) along a virtual cutting surface (900) that passes through the first glass substrate (1), the second glass substrate (2), and the sealing material (3).

[0101] According to this embodiment, the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2), which are joined together via a sealing material (3), are cut together smoothly and collectively along a virtual cutting surface (900) passing through the sealing material (3), as if a single glass plate had been cut.

[0102] A third embodiment is a method for manufacturing the glass panel unit (100) of the second embodiment, wherein the sealing material (3) has a width dimension of 2 mm or more and 40 mm or less before cutting.

[0103] According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to ensure the airtightness of the glass panel unit (100) with respect to a portion of the sealing material (3) after cutting.

[0104] The fourth aspect is a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit (100) according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the sealing material (3) includes a plurality of opposing parts that face each other with a gap (34) between them. In the cutting step (S4), the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are cut along a position that overlaps with the gap (34) when viewed from the opposing direction (X) of the joined first glass substrate (1) and second glass substrate (2).

[0105] According to this embodiment, the sealing material (3) is divided into multiple opposing parts at the location of the gap (34), making it difficult for force to be applied to the sealing material (3) during the cutting process (S4). Therefore, the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are easily cut at the location corresponding to the gap (34).

[0106] The fifth aspect is a method for manufacturing the glass panel unit (100) of the fourth aspect, wherein the plurality of opposing parts face each other with a gap (34) between them in a direction perpendicular to the direction (X) of opposition between the joined first glass substrate (1) and second glass substrate (2).

[0107] According to this embodiment, since the sealing material (3) is divided into multiple opposing parts at the position of the gap (34), it becomes difficult for force to be applied to the sealing material (3) during the cutting process (S4), and the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are easily cut at the position corresponding to the gap (34).

[0108] The sixth aspect is a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit (100) according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein each of the multiple opposing parts has a width dimension in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm.

[0109] According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to ensure airtightness of the glass panel unit (100) at the opposing portion.

[0110] The seventh aspect is a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit (100) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first cutting step includes a first notch step and a first pressing step. The first notch step forms a first notch (91) on the first glass substrate (1) from the surface side. The first pressing step cuts the first glass substrate (1) by pressing the second glass substrate (2) along the first notch (91). The second cutting step includes a second cut step and a second pressing step. The second cut step forms a second cut (92) on the second glass substrate (2) from the surface side. The second pressing step cuts the second glass substrate (2) by pressing the first glass substrate (1) along the second cut (92).

[0111] In this embodiment, both the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are cut from the surface side during the first cutting step, the first pressing step, the second cutting step, and the second pressing step. Therefore, even if the first glass substrate (1) or the second glass substrate (2) is relatively thick, the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are easily cut along the first cutting step (91) and the second cutting step (92).

[0112] The eighth aspect is a method for manufacturing a glass panel unit (100) according to any one of the first to seven aspects, wherein the sealing material (3) includes a frame-shaped frame material (31). The joining step (S2) includes a step of forming an internal space (4) surrounded by the frame material (31) between a first glass substrate (1) and a second glass substrate (2) joined via the frame material (31).

[0113] In this configuration, the presence of an internal space (4) between the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) improves the thermal insulation of the glass panel unit (100). In other words, a glass panel unit (100) having the desired dimensions and shape and high thermal insulation can be manufactured efficiently.

[0114] The ninth aspect is a method for manufacturing the glass panel unit (100) of the eighth aspect, further comprising a processing step (S3) in which air is discharged from the internal space (4) or gas is supplied to the internal space (4).

[0115] According to this embodiment, the thermal insulation of the glass panel unit (100) is further improved by interposing an internal space (4) between the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) that is either depressurized or filled with gas. In other words, a glass panel unit (100) having the desired dimensions and shape and high thermal insulation can be efficiently manufactured.

[0116] An assembly (8) of a glass panel unit (100) according to the tenth embodiment comprises a first glass substrate (1) and a second glass substrate (2) facing each other, a frame material (31), a plurality of partition materials (32), and ventilation holes (7). The frame material (31) is formed in a frame shape between the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2). The plurality of partition materials (32) divide the internal space (4) enclosed by the first glass substrate (1), the second glass substrate (2), and the frame material (31) into a first space (41) and a second space (42). The ventilation holes (7) connect the second space (42) and the external space. The plurality of partition materials (32) face each other with a gap (34) between them.

[0117] According to this embodiment, even when the first glass substrate (1) or the second glass substrate (2) is relatively thick, the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are easily cut at positions corresponding to the gap (34).

[0118] The eleventh aspect is an assembly (8) of the glass panel unit (100) of the tenth aspect, wherein the plurality of partition members (32) face each other with a gap (34) between them in a direction perpendicular to the direction (X) in which the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) face each other.

[0119] According to this embodiment, even when the first glass substrate (1) or the second glass substrate (2) is relatively thick, the first glass substrate (1) and the second glass substrate (2) are easily cut at positions corresponding to the gap (34). [Examples]

[0120] (Example 1) The assembly 8 was cut using the cutting process of the first embodiment (see Figure 20B). The thickness of the first glass substrate 1 was 1.7 mm. The thickness of the second glass substrate 2 was changed to the value shown in Table 1. The width dimension of the partition material 32 (sealing material 3) was 10 mm and the thickness was 0.1 mm. The material of the partition material 32 was changed to the value shown in Table 1. Note that Bi-type refers to bismuth-based glass frit, and V-type refers to vanadium-based glass frit.

[0121] The cutting process involved simultaneously performing the first cutting step and the second cutting step, followed by the second pressing step, and then the first pressing step.

[0122] (Example 2) The assembly 8 was cut using the cutting process of the second embodiment (see Figure 20C). The thickness of the first glass substrate 1 was 1.7 mm. The thickness of the second glass substrate 2 was changed to the value shown in Table 1. The width dimension of the partition material 32 (sealing material 3) was 5 mm and the thickness was 0.1 mm. The width dimension of the gap 34 was 1 mm. The material of the partition material 32 was changed to the value shown in Table 1.

[0123] The cutting process involved simultaneously performing the first cutting step and the second cutting step, followed by the second pressing step, and then the first pressing step.

[0124] (Comparative example) The procedure is the same as in Example 1, except that the assembly 8 was cut using the conventional cutting process (see Figure 20A).

[0125] For Examples 1 and 2 and the Comparative Example, the ease of the cutting process and the cut surface after cutting were evaluated. The evaluation criteria are as follows. ◎: Cuts smoothly, without cutting defects, and the cut surface is clean. ○: Cuts smoothly without cutting defects, and the cut surface is perfectly functional. △: Can be cut without any practical problems, no cutting defects occur, and the cut surface is of practical quality. ×: Cutting defects were common, and internal space leaks were likely to occur.

[0126] [Table 1]

[0127] As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 and 2, a second glass substrate 2 with a thickness of 1.7 mm or more yielded a better evaluation than the comparative example. In Examples 1 and 2, no practical problems arose even when the second glass substrate 2 had a thickness of 3.7 mm or more. In particular, in Example 2, a good evaluation was obtained even when the second glass substrate 2 was very thick at 5.7 mm. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. First glass substrate 2. Second glass substrate 3. Sealant 4 Interior space 7 Ventilation holes 8. Assembled items 31 Frame material 32 Partition material 34 gaps 41 First space 42 Second space 91. All included. 92 Second cut 100 Glass Panel Units X Opposite direction S1 placement process S2 joining process S3 Processing Step S4 Cutting process

Claims

1. A placement step in which the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate are arranged facing each other with a sealing material in between, A bonding step in which the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate are joined to each other via the sealing material, The invention comprises a cutting step in which the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate are cut along the sealing material at the same position when viewed from the opposing direction of the joined first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, The cutting process is a process in which multiple sets of the first glass substrates and the second glass substrates after cutting are formed by cutting each along its edge at a location where the sealing material can be positioned, and includes a first cutting step in which the first glass substrate is cut from the surface side, and a second cutting step in which the second glass substrate is cut from the surface side. The sealing material includes a frame material and a partition material formed in a frame shape. The bonding process includes a step of forming an internal space surrounded by the frame material between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, which are bonded via the frame material, The process further comprises a step of discharging the air from the internal space or supplying gas to the internal space, The processing step includes a sealing step of forming a first space sealed by the partition material and the frame material in the internal space. A method for manufacturing a glass panel unit.

2. The cutting step involves cutting the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate along a virtual cutting plane that passes through the first glass substrate, the second glass substrate, and the sealing material. A method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to claim 1.

3. The sealing material has a width dimension of 2 mm or more and 40 mm or less before cutting. A method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to claim 2.

4. The sealing material has a plurality of opposing parts that are separated by a gap, The cutting step involves cutting the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate along a position that overlaps with the gap when viewed from the opposing direction of the joined first glass substrate and the second glass substrate. A method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to claim 1.

5. The plurality of opposing portions face each other with a gap between them, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of opposition between the joined first glass substrate and the second glass substrate. A method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to claim 4.

6. Each of the aforementioned multiple opposing parts has a width dimension in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm. A method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The first cutting step includes a first indentation step in which a first indentation is formed on the first glass substrate from the surface side, and a first pressing step in which the first glass substrate is cut by pressing the second glass substrate along the indentation. The second cutting step includes a second cutting step in which a second cut is formed in the second glass substrate from the surface side, and a second pressing step in which the second glass substrate is cut by pressing the first glass substrate along the second cut. A method for manufacturing a glass panel unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A first glass substrate and a second glass substrate facing each other, A frame material formed in a frame shape between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, Multiple partitioning members divide the internal space enclosed by the first glass substrate, the second glass substrate, and the frame material into a first space and a second space. It includes a ventilation hole connecting the second space and the external space, The aforementioned multiple partition materials are arranged opposite each other with gaps between them, The gap is formed such that, when viewed from the opposing direction of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, it extends to a position corresponding to where the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate are cut. An assembled glass panel unit.

9. The plurality of partition materials are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate face each other with a gap between them, An assembly of the glass panel unit according to claim 8.

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