Grinding system

Abstract

To provide a grinding processing system which can firmly fix a body part of a glass plate and perform grinding processing on a peripheral edge of the body part while preventing side slip (lateral deviation) of the body part of the glass plate in a case of performing grinding processing on the peripheral edge of the body part of the glass plate by making the side surface (cylindrical part) of a rotating disk-like grinding stone of a grinding device bite thereinto.SOLUTION: A grinding processing system 10a comprises: a magnet which is installed on a table suction cup 130 and is located immediately below a lower surface of a body part of a glass plate placed on a grinding processing table; a magnetic weight material which is located on the side of the upper surface of the body part of the glass plate and is suctioned to the magnet; first fixation means which suction-holds the lower surface of the body part when the table suction cup 130 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the body part of the glass plate before the start of grinding processing to the peripheral edge of the body part of the glass plate; and second fixation means which sandwiches the body part by the magnet located immediately below the lower surface of the body part and the magnetic weight material suctioned to the magnet by being brought into contact with the upper surface of the body part before the start of grinding processing to the peripheral edge of the body part of the glass plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grinding system for grinding the periphery of the main body of a glass plate to be processed, such as a glass plate for automobile windows or a glass plate for liquid crystals.

Background Art

[0002] There is disclosed a glass plate processing system formed by a loading conveyor for loading a glass plate, a cutting area located in front of the loading conveyor, a scoring area located in front of the cutting area, a grinding area located in front of the scoring area, an unloading conveyor located in front of the grinding area, and a conveying mechanism for conveying the glass plate from the loading conveyor to each processing area (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The cutting area of this glass plate processing system has a cutting table having a first moving mechanism that moves in the width direction with the positioned glass plate placed thereon, and a cutting mechanism that can move in the front-rear direction. In the cutting area, after the cutting mechanism moves rearward in the front-rear direction toward the outer side in the width direction of the edge of the glass plate placed on the cutting table, the cutting table moves in the width direction toward the cutting mechanism by the first moving mechanism, and an outer shape cutting line is formed on the glass plate placed on the cutting table using the cutting mechanism. The scoring area has a scoring table on which the positioned glass plate after cutting is placed, and a scoring mechanism that can move in the front-rear direction. In the scoring area, after the scoring mechanism moves rearward in the front-rear direction toward the scoring table, a scribing line (scribe) is formed on the edge of the glass plate placed on the scoring table using the scoring mechanism, and the edge of the glass plate extending outside the outer shape cutting line is scored.

[0004] The grinding area includes a grinding table having a second movement mechanism that moves in the width direction with the positioned main body of the glass plate, after the folding and cutting process, placed on it, and a grinding mechanism that can move in the front-rear direction. The grinding table is equipped with multiple suction cups (suction pads) of a predetermined area that adsorb and hold the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate. In the grinding area, the main body of the glass plate is placed and fixed on the grinding table by the suction cups, and the grinding mechanism moves in the front-rear direction backward toward the edge of the main body of the glass plate placed on the grinding table outward in the width direction. Then, the grinding table moves in the width direction toward the grinding mechanism by the second movement mechanism, and the peripheral edge of the main body of the glass plate placed on the grinding table is ground using the grinding mechanism. Note that the cutting and grinding processes are performed synchronously. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-040877 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Furthermore, for grinding (chamfering) the edges of various glass plates with different shapes, a widely adopted method involves using a suction cup to hold one side of the glass plate, and then using a rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel to cut into the side (cylindrical part) of the wheel. In grinding, it is important that the glass plate on the suction surface of the suction cup, which is held in place by the suction cup, does not slip (shift) due to the reaction force generated by the "cutting in." However, the suction cup holding method relies on the pressure difference between the reduced pressure inside the suction cup and the external pressure, which presses the glass surface perpendicularly against the holding surface (suction force), thereby obtaining a frictional force parallel to the glass surface (holding surface). With small glass pieces, the area for suction holding itself becomes small, limiting the frictional force that can be obtained, which can lead to problems in maintaining the processing speed (if processing is forced, the glass plate will shift and slide sideways, causing misalignment of the glass plate, and it will not be possible to finish the glass plate with the predetermined shape and ground edges as designed).

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a grinding system that can firmly fix the main body of a glass plate and grind the periphery of the main body of the glass plate while preventing lateral slippage (lateral displacement) of the main body of the glass plate when the side surface (cylindrical portion) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding mechanism bites into the main body of the glass plate. Furthermore, the object is to provide a grinding system that can maintain the grinding speed and produce a glass plate of a predetermined shape with the periphery ground according to the design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The premise of the present invention for solving the above problems is a grinding system comprising: a grinding table on which the main body of a glass plate whose edge has been folded by a predetermined folding process is placed; a table suction cup of a predetermined area installed on the grinding table to adsorb and hold the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate; and a grinding mechanism, wherein the peripheral edge of the main body of the glass plate, which is placed and fixed on the grinding table by the table suction cup, is ground using the grinding mechanism.

[0009] The features of the present invention under the above premise are that the grinding system has a magnet located directly below the lower surface of the main body of a glass plate which is placed on a grinding table and attached to a table suction cup, and a magnetic weight of a predetermined weight located on the upper surface side of the main body of the glass plate which is attracted to the magnet, and the grinding system has a first fixing means in which the table suction cup contacts the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate to attract and hold the lower surface of the main body before grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate begins, and a second fixing means in which the main body is clamped by the magnet located directly below the lower surface of the main body and the magnetic weight that contacts the upper surface of the main body and is attracted to the magnet before grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate begins.

[0010] As an example of the present invention, the grinding system includes a magnetic weight holding mechanism located on the upper surface side of the main body of the glass plate, and grinds processing The system includes a first descending means which, before the start of grinding on the periphery of the main body of the glass plate, lowers the magnetic weight material toward the upper surface of the main body while the magnetic weight material is held in place, so that the magnetic weight material is placed directly above the magnet so as to sandwich the main body; and a first rising means which, before the start of grinding on the periphery of the main body of the glass plate and after the magnetic weight material has been placed directly above the magnet by the first descending means, releases the magnetic weight material from its grip and rises above the magnetic weight material.

[0011] As another example of the present invention, the grinding system has a positioning means that moves the magnetic weight holding mechanism in the front-rear direction to position the magnetic weight held by the magnetic weight holding mechanism above the main body of the glass plate and in the center of the main body, and the first lowering means lowers the magnetic weight towards the upper surface of the main body after the positioning means has positioned the magnetic weight above the main body and in the center of the main body.

[0012] As another example of the present invention, the grinding system includes a second descending means which, after the grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate is completed, causes the magnetic weight holding mechanism to descend toward the magnetic weight and hold the magnetic weight; and a second rising means which, after the grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate is completed and the magnetic weight holding mechanism has held the magnetic weight by the second descending means, rises upward from the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate while the magnetic weight holding mechanism is holding the magnetic weight, thereby releasing the magnetic weight from the magnet.

[0013] Another example of the present invention is a grinding system which includes a glass plate holder that is movable in the front-rear and up-down directions and moves the main body of the glass plate after grinding is completed from the grinding table to the discharge area, and a holder suction cup that is installed on the glass plate holder and adheres to the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate, and a magnetic weight holding mechanism is installed on the glass plate holder.

[0014] Another example of the present invention is a grinding system which includes a lifting mechanism installed in a glass plate holder that individually raises or lowers a magnetic weight holding mechanism, wherein the second lifting means releases the magnetic weight from the magnet by raising the magnetic weight holding mechanism that holds the magnetic weight by the lifting mechanism, and the grinding system has a moving means which, after the magnetic weight holding mechanism that holds the magnetic weight is raised by the lifting mechanism, moves the glass plate holder in the front-rear direction to position the holder suction cup above the main body of the glass plate, after the holder suction cup is positioned above the main body, lowers the glass plate holder so that the holder suction cup adheres to the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate, and after the holder suction cup adheres to the upper surface of the main body, the glass plate holder rises and moves forward to move the main body of the glass plate to the transport area.

[0015] Another example of the present invention is a magnet having an adsorption surface of a predetermined area facing the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate, and the adsorption surface being located in the center of a table suction cup of a predetermined area.

[0016] Another example of the present invention is that the magnet is a permanent magnet.

[0017] In another example of the present invention, a permanent magnet is fitted with an iron cap to form a yoke that guides magnetic flux.

[0018] Another example of the present invention is a magnetic weight made from one of the metals iron, nickel, or cobalt, having a predetermined weight, and having a predetermined surface area facing the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the grinding system of the present invention, before grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate begins, the table suction cup contacts the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate to hold the lower surface of the main body by suction. Furthermore, before grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate begins, the main body is clamped between a magnet located directly below the lower surface of the main body and a magnetic weight that contacts the upper surface of the main body and is attracted to the magnet. As a result, not only is the main body of the glass plate placed and fixed to the grinding table by the table suction cup, but the main body of the glass plate is also clamped between the magnet and the magnetic weight attracted to the magnet, thereby reinforcing the fixation of the main body of the glass plate to the grinding table. Therefore, even if the main body of the glass plate is small in size (small area), the main body of the glass plate can be firmly fixed to the grinding table by the table suction cup, magnet, and magnetic weight. The grinding system, when grinding the periphery of the main body of a glass plate by engaging the side (cylindrical portion) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding mechanism, can prevent the main body of the glass plate from sliding (lateral displacement) on the grinding table, and can grind the periphery of the main body of the glass plate while securely fixing it to the grinding table. The grinding system can maintain the grinding speed and can produce a glass plate of a predetermined shape with the periphery ground according to the design.

[0020] A grinding system that includes a magnetic weight holding mechanism located on the upper surface side of the main body of a glass plate, wherein before the start of grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate, the magnetic weight holding mechanism holds the magnetic weight and lowers the magnetic weight toward the upper surface of the main body so that the magnetic weight is placed directly above the magnet so as to sandwich the main body, and before the start of grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate and after the magnetic weight is placed directly above the magnet, the magnetic weight holding mechanism releases its grip on the magnetic weight and rises upward, wherein before the start of grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate, the magnetic weight The magnetic weight holding mechanism, which holds the material, descends toward the upper surface of the main body and places the magnetic weight directly above the magnet. After placing the magnetic weight directly above the magnet, the magnetic weight holding mechanism releases its grip on the magnetic weight and rises upward. This ensures that the main body of the glass plate is securely clamped between the magnet and the magnetic weight, reinforcing the fixation of the glass plate's main body to the grinding table. Even if the glass plate has a small size (small area), its main body can be firmly fixed to the grinding table. Because the grinding system reinforces the fixation of the glass plate's main body to the grinding table with the magnet and magnetic weight, even if the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding mechanism bites into the side (cylindrical part) of the main body of the glass plate and grinds the periphery of the main body, the main body of the glass plate on the grinding table will not slip (shift laterally), and the periphery of the main body can be ground while the main body of the glass plate is securely fixed to the grinding table.

[0021] In this grinding system, the magnetic weight holding mechanism is moved in the front-to-back direction to position the magnetic weight held by the mechanism above the main body of the glass plate and in the center of the main body. After positioning the magnetic weight above the main body and in the center of the main body, the magnetic weight is lowered toward the upper surface of the main body. As a result, the main body is clamped between the magnet located directly below the lower surface of the main body and the magnetic weight that is in contact with the upper surface of the main body and attracted to the magnet. Therefore, the center of the main body of the glass plate can be securely clamped by the magnet and the magnetic weight. The magnet and magnetic weight reinforce the fixing of the main body of the glass plate to the grinding table, and even if the main body of the glass plate is small in size (small area), its main body can be firmly fixed to the grinding table.

[0022] In this grinding system, after the grinding of the periphery of the glass plate body is completed, the magnetic weight holding mechanism descends toward the magnetic weight to hold it, and after the grinding of the periphery of the glass plate body is completed and the magnetic weight holding mechanism has held the magnetic weight, the magnetic weight holding mechanism rises upward from the top surface of the glass plate body while holding the magnetic weight, releasing the magnetic weight from the magnet. This ensures that the pinching of the glass plate body by the magnet and the magnetic weight is reliably released, and the glass plate body with its ground periphery can be transported to the next transport area (processing completion area). The grinding system, after grinding the periphery of the main body of the glass plate is completed, releases the engagement between the magnet and the magnetic weight material, transports the main body of the glass plate to the transport area, and places and fixes the main body of the next glass plate that has not yet been ground on the grinding table to perform grinding on the periphery of the main body. This allows for continuous grinding of the main body of the glass plate, and enables efficient grinding of multiple glass plates.

[0023] A glass plate holder that is movable in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction and moves the main body of the glass plate after grinding from the grinding table to the unloading area, and a holder suction cup that is installed on the glass plate holder and sucks on the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate. In the grinding system where the magnetic weight holding mechanism is installed on the glass plate holder, before starting grinding on the periphery of the main body of the glass plate, the magnetic weight holding mechanism installed on the glass plate holder descends toward the upper surface of the main body and places the magnetic weight directly above the magnet. After placing the magnetic weight directly above the magnet, the magnetic weight holding mechanism releases the holding of the magnetic weight and rises above the magnetic weight. Therefore, the main body of the glass plate can be reliably sandwiched between the magnet and the magnetic weight, and the fixing of the main body of the glass plate to the grinding table can be reinforced by the magnet and the magnetic weight. Even for a small-sized (small area) glass plate with a small main body, its main body can be firmly fixed to the grinding table. After finishing grinding on the periphery of the main body of the glass plate, the grinding system causes the magnetic weight holding mechanism installed on the glass plate holder to descend toward the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate and hold the magnetic weight. After holding the magnetic weight, the magnetic weight holding mechanism installed on the glass plate holder rises upward from the upper surface of the main body and releases the adsorption of the magnetic weight to the magnet. Therefore, the sandwiching of the main body of the glass plate by the magnet and the magnetic weight can be reliably released, and the main body of the glass plate with its periphery ground can be transported to the next unloading area (processing completion area).

[0024] The grinding system includes a lifting mechanism installed in a glass plate holder that individually raises or lowers a magnetic weight holding mechanism, the lifting mechanism raises the magnetic weight holding mechanism holding the magnetic weight, releasing the magnetic weight from the magnet, and after the magnetic weight holding mechanism holding the magnetic weight is raised by the lifting mechanism, the glass plate holder moves in the front-back direction to position the holder suction cup above the main body of the glass plate, and after the holder suction cup is positioned above the main body, the glass plate holder lowers so that the holder suction cup adheres to the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate, and after the holder suction cup adheres to the upper surface of the main body, the glass plate holder rises and moves forward to move the main body of the glass plate to the discharge area. In this grinding system, the holder suction cup adheres to the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate after grinding is completed, and the glass plate holder moves to move the main body of the glass plate to the discharge area, so that the main body of the glass plate with its periphery ground can be continuously transported to the discharge area (processing completion area).

[0025] In a grinding system in which a magnet has an adsorption surface of a predetermined area facing the lower surface of the main body of a glass plate, and the adsorption surface is located in the center of a table suction cup of a predetermined area, the main body of the glass plate is not only placed and fixed to the grinding table by the table suction cup of a predetermined area, but the main body of the glass plate is also sandwiched between the magnet with the adsorption surface of a predetermined area located in the center of the table suction cup and the magnetic weight material attached to the magnet. Therefore, the fixing of the main body of the glass plate to the grinding table can be reinforced by the magnet with the adsorption surface of a predetermined area and the magnetic weight material, and the main body of the glass plate can be firmly fixed to the grinding table by the magnet with the adsorption surface of a predetermined area and the magnetic weight material together with the table suction cup. In a grinding system, when grinding the periphery of the main body of a glass plate by engaging the side (cylindrical part) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding mechanism, the system prevents the main body of the glass plate from sliding (shifting) on ​​the grinding table by using a magnet and magnetic weight material with a predetermined surface area for adsorption, along with a table suction cup. This allows the periphery of the main body of the glass plate to be ground while it is securely fixed to the grinding table.

[0026] In a grinding system where the magnet is a permanent magnet, not only is the main body of the glass plate placed and fixed on the grinding table by the table chuck, but also the main body of the glass plate is sandwiched between the permanent magnet and the magnetic weight material adsorbed to the permanent magnet. Therefore, the fixing of the main body of the glass plate to the grinding table can be strengthened by the permanent magnet and the magnetic weight material, and the main body of the glass plate can be firmly fixed to the grinding table by the permanent magnet and the magnetic weight material together with the table chuck. When the grinding system grinds the peripheral edge of the main body of the glass plate by biting into the side surface (cylindrical part) of the rotating disk-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding mechanism, it can prevent the lateral slip (lateral displacement) of the main body of the glass plate on the grinding table by the permanent magnet and the magnetic weight material together with the table chuck, and the peripheral edge of the main body can be ground in a state where the main body of the glass plate is firmly fixed to the grinding table.

[0027] In a grinding system where an iron cap is placed on the permanent magnet to form a yoke that induces magnetic flux, the adsorption force of the permanent magnet can be increased by forming a yoke that induces magnetic flux in the permanent magnet by the iron cap. By sandwiching the main body of the glass plate between the permanent magnet covered with the iron cap and the magnetic weight material adsorbed to the permanent magnet, the fixing of the main body of the glass plate to the grinding table can be strengthened by the permanent magnet and the magnetic weight material, and the main body of the glass plate can be firmly fixed to the grinding table by the permanent magnet covered with the iron cap and the magnetic weight material together with the table chuck.

[0028] In a grinding system in which a magnetic weight is made from one of the metals iron, nickel, or cobalt and has a predetermined weight, and the magnetic weight has a predetermined surface area facing the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate, the magnetic weight is easily attracted to a magnet (permanent magnet or electromagnet) because the magnetic weight is made from one of the metals iron, nickel, or cobalt, and the main body of the glass plate is sandwiched between the magnet, which has an attractive surface area in the center of the suction cup, and the magnetic weight of the predetermined weight that is attracted to the magnet. Thus, the fixing of the main body of the glass plate to the grinding table can be reinforced by the magnet with an attractive surface area and a magnetic weight of a predetermined weight made from one of the metals nickel or cobalt, and the main body of the glass plate can be firmly fixed to the grinding table by the magnet and magnetic weight together with the table suction cup. In a grinding system, when grinding the periphery of the main body of a glass plate by engaging the side (cylindrical part) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding mechanism, the system can prevent the main body of the glass plate from sliding laterally on the grinding table by using a magnet with a predetermined surface area for adsorption along with a suction cup, and a magnetic weight of a predetermined weight made from either nickel or cobalt. This allows the periphery of the main body of the glass plate to be ground while it is securely fixed to the grinding table. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] Side view of a glass plate processing system employing a grinding system. [Figure 2] Top view of a glass plate processing system using a grinding device (grinding mechanism). [Figure 3] A top view showing an example of a glass plate to be processed by a grinding system. [Figure 4] A front view showing an example of a fourth glass plate holder. [Figure 5] A side view showing an example of a fourth glass plate holder. [Figure 6] A plan view showing an example of a fourth glass plate holder. [Figure 7] Side view of the delivery area. [Figure 8]Top view of the delivery area. [Figure 9] Front view of the loading area. [Figure 10] Top view of the cutting table and grinding table. [Figure 11] Side view of the cutting table and grinding table. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating the movement of the cutting table and the grinding table. [Figure 13] A side view of a cutting device, shown as an example, installed in the cutting area. [Figure 14] Front view of the cutting device. [Figure 15] Top view of the cutting device. [Figure 16] Top view of the folding / splitting table. [Figure 17] Side view of the folding / splitting table. [Figure 18] Side view of the folding device. [Figure 19] Front view of the folding device. [Figure 20] Top view of the folding device. [Figure 21] Enlarged front view of the folding / splitting device. [Figure 22] Enlarged front view of the folding / splitting device. [Figure 23] Partial cross-sectional side views of the first and second folding jigs. [Figure 24] Front views of the first and second folding jigs. [Figure 25] A top view of the folding and splitting table, showing the support device exposed. [Figure 26] Front view of the folding / splitting table, with the support device viewed from the front. [Figure 27] A front view of a grinding machine, shown as an example, installed in the grinding area. [Figure 28] Side view of the grinding machine. [Figure 29] Top view of the grinding machine. [Figure 30] A diagram showing an example of changing the rolling direction of a folding cutter wheel. [Figure 31] This diagram shows another example of changing the rolling direction of a folding cutter wheel. [Figure 32] This diagram shows another example of changing the rolling direction of a folding cutter wheel. [Figure 33] A diagram showing an example of the folding procedure in folding processing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Grinding Referring to the attached drawings such as Figure 1, which is a side view of the glass plate processing system 10 employing system 10a, the details of the grinding system (grinding method) according to the present invention will be explained as follows. Figure 2 is a top view of the glass plate processing system 10 using the grinding device 129 (grinding mechanism), and Figure 3 is... Grinding This is a top view showing an example of glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed by system 10a (glass plate processing system 10). In Figure 3, the glass plates 11a and 11b are shown positioned in the loading area 19. In Figures 1 to 3, the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) is indicated by arrow X, the width direction (Y-axis direction) by arrow Y, and the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction) by arrow Z.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed in the glass plate processing system 10 (glass plates 11a and 11b before processing) have a predetermined upper surface 12 and a predetermined lower surface 13, a predetermined thickness, and are formed into a rectangular (quadrilateral) shape that is long in the width direction. The glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed have a first side edge 14 (one side edge) and a second side edge 15 (the other side edge) that are spaced apart in the width direction and extend in the front-to-back direction, a front edge 16 and a rear edge 17 that are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction and extend in the width direction, and first to fourth corners 18a to 18d. In addition, the planar shape of the glass plate to be processed may be formed into a polygon other than a rectangle (quadrilateral), and each edge of the glass plate may be formed to form a curved shape, so the shape of the glass plate can include any shape.

[0032] The glass plate processing system 10 performs cutting, folding, and grinding on glass plates 11a and 11b (flat glass) of different sizes, ranging from large-sized glass plates 11a with large upper and lower surface areas to small-sized glass plates 11b with small upper and lower surface areas. The glass plate processing system 10 is controlled by a controller (control device) (not shown).

[0033] The controller is a computer equipped with a central processing unit (CPU or MPU) and memory (main memory and cache memory), operating on an independent operating system (virtual OS), and has a built-in large-capacity hard disk (large-capacity storage area). Input devices such as keyboards and numeric keypads (not shown) and output devices such as monitors, displays, and touch panels (not shown) are connected to the controller.

[0034] The controller's large-capacity hard disk (large-capacity storage area) stores (stores) information such as the name and part number of each glass plate 11a, 11b to be processed, multiple coordinate data for each glass plate 11a, 11b (coordinates of the side edges, front and rear edges, the first to fourth corners 18a to 18d, the center coordinates of the glass plates 11a, 11b, etc.), which vary depending on the size (area) and shape of each glass plate 11a, 11b to be processed, and image data of the glass plates 11a, 11b to be processed (planar images (6-sided images) and stereoscopic images (3D images)), all associated with glass plate identification information (glass plate identification identifiers) that identify the glass plates 11a, 11b. The glass plate identification information can be the manufacturing number or serial number of the glass plates 11a, 11b, or the controller can generate a unique identifier to identify the glass plates 11a, 11b, and this generated identifier can be used as the glass plate identification information.

[0035] The controller uses coordinate data of glass plates 11a and 11b stored on a large-capacity hard disk to NC control the cutting device 65 (cutting mechanism), the folding device 85 (folding mechanism), and the grinding device 129 (grinding mechanism) described later, during cutting in the cutting area 20, folding in the folding area 21, and grinding in the grinding area 22. In NC control, the controller quantifies the starting position of coordinate machining (XY plane coordinates) and the position of change of machining direction using coordinates, and quantifies the direction of movement, distance, and speed of the two axes, the X axis (forward / backward direction) and the Y axis (width direction). Signals quantified with command coordinates and axes are transmitted (input) to the cutting device 65, the folding device 85, and the grinding device 129. In NC control, the desired shape is accurately represented by repeating the "coordinate → axis → command" process.

[0036] The glass plate processing system 10 includes a loading area 19 (processing start area) into which the glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed (before processing) are loaded, an unloading area 23 (processing end area) out which the processed glass plates 11a and 11b are unloaded, processing areas 20 to 22 located between the loading area 19 and the unloading area 23 for processing the glass plates 11a and 11b, and a transport mechanism 24 that transports the glass plates 11a and 11b sequentially from the rear (upstream) to the front (downstream) in the front-rear direction to the loading area 19, the processing areas 20 to 22, and the unloading area 23, while also moving the cutting device 65 and the grinding device 129 in the front-rear direction. The processing areas 20 to 22 are arranged in the front-rear direction, separated from each other in the front-rear direction, between the loading area 19 and the unloading area 23.

[0037] These processing areas 20-22 are formed from a cutting area 20 located in front of (downstream of) the loading area 19 in the front-to-back direction and a predetermined distance forward from the loading area 19, a folding / splitting area 21 located in front of (downstream of) the cutting area 20 in the front-to-back direction and a predetermined distance forward from the cutting area 20, and a grinding area 22 located in front of (downstream of) the folding / splitting area 21 in the front-to-back direction and a predetermined distance forward from the folding / splitting area 21. The cutting area 20, folding / splitting area 21, and grinding area 22 are made on a system table 25 (machine table) which is formed into a long rectangle in the front-to-back direction.

[0038] The transport mechanism 24 includes a pair of first pillars 26a located at the rear of the system base 25 and extending vertically, a pair of second pillars 26b located at the front of the system base 25 and extending vertically, a fixed frame 27 located between the first and second pillars 26a, 26b and extending in the front-rear direction, a first moving unit 28 (first moving means) installed on one side of the fixed frame 27, and a second moving unit 29 (second moving means) installed at the bottom of the fixed frame 27.

[0039] The first moving unit 28 moves the cutting device 65 and the grinding device 129 forward and backward (linearly) in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). The first moving unit 28 is formed from a first guide frame 30, a pair of first guide rails 31, a first feed screw (ball screw) (not shown), a first travel frame 32, a first slide block (housing nut) (not shown), a pair of first guide shoes 33, and a first servo motor 34 (see Figure 14).

[0040] The first guide frame 30 is mounted on the fixed frame 27 and extends in the front-rear direction. The first guide rails 31 are spaced apart in the vertical direction and are connected and fixed to one side of the first guide frame 30 by predetermined connecting means, and extend in the front-rear direction. The first feed screw (ball screw) is located between the first guide rails 31 and is rotatably supported by a plurality of bearings (not shown) fixed to one side of the first guide frame 30, and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0041] The first travel frame 32 is located on one side of the first guide frame 30 and extends in the front-rear direction. The first slide blocks (housing nuts) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction and are connected and fixed to the opposing surface of the first travel frame 32 facing the first guide frame 30 by predetermined connecting means. The first guide shoes 33 are spaced apart in the vertical direction and are connected and fixed to the opposing surface of the first travel frame 32 facing the first guide frame 30 by predetermined connecting means, and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0042] The first servo motor 34 is located at the front end of the first guide frame 30 and is connected to the second pillar 26b via a bracket. The shaft of the first servo motor 34 is connected and fixed to the other end of the first feed screw. The rotation of the first servo motor 34 rotates the first feed screw, and the rotation of the first feed screw causes the cutting device 65 and the grinding device 129 to move forward and backward (linearly) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0043] When the shaft of the first servo motor 34 rotates counterclockwise, the first lead screw rotates counterclockwise, and this counterclockwise rotation of the first lead screw causes the first slide block to move in the front-to-back direction from the front to the rear of the first guide frame 30, and the movement of the first slide block causes the first running frame 32 to move in the front-to-back direction from the front to the rear of the first guide frame 30. Conversely, when the shaft of the first servo motor 34 rotates clockwise, the first lead screw rotates clockwise, and this clockwise rotation of the first lead screw causes the first slide block to move in the front-to-back direction from the rear to the front of the first guide frame 30, and the movement of the first slide block causes the first running frame 32 to move in the front-to-back direction from the rear to the front of the first guide frame 30.

[0044] The second moving unit 29 moves the first to fourth glass plate holders 40a to 40d, described later, forward and backward (linearly) in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). The second moving unit 29 is formed from a second guide frame 35, a pair of second guide rails 36, a second feed screw (ball screw) (not shown), a second running frame 37, a second slide block (housing nut) (not shown), a pair of second guide shoes 38, a second servo motor 39, and the first to fourth glass plate holders 40a to 40d (first to fourth glass plate lifters) (see Figure 19).

[0045] The second guide frame 35 is mounted on the fixed frame 27 and extends in the front-rear direction. The second guide rails 36 are spaced apart in the width direction and are connected and fixed to the lower part of the second guide frame 35 by predetermined connecting means, and extend in the front-rear direction. The second feed screw (ball screw) is located between the second guide rails 36 and is rotatably supported by a plurality of bearings (not shown) fixed to the lower part of the second guide frame 35, and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0046] The second travel frame 37 is located below the second guide frame 35 and extends in the front-rear direction. The second slide blocks (housing nuts) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction and are connected and fixed to the opposing surfaces of the second travel frame 37 that face the second guide frame 35 by predetermined connecting means. The second guide shoes 38 are spaced apart in the width direction and are connected and fixed to the opposing surfaces of the second travel frame 37 that face the second guide frame 35 by predetermined connecting means, and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0047] The second servo motor 39 is located at the rear end of the second guide frame 35 and is fixed to the fixed frame 27. The shaft of the second servo motor 39 is connected and fixed to one end of the second lead screw via a timing belt (and / or gear). The rotation of the second servo motor 39 rotates the second lead screw, and the rotation of the second lead screw causes the first to fourth glass plate holders 40a to 40d to move forward and backward (linearly) in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0048] When the shaft of the second servo motor 39 rotates clockwise, the second lead screw rotates clockwise, and this clockwise rotation of the second lead screw causes the second slide block to move in the front-to-back direction from the rear to the front of the second guide frame 35, and this movement of the second slide block causes the second travel frame 37 (glass plate holders 1 to 4 40a to 40d) to move in the front-to-back direction from the rear to the front of the second guide frame 35. Conversely, when the shaft of the second servo motor 39 rotates counterclockwise, the second lead screw rotates counterclockwise, and this counterclockwise rotation of the second lead screw causes the second slide block to move in the front-to-back direction from the front to the rear of the second guide frame 35, and this movement of the second slide block causes the second travel frame 37 (glass plate holders 1 to 4 40a to 40d) to move in the front-to-back direction from the front to the rear of the second guide frame 35. The control units that control the starting / stopping, rotational speed, and rotational velocity of the first and second servo motors 34 and 39 are connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0049] The first to fourth glass plate holders 40a to 40d are attached to the lower part of the second travel frame 37 and extend downward from the travel frame 37, and are arranged at equal intervals in the front-to-back direction. The first to fourth glass plate holders 40a to 40d have a pad mounting plate 41, a holder suction cup 42 (suction pad) installed in the center of the pad mounting plate 41 that suction and holds the upper surfaces 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, a vacuum mechanism (air suction device) (air vacuum pump) (not shown) that creates suction force on the holder suction cup 42 by creating negative pressure, and a holder lifting mechanism (lifting mechanism) that raises or lowers the pad mounting plate 41 (holder suction cup 42) in the vertical direction.

[0050] The holder suction cup 42 (suction pad) is made from a rubber-based material such as nitrile rubber, natural rubber, or polyurethane rubber and has a predetermined surface area. The holder lifting mechanism is driven by a servo motor (not shown). The control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the vacuum mechanism (air vacuum pump) and the pad lifting mechanism (servo motor) is connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0051] The first glass plate holder 40a reciprocates in the front-to-back direction between the loading area 19 and the cutting area 20, moving forward from the loading area 19 towards the cutting area 20 and backward from the cutting area 20 towards the loading area 19. Furthermore, the holder lifting mechanism causes it to reciprocate (rise or fall) in the vertical direction within the loading area 19 and the cutting area 20. The second glass plate holder 40b reciprocates in the front-to-back direction between the cutting area 20 and the folding area 21, moving forward from the cutting area 20 towards the folding area 21 and backward from the folding area 21 towards the cutting area 20. Furthermore, the holder lifting mechanism causes it to reciprocate (rise or fall) in the vertical direction within the cutting area 20 and the folding area 21.

[0052] The third glass plate holder 40c reciprocates in the front-rear direction between the folding / splitting area 21 and the grinding area 22, moving forward from the folding / splitting area 21 towards the grinding area 22 and backward from the grinding area 22 towards the folding / splitting area 21. Furthermore, the holder lifting mechanism causes it to reciprocate (rise or fall) in the vertical direction within the folding / splitting area 21 and the grinding area 22. The fourth glass plate holder 40d reciprocates in the front-rear direction between the grinding area 22 and the discharge area 23, moving forward from the grinding area 22 towards the discharge area 23 and backward from the discharge area 23 towards the grinding area 22. Furthermore, the holder lifting mechanism causes it to reciprocate (rise or fall) in the vertical direction within the grinding area 22 and the discharge area 23.

[0053] Figure 4 is a front view showing an example of the fourth glass plate holder 40d, and Figure 5 is a side view showing an example of the fourth glass plate holder 40d. Figure 6 is a top view showing an example of the fourth glass plate holder 40d. In Figure 5, the magnetic weight material 47 is shown placed in the center of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0054] The fourth glass plate holder 40d is equipped with a slide rod 43 located approximately in the center and extending in the front-rear direction, a magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 attached to the slide rod 43 that is slidable (movable) in the front-rear direction, and a lifting mechanism 45 that raises or lowers only the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 5, a memory 46 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the surface of the slide rod 43.

[0055] The magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 includes a magnetic weight 47, a magnetic weight holding suction cup 49 equipped with an adsorption holding surface 48 that adsorbs and holds the magnetic weight 47, and the adsorption of the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49 retention The device includes a vacuum mechanism (air suction device) (air vacuum pump) (not shown) that creates negative pressure on surface 48 to generate suction force on the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49, and a clamp mechanism (not shown) that fixes the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight holding suction cup 49) to the slide rod 43 and releases the fixing of the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight holding suction cup 49) to the slide rod 43. An air cylinder is used for the lifting mechanism 45. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 (air vacuum pump) and the lifting mechanism 45 (air cylinder) is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0056] The magnetic weight material 47 is a three-dimensional object formed into a hemispherical shape and having a predetermined volume, and is adsorbed by the magnetic weight material holding suction cup 49. retentionThe magnetic weight material 47 has an adsorption surface 50 that is detachably adsorbed to surface 48, and an opposing surface 51 (pressing surface) located below the adsorption surface 50. The adsorption surface 50 is curved in an arc so as to be convex upward from the opposing surface 51 (pressing surface). The opposing surface 51 is a flat surface (flattened plane) of a predetermined area that is horizontally flattened and exhibits a circular shape. The magnetic weight material 47 is made of one of the metals iron, nickel, or cobalt and has a predetermined weight. The magnetic weight material 47 is adsorbed by the magnetic weight material holding suction cup 49 over almost the entire area of ​​its adsorption surface 50. retention It is attracted to and held by surface 48. The magnetic weight material 47 has a weight in the range of 120 to 150 g, preferably in the range of 130 to 140 g.

[0057] The magnetic weight-holding suction cup 49 is made from a rubber-based material such as nitrile rubber, natural rubber, or polyurethane rubber. The suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight-holding suction cup 49 is molded into a hemispherical shape that is convex upwards. When the air vacuum pump is started, negative pressure is created, generating suction force, and when the air vacuum pump is stopped, the suction force disappears. In the fourth glass plate holder 40d, by rotating the handle connected to the clamp mechanism counterclockwise and setting the handle 52 to the OFF position, the magnetic weight-holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight-holding suction cup 49) is released from the slide rod 43, and the magnetic weight-holding mechanism 44 can be slid (moved) forward or backward along the slide rod 43.

[0058] In the fourth glass plate holder 40d, the magnetic weight 47 is placed in the center of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b. Therefore, the position of the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight holding suction cup 49) relative to the slide rod 43 is adjusted according to the size (area) of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b. The handle 52 is set to the OFF position, and the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight holding suction cup 49) is slid (moved) forward or backward in the front-to-back direction to determine its position relative to the slide rod 43. Then, the handle 52 is rotated clockwise to the ON position, and the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight holding suction cup 49) is fixed relative to the slide rod 43. Note that, unless the size (area) of the main body 66a changes, the position of the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight holding suction cup 49) relative to the slide rod 43 only needs to be adjusted once.

[0059] Figure 7 is a side view of the loading area 19, and Figure 8 is a top view of the loading area 19. Figure 9 is a front view of the loading area 19. The loading area 19 includes a loading conveyor 53, a stopper 54 and rollers 55, a pair of roller lifting mechanisms 56, and a moving mechanism 57. The loading area 19 is supported by legs (columns) that extend upward from the floor surface of the system base 25. In the loading area 19, a first positioning means (first positioning process) and a second positioning means (second positioning process) are performed to position the glass plates 11a and 11b toward each processing area 20 to 22.

[0060] A first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line) extending in the front-to-back direction is set on one side edge 58a of the loading area 19, and a second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line) extending in the width direction is set. The first positioning reference L1 is a virtual line extending straight in the front-to-back direction, based on the outermost edge of the first side edge 14 that extends in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the large-sized (large-area) glass plate 11a (the glass plate 11a to be processed first). The outermost edge is, for example, the vertex of the curve that is located furthest outward in the width direction when the first side edge 14 (one side edge) of the glass plates 11a and 11b forms a curved shape. Also, when the first side edge 14 (one side edge) of the glass plates 11a and 11b extends straight in the front-to-back direction, that side edge 14 becomes the outermost edge.

[0061] The first positioning reference L1 is positioned at the outermost edge of the first side edge 14 (one side edge) that extends in the front-rear direction on one of the width directions of the glass plates 11a, 11b, which is located furthest outward in the width direction. Here, positioning the outermost edge at the first positioning reference L1 includes not only the case where the outermost edge perfectly coincides with the first positioning reference L1, but also the case where the outermost edge is located near the inward (immediately adjacent) side of the first positioning reference L1 in the width direction, or the case where the outermost edge is located near the outward (immediately adjacent) side of the first positioning reference L1 in the width direction.

[0062] The second positioning reference L2 is positioned at the front-rear center O1 of the first side edge 14 (one side edge) that extends in the front-rear direction on one of the widthwise sides of the glass plates 11a and 11b (the center line L2 that extends in the widthwise direction by dividing the front-rear dimension of the glass plates 11a and 11b in half). Here, positioning the front-rear center O1 (center line L2) at the second positioning reference L2 includes not only the case where the front-rear center O1 (center line L2) perfectly coincides with the second positioning reference L2, but also the case where the front-rear center O1 (center line L2) is located near the front-rear front of the second positioning reference L2 (immediately adjacent), or the case where the front-rear center O1 (center line L2) is located near the rear-rear front of the second positioning reference L2 (immediately adjacent).

[0063] The controller (glass plate processing system 10) uses the coordinate data of each glass plate 11a, 11b stored in a large-capacity hard disk to calculate the widthwise dimension of each glass plate 11a, 11b, and determines the first movement dimension (first movement distance) in the widthwise direction to position the first side edge 14 (one side edge) of the glass plates 11a, 11b on the first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line) according to the calculated difference in widthwise (Y-axis direction) dimensions of the glass plates 11a, 11b, and also determines the rotation speed of the shaft of the third servo motor 61 (number of rotations of the shaft to move the glass plates 11a, 11b by the first movement dimension (first movement distance) in the widthwise direction) based on the determined first movement dimension. 61 The rotation speed of the axis is stored in a large-capacity hard disk, associated with the glass plate identification information (glass plate identification identifier) ​​of each glass plate 11a, 11b.

[0064] The controller (glass plate processing system 10) uses the coordinate data of each glass plate 11a, 11b stored in a large-capacity hard disk to calculate the dimensions of each glass plate 11a, 11b in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), and then, according to the calculated differences in the front-to-back dimensions of each glass plate 11a, 11b, it positions the front-to-back center O1 of one side edge 14 of the glass plates 11a, 11b on the second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line) using a conveyor. 53 The controller (glass plate processing system 10) determines the second movement dimension in the rearward direction. The controller stores the determined second movement dimension in a large-capacity hard disk, associating it with the glass plate identification information (glass plate identification identifier) ​​of each glass plate 11a, 11b.

[0065] The controller (glass plate processing system 10) calculates the forward and backward movement dimensions (travel distance) of the cutting device 65 and grinding device 129 based on the calculated forward and backward dimensions of each glass plate 11a and 11b, and determines the rotational speed of the first servo motor 34 axis (the number of rotations of the axis that moves the cutting device 65 and grinding device 129 by the forward and backward movement dimensions (travel distance) based on the calculated movement dimensions. The controller (glass plate processing system 10) stores the determined movement dimensions and the determined rotational speed of the first servo motor 34 axis in a large-capacity hard disk, associating them with the glass plate identification information (glass plate identification identifier) ​​of each glass plate 11a and 11b.

[0066] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the input conveyor 53 consists of multiple continuous tracks extending in the front-to-back direction (X direction) and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction (Y direction). A control unit that controls the starting, stopping, and transport distance of these input conveyors 53 is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown). These input conveyors 53 transport the glass plates 11a and 1b from the rear end (inlet) to the front end (outlet) of the input area 19, from rear to front. The stoppers 54 are installed at the front end of the input area 19 and are spaced apart in the width direction. The front edges 16 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, which are moving forward from the rear end to the front end of the input area 19 by the input conveyors 53, come into contact with the stoppers 54. Contact sensors (not shown) are installed on the stoppers 54. The contact sensor is connected to the controller and detects when the front edge 16 of the glass plates 11a and 11b come into contact with the stopper 54. When the front edge 16 comes into contact with the stopper 54, it transmits a contact signal to the controller.

[0067] The rollers 55 are rotatably mounted on a shaft 59 that extends in the front-rear direction, or multiple rollers are mounted on a shaft 59 that extends in the front-rear direction and rotate with the shaft 59. The rollers 55 are installed together with the shaft 59 between the input conveyor belts 53. The rollers 55 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction and at predetermined intervals in the width direction. The rollers 55 rotate clockwise and counterclockwise in the width direction and contact the lower surfaces 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, holding the glass plates 11a and 11b so that they can move in the width direction. The shaft 59 is mounted on a base located below it via bearings.

[0068] Between roller 55a of the rollers 55 and the shaft 59, a resistance plate (rubber ring) (not shown) is attached to increase the rotational resistance of roller 55a. The resistance between roller 55a and the shaft 59 is increased by the resistance plate (rubber ring), and roller 55a will not rotate unless a rotational force exceeding the rotational resistance is applied to it, thus preventing the roller 55a from rotating freely. When glass plates 11a and 11b are placed on these rollers 55, the roller 55a with high rotational resistance prevents the glass plates 11a and 11b from moving freely in the width direction. Note that it is sufficient for a resistance plate (rubber ring) to be attached between at least one of the rollers 55 and the shaft 59.

[0069] These roller lifting mechanisms 56 are installed below the base to which the shaft 59 is attached, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction. Air cylinders are used in these roller lifting mechanisms 56, and the shaft 59 and the rollers 55, along with the base, are raised and lowered by the roller lifting mechanisms 56 (air cylinders). The raising and lowering dimensions of the roller lifting mechanisms 56 (air cylinders) are set in advance. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the roller lifting mechanisms 56 (air cylinders) is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown). When the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinders) receives a lifting signal from the controller, it uses the roller lifting mechanism 56 to raise and lower the rollers 55 (base and shaft 59).

[0070] Furthermore, while the loading conveyor 53 is transporting the glass plates 11a and 11b, the rollers 55 (base and shaft 59) are lowered below the loading conveyor 53 by the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder), and the rollers 55 do not come into contact with the lower surfaces 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b. When the rollers 55 (base and shaft 59) are raised by the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder), a portion of the peripheral edge of the rollers 55 is exposed above the loading conveyor 53, and the glass plates 11a and 11b are lifted above the loading conveyor 53 by the rollers 55.

[0071] The moving mechanism 57 includes a rod 60 located above the input conveyor 53 and the rollers 55, a third servo motor 61 installed (built into) the rod 60, a feed screw (feed screw mechanism) (not shown) installed (built into) the rod 60 and connected to the shaft of the third servo motor 61, a moving arm 62 extending downward from the rod 60, and a contact member 63 installed at the lower end of the moving arm 62.

[0072] Rod 60 is attached to the rear surface of the first pillar 26a and extends in the width direction. The movable arm 62 is movably mounted on the lead screw and moves linearly along rod 60 in one direction and the other in the width direction by the rotation of the lead screw caused by the rotation of the shaft of the third servo motor 61. The contact member 63 moves linearly with the movable arm 62 in one direction and the other in the width direction as the movable arm 62 moves in the width direction. When the roller 55 raised by the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder) is in contact with the lower surface 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the contact member 63 contacts the other side edge 15 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, pressing the glass plates 11a and 11b in the width direction so that they move in the width direction. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the third servo motor 61, as well as the rotation speed and rotational speed, is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0073] Figure 10 is a top view of the cutting table 64 and grinding table 128, and Figure 11 is a side view of the cutting table 64 and grinding table 128. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the cutting table 64 and grinding table 128, and Figure 13 is a side view of a cutting device 65, shown as an example installed in the cutting area 20. Figure 14 is a front view of the cutting device 65, and Figure 15 is a top view of the cutting device 65. In Figures 10 and 11, the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) is indicated by arrow X, the width direction (Y-axis direction) by arrow Y, and the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction) by arrow Z.

[0074] The cutting area 20 includes a cutting table 64 (cutting table) on which the glass plates 11a and 11b positioned in the loading area 19 are placed, and a cutting device 65 (cutting device) that makes an outer shape cutting line K1 (cut line) on the edge 66b (periphery) of the glass plates 11a and 11b placed on the cutting table 64.

[0075] The cutting table 64 is mounted on a base rail 67a that is long in the width direction and fixed to the floor surface of the system base 25. The cutting table 64 moves in the width direction with the positioned glass plates 11a and 11b placed on it using a first moving mechanism 68a. The first moving mechanism 68a is made up of a travel guide rail 69a, a feed screw 70a (ball screw), a fourth servo motor 71, a guide shoe 72a, and a slide block 73a (housing nut).

[0076] These running guide rails 69a are installed on the upper surface of the base lane 67a and extend in the width direction. The feed screw 70a (ball screw) is installed on the upper surface of the base lane 67a, to the side of the running guide rails 69a, and extends in the width direction. The fourth servo motor 71 is installed on the base lane 67a and reciprocates the cutting table 64 in the width direction. The other end of the feed screw 70a is connected to the shaft of the fourth servo motor 71.

[0077] The feed screw 70a is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) fixed to the base lane 67a. The guide shoe 72a is mounted on the underside of the cutting table 64 and extends in the width direction. The guide shoe 72a is slidably fitted to the travel guide rail 69a. The slide block 73a (housing nut) is mounted on the underside of the cutting table 64 and between the guide shoes 72a. The slide block 73a is rotatably screwed onto the feed screw 70a.

[0078] When the shaft of the fourth servo motor 71 rotates clockwise, the feed screw 70a rotates clockwise, and the clockwise rotation of the feed screw 70a causes the slide block 73a to move the feed screw 70a in the width direction from the second side edge 58b (the other side edge) to the first side edge 58a (the one side edge) of the cutting area 20, and the movement of the slide block 73a causes the cutting table 64 to move in the width direction from the second side edge 58b to the first side edge 58a of the cutting area 20. Conversely, when the shaft of the fourth servo motor 71 rotates counterclockwise, the feed screw 70a rotates counterclockwise, and the counterclockwise rotation of the feed screw 70a causes the slide block 73a to move the feed screw 70a in the width direction from the first side edge 58a (one side edge) to the second side edge 58b (the other side edge) of the cutting area 20, and the movement of the slide block 73a causes the cutting table 64 to move in the width direction from the first side edge 58a to the second side edge 58b of the cutting area 20.

[0079] The cutting device 65 comprises a cutting jig 74, an air cylinder 75, and a fifth servo motor 76. The cutting jig 74 is formed from a cutting cutter wheel 77, a cutting cutter holder 78 (cutting holder), a cutter lifting shaft 79, and a cutter lifting guide 80. The cutting cutter wheel 77 is connected to the cutting cutter holder 78 via a bearing (not shown) and rotates freely along the axis of the interposed bearing. The cutting cutter wheel 77 forms an outer cutting line K1 on the edge 66b (peripheral edge) of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0080] The cutting cutter holder 78 is located directly above the cutting cutter wheel 77 and is connected to the cutter wheel 77, supporting the cutter wheel 77. Cutter lifting shaft 79The cutter holder 78 is located directly above the cutter holder 78 and is connected to the cutter holder 78, supporting the cutter holder 78. The cutter lifting guide 80 is located directly above the cutter lifting shaft 79 and is connected to the cutter lifting shaft 79, supporting the cutter lifting shaft 79. The cutting jig 74 (including the air cylinder 75) is located directly above the air cylinder 75 and is connected to a support shaft 81 that rotatably supports the cutting jig 74. The support shaft 81 is attached to a bracket 82 located directly above it. The bracket 82 (cutting device 65) is connected to the first moving unit 28 of the aforementioned transport mechanism 24, which moves forward and backward (linearly) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0081] The air cylinder 75 is installed directly above the cutter lifting shaft 79. The air cylinder 75 moves the cutting cutter wheel 77 (cutting cutter holder 78) up and down (up and down movement in the Z-axis direction), and when forming the outer cut line K1 (cut line) on the edge 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, it lowers the cutter wheel 77 toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, applying cutting pressure (downward pressing force) to the cutter wheel 77. The fifth servo motor 76 has its shaft connected to the support shaft 81 via a timing belt 83. The fifth servo motor 76 adjusts the cutting direction orientation (angle around an axis perpendicular to the XY plane) of the cutting jig 74 (cutting cutter wheel 77).

[0082] In the cutting device 65, the control unit of the fifth servo motor 76 rotates the shaft of the motor 76 based on the NC control signal transmitted from the controller, and NC controls the cutting jig 74 (cutting cutter wheel 77). According to the NC control, the cutting jig 74 (cutting cutter wheel 77) forms (makes) the desired outer cutting line K1 (cut line) on the edge 66b (periphery) of the glass plates 11a and 11b. The control units that control the starting and stopping, rotational speed, and rotational speed of the fourth and fifth servo motors 71 and 76 are connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0083] Figure 16 is a top view of the folding and splitting table 84, and Figure 17 is a side view of the folding and splitting table 84. The folding and splitting area 21 includes a folding and splitting table 84 (folding and splitting table) on which the glass plates 11a and 11b, which are positioned in the loading area 19 and have been cut in the cutting area 20, a folding and splitting device 85 (see Figures 18 to 24) that folds the edges 66b (periphery) located outside the outer cutting line K1 (cut line) of the glass plates 11a and 11b placed on the folding and splitting table 84, and a support device 86 (see Figures 25 and 26) that supports the glass plates.

[0084] The folding and splitting table 84 is formed from a belt conveyor 87 that travels in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and a conveyor drive motor 88 that drives the belt conveyor 87, and is installed on a base plate fixed to the floor surface of the system table 25. The belt conveyor 87 is formed from a belt 89 that extends in the width direction, a plurality of pulleys 90 and carrier rollers 91 that support the belt 89, and a conveyor frame 92 that supports the belt 89, pulleys 90 and carrier rollers 91. The glass plates 11a and 11b after cutting are placed on the belt conveyor 87. The belt conveyor 87 transports the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that have been folded and split by the folding and splitting device 85 to the other side in the width direction (from the first side edge 58a to the second side edge 58b), and discards the folded edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b into a dust box (not shown).

[0085] The conveyor drive motor 88 has its shaft connected to a pulley 90 by a timing belt. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the conveyor drive motor 88 is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown). The rotational speed of the shaft of the conveyor drive motor 88 (belt travel speed) is set in advance and stored in the controller's large-capacity hard disk, with the rotational speed (belt travel speed) associated with specific information of the conveyor drive motor 88. When the control unit of the conveyor drive motor 88 receives a drive signal from the controller, it drives the drive motor 88 at a predetermined rotational speed, and when it receives a stop signal from the controller, it stops driving the drive motor 88. When the shaft of the conveyor drive motor 88 rotates clockwise, that rotation is transmitted to the pulley 90 via the timing belt, causing the pulley 90 to rotate clockwise, and the rotation of the pulley 90 causes the belt 89 to travel in the other direction in the width direction.

[0086] Figure 18 is a side view of the folding device 85, and Figure 19 is a front view of the folding device 85. Figure 20 is a top view of the folding device 85, and Figures 21 and 22 are enlarged front views of the folding device 85. Figure 23 is a partially broken side view of the first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b. Figure 24 is a front view of the first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b. Figure 21 shows the state in which the folding cutter wheel 103 is lowered and the first and second pressing members 105a and 105b are raised. Figure 22 shows the state in which the folding cutter wheel 103 is raised and the first and second pressing members 105a and 105b are lowered.

[0087] The folding device 85 is formed from two folding devices, a first folding device 85a and a second folding device 85b, spaced apart in the width direction. The first folding device 85a is connected to the first guide frame 30, and the second folding device 85b is connected to the suspension frame 93. The suspension frame 93 is connected to the side of the second guide frame 35. The first folding device 85a includes a first folding jig 94a (folding jig), a sixth servo motor 95 (X-axis servo motor) and a first X-axis actuator 96a, a seventh servo motor 97 (Y-axis servo motor) and a first Y-axis actuator 98a, and a first X-axis actuator frame 99a and a first Y-axis actuator frame 99c. The first X-axis actuator frame 99a and the first Y-axis actuator frame 99c are connected in series at one end.

[0088] The second folding device 85b includes a second folding jig 94b (folding jig), an eighth servo motor 100 (X-axis servo motor) and an X-axis second actuator 96b, a ninth servo motor 101 (Y-axis servo motor) and a Y-axis second actuator 98b, and an X-axis second actuator frame 99b and a Y-axis second actuator frame 99d. The X-axis second actuator frame 99b and the Y-axis second actuator frame 99d are connected in series at one end.

[0089] The first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b of the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, consist of a folding cutter holder 102, a folding cutter wheel 103, a holder lifting mechanism 104 (first lifting mechanism), and the main body 66a (extending inside the outer shape cutting line K1) of the glass plates 11a and 11b on which the outer shape cutting line K1 (cutting line) and edge cutting line K2 are formed. A first pressing member 105a presses the lath plates 11a, 11b) downward, a second pressing member 105b presses the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b (glass plates 11a, 11b extending outside the outer shape cutting line K1) downward, a first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a (second lifting mechanism), and a second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b (second 3 It is formed from a lifting mechanism.

[0090] The folding cutter holder 102 is located above the folding cutter wheel 103 and supports the folding cutter wheel 103. As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the folding cutter holder 102 has a holder body 107 with a connecting portion and a holder head 108 attached to the tip of the holder body 107.

[0091] The folding cutter wheel 103 forms (makes) an edge cutting line K2 (scribe) on the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed (the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extend outside the outer cutting line K1). The folding cutter wheel 103 is rotatably (rolls) mounted on the tip of the holder head 108 via a rolling shaft 111, and its periphery 112 rolls around the rolling shaft 111. The cutter wheel axis O3 of the folding cutter wheel 103, which extends in the vertical direction, is radially eccentric (misaligned) with respect to the cutter holder central axis O2 of the folding cutter holder 102 (holder body 107), which extends in the vertical direction. The widthwise separation dimension S (eccentricity dimension) of the cutter wheel axis O3 with respect to the cutter holder central axis O2 is in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0092] The holder head 108 is connected to the holder body 107 via a bearing 110 and rotates freely along the axis of the interposed bearing 110, allowing it to rotate 360° around the cutter holder central axis O2 of the folding cutter holder 102 (in the θ direction). The holder head 108 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise around the cutter holder central axis O2. As the holder head 108 rotates, the folding cutter wheel 103 (a folding cutter wheel 103 having a cutter wheel axis O3 that is eccentric with respect to the cutter holder central axis O2) can rotate 360° around the cutter wheel axis O3 relative to the folding cutter holder 102. The folding cutter wheel 103 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise around the cutter holder central axis O2.

[0093] The folding cutter wheel 103 has its cutter wheel axis O3 eccentrically outward in the radial direction with respect to the cutter holder central axis O2. Therefore, when the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b (folding cutter holders 102) travel (move) along the upper surfaces 12 of the glass plates 11a, 11b in a predetermined direction, the folding cutter wheel 103 exhibits a caster effect in which the direction of rotation (movement) of its peripheral edge 112 is aligned with the direction of travel (movement) of the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b (folding cutter holders 102) (the direction in which the virtual edge cutting line extends).

[0094] The holder lifting mechanism 104 (first lifting mechanism) is installed directly above the holder body 107 and is connected to the connecting portion 113 of the folding cutter holder 102 (holder body 107). The holder lifting mechanism 104 is fixed to the bracket 114 by a fixing member. An air cylinder is used in the holder lifting mechanism 104 (first lifting mechanism). The holder lifting mechanism 104 (air cylinder) raises and lowers (moves up and down) the folding cutter holders 102 (folding cutter wheels 103) of the first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The holder lifting mechanism 104 (air cylinder) is used when folding the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b. split The cutter wheel 103 is lowered toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and edge cutting pressure (downward pressing force) is applied to the cutter wheel 103. The upward and downward dimensions of the holder lifting mechanism are set in advance.

[0095] The first pressing member 105a is made of rubber or synthetic resin having rubber elasticity. The first pressing member 105a is located near the outside of the second pressing member 105b and extends in the direction circumferential to the second pressing member 105b. The first pressing member 105a has a first pressing surface 115a of a predetermined area that contacts the upper surfaces 12 of the glass plates 11a, 1b. The first pressing surface 115a is molded into a semi-annular shape that surrounds the second pressing member 105b.

[0096] The first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a (second lifting mechanism) is located laterally to the first pressing member 105a in the width direction and is fixed to the bracket 114 by a fixing member. An air cylinder is used in the first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a. The first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a (air cylinder) moves the first pressing member 105a of the first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b up and down (up and down movement) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0097] The first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a (second lifting mechanism) lowers the first pressing member 105a toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b when the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b are folded, and applies a downward pressing force to the first pressing member 105a. The lifting and lowering dimensions of the first pressing member 105a are set in advance. One of the brackets 114 is slidably attached to the X-axis first actuator frame 99a and the Y-axis first actuator frame 99c.

[0098] The second pressing member 105b is made of rubber or synthetic resin having rubber elasticity. The second pressing member 105b is located near the outside of the folding cutter wheel 103 and extends in the direction circumferential to the folding cutter wheel 103. The second pressing member 105b has a second pressing surface 115b of a predetermined area that contacts the upper surfaces 12 of the glass plates 11a, 1b. The second pressing surface 115b is formed in an annular shape that surrounds the folding cutter wheel 103. A through hole 116 that penetrates vertically is drilled (formed) in the center of the second pressing member 105b.

[0099] The second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b (third lifting mechanism) is located laterally to the second pressing member 105b in the width direction and is fixed to the bracket 114 by a fixing member. An air cylinder is used in the second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b. The second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b (air cylinder) moves the second pressing member 105b of the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b up and down (up and down movement) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b (third lifting mechanism) lowers the second pressing member 105b toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a, 11b when folding the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b, and applies a downward pressing force to the second pressing member 105b. The upward and downward dimensions of the second pressing member 105b are set in advance. The other bracket 114 is slidably mounted on the X-axis second actuator frame 99b and the Y-axis second actuator frame 99d. The control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the holder lifting mechanism 104 (first lifting mechanism), the control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a (second lifting mechanism), and the control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b (third lifting mechanism) are connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0100] The sixth servo motor 95 (X-axis servo motor) is installed on the X-axis first actuator frame 99a, and its shaft is connected to the X-axis first actuator 96a. The X-axis first actuator 96a has a screw portion and a guide portion (not shown). When the shaft of the sixth servo motor 95 rotates clockwise, the screw portion of the X-axis first actuator 96a rotates clockwise, and when the screw portion rotates counterclockwise, the first folding jig 94a of the first folding device 85a moves forward in the front-rear direction along the X-axis first actuator frame 99a together with the bracket 114. When the shaft of the sixth servo motor 95 rotates counterclockwise, the screw portion of the X-axis first actuator 96a rotates counterclockwise, and when the screw portion rotates counterclockwise, the first folding jig 94a of the first folding device 85a moves backward in the front-rear direction along the X-axis first actuator frame 99a together with the bracket 114.

[0101] The seventh servo motor 97 (Y-axis servo motor) is mounted on the Y-axis first actuator frame 99c, and its axis is connected to the Y-axis first actuator 98a. The Y-axis first actuator 98a has a screw portion and a guide portion (not shown). When the shaft of the seventh servo motor 97 rotates clockwise, the screw portion of the Y-axis first actuator 98a rotates clockwise, and when the screw portion rotates counterclockwise, the first folding jig 94a of the first folding device 85a moves along the Y-axis first actuator frame 99c in one direction in the width direction together with the bracket 114. When the shaft of the seventh servo motor 97 rotates counterclockwise, the screw portion of the Y-axis first actuator 98a rotates counterclockwise, and when the screw portion rotates counterclockwise, the first folding jig 94a of the first folding device 85a moves along the Y-axis first actuator frame 99c in the other direction in the width direction together with the bracket 114. A control unit that controls the starting / stopping, rotation speed, and rotational speed of the sixth and seventh servo motors 95 and 97 is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0102] The eighth servo motor 100 (X-axis servo motor) is installed on the X-axis second actuator frame 99b, and its shaft is connected to the X-axis second actuator 96b. The X-axis second actuator 96b has a screw portion and a guide portion (not shown). When the shaft of the eighth servo motor 100 rotates clockwise, the screw portion of the X-axis second actuator 96b rotates clockwise, and when the screw portion rotates counterclockwise, the second folding jig 94b of the second folding device 85b moves forward in the front-rear direction along the X-axis second actuator frame 99b together with the bracket 114. When the shaft of the eighth servo motor 100 rotates counterclockwise, the screw portion of the X-axis second actuator 96b rotates counterclockwise, and when the screw portion rotates counterclockwise, the second folding jig 94b of the second folding device 85b moves backward in the front-rear direction along the X-axis second actuator frame 99b together with the bracket 114.

[0103] The ninth servo motor 101 (Y-axis servo motor) is mounted on the Y-axis second actuator frame 99d, and its axis is connected to the Y-axis second actuator 98b. The Y-axis second actuator 98b has a threaded portion and a guide portion (not shown). When the axis of the ninth servo motor 101 rotates clockwise, the threaded portion of the Y-axis second actuator 98b rotates clockwise, and when the threaded portion rotates counterclockwise, the second folding jig 94b of the second folding device 85b moves along the second actuator frame 99d toward one side in the width direction together with the bracket 114. Y-axis The second actuator frame 99d moves toward the other side in the width direction. A control unit that controls the starting / stopping, rotational speed, and rotational speed of the eighth and ninth servo motors 100 and 101 is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0104] Figure 25 is a top view of the folding table 84 with the support device 86 exposed, and Figure 26 is a front view of the folding table 84 with the support device 86 viewed from the front. The support device 86 is formed from two first support devices 86a and second support devices 86b that are spaced apart in the width direction. The first and second support devices 86a and 86b are connected to a guide frame 117.

[0105] The first support device 86a includes a first support member 118a and a second support member 118b, a second support member lifting mechanism 119 (fourth lifting mechanism) for raising and lowering the second support member 118b in the vertical direction, a tenth servo motor 120 (X-axis servo motor) and an X-axis third actuator 121a, an eleventh servo motor 122 (Y-axis servo motor) and a Y-axis third actuator 123a, and an X-axis third actuator frame 124a and a Y-axis third actuator frame 124c.

[0106] The second support device 86b includes a first support member 118a and a second support member 118b, a second support member lifting mechanism 119 (fourth lifting mechanism) for raising and lowering the second support member 118b in the vertical direction, a twelfth servo motor 125 (X-axis servo motor) and an X-axis fourth actuator 121b, a thirteenth servo motor 126 (Y-axis servo motor) and a Y-axis fourth actuator 123b, and an X-axis fourth actuator frame 124b and a Y-axis fourth actuator frame 124d.

[0107] The first support member 118a is located radially inward of the second support member 118b and has a first support surface 127a of a predetermined area that supports the lower surfaces 13 of the glass plates 11a, 11b. The first support surface 127a is formed into a flat, circular shape. The second support member 118b is located radially outward of the first support member 118a and has a second support surface 127b of a predetermined area that supports the lower surfaces 13 of the glass plates 11a, 11b. The second support surface 127b is formed into a flat, annular shape that surrounds the first support member 118a (first support surface 127a).

[0108] The second support member lifting mechanism 119 (fourth lifting mechanism) is located directly below the second support member 118b and is fixed to the guide frame 117 by a fixing member. An air cylinder is used in the second support member lifting mechanism 119. The second support member lifting mechanism 119 (air cylinder) moves the second support member 118b of the first and second support devices 86a and 86b up and down (up and down movement) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The second support member lifting mechanism 119 (fourth lifting mechanism) lowers the second support member 118b from the lower surface 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b when the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b are folded, creating a gap (a step between the first support surface 127a and the second support surface 127b) between the lower surface 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b and the second support surface 127b. The lowering dimension of the second support member 118b is set in advance.

[0109] The control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the second support member lifting mechanism 119 (fourth lifting mechanism) is connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown). When the control unit of the second support member lifting mechanism 119 receives a lifting signal from the controller, it uses the second support member lifting mechanism 119 (air cylinder) to raise and lower the second support member 118b.

[0110] The 10th servo motor 120 (X-axis servo motor) is mounted on the X-axis third actuator frame 124a, and its shaft is connected to the X-axis third actuator 121a. The X-axis third actuator 121a has a threaded portion and a guide portion (not shown). When the shaft of the 10th servo motor 120 rotates clockwise, the threaded portion of the X-axis third actuator 121a rotates clockwise, and when the threaded portion rotates counterclockwise, the first support device 86a moves forward in the front-rear direction along the X-axis third actuator frame 124a together with the guide frame 117. When the shaft of the 10th servo motor 120 rotates counterclockwise, the threaded portion of the X-axis third actuator 121a rotates counterclockwise, and when the threaded portion rotates counterclockwise, the first support device 86a moves backward in the front-rear direction along the X-axis third actuator frame 124a together with the guide frame 117.

[0111] The 11th servo motor 122 (Y-axis servo motor) is mounted on the Y-axis third actuator frame 124c, and its shaft is connected to the Y-axis third actuator 123a. The Y-axis third actuator 123a has a threaded portion and a guide portion (not shown). When the shaft of the 11th servo motor 122 rotates clockwise, the threaded portion of the Y-axis third actuator 123a rotates clockwise, and when the threaded portion rotates counterclockwise, the first support device 86a moves along the Y-axis third actuator frame 124c together with the guide frame 117 toward one side in the width direction. When the shaft of the 11th servo motor 122 rotates counterclockwise, the threaded portion of the Y-axis third actuator 123a rotates counterclockwise, and when the threaded portion rotates counterclockwise, the first support device 86a moves along the Y-axis third actuator frame 124c together with the guide frame 117 toward the other side in the width direction. Furthermore, the first support device 86a moves in the front-rear direction and the width direction (horizontal direction) in synchronization with the first folding device 85a (first folding jig 94a). The control unit that controls the starting / stopping, rotation speed, and rotational speed of the 10th and 11th servo motors 120 and 122 is connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0112] The 12th servo motor 125 (X-axis servo motor) is mounted on the X-axis 4th actuator frame 124b, and its shaft is connected to the X-axis 4th actuator 121b. The X-axis 4th actuator 121b has a screw portion and a guide portion (not shown). When the shaft of the 12th servo motor 125 rotates clockwise, the screw portion of the X-axis 4th actuator 121b rotates clockwise, and when the screw portion rotates counterclockwise, the second support device 86b moves forward in the front-rear direction along the X-axis 4th actuator frame 124b together with the guide frame 117. When the shaft of the 12th servo motor 125 rotates counterclockwise, the screw portion of the X-axis 4th actuator 121b rotates counterclockwise, and when the screw portion rotates counterclockwise, the second support device 86b moves backward in the front-rear direction along the X-axis 4th actuator frame 124b together with the guide frame 117.

[0113] The 13th servo motor 126 (Y-axis servo motor) is mounted on the Y-axis 4th actuator frame 124d, and its shaft is connected to the Y-axis 4th actuator 123b. The Y-axis 4th actuator 123b has a threaded portion and a guide portion (not shown). When the shaft of the 13th servo motor 126 rotates clockwise, the threaded portion of the Y-axis 4th actuator 123b rotates clockwise, and when the threaded portion rotates counterclockwise, the second support device 86b moves along the Y-axis 4th actuator frame 124d together with the guide frame 117 toward one side in the width direction. When the shaft of the 13th servo motor 126 rotates counterclockwise, the threaded portion of the Y-axis 4th actuator 123b rotates counterclockwise, and when the threaded portion rotates counterclockwise, the second support device 86b moves along the Y-axis 4th actuator frame 124d together with the guide frame 117 toward the other side in the width direction. Furthermore, the second support device 86b moves in the front-rear direction and width direction (horizontal direction) in synchronization with the second folding device 85b (second folding jig 94b). The control unit that controls the starting / stopping, rotation speed, and rotational speed of the 12th and 13th servo motors 125 and 126 is connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0114] Figure 27 is a front view of a grinding device 129 as an example installed in the grinding area 22, and Figure 28 is a side view of the grinding device 129. Figure 29 is a top view of the grinding device 129. The grinding area 22 includes a grinding table 128 (grinding table) on which glass plates 11a and 11b are placed after being positioned in the loading area 19, cut in the cutting area 20, and folded in the folding area 21, and a grinding device 129 (grinding mechanism) that grinds the edges (periphery) of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b placed on the grinding table 128.

[0115] The grinding table 128 is installed on a base lane 67b that is long in the width direction and fixed to the floor surface of the system base 25 (see Figure 10). The grinding table 128 has a table suction cup 130 (suction pad) that holds the lower surfaces 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b by suction, a magnet 131 located directly below the table suction cup 130, a support column 132 that supports the table suction cup 130, and a vacuum mechanism (air suction device) (air vacuum pump) (not shown) that applies suction force to the table suction cup 130 by creating negative pressure. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the vacuum mechanism is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0116] The table suction cup 130 (suction pad) is detachably connected and fixed to the upper part of the support column 132 by a predetermined connecting means. The table suction cup 130 is made of a rubber-based material such as nitrile rubber, natural rubber, or polyurethane rubber and has a predetermined surface area. The magnet 131 is detachably connected and fixed to the upper part of the support column 132, specifically to the central part of the support column 132, by a predetermined connecting means. The magnet 131 has a suction surface 134 of a predetermined area, and the suction surface 134 is located directly below the center 133 of the table suction cup 130, which has a predetermined surface area. The suction surface 134 is a horizontally flattened, circular surface (flattened plane).

[0117] A cylindrical permanent magnet, elongated vertically, is used for magnet 131. The permanent magnet can be a ferrite magnet, an alloy magnet such as an alnico magnet or an iron-chromium-cobalt magnet, or a rare-earth magnet such as a neodymium magnet or a samarium-cobalt magnet. Although not shown in the diagram, an iron cap is placed over the permanent magnet (magnet 131) to form a yoke that guides the magnetic flux. The iron cap forms a yoke that guides the magnetic flux onto the permanent magnet (magnet 131), increasing the attractive force of the permanent magnet (magnet 131). However, the permanent magnet (magnet 131) does not necessarily have to have an iron cap or a yoke formed on it.

[0118] Alternatively, an electromagnet can be used instead of magnet 131. An iron cap is placed over the electromagnet to form a yoke that guides magnetic flux. By forming a yoke that guides magnetic flux to the electromagnet (magnet 131) using the iron cap, the attractive force of the electromagnet (magnet 131) is increased. However, the electromagnet (magnet 131) does not necessarily have to be covered with an iron cap, nor does it have to have a yoke formed on it.

[0119] The electromagnet (magnet 131) is powered by electricity from a DC power supply (not shown). A control unit that controls the power supply to the electromagnet (magnet 131) is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown). The support column 132 is formed into a vertically elongated cylindrical shape, and its lower end is detachably connected and fixed to the grinding table 128 by a predetermined connecting means. A connecting joint 135 (nipple) that connects to a vacuum mechanism (air suction device) (air vacuum pump) is attached to the upper side of the support column 132.

[0120] The grinding table 128 moves in the width direction with the positioned glass plates 11a and 11b placed on it, using the second moving mechanism 68b. As the grinding table 128 moves, the support column 132 (table suction cup 130) connected to and fixed to the grinding table 128 also moves in the width direction. The second moving mechanism 68b is formed from a travel guide rail 69b, a feed screw 70b (ball screw), a 14th servo motor 136, a guide shoe 72b, and a slide block 73b (housing nut).

[0121] The running guide rails 69b are installed on the upper surface of the base lane 67b and extend in the width direction. The feed screw 70b (ball screw) is installed on the upper surface of the base lane 67b and to the side of the running guide rails 69b and extends in the width direction. The 14th servo motor 136 is installed on the base lane 67b and reciprocates the grinding table 128 in the width direction. The other end of the feed screw 70b is connected to the shaft of the 14th servo motor 136.

[0122] The control unit that controls the starting / stopping, rotational speed, and rotational velocity of the 14th servo motor 136 is connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown). When the control unit of the 14th servo motor 136 receives a drive signal from the controller, it drives the 14th servo motor 136 at a predetermined rotational speed and rotational velocity, and when it receives a stop signal from the controller, it stops driving the 14th servo motor 136.

[0123] The feed screw 70b is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) fixed to the base lane 67b. The guide shoe 72b is mounted on the underside of the grinding table 128 and extends in the width direction. The guide shoe 72b is slidably fitted to the travel guide rail 69b. The slide block 73b (housing nut) is mounted on the underside of the grinding table 128 and between the guide shoes 72b. The slide block 73b is rotatably screwed onto the feed screw 70b.

[0124] When the shaft of the 14th servo motor 136 rotates clockwise, the feed screw 70b rotates clockwise, and the clockwise rotation of the feed screw 70b causes the slide block 73b to move the feed screw 70b in the width direction from the other side edge 58b of the grinding area 22 toward the one side edge 58a, and the movement of the slide block 73b causes the grinding table 128 (table suction cup 130) to move in the width direction from the other side edge 58b of the grinding area 22 toward the one side edge 58a.

[0125] When the shaft of the 14th servo motor 136 rotates counterclockwise, the feed screw 70b rotates counterclockwise, and the counterclockwise rotation of the feed screw 70b causes the slide block 73b to move the feed screw 70b in the width direction from one side edge 58a to the other side edge 58b of the grinding area 22, and the movement of the slide block 73b causes the grinding table 128 (table suction cup 130) to move in the width direction from one side edge 58a to the other side edge 58b of the grinding area 22.

[0126] Furthermore, the 14th servo motor 136 is driven in sync with the 4th servo motor 71 of the cutting area 20, and the grinding table 128 (table suction cup 130) moves from the other side edge 58b to the one side edge 58a of the grinding area 22 in sync with the movement of the cutting table 64 from the other side edge 58b to the one side edge 58a of the cutting area 20. Also, the grinding table 128 (table suction cup 130) moves from the one side edge 58a to the other side edge 58b of the grinding area 22 in sync with the movement of the cutting table 64 from the one side edge 58a to the other side edge 58b of the cutting area 20. The control unit that controls the starting / stopping, rotation speed, and rotational speed of the 14th servo motor 136 is connected to the controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0127] The grinding device 129 (grinding mechanism) comprises a grinding jig 137, a 15th servo motor 138 (grinding Z-axis servo motor), a 16th servo motor 139 (lifting servo motor), a 17th servo motor 140 (cutting servo motor), a grinding wheel lifting screw 141, and a grinding wheel cutting screw 142. The grinding jig 137 is formed from a grinding wheel 143, a grinding holder 144, a cover 145, and a spindle motor 146. The grinding wheel 143 is formed into a disc shape having a predetermined diameter, and its outer surface grinds the edges (periphery) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a, 1b.

[0128] The grinding holder 144 is located directly above the grinding wheel 143 and rotatably supports the grinding wheel 143. The cover 145 is located directly below the grinding wheel 143 and encloses the entire grinding wheel 143. The cover 145 is detachably attached to the grinding jig 137. The cover 145 has a slit 147 into which the edges (periphery) of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b are inserted. The spindle motor 146 is located directly above the grinding wheel 143 (grinding holder 144) and is installed and housed in the motor housing 148. The shaft of the spindle motor 146 is connected to the center of the grinding wheel 143. The rotation of the shaft of the spindle motor 146 causes the grinding wheel 143 to rotate.

[0129] The motor housing 148 is fixed to the travel frame 32 via a bracket 149. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping, rotational speed, and rotational velocity of the spindle motor 146 is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown). When the control unit of the spindle motor 146 receives a drive signal from the controller, it drives the spindle motor 146 at a predetermined rotational speed and rotational velocity, and when it receives a stop signal from the controller, it stops driving the spindle motor 146.

[0130] The 15th servo motor 138 (grinding Z-axis servo motor) is located near the rear of the grinding jig 137 and is connected to and fixed to the travel frame 32 via a bracket 149. The shaft of the 15th servo motor 138 is connected to the support shaft of the motor housing 148. The 15th servo motor 138 finely adjusts the axial orientation (angle around the axis) of the grinding wheel 143 so that the outer surface of the grinding wheel 143 contacts the edge (periphery) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b parallel to the edge (periphery) of the grinding wheel 143.

[0131] The 16th servo motor 139 (lifting servo motor) is located near the outer width direction of the motor housing 148 (spindle motor 146) and is connected to and fixed to the motor housing 148. The shaft of the 16th servo motor 139 is connected to the grinding wheel lifting screw 141 and rotates the grinding wheel lifting screw 141. The 16th servo motor 139 moves the grinding wheel 143 (motor housing 148) up and down according to the thickness dimensions of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and finely adjusts the height of the grinding wheel 143 so that its height matches the height of the edge of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b and the outer surface of the grinding wheel 143 contacts the edge of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0132] Furthermore, in the initial setup for starting the processing of glass plates 11a and 11b, the distance from the mounting reference surface of the grinding wheel 143 to the center of the groove is input to the controller. Based on the input distance, the controller calculates the rotational speed of the shaft of the 16th servo motor 139 and transmits the calculated rotational speed to the control unit of the 16th servo motor 139. The control unit of the 16th servo motor 139 rotates the shaft of the 16th servo motor 139 at the rotational speed received from the controller. When the shaft of the 16th servo motor 139 rotates clockwise at a predetermined rotational speed, the grinding wheel lifting screw 141 rotates clockwise, Up and down The screw 141 descends, which in turn causes the grinding wheel 143 (motor housing 148) to descend.

[0133] When the shaft of the 16th servo motor 139 rotates counterclockwise at a predetermined rotational speed, the grinding wheel lifting screw 141 rotates counterclockwise. Up and down The screw 141 rises, which in turn raises the grinding wheel 143 (motor housing 148). As long as the thickness dimensions of the glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed are the same, once the fine adjustment of the height of the grinding wheel 143 is set, no further adjustments are made.

[0134] The 17th servo motor 140 (cutting servo motor) is located directly below the 16th servo motor 139 (lifting servo motor) and near the outer width direction of the motor housing 148 (spindle motor 146), and is connected to and fixed to the motor housing 148. The shaft of the 17th servo motor 140 is connected to the grinding wheel cutting screw 142, and rotates the grinding wheel cutting screw 142. The 17th servo motor 140 moves the grinding wheel 143 (motor housing 148) in the width direction according to the outer diameter of the grinding wheel 143, and finely adjusts the cutting depth of the grinding wheel 143 so that the outer surface of the grinding wheel 143 contacts the edge (periphery) of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a, 11b. A control unit that controls the starting / stopping, rotation speed, and rotational speed of the 15th to 17th servo motors 138 to 140 is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown).

[0135] Furthermore, in the initial setup to begin processing the glass plates 11a and 11b, the diameter of the grinding wheel 143 is input to the controller. The controller calculates the rotational speed of the shaft of the 17th servo motor 140 based on the input diameter of the grinding wheel 143 and transmits the calculated rotational speed to the control unit of the 17th servo motor 140. The control unit of the 17th servo motor 140 rotates the shaft of the 17th servo motor 140 at the rotational speed received from the controller. When the shaft of the 17th servo motor 140 rotates clockwise at a predetermined rotational speed, the grinding wheel cutting screw 142 rotates clockwise and moves backward in the front-rear direction, causing the grinding wheel 143 (motor housing 148) to move backward in the front-rear direction.

[0136] When the shaft of the 17th servo motor 140 rotates counterclockwise at a predetermined speed, the grinding wheel cutting screw 142 rotates counterclockwise and moves forward in the front-to-back direction, causing the grinding wheel 143 (motor housing 148) to move forward in the front-to-back direction. As long as the diameter of the grinding wheel 143 remains the same, once the fine adjustment of the front-to-back position of the grinding wheel 143 is set, no further adjustments are required.

[0137] An unloading conveyor 150 is installed in the unloading area 23. The unloading area 23 is supported by legs (columns) that extend upward from the floor surface of the system base 25. The unloading conveyor 150 consists of multiple continuous tracks that extend in the front-to-back direction (X direction) and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction (Y direction). A control unit that controls the starting, stopping, and transport distance of these unloading conveyors 150 is connected to a controller via an interface (wired or wireless) (not shown). These unloading conveyors 150 transport glass plates 11a and 11b from the rear end (inlet) to the front end (outlet) of the unloading area 23, from rear to front in the front-to-back direction.

[0138] The following describes an example of processing (cutting, folding, and grinding) of glass plates 11a and 11b. At the start of processing, the first glass plate holder 40a is waiting above the loading area 19, the second glass plate holder 40b is waiting above the cutting area 20, the third glass plate holder 40c is waiting above the folding area 21, and the fourth glass plate holder 40d is waiting above the grinding area 22.

[0139] Multiple images of various glass plates are output (displayed) to a monitor, display, or touch panel (output device) connected to the controller. From the multiple images of various glass plates output (displayed) to the output device, the user clicks (tap) (selects) a specific glass plate 11a, 11b to be processed. Once the specific glass plates 11a, 11b are selected, the controller selects an NC control program for processing those glass plates 11a, 11b. The controller outputs (displays) to the output device an input area for the distance from the mounting reference surface of the grinding wheel 143 to the center of the groove, an input area for the front-to-back dimensions of the glass plates 11a, 11b, and an input area for the diameter of the grinding wheel 143.

[0140] Enter the distance from the mounting reference surface of the grinding wheel 143 to the center of the groove in the input area, and enter the diameter of the grinding wheel 143 in the input area, then click (tap) the input button displayed on the output device. Once the distance and diameter are entered, the controller drives the 16th servo motor 139 to move the grinding wheel 143 (motor housing 148) up and down to fine-tune the height of the grinding wheel 143, and drives the 17th servo motor 140 to move the grinding wheel 143 (motor housing 148) in the width direction to fine-tune the position of the grinding wheel 143 in the front-to-back direction. After these fine-tuning adjustments are complete, the controller outputs (displays) a processing start button on the output device. Clicking (tapping) the processing start button starts the processing of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0141] The selected glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed (before processing) are brought into the loading area 19. In the loading area 19, a first positioning means (first positioning process) and a second positioning means (second positioning process) are performed. The glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed are automatically supplied to the loading conveyor 53 in the loading area 19 by an automatic supply device (not shown). Multiple glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed, each with the same area of ​​the upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 (same size), are stacked vertically in the automatic supply device, and the glass plates 11a and 11b are supplied one by one from the automatic supply device to the loading conveyor 53.

[0142] An example of the positioning procedure for glass plates 11a and 11b in the loading area 19 is as follows: The controller transmits a transport signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the loading conveyor 53, and the control unit of the loading conveyor 53, upon receiving the forward signal (ON signal), drives the loading conveyor 53. The glass plates 11a and 11b, loaded into the loading area 19, are placed on the loading conveyor 53 with their lower surfaces 13 in contact with the loading conveyor 53. The first side edge 14 (one side edge 14) (including cases where the side edge 14 is curved) of the glass plates 11a and 11b is parallel to one side edge 58a of the loading area 19, and the other side edge 15 is parallel to the other side edge 58b of the loading area 19.

[0143] The glass plates 11a and 11b, placed on the loading conveyor 53, are gradually moved forward in the front-rear direction from the rear to the front of the loading area 19 by the loading conveyor 53. As the glass plates 11a and 11b move from the rear to the front of the loading area 19, and their front edges 16 come into contact with the stopper 54, a contact sensor installed on the stopper 54 detects the contact of the front edges 16 of the glass plates 11a and 11b with the stopper 54 and transmits a contact signal to the controller.

[0144] Upon receiving the contact signal, the controller will send the input conveyor 53 The controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit, and the control unit of the input conveyor 53 that receives the stop signal (OFF signal) stops driving the input conveyor 53. Next, the controller sets the front-rear center O of the first side edge 14 of the glass plates 11a, 11b. 1 The second rearward movement dimension of the loading conveyor 53 in the front-to-back direction is transmitted to the control unit of the loading conveyor 53 in order to position the center line L2 (a center line extending in the width direction by dividing the front-to-back dimensions of the glass plates 11a and 11b in the front-to-back direction) at the second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line) of the loading area 19, and a retraction signal (ON signal) is transmitted to the control unit of the loading conveyor 53.

[0145] Upon receiving the second movement dimension and a retraction signal (ON signal), the control unit of the loading conveyor 53 drives the loading conveyor 53 to move the glass plates 11a and 11b backward by the second movement dimension in the front-rear direction. When the loading conveyor 53 moves the glass plates 11a and 11b backward by the second movement dimension, the front-rear center O1 of one side edge in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b (center line L2 of the glass plates 11a and 11b) is positioned at the second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line) in the loading area 19 (second positioning means (second positioning step)).

[0146] After moving the glass plates 11a and 11b a second distance backward in the front-rear direction, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the input conveyor 53. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the input conveyor 53 stops the drive of the input conveyor 53. Next, the controller sends an up signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder). Upon receiving the up signal (ON signal), the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 raises the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder). As the roller lifting mechanism 56 rises, the rollers 55 rise, and a portion of the peripheral edge of the rollers 55 is exposed above the input conveyor 53. With the raised rollers 55 in contact with the lower surface 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the rollers 55 lift the glass plates 11a and 11b above the input conveyor 53.

[0147] After the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder) has finished raising, the controller transmits to the control unit of the third servo motor 61 the rotation speed of the third servo motor 61, which is calculated from the first movement dimension (first movement distance) in the width direction of the moving mechanism 57 for positioning the first side edges 14 of the glass plates 11a and 11b to the first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line), and also transmits a forward rotation signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the third servo motor 61. Upon receiving the rotation speed of the third servo motor 61 and the forward rotation signal (ON signal), the control unit drives the third servo motor 61 and rotates the shaft of the third servo motor 61 clockwise by a predetermined number of rotations.

[0148] The rotation of the lead screw caused by the clockwise rotation of the shaft of the third servo motor 61 causes the contact member 63 to gradually move from its starting point in one direction in the width direction along with the moving arm 62. As the contact member 63 moves in one direction in the width direction, it comes into contact with the second side edge 15 (the other side edge) of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the contact member 63 presses the second side portion 15 of the glass plates 11a and 11b in the width direction so that the glass plates 11a and 11b move from one direction in the width direction to the other. The glass plates 11a and 11b pressed by the contact member 63 move against the roller -The glass plate 55 moves in the width direction from one side to the other, and the outermost edge of the first side edges 14 of the glass plates 11a and 11b that is located furthest outward in the width direction is positioned at the first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line) in the loading area 19 (first positioning means (first positioning step)).

[0149] When the contact member 63 has finished moving in one direction in the width direction, and the outermost edge of the first side edges 14 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, which is located furthest outward in the width direction, is positioned at the first positioning reference L1 in the loading area 19, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the third servo motor 61. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the third servo motor 61 stops driving the third servo motor 61. After the driving of the third servo motor 61 stops, the controller sends a reverse rotation signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the third servo motor 61. Upon receiving the reverse rotation signal (ON signal), the control unit of the third servo motor 61 drives the third servo motor 61 and rotates the shaft of the third servo motor 61 counterclockwise by a predetermined number of rotations.

[0150] The rotation of the lead screw caused by the counterclockwise rotation of the shaft of the third servo motor 61 causes the contact member 63 to gradually move to the other side in the width direction together with the moving arm 62, and the contact member 63 returns to the starting point of movement. After the contact member 63 returns to the starting point of movement, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the third servo motor 61 and a descent signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder). Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the third servo motor 61 stops driving the third servo motor 61, and upon receiving the descent signal (ON signal), the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 lowers the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder). When the roller lifting mechanism 56 is lowered, the lower surfaces 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, which were positioned by the first positioning means (first positioning step) and the second positioning means (second positioning step), are moved. Enter It comes into contact with the conveyor belt 53.

[0151] GrindingThe system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) move the glass plates 11a and 11b from the rear to the front of the loading area 19 by the loading conveyor 53, so that the front edge 16 of the glass plates 11a and 11b comes into contact with the stopper 54, and then the loading conveyor 53 moves the glass plates 11a and 11b backward in the front-rear direction, thereby creating the front-rear center O1 (center line L2 of the glass plates 11a and 11b) of the first side edge 14 in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b. The glass plates 11a and 11b are positioned at the second positioning reference L2 in the loading area 19, and the second positioning means (second positioning step) positions the front-rear center O1 (center line L2 of the glass plates 11a and 11b) of one side edge 14 in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b at the second positioning reference L2. Then, the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder) raises the glass plates 11a and 11b together with the rollers 55, and the second side edge 15 of the raised glass plates 11a and 11b is moved by the moving mechanism 5 By pressing and moving the glass plates in the width direction by 7, the outermost edge of the first side edges 14 in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b, which is located furthest outward in the width direction, is positioned at the first positioning reference L1 in the loading area 19. This allows the front-to-back center O1 (center line L2 of the glass plate 11a) of the first side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the glass plate 11a, which is processed first, to be precisely positioned (coincided) with the front-to-back center O1 (center line L2 of the glass plate 11a) of the first side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the glass plate 11b, which has different area upper and lower surfaces 12 and 13, which is processed later. Similarly, the outermost edge of the first side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the glass plate 11a, which is processed first, can be precisely positioned (coincided) with the outermost edge of the first side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the glass plates 11b, which have different area upper and lower surfaces 12 and 13, which are processed later.

[0152] Another example of the positioning procedure for the glass plates 11a and 11b in the loading area 19 is as follows: The controller transmits a forward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the loading conveyor 53, and the control unit of the loading conveyor 53, upon receiving the forward signal (ON signal), drives the loading conveyor 53. The glass plates 11a and 11b, loaded into the loading area 19, are placed on the loading conveyor 53 with their lower surfaces 13 in contact with the loading conveyor 53. The glass plates 11a and 11b, placed on the loading conveyor 53, are gradually moved forward in the front-rear direction from the rear (start position) to the front of the loading area 19 by the loading conveyor 53. As the glass plates 11a and 11b move from the rear to the front of the loading area 19, and the front edges 16 of the glass plates 11a and 11b come into contact with the stopper 54, a contact sensor installed on the stopper 54 detects the contact of the front edges 16 of the glass plates 11a and 11b with the stopper 54 and transmits a contact signal to the controller.

[0153] Upon receiving the contact signal, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the input conveyor 53. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the input conveyor 53 stops the drive of the input conveyor 53. Next, the controller sends an upward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder). Upon receiving the upward signal (ON signal), the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 raises the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder). As the roller lifting mechanism 56 rises, the rollers 55 rise, and a portion of the peripheral edge of the rollers 55 is exposed above the input conveyor 53. With the raised rollers 55 in contact with the lower surface 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the rollers 55 lift the glass plates 11a and 11b above the input conveyor 53.

[0154] After the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder) has finished raising, the controller transmits to the control unit of the third servo motor 61 the rotation speed of the third servo motor 61, which is calculated from the first movement dimension (first movement distance) in the width direction of the moving mechanism 57 for positioning the first side edges 14 of the glass plates 11a and 11b to the first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line), and also transmits a forward rotation signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the third servo motor 61. Upon receiving the rotation speed and the forward rotation signal (ON signal), the control unit of the third servo motor 61 drives the third servo motor 61 and rotates the shaft of the third servo motor 61 clockwise by a predetermined number of rotations.

[0155] The rotation of the lead screw caused by the clockwise rotation of the shaft of the third servo motor 61 causes the contact member 63 to gradually move from its starting point toward one side in the width direction (one side 58a of the loading area 19) together with the moving arm 62. As the contact member 63 moves toward one side in the width direction, it comes into contact with the second side edges 15 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the contact member 63 presses the second side edges 15 of the glass plates 11a and 11b toward the width direction so that the glass plates 11a and 11b move from the other side in the width direction toward the other side. The glass plates 11a and 11b pressed by the contact member 63 move toward the width direction toward one side on the roller 55, and the outermost edge of the first side edges 14 of the glass plates 11a and 11b that is located furthest outward in the width direction is positioned on the first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line) in the loading area 19 (first positioning means (first positioning step)).

[0156] When the contact member 63 has finished moving to one side in the width direction and the first side edges 14 in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b are positioned at the first positioning reference L1 in the loading area 19, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the third servo motor 61. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the third servo motor 61 stops driving the third servo motor 61. After the driving of the third servo motor 61 stops, the controller sends a reverse rotation signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the third servo motor 61. Upon receiving the reverse rotation signal (ON signal), the control unit of the third servo motor 61 drives the third servo motor 61 and rotates the shaft of the third servo motor 61 counterclockwise by a predetermined number of rotations.

[0157] The rotation of the lead screw caused by the counterclockwise rotation of the shaft of the third servo motor 61 causes the contact member 63 to gradually move toward the other side in the width direction (the other side 58b of the loading area 19) together with the moving arm 62, and the contact member 63 returns to the starting point of movement. After the contact member 63 returns to the starting point of movement, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the third servo motor 61 and a descent signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder). Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the third servo motor 61 stops driving the third servo motor 61, and upon receiving the descent signal (ON signal), the control unit of the roller lifting mechanism 56 lowers the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder). When the roller lifting mechanism 56 is lowered, the lower surfaces 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b are transported Enter It comes into contact with the conveyor belt 53.

[0158] The lower surfaces 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b are transported Enter After contacting the conveyor 53, the controller transmits a second rearward movement dimension of the conveyor 53 to the control unit of the conveyor 53, which is used to position the front-rear center O1 of the first side edge 14 of the glass plates 11a and 11b on the second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line) of the loading area 19, and also transmits a transport signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the conveyor 53.

[0159] Upon receiving the second movement dimension and the transport signal (ON signal), the control unit of the loading conveyor 53 drives the loading conveyor 53 to move the glass plates 11a and 11b backward in the front-rear direction by the second movement dimension. When the loading conveyor 53 moves the glass plates 11a and 11b backward in the front-rear direction by the second movement dimension, the front-rear center O1 of the first side edge 14 in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b (center line L2 extending in the width direction by dividing the front-rear dimension of the glass plates 11a and 11b in half) is positioned at the second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line) in the loading area 19 (second positioning means (second positioning tool)). After moving the glass plates 11a and 11b a second distance backward in the front-rear direction, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the input conveyor 53. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the input conveyor 53 stops driving the input conveyor 53. The glass plates 11a and 11b are positioned by the first positioning means (first positioning operator) and the second positioning means (second positioning operator).

[0160] GrindingThe system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) move the glass plates 11a and 11b from the rear to the front of the loading area 19 by the loading conveyor 53, and after the front edge 16 of the glass plates 11a and 11b comes into contact with the stopper 54, the glass plates 11a and 11b are raised together with the rollers 55 by the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder), and the second side edge 15 of the raised glass plates 11a and 11b is pressed and moved in the width direction by the moving mechanism 57, thereby moving the first side edge 14 in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b The outermost edge, which is located furthest outward in the width direction, is positioned at the first positioning reference L1 in the loading area 19. After the first positioning means (first positioning step) positions the outermost edge, which is located furthest outward in the width direction, of the first side edges 14 in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b at the first positioning reference L1, the roller lifting mechanism 56 (air cylinder) lowers the glass plates 11a and 11b together with the rollers 55, and the loading conveyor 53 moves the glass plates 11a and 11b from the rear to the front of the loading area 19. After the front edges 16 of the glass plates 11a and 11b come into contact with the stopper 54, the glass plates 11a and 11b are moved backward in the front-rear direction by the transport conveyor 53, thereby positioning the front-rear center O1 (center line L2 of the glass plates 11a and 11b) of the first side edge 14 in the width direction of the glass plates 11a and 11b at the second positioning reference L2 in the transport area 19. As a result, the outermost edge of the first side edge 14 extending in the front-rear direction on one side of the width direction of the glass plate 11a, which is processed first, will have different sized areas for the upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 that will be processed later. The outermost edge of the first side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the different glass plates 11b can be precisely positioned (coincided), and the front-to-back center O1 (center line L2 of the glass plate 11a) of the side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the glass plate 11a, which is processed first, can be precisely (positioned) to coincide with the front-to-back center O1 (center line L2 of the glass plate 11b) of the side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the glass plates 11b of different sizes with different upper and lower surface areas 12 and 13.

[0161] GrindingIn the system 10a and folding / cutting method (glass plate processing system 10), when a large glass plate 11a with a large area of ​​upper and lower surfaces 12, 13 and a small glass plate 11b with a smaller area of ​​upper and lower surfaces 12, 13 than the large glass plate 11a are positioned by the first positioning means (first positioning step) and the second positioning means (second positioning step), as shown in Figure 3, the first side edge 14 extending in the front-rear direction of the large glass plate 11a ( The first side edge 14 (one side edge) of the small glass plate 11b, which extends in the front-rear direction, is located at the first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line) of the loading area 19, and the front-rear center O1 of the first side edge 14 of the large glass plate 11a, which extends in the front-rear direction, and the front-rear center O1 of the first side edge 14 of the small glass plate 11b, which extends in the front-rear direction, are located at the second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line) of the loading area 19.

[0162] The large glass plate 11a and the small glass plate 11b, positioned by the first positioning means (first positioning step) and the second positioning means (second positioning step), have their outermost edges (first side edges 14 in the illustrated glass plates 11a and 11b) located furthest outward in the width direction coincide at the first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line), and their front-rear center O1 (center line L2 extending in the width direction by dividing the front-rear dimension of the glass plates 11a and 11b in half) coincide at the second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line).

[0163] After the positioning of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed by the first positioning means (first positioning step) and the second positioning means (second positioning step), the controller transmits a descent signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the lifting mechanism (servo motor) of the first glass plate holder 40a. Upon receiving the descent signal (ON signal), the control unit of the lifting mechanism (servo motor) lowers the holder suction cup 42 (suction pad) toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b using the lifting mechanism. After the holder suction cup 42 of the first glass plate holder 40a comes into contact with the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the controller transmits a suction signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the vacuum mechanism of the first glass plate holder 40a. Upon receiving the suction signal (ON signal), the control unit of the vacuum mechanism activates the vacuum mechanism.

[0164] When the vacuum mechanism is activated, the glass plates 11a and 11b located in the loading area 19 are sucked into the holder suction cup 42. After activating the vacuum mechanism, the controller transmits an upward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the pad lifting mechanism (air cylinder) of the first glass plate holder 40a. Upon receiving the upward signal (ON signal), the control unit of the pad lifting mechanism (air cylinder) raises the holder suction cup 42 using the pad lifting mechanism. The glass plates 11a and 11b, positioned in the loading area 19 by the first positioning means (first positioning step) and the second positioning means (second positioning step), are sucked into the holder suction cup 42 and rise together with the holder suction cup 42.

[0165] After the holder suction cups 42 (glass plates 11a, 11b) rise, the controller sends a forward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the second servo motor 39. Upon receiving the forward signal (ON signal), the control unit of the second servo motor 39 drives the second servo motor 39. The rotation of the shaft of the second servo motor 39 causes the slide block to move in the front-rear direction from the rear to the front of the second guide frame 35, thereby moving the first glass plate holder 40a (glass plates 11a, 11b attached to the holder suction cups 42 (suction pads)) from the loading area 19 to the cutting area 20 (glass plate moving means (glass plate moving process)). As the slide block moves, the second to fourth glass plate holders 40b to 40d move forward in the front-rear direction together with the first glass plate holder 40a.

[0166] After the first glass plate holder 40a moves to the cutting area 20, the controller sends a descent signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the pad lifting mechanism (air cylinder) of the first glass plate holder 40a. Upon receiving the descent signal (ON signal), the control unit of the pad lifting mechanism (air cylinder) lowers the holder suction cups 42 (glass plates 11a, 11b) onto the cutting table 64 in the cutting area 20 using the pad lifting mechanism. After the glass plates 11a, 11b, which are attached to the holder suction cups 42 of the first glass plate holder 40a, come into contact with the cutting table 64, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the vacuum mechanism of the first glass plate holder 40a. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the vacuum mechanism stops the operation of the vacuum mechanism. When the vacuum mechanism stops, the suction of the holder suction cups 42 on the glass plates 11a and 11b is released, and the positioned glass plates 11a and 11b are placed on the cutting table 64.

[0167] Next, the controller sends an upward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the pad lifting mechanism (air cylinder) of the first glass plate holder 40a, and the upward signal causes the first glass plate holder 40a (pad lifting mechanism) to rise above the cutting table 64. After the first glass plate holder 40a rises, the controller sends a downward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the second servo motor 39, and the rotation of the shaft of the second servo motor 39 causes the first glass plate holder 40a to move from the cutting area 20 to the loading area 19, where it waits above the loading area 19. Furthermore, along with the first glass plate holder 40a, the second to fourth glass plate holders 40b to 40d also move backward in the front-to-back direction, with the second glass plate holder 40b waiting above the cutting area 20, the third glass plate holder 40c waiting above the folding area 21, and the fourth glass plate holder 40d waiting above the grinding area 22.

[0168] The procedures for transporting the glass plates 11a and 11b after cutting from the cutting area 20 to the folding area 21 using the second glass plate holder 40b (glass plate moving means (glass plate moving process)), transporting the glass plates 11a and 11b after folding from the folding area 21 to the grinding area 22 using the third glass plate holder 40c (glass plate moving means (glass plate moving process)), and transporting the glass plates 11a and 11b after grinding from the grinding area 22 to the discharge area 23 using the fourth glass plate holder 40d (glass plate moving means (glass plate moving process)) are the same as those for transporting the glass plates 11a and 11b from the loading area 19 to the cutting area 20 using the first glass plate holder 40a, so the explanation of the transport procedures using the second to fourth glass plate holders 40b to 40d is omitted.

[0169] After the glass plates 11a and 11b are placed on the cutting table 64, the controller sends a retraction signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the first servo motor 34. Upon receiving the retraction signal (ON signal), the control unit of the first servo motor 34 drives the first servo motor 34. The rotation of the shaft of the first servo motor 34 causes the first slide block to move in the front-to-back direction from the front to the rear of the first guide frame 30, thereby causing the cutting device 65 to move backward in the front-to-back direction in the cutting area 20 together with the first travel frame 32, and the cutting device 65 cuts the first corner 18a (front) of the glass plates 11a and 11b. end It is located on the outer side in the width direction of edge 16) (the starting position of the cutting process).

[0170] In addition, during the cutting process, although not shown in the diagram, the second glass plate holder 40b, which has moved (returned) from the folding area 21 to the cutting area 20, is lowered onto the cutting table 64 in the cutting area 20 by the pad lifting mechanism (air cylinder). The holder suction cup 42 (suction pad) of the second glass plate holder 40b comes into contact with the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b placed on the cutting table 64, and the vacuum mechanism is activated, causing the holder suction cup 42 to suction the glass plates 11a and 11b while simultaneously pressing the glass plates 11a and 11b downwards. During the cutting process, the glass plates 11a and 11b are supported under pressure by the holder suction cup 42 of the second glass plate holder 40b.

[0171] After the cutting device 65 is positioned outward in the width direction of the first corner 18a of the glass plates 11a and 11b (cutting start position), the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the first servo motor 34 and a drive signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the fourth servo motor 71. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the first servo motor 34 stops the first servo motor 34, and upon receiving the drive signal (ON signal), the control unit of the fourth servo motor 71 drives the fourth servo motor 71. The rotation of the shaft of the fourth servo motor 71 causes the slide block 73a to move the feed screw 70a in the width direction from the other side edge 58b of the cutting area 20 toward the one side edge 58a, thereby causing the cutting table 64 to move in the width direction from the other side edge 58b toward the one side edge 58a of the cutting area 20, and the cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 to be positioned at the first corner 18a of the glass plates 11a, 11b.

[0172] After the cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 is positioned at the first corner 18a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the controller transmits a drive signal (ON signal) and an NC control signal to the control units of the air cylinder 75 and the fifth servo motor 76 of the cutting device 65, a retraction signal (ON signal) and an NC control signal to the control unit of the first servo motor 34, and an NC control signal to the control unit of the fourth servo motor 71. Upon receiving a drive signal (ON signal) or NC control signal, the control unit of the air cylinder 75, the control unit of the fifth servo motor 76, the control unit of the first servo motor 34, and the control unit of the fourth servo motor 71 of the cutting device 65 drive the air cylinder 75, the fifth servo motor 76, the first servo motor 34, and the fourth servo motor 71 to perform contour control motion by NC control on the vicinity of the first side edge 14 (first side edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b, causing the cutting cutter wheel 77 to cut the vicinity of the first side edge 14 (first side edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b (cutting means (cutting process)).

[0173] Upon receiving a retraction signal (ON signal), the control unit of the first servo motor 34 drives the first servo motor 34 during the cutting process to move the cutting device 65 backward in the front-rear direction within the cutting area 20, and the control unit of the fourth servo motor 71 drives the fourth servo motor 71 during the cutting process to reciprocate the cutting device 65 in the width direction within the cutting area 20. The cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 moves from the first corner 18a to the second corner 18b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, forming an outer shape cutting line K1 near the first side edge 14 (first side edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0174] After the cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 completes the cutting process near the first side edge 14 (first side edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the cutting cutter wheel 77 is positioned at the second corner portion 18b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the cutting table 64 moves in the width direction from one side edge portion 58a to the other side edge portion 58b of the cutting area 20, and as the cutting table 64 moves in the width direction, the cutting cutter wheel 77 cuts near the rear end edge 17 (rear end edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b (cutting means (cutting process)).

[0175] The control unit of the fourth servo motor 71 drives the fourth servo motor 71 during cutting to move the cutting table 64 in the width direction within the cutting area 20, and the control unit of the first servo motor 34 drives the first servo motor 34 during cutting to reciprocate the cutting device 65 in the front-rear direction within the cutting area 20. The cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 moves from the second corner 18b to the third corner 18c of the glass plates 11a and 11b, forming an outer shape cutting line K1 near the rear edge 17 (rear edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0176] The cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 completes the cutting process near the rear edge 17 (rear edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and after the cutting cutter wheel 77 is positioned at the third corner portion 18c of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the cutting device 65 moves forward in the front-rear direction, and as the cutting device 65 moves forward in the front-rear direction, the cutting cutter wheel 77 cuts near the second side edge 15 (second side edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b (cutting means (cutting process)).

[0177] The control unit of the first servo motor 34 drives the first servo motor 34 during cutting to move the cutting device 65 forward in the front-rear direction within the cutting area 20, and the control unit of the fourth servo motor 71 drives the fourth servo motor 71 during cutting to reciprocate the cutting table 64 in the width direction within the cutting area 20. The cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 moves from the third corner 18c to the fourth corner 18d of the glass plates 11a and 11b, forming an outer shape cutting line K1 near the second side edge 15 (second side edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0178] After the cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 completes the cutting process near the second side edge (second side edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the cutting cutter wheel 77 is positioned at the fourth corner portion 18d of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the cutting table 64 moves in the width direction from the other side edge portion 58b to the one side edge portion 58a of the cutting area 20, and as the cutting table 64 moves in the width direction, the cutting cutter wheel 77 cuts near the front edge 16 (front edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b (cutting means (cutting process)).

[0179] The control unit of the fourth servo motor 71 drives the fourth servo motor 71 during cutting to move the cutting table 64 in the width direction within the cutting area 20, and the control unit of the first servo motor 34 drives the first servo motor 34 during cutting to reciprocate the cutting device 65 in the front-rear direction within the cutting area 20. The cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 moves from the fourth corner 18d toward the first corner 18a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, forming an outer cutting line K1 near the front edge 16 (front edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b. When the cutting cutter wheel 77 of the cutting device 65 completes the cutting process near the front edge 16 (front edge portion) of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the cutting device 65 moves outward in the width direction of the first corner 18a (front edge 16) of the glass plates 11a and 11b (cutting start position) and waits.

[0180] In the cutting area 20, for example, at the position (first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line)) of the outermost edge (first side edge 14 in the illustrated glass plate 11a) that is located furthest outward in the width direction among the first side edges 14 that extend in the front-rear direction on one side of the width direction of the large-sized (large-area) glass plate 11a with a large upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 which will be processed first by the first positioning means (first positioning step), the position (first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line)) of the small-sized (small-area) glass plate 11b with a small upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 which will be processed later, In this process, the outermost edge of the first side edge 14 extending in the front-rear direction (the first side edge 14 in the illustrated glass plate 11b) is positioned (aligned) to position the glass plates 11a and 11b of different sizes with different areas of the upper surface 12 and lower surface 13. The second positioning means (second positioning step) then positions the front-rear center O1 of the first side edge 14 extending in the front-rear direction on one side of the width direction of the larger glass plate 11a that is processed first (the center line L that divides the front-rear dimension of the glass plate 11a in half and extends in the width direction). 2) Position (second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line)) and align the front-to-back center O1 of the first side edge 14 that extends in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the small glass plate 11b to be processed later (center line L2 that divides the front-to-back dimension of the glass plate 11b in half and extends in the width direction) and after positioning the glass plates 11a and 11b which have different areas of the top surface 12 and bottom surface, when cutting the glass plate 11b which has a different area to be processed later, the cut reaches the side edge 14 of the large glass plate 11a The travel distance of the device 65 (the travel distance of the cutting table 64 in the width direction) becomes equal to the travel distance of the cutting device 65 until it reaches the side edge 14 of the small glass plate 11b (the travel distance of the cutting table 64 in the width direction), and the travel distance of the cutting device 65 from the outermost edge (first side edge 14) of the large glass plate 11a to return outward in the width direction of the glass plate 11a becomes equal to the travel distance of the cutting device 65 from the outermost edge (first side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b to return outward in the width direction of the glass plate 11b.The distance the cutting device 65 travels to reach the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b is shortened, and the distance the cutting device 65 travels back from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b to the widthwise outward direction of the glass is also shortened. This shortens the time (non-processing time) for the cutting device 65 to reach the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b, and also shortens the time it takes for the cutting device 65 to return from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b to the widthwise outward direction of the glass plate 11b.

[0181] GrindingThe system 10a and the folding / cutting method (glass plate processing system 10) align the position of the outermost edge (one side edge 14 in the illustrated glass plate 11a, which is located furthest outward in the width direction) of one side edge 14 extending in the front-rear direction on one side of the width direction of a large-sized (large-area) glass plate 11a with a large upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 that is processed first by the first positioning means (first positioning step) (positioning first reference L1 (virtual positioning first reference line)) with the position of the outermost edge (one side edge 14 in the illustrated glass plate 11b, which is located furthest outward in the width direction) of one side edge 14 extending in the front-rear direction on one side of the width direction of a small-sized (small-area) glass plate 11b with a small upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 that is processed later (positioning first reference L1 (virtual positioning first reference line)). The second positioning means (second positioning step) aligns the position of the front-to-back center O1 of the side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the larger glass plate 11a (the center line L2 that divides the front-to-back dimension of the glass plate 11a in half and extends in the width direction) (second positioning reference (virtual second positioning reference line)) with the position of the front-to-back center O1 of the side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the smaller glass plate 11b (the center line L2 that divides the front-to-back dimension of the glass plate 11b in half and extends in the width direction) (second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line)), thereby aligning the position of the front-to-back center O1 of the side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the smaller glass plate 11b (the center line L2 that divides the front-to-back dimension of the glass plate 11b in half and extends in the width direction) (second positioning reference L2 (virtual second positioning reference line)), and the position of the front-to-back center O1 of the side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the smaller glass plate 11b (the center line L2 that divides the front-to-back dimension of the glass plate 11b in half and extends in the width direction), and the second positioning means (second positioning step) aligns the position of the front-to-back center O1 of the side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the smaller glass plate 11b (the center line L2 that divides the front-to-back dimension of the glass plate 11b in half and extends in the width direction), and the position of the front-to-back center O1 of the side edge 14 extending in the front-to-back direction on one side of the width direction of the smallerAfter positioning 11b, the cutting process is performed on the smaller glass plate 11b (glass plate 11b with a different area) to be processed later. Therefore, the distance traveled by the cutting device 65 until it reaches the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the large glass plate 11a with a large upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 (the distance traveled by the cutting table 64 in the width direction) is equal to the distance traveled by the cutting device 65 until it reaches the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b with a small upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 (the distance traveled by the cutting table 64 in the width direction). Additionally, the distance traveled by the cutting device 65 from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the large glass plate 11a to return outward in the width direction (the distance traveled by the cutting table 64 in the width direction) is equal to the distance traveled by the cutting device 65 until it returns outward in the width direction of the glass plate 11a. The distance traveled by the cutting device 65 from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the plate 11b back outward in the width direction (the distance traveled by the cutting table 64 in the width direction) becomes equal to the distance traveled by the cutting device 65 to reach the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small-sized glass plate 11b. This also shortens the travel distance of the cutting device 65 from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small-sized glass plate 11b back outward in the width direction, shortens the time it takes for the cutting device 65 to reach the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small-sized glass plate 11b (non-processing time), and shortens the time it takes for the cutting device 65 to return from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small-sized glass plate 11b back outward in the width direction.

[0182] Figure 30 shows an example of changing the rolling direction of the splitting cutter wheel 103, and Figure 31 shows another example of changing the rolling direction of the splitting cutter wheel 103. Figure 32 shows another example of changing the rolling direction of the splitting cutter wheel 103, and Figure 33 shows an example of the splitting procedure in the splitting process.

[0183] After the cutting process (outer shape cutting line K1) is completed on the edges 66b (periphery) of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the cut glass plates 11a and 11b are transported from the cutting area 20 to the folding area 21 by the second glass plate holder 40b. In the folding area 21, an edge cutting line K2 is drawn on the edges 66b of the cut glass plates 11a and 11b that extend outside the outer shape cutting line K1, and the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, surrounded by the outer shape cutting line K1 and the edge cutting line K2, are folded and broken.

[0184] In the folding process, although not shown in the diagram, the third glass plate holder 40c, which has moved (returned) from the grinding area 22 to the folding area 21, is lowered onto the folding table 84 in the folding area 21 by the pad lifting mechanism (air cylinder). The holder suction cup 42 (suction pad) of the third glass plate holder 40c comes into contact with the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b placed on the folding table 84, and the vacuum mechanism is activated, causing the holder suction cup 42 to suction the glass plates 11a and 11b while simultaneously pressing the glass plates 11a and 11b downwards. During the folding process, the glass plates 11a and 11b are supported under pressure by the holder suction cup 42 of the third glass plate holder 40c.

[0185] After the cut glass plates 11a and 11b are placed on the folding table 84, the controller transmits drive signals (ON signals) to the control units of the holder lifting mechanism 104, the first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a, the second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b, the sixth servo motor 95 (X-axis servo motor), the seventh servo motor 97 (Y-axis servo motor), the eighth servo motor 100 (X-axis servo motor), and the ninth servo motor 101 (Y-axis servo motor) of the first folding device 85a and the second folding device 85b. Upon receiving a drive signal (ON signal), the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism 104, the control units of the first and second pressing member lifting mechanisms 106a and 106b, and the control units of the sixth to ninth servo motors 95, 97, 100, and 101 drive the holder lifting mechanism 104, the first and second pressing member lifting mechanisms 106a and 106b, and the sixth to ninth servo motors 95, 97, 100, and 101. Furthermore, commands (signals) are sent from the controller to the holder lifting mechanism 104, the first and second pressing member lifting mechanisms 106a and 106b, and the sixth to ninth servo motors 95, 97, 100, and 101 so that the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b travel (move) along a preset travel trajectory (folding trajectory) on the upper surface of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0186] The first folding device 85a, driven by the holder lifting mechanism 104, the first and second pressing member lifting mechanisms 106a and 106b, and the sixth to ninth servo motors 95, 97, 100, and 101, has its first folding jig 94a (folding jig) moved in the front-rear direction and width direction (diagonal direction) by the X-axis first actuator 96a and the Y-axis first actuator 98a, so that the first folding jig 94a is positioned at the folding start position in the first (initial) edge cutting line formation area on the widthwise outward side of the first corner portion 18a of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0187] The second folding device 85b, driven by the holder lifting mechanism 104, the first and second pressing member lifting mechanisms 106a and 106b, and the sixth to ninth servo motors 95, 97, 100, and 101, has its second folding jig 94b (folding jig) moved in the front-rear direction and width direction (diagonal direction) by the second X-axis actuator 96b and the second Y-axis actuator 98b, so that the second folding jig 94b is positioned at the folding start position in the first (initial) edge cutting line formation area on the widthwise outward side of the fourth corner portion 18d of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0188] After the first folding jig 94a of the first folding device 85a is positioned at the folding start position (outward in the width direction) of the first corner 18a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, it moves in the front-back direction and width direction (diagonal direction) by the X-axis first actuator 96a and the Y-axis first actuator 98a, as shown by the arrows in Figure 30, to a rolling direction change position near the outer shape cutting line K1 among the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extend outside the outer shape cutting line K1. After the first folding jig 94a moves to a rolling direction change position near the outer shape cutting line K1, the holder lifting mechanism 104 (first lifting mechanism) operates and the folding cutter holder 102 descends toward the upper surface 12 of the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b (holder lowering means (holder lowering process)).

[0189] After the second folding jig 94b of the second folding device 85b is positioned at the folding start position (outward in the width direction) of the fourth corner 18d of the glass plates 11a, 11b, it moves in the front-back direction and width direction (diagonal direction) by the X-axis second actuator 96b and the Y-axis second actuator 98b, as shown by the arrows in Figure 30, to the rolling direction change area near the outer shape cutting line K1 among the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b that extend outside the outer shape cutting line K1. After the second folding jig 94b moves to the rolling direction change area near the outer shape cutting line K1, the holder lifting mechanism 104 operates and the folding cutter holder 102 descends toward the upper surface 12 of the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b (holder lowering means (holder lowering process)). Furthermore, the area where the rolling direction is changed may be near the periphery of the glass plates 11a and 11b, rather than near the outer cutting line K1.

[0190] As the folding cutter holder 102 descends, the folding cutter wheel 103 is exposed downward through the through hole 116 formed in the center of the second pressing member 105b. When the folding cutter wheel 103 is exposed below the through hole 116, it contacts the upper surfaces 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b in the rolling direction change area with a predetermined pressing force. At this time, the rolling direction of the folding cutter wheel 103 is not determined, the periphery 112 of the folding cutter wheel 103 faces in one of the four directions, and the rolling direction of the folding cutter wheel 103 does not coincide with the direction in which the virtual edge cutting line extends at the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0191] The controller transmits a travel signal to the control units of the sixth and seventh servo motors 95 and 97 so that the splitting cutter wheel 103 travels (moves) in a predetermined direction. Upon receiving the travel signal, the control units of the sixth and seventh servo motors 95 and 97 drive the sixth and seventh servo motors 95 and 97. The sixth and seventh servo motors 95 and 97 drive the first X-axis actuator 96a and the first Y-axis actuator 98a, causing the splitting cutter wheel 103 to travel (move) slightly in a predetermined direction. This creates a caster effect on the splitting cutter wheel 103, causing it to rotate around the central axis O2 of the cutter holder (clockwise or counterclockwise), and the direction of rotation (movement) of the periphery 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 to face the direction of travel (movement) of the first splitting jig 94a (splitting cutter holder 102) (the direction in which the virtual end cutting line extends) (rolling direction changing means (rolling direction changing process)).

[0192] The controller transmits a travel signal to the control units of the eighth and ninth servo motors 100 and 101 so that the splitting cutter wheel 103 travels (moves) in a predetermined direction. Upon receiving the travel signal, the control units of the eighth and ninth servo motors 100 and 101 drive the eighth and ninth servo motors 100 and 101. The eighth and ninth servo motors 100 and 101 drive the second X-axis actuator 96b and the second Y-axis actuator 98b, causing the splitting cutter wheel 103 to travel (move) slightly in a predetermined direction. This creates a caster effect on the splitting cutter wheel 103, causing it to rotate around the cutter holder's central axis O2 (clockwise or counterclockwise), and the direction of rotation (movement) of the periphery 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 to face the direction of travel (movement) of the second splitting jig 94b (splitting cutter holder 102) (the direction in which the virtual end cut line extends) (rolling direction changing means (rolling direction changing process)). The travel dimension (movement dimension) of the splitting cutter wheel 103 (first and second splitting jigs 94a, 94b) in a predetermined direction is 0.8 to 4 mm.

[0193] An example of changing the rolling direction of the splitting cutter wheel 103 is shown in Figure 30. The first splitting jig 94a (splitting jig) and the second splitting jig 94b (splitting jig) travel (move) in a circular (semicircular) shape from the starting point 109a of the rolling direction change to the ending point 109b of the rolling direction change to the side of the virtual end cutting line. The periphery 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 rotates 180° to trace a circular (semicircular) trajectory. When the periphery 112 of the cutter wheel 103 is located at the starting point (ending point 109b of the rolling direction change), the rolling (movement) direction of the periphery 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 is in the direction of travel (movement) of the first and second splitting jigs 94a and 94b (the direction in which the virtual end cutting line extends).

[0194] Another example of changing the rolling direction of the splitting cutter wheel 103 is shown in Figures 31 and 32. The first splitting jig 94a and the second splitting jig 94b travel (move) in a circular shape from the starting point of the virtual end cutting line (starting point of rolling direction change 109a) to the starting point of the virtual end cutting line (ending point of rolling direction change 109b). The periphery 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 rotates 360° to trace a circular trajectory (perfect circle). When the periphery 112 of the cutter wheel 103 is located at the starting point of the virtual end cutting line (ending point of rolling direction change 109b), the rolling (movement) direction of the periphery 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 is in the direction of travel (movement) of the first and second splitting jigs 94a and 94b (the direction in which the virtual end cutting line extends). In Figure 31, the starting point of the virtual end cut line (the starting point 109a and ending point 109b for changing the direction of rolling) is located at the point of contact of the circular trajectory (true circle) drawn by the first folding jig 94a and the second folding jig 94b, and the end cut line K2 extends in the tangential direction of the circular trajectory (true circle). In Figure 32, the starting point of the virtual end cut line (the starting point 109a and ending point 109b for changing the direction of rolling) is located on the circular trajectory (true circle) drawn by the first folding jig 94a and the second folding jig 94b, and the end cut line K2 extends in the radial direction of the circular trajectory (true circle).

[0195] The glass plate processing system 10 (folding method) works by moving the first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b slightly along the upper surfaces 12 of the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b in a predetermined direction (drawing a circular trajectory) parallel to the upper surfaces 12 of the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b in the area where the rolling direction is changed. This causes the folding cutter wheel 103 to exhibit a caster effect, changing the rolling (movement) direction of the periphery 112 of the folding cutter wheel 103 to the direction of travel (movement) of the first folding jig 94a (folding cutter holder 102) (the direction in which the virtual edge cutting line extends), and changing the rolling (movement) direction of the periphery 112 of the folding cutter wheel 103 to the direction of travel (movement) of the second folding jig 94b (folding cutter holder 102) (the direction in which the virtual edge cutting line extends).

[0196] After the rolling direction changing means (rolling direction changing process) changes the rolling direction of the periphery 112 of the folding cutter wheel 103 to the running direction of the first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b (the direction in which the virtual edge cutting line extends) (after the rolling direction of the folding cutter wheel 103 becomes the same as the running direction of the first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b), the first folding jig 94a runs in a straight line from the vicinity of the outer shape cutting line K1 of the glass plates 11a and 11b toward the edges of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the folding cutter wheel 103 forms an edge cutting line K2 (scribe) in the first (initial) edge cutting line formation area of ​​the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b along the running direction of the first folding jig 94a (edge ​​cutting line forming means (edge ​​cutting line forming process)).

[0197] In the edge cutting line forming means (edge ​​cutting line forming process), the first support device 86a moves in synchronization with the first folding device 85a, and with the first and second support surfaces 127a and 127b of the first and second support members 118a and 118b supporting the lower surface 13 of the edge portion 66b that extends outside the outer shape cutting line K1 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the folding cutter wheel 103 of the first folding jig 94a forms an edge cutting line K2 on the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0198] Furthermore, the second folding jig 94b travels in a straight line from the vicinity of the outer shape cutting line K1 of the glass plates 11a, 11b toward the edges of the glass plates 11a, 11b, and the folding cutter wheel 103 forms an edge cut line K2 (scribe) in the first (initial) edge cut line formation area (predetermined area) of the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b along the direction of travel of the second folding jig 94b (edge ​​cut line forming means (edge ​​cut line forming process)). In the edge cutting line forming means (edge ​​cutting line forming process), the second support device 86b moves in synchronization with the second folding device 85b, and with the first and second support surfaces 127a and 127b of the first and second support members 118a and 118b supporting the lower surface 13 of the edge portion 66b that extends outside the outer shape cutting line K1 of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the folding cutter wheel 103 of the second folding jig 94b forms an edge cutting line K2 on the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0199] Furthermore, the first and second folding devices 85a, 85b and the first and second support devices 86a, 86b travel (move) at the same speed. In the edge cutting line forming means (edge ​​cutting line forming process), the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b travel in a straight line from the edges of the glass plates 11a, 11b toward the vicinity of the outer shape cutting line K1 of the glass plates 11a, 11b, and the folding cutter wheel 103 may form an edge cutting line K2 (scribe) on the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b. Grinding The system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) prevent elastic deformation of the edges 66b by having the first and second support surfaces 127a and 127b of the first and second support members 118a and 118b support the lower surface 13 of the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and reliably form the edge cutting line K2 on the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b while holding the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b horizontally.

[0200] After forming the edge cut line K2 in the first (initial) edge cut line formation area of ​​the edge portions 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the holder lifting mechanism 104 operates so that the folding cutter holder 102 rises from the edge portions 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b (holder lifting means (holder lifting process)). After the folding cutter holder 102 is raised by the holder lifting means (holder lifting process), the first and second X-axis actuators 96a and 96b and the first and second Y-axis actuators 98a and 98b operate to move the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b (first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b) to the first (initial) pressing area (folding device moving means (folding device moving process)).

[0201] After the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b are moved to the first (initial) pressing area by the folding device moving means (folding device moving process), as shown in Figure 33, the first pressing member 105a of the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b is lowered vertically by the first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a, and the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first and second support surfaces 127a and 127b of the first and second support members 118a and 118b clamp the main body 66a and edge 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b (glass plate clamping means (glass plate clamping process)).

[0202] In the glass plate clamping means (glass plate clamping process), when the first pressing member 105a of the first and second folding devices 85a, 85b is lowered by the first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a (second lifting mechanism), the semi-annular first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a comes into contact with the upper surface 12 of the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b that extends near the outside of the outer shape cutting line K1 and the upper surface 12 of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a, 11b that extends near the inside of the outer shape cutting line K1.

[0203] In the glass plate clamping means (glass plate clamping process), when the first and second support members 118a and 118b are raised by the second support member lifting mechanism 119, the annularly shaped second support surface 127b of the second support member 118b straddles the outer shape cutting line K1 and the lower surface 13 of the edge portions 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extend near the outside of the outer shape cutting line K1 and the glass that extends near the inside of the outer shape cutting line K1 The first support member 118a supports the lower surface 13 of the main body portion 66a of the plates 11a and 11b. The circularly shaped first support surface 127a of the first support member 118a supports the lower surface 13 of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extends near the inside of the outer cutting line K1, while the vicinity of the outer edge of the first support surface 127a supports the lower surface 13 of the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extends near the outside of the outer cutting line K1.

[0204] After the glass plate clamping means (glass plate clamping process) clamps the main body portion 66a and edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b between the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first and second support surfaces 127a and 127b of the first and second support members 118a and 118b, the second support member 118b is lowered vertically in the first (initial) pressing area by the second support member lifting mechanism 119 (second support member lowering means (second support member lowering process)). When the second support member 118b is lowered, a gap (a step between the first support surface 127a and the second support surface 127b) is formed between the lower surface 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b and the second support surface 127b. Furthermore, the clamping of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b by the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first supporting surface 127a of the first supporting member 118a is maintained.

[0205] After the second support member 118b is lowered by the second support member lowering means (second support member lowering process), the second pressing member 105b is lowered vertically by the second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b while maintaining the clamping of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b by the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first support surface 127a of the first support member 118a. The annularly shaped second pressing surface 115b of the second pressing member 105b comes into contact with the upper surface 12 of the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extends near the outside of the outer shape cutting line K1, and the second pressing surface 115b of the second pressing member 105b presses downwards against the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extends outside the outer shape cutting line K1. The second pressing surface 115b presses the edge 66b downward, causing the edge 66b to break (edge ​​breaking means (edge ​​breaking process)). In the edge breaking means (edge ​​breaking process), the main body 66a and the edge 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b are separated. The broken (separated) edges 66b (periphery) of the glass plates 11a and 11b remain on the belt conveyor 87.

[0206] After the edge 66b is folded in the first (initial) pressing area by the edge folding means (edge ​​folding process), the second support member 118b is raised vertically by the second support member lifting mechanism 119, the first pressing member 105a is raised vertically by the first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a, and the second pressing member 105b is raised vertically by the second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b.

[0207] After the first and second pressing members 105a, 105b and the second support member 118b are raised, the first and second folding devices 85a, 85b are moved to the second (next) edge cutting line formation area of ​​the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b (folding device moving means (folding device moving process)). The first folding jig 94a is positioned at the folding start position of the second (next) edge cutting line formation area on the widthwise outward side of the glass plates 11a, 11b, and the second folding jig 94b is positioned at the folding start position of the second (next) edge cutting line formation area on the widthwise outward side of the glass plates 11a, 11b. In addition, the first and second support devices 86a, 86b move to the rolling direction change area in the second (next) edge cutting line formation area in sync with the first and second folding devices 85a, 85b.

[0208] After the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b move to the rolling direction change area in the second (next) edge cutting line forming area, the holder lifting mechanism 104 operates and the folding cutter holder 102 descends toward the upper surface 12 of the edge portions 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b (holder lowering means (holder lowering process)), and the folding cutter wheel 103 comes into contact with the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b with a predetermined pressing force.

[0209] After the holder lowering mechanism (holder lowering process) lowers (contacts) the folding cutter holder 102 to the upper surface 12 of the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b in the second (next) rolling direction change area, as described above, the first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b (folding jigs) travel (move) in a circular shape, drawing a circular trajectory, and a caster effect is generated on the folding cutter wheel 103. The direction of rotation (movement) of the periphery 112 of the folding cutter wheel 103 is changed to the direction of travel (movement) of the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b (folding cutter holder 102) (the direction in which the virtual end cut line extends) (rolling direction changing means (rolling direction changing process)), and the direction of rotation (movement) of the periphery 112 of the folding cutter wheel 103 is changed to the direction of travel of the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b (folding cutter holder 102) (the direction in which the virtual end cut line extends).

[0210] After changing the rolling direction of the periphery 112 of the folding cutter wheel 103 to the running direction of the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b (the direction in which the virtual edge cutting line extends) (after the rolling direction of the folding cutter wheel 103 becomes the same as the running direction of the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b), the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b run in a straight line from the vicinity of the outer shape cutting line K1 of the glass plates 11a, 11b toward the edges of the glass plates 11a, 11b, and the folding cutter wheel 103 forms an edge cutting line K2 in the second (next) edge cutting line formation area (predetermined area) of the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b along the running direction of the first and second folding jigs 94a, 94b (edge ​​cutting line formation means (edge ​​cutting line formation process)).

[0211] After forming the edge cut line K2 in the second (next) edge cut line formation area of ​​the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the holder lifting mechanism 104 raises the folding cutter holder 102 from the edge of the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b (holder lifting means (holder lifting process)). After the folding cutter holder 102 has risen, the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b (first and second folding jigs 94a and 94b) move to the second (next) pressing area (folding device moving means (folding device moving process)).

[0212] After the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b move to the second (next) pressing area, the first pressing member 105a of the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b is lowered vertically by the first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a, and in the second (next) pressing area, the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first and second support surfaces 127a and 127b of the first and second support members 118a and 118b clamp the main body 66a and edge 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b (glass plate clamping means (glass plate clamping process)).

[0213] After the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first and second support surfaces 127a and 127b of the first and second support members 118a and 118b sandwich the main body portion 66a and edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the second support member 118b is lowered vertically in the second (next) pressing area by the second support member lifting mechanism 119 (second support member lowering means (second support member lowering process)).

[0214] After the second support member 118b descends, the second pressing member 105b descends vertically by the second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b while maintaining the clamping of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b by the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first support surface 127a of the first support member 118a. In the second (next) pressing area, the second pressing surface 115b of the second pressing member 105b presses downward the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extend outside the outer shape cutting line K1. The downward press of the second pressing surface 115b on the edges 66b causes the edges 66b to break (edge ​​breaking means (edge ​​breaking process)). The edges 66b (periphery) of the broken (separated) glass plates 11a and 11b remain on the belt conveyor 87.

[0215] The grinding system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) are as follows: After the holder lifting mechanism 104 and the first and second pressing member lifting mechanisms 106a and 106b raise the folding cutter wheel 103 and the first and second pressing members 105a and 105b, the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b move in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) and width direction (horizontal direction) on the side of the upper surface 12 of the glass plates 11a and 11b (folding device moving means (folding device moving process)), and after the second support member 118b is raised by the second support member lifting mechanism 119, the first and second support devices 86a and 86b move on the side of the lower surface 13 of the glass plates 11a and 11b. The first and second folding devices 85a and 85b move in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) and width direction (horizontal direction) in synchronization (support device moving means (support device moving process)), and after the first and second folding devices 85a and 85b and the first and second support devices 86a and 86b move in synchronization by the folding device moving means (folding device moving process) and the support device moving means (support device moving process), the first folding device 85a and the first support device 86a work together, and the second folding device 85b and the second support device 86b work together to perform edge cutting line forming means (edge ​​cutting line forming process), glass plate clamping means (glass plate clamping process), and edge folding means (edge ​​folding process).

[0216] By repeating the procedure described above, all edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b on which the edge cutting lines K2 have been formed are broken. In Figure 30, the first to third edge cutting lines K2 are formed on the glass plates 11a and 11b by the first breaking jig 94a, and the first to third edge cutting lines K2 are formed by the second breaking jig 94b. However, there is no particular limit to the number of edge cutting lines K2, and the number of edge cutting lines K2 is determined by the size (area) and thickness of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the shape of the main body of the glass plates 11a and 11b created by the outer cutting line K1.

[0217] After the folding process is completed and the folded glass plates 11a and 11b are lifted upward by the third glass plate holder 40c, the controller sends a drive signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the conveyor drive motor 88. Upon receiving the drive signal (ON signal), the control unit of the conveyor drive motor 88 drives the belt conveyor 87. The belt conveyor 87 moves from one side to the other in the width direction. As the belt conveyor 87 moves in the width direction, the folded edges 66b (periphery) of the glass plates 11a and 11b remaining on the belt conveyor 87 gradually move from one side to the other in the width direction, and the edges 66b fall from the belt conveyor 87 and are collected (discarded) in a dust box (not shown).

[0218] After the folding and cutting of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed, the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b after folding and cutting is transported from the folding and cutting area 21 to the grinding area 22 by the glass plate third holder 40c, the glass plate third holder 40c lowers so that the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is placed on the grinding table 128, and the lower surface 13 of the main body 66a comes into contact with the table suction cup 130 (suction pad). Furthermore, the magnetic weight material 47 is attracted and held by the magnetic weight material holding suction cup 49 when the air vacuum pump is activated, and the magnetic weight material holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight material 47) is raised by the lifting mechanism 45. In addition, the glass plate fourth holder 40d, on which the magnetic weight material holding suction cup 49 that has attracted and held the magnetic weight material 47 is installed, is located above the discharge area 23.

[0219] After the main bodies 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b are placed on the grinding table 128, the controller transmits a drive signal to the control unit of the vacuum mechanism of the grinding table 128. Upon receiving the drive signal, the control unit of the vacuum mechanism drives the vacuum mechanism. The driving of the vacuum mechanism causes the main bodies 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b to be attracted to and held by the table suction cup 130 (suction pad) (grinding table 128) (first fixing means (first fixing step)).

[0220] After the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b are adsorbed and held by the table suction cup 130 (grinding table 128), the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the vacuum mechanism of the third glass plate holder 40c, and a rise signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism (lifting mechanism). Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the vacuum mechanism of the third glass plate holder 40c stops the vacuum mechanism and releases the suction of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b by the holder suction cup 42. Upon receiving the rise signal (ON signal), the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism raises the pad mounting plate 41 (third glass plate holder 40c).

[0221] Next, the controller transmits a retraction signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the second servo motor 39. Upon receiving the retraction signal (ON signal), the control unit of the second servo motor 39 drives the second servo motor 39. The rotation of the shaft of the second servo motor 39 causes the slide block to move in the front-to-back direction from the front to the rear of the second guide frame 35, thereby moving the fourth glass plate holder 40d from the discharge area 23 to the grinding area 22. In addition, the first glass plate holder 40a moves from the cutting area 20 to the loading area 19, the second glass plate holder 40b moves from the folding area 21 to the cutting area 20, and the third glass plate holder 40c moves from the grinding area 22 to the folding area 21.

[0222] When the fourth glass plate holder 40d moves toward the grinding area 22 and the magnetic weight material holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight material holding suction cup 49) moves to directly above the center of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b which are adsorbed and held by the table suction cup 130, the controller sends an OFF signal to the control unit of the second servo motor 39. Upon receiving the OFF signal, the control unit of the second servo motor 39 stops the second servo motor 39. The magnetic weight material holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight material 47 which is adsorbed and held by the magnetic weight material holding suction cup 49) is positioned directly above the center of the main body portion 66a (positioning means (positioning process)).

[0223] After the magnetic weight 47 is positioned above the main body 66a and in the center of the main body 66a by the positioning means, the controller transmits a descent signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism. Upon receiving the descent signal (ON signal), the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism lowers the pad mounting plate 41 (glass plate fourth holder 40d) using the holder lifting mechanism. After the pad mounting plate 41 has been lowered, the controller transmits a descent signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the lifting mechanism 45 (air cylinder) installed on the glass plate fourth holder 40d. Upon receiving the descent signal (ON signal), the control unit of the lifting mechanism 45 lowers the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 to its lowest point using the lifting mechanism 45. When the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 is lowered, the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49 is attracted. retention The magnetic weight material 47, which is attracted to and held on surface 48, descends toward the central upper surface of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the magnetic weight material 47 is placed directly above the magnet 131 so that the magnet 131 and the magnetic weight material 47 sandwich the main body portion 66a (first descending means (first descending step)).

[0224] As the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 (magnetic weight 47) descends and the magnetic weight 47 contacts the central upper surface of the main body 66a, the opposing surface 51 (pressing surface) of the magnetic weight 47 is attracted to the magnet 131 located directly below the table suction cup 130. The main body is then clamped and fixed by the attraction surface 134 of the magnet 131 located directly below the lower surface 13 of the main body 66a and the opposing surface 51 of the magnetic weight 47 that has come into contact with the upper surface 12 of the main body 66a and been attracted to the magnet 131 (second fixing means (second fixing step)). Furthermore, if an electromagnet is used as the magnet 131, the electromagnet (magnet 131) is energized to generate a magnetic force (energy initiation means (energy initiation process)) at the same time as the pad mounting plate 41 begins to descend or after the magnetic weight material 47 comes into contact with the central upper surface of the main body 66a (before the grinding of the glass plates 11a and 11b on the periphery of the main body 66a begins).

[0225] After the opposing surface 51 of the magnetic weight material 47 is attracted to the adsorption surface 134 of the magnet 131 (after the magnetic weight material 47 is placed directly on the magnet 131), the controller sends an OFF signal to the control unit of the vacuum mechanism (air vacuum pump) of the magnetic weight material holding mechanism 44. Upon receiving the OFF signal, the control unit of the vacuum mechanism turns the vacuum mechanism OFF, causing the adsorption force of the magnetic weight material holding suction cup 49 to disappear, and the magnetic weight material holding suction cup 49 is released. retention The magnetic weight material 47 is released from its attraction to the surface 48.

[0226] Next, the controller sends an upward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the lifting mechanism 45 (air cylinder) installed on the fourth glass plate holder 40d, and then sends an upward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism. Upon receiving the upward signal, the control unit of the lifting mechanism 45 raises the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 to its maximum height above the magnetic weight 47 (above the upper surface 12 of the main body 66a) (first upward means). Upon receiving the upward signal, the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism raises the pad installation plate 41 (fourth glass plate holder 40d) using the holder lifting mechanism. The magnetic weight 47, attracted to the magnet 131, remains on the upper surface 12 of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0227] The controller raises the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 above the magnetic weight 47 and raises the pad mounting plate 41 (glass plate fourth holder 40d), and then transmits a retraction signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the first servo motor 34. Upon receiving the retraction signal (ON signal), the control unit of the first servo motor 34 drives the first servo motor 34. The rotation of the shaft of the first servo motor 34 causes the first slide block to move in the front-to-back direction from the front to the rear of the first guide frame 30, and as a result, the grinding device 129 moves rearward in the front-to-back direction in the grinding area 22 together with the first travel frame 32, and the grinding device 129 is positioned outward in the width direction of the first corner 18a (front edge) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a, 11b (grinding start position). Furthermore, the grinding device 129 moves the peripheral edges (side edges, front and rear edges) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b in synchronization with the cutting device 65.

[0228] After the grinding device 129 is positioned outward in the width direction of the first corner 18a of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b (grinding start position), the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the first servo motor 34 and a drive signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the 14th servo motor 136. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the first servo motor 34 stops the first servo motor 34, and upon receiving the drive signal (ON signal), the control unit of the 14th servo motor 136 drives the 14th servo motor 136. The rotation of the shaft of the 14th servo motor 136 causes the slide block 73b to move the feed screw 70b in the width direction from the other side edge 58b of the grinding area 22 toward the one side edge 58a, thereby moving the grinding table 128 in the width direction from the other side edge 58b toward the one side edge 58a of the grinding area 22, and the grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 is positioned at the first corner 18a of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a, 11b. The first corner 18a of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a, 11b enters the slit 147 of the cover 145 of the grinding jig 137.

[0229] After the grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 is positioned at the first corner 18a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the controller transmits a drive signal (ON signal) and an NC control signal to the control units of the 15th to 17th servo motors 138 to 140 and the spindle motor 146 of the grinding device 129, transmits a retraction signal (ON signal) and an NC control signal to the control unit of the first servo motor 34, and transmits an NC control signal to the control unit of the 14th servo motor 136. The control units for the 15th to 17th servo motors 138 to 140, the control unit for the spindle motor 146, the control unit for the first servo motor 34, and the control unit for the 14th servo motor 136, which receive drive signals (ON signals) and NC control signals, drive the 15th to 17th servo motors 138 to 140, the spindle motor 146, the first servo motor 34, and the 14th servo motor 136 to perform contour control motion by NC control on the vicinity of one side edge (one side edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, causing the side surface (cylindrical portion) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel 143 to bite into the glass plate, and grinding the vicinity of one side edge (one side edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b (grinding means (grinding process)).

[0230] Upon receiving a reversal signal, the control unit of the first servo motor 34 drives the first servo motor 34 during grinding (cutting) to move the grinding device 129 backward in the front-rear direction within the grinding area 22. The control unit of the 14th servo motor 136 drives the 14th servo motor 136 during grinding (cutting) to reciprocate the grinding device 129 in the width direction within the grinding area 22. The grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 moves from the first corner 18a to the second corner 18b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, grinding the vicinity of one side edge (one side edge) of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b along the edge (outer cutout line K1) of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0231] After the grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 has finished grinding the vicinity of one side edge (one side edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the grinding wheel 143 is positioned at the second corner portion 18b of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the grinding table 128 moves in the width direction from one side edge portion 58a to the other side edge portion 58b of the grinding area 22, and as the grinding table 128 moves in the width direction, the side surface (cylindrical portion) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding wheel 143 bites into the surface, grinding the vicinity of the rear end edge (rear end edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b (grinding means (grinding process)).

[0232] The control unit of the 14th servo motor 136 drives the 14th servo motor 136 to move the grinding table 128 in the width direction within the grinding area 22 during grinding (cutting), and the control unit of the 1st servo motor 34 drives the 1st servo motor 34 to reciprocate the grinding device 129 in the front-rear direction within the grinding area 22 during grinding (cutting). The grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 grinds the area near the rear end edge (rear end edge) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b along the edge (outer cutout line K1) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, while moving from the 2nd corner portion 18b toward the 3rd corner portion 18c of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0233] After the grinding of the rear edge (rear edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed by the grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129, and the grinding wheel 143 is positioned at the third corner portion 18c of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the grinding device 129 moves forward in the front-rear direction, and as the grinding device 129 moves forward in the front-rear direction, the side surface (cylindrical portion) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding wheel 143 bites into the glass plate, grinding the area near the second side edge (second side edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b (grinding means (grinding process)).

[0234] The control unit of the first servo motor 34 drives the first servo motor 34 during grinding (cutting) to move the grinding device 129 forward in the front-rear direction within the grinding area 22, and the control unit of the 14th servo motor 136 drives the 14th servo motor 136 during grinding (cutting) to reciprocate the grinding table 128 in the width direction within the grinding area 22. The grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 grinds the area near the second side edge (second side edge) of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b along the edge (outer cutout line K1) of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, while moving from the third corner 18c to the fourth corner 18d of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0235] After the grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 has finished grinding the area near the second side edge (second side edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, and the grinding wheel 143 is positioned at the fourth corner portion 18d of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the grinding table 128 moves in the width direction from the other side edge portion 58b of the grinding area 22 toward the one side edge portion 58a, and as the grinding table 128 moves in the width direction, the side surface (cylindrical portion) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel of the grinding wheel 143 bites into the glass plate, grinding the area near the front end edge (front end edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b (grinding means (grinding process)).

[0236] The control unit of the 14th servo motor 136 drives the 14th servo motor 136 to move the grinding table 128 in the width direction within the grinding area 22 during grinding (cutting), and the control unit of the 1st servo motor 34 drives the 1st servo motor 34 to reciprocate the grinding device 129 in the front-back direction within the grinding area 22 during grinding (cutting). The grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 grinds the area near the front edge (front edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b along the edge (outer cutout line K1) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, while moving from the 4th corner portion 18d toward the 1st corner portion 18a of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b. When the grinding of the front edge vicinity (front edge portion) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed by the grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129, the grinding device 129 moves outward in the width direction of the first corner portion 18a (front edge) of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b (grinding start position) and waits.

[0237] In the grinding area 22, for example, the first positioning means (first positioning step) first sets the position (first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line)) of the outermost edge (one of the side edges 14 in the illustrated glass plate 11a) that extends in the front-rear direction on one of the width directions of the large-sized (large-area) glass plate 11a with a large upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 that will be processed first, and the first positioning means (first positioning step) sets the position (first positioning reference L1 (virtual first positioning reference line) of the small-sized (small-area) glass plate 11b with a small upper surface 12 and lower surface 13 that will be processed later in the width direction On one side, the outermost edge of one side edge 14 extending in the front-rear direction (in the illustrated glass plate 11b, one side edge 14) is positioned (aligned), and the glass plates 11a and 11b, which have different areas for the upper surface 12 and lower surface 13, are positioned. The second positioning means (second positioning step) also positions the front-rear center O1 of the side edge 14 extending in the front-rear direction on one side of the width direction of the larger glass plate 11a to be processed first (center line L2 that divides the front-rear dimension of the glass plate 11a in half and extends in the width direction). When grinding a glass plate 11b with a different area to be processed later, after positioning the glass plates 11a and 11b with different areas of the upper surface 12 and lower surface 13, the grinding device reaches the side edge 14 of the larger glass plate 11a. The distance traveled by the grinding device 129 (the distance traveled by the grinding table 128 in the width direction) becomes equal to the distance traveled by the grinding device 129 until it reaches the side edge 14 of the small glass plate 11b (the distance traveled by the grinding table 128 in the width direction). At the same time, the distance traveled by the grinding device 129 from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the large glass plate 11a to return outward in the width direction of that glass plate 11a becomes equal to the distance traveled by the grinding device 129 from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b to return outward in the width direction of that glass plate 11b.

[0238] The distance the grinding device 129 travels to reach the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b is shortened, and the distance the grinding device 129 travels back from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b to the glass in the width direction is also shortened. This shortens the time (non-processing time) for the grinding device 129 to reach the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b, and also shortens the time for the grinding device 129 to return from the outermost edge (side edge 14) of the small glass plate 11b to the glass in the width direction.

[0239] After the grinding of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed, the controller transmits a descent signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the lifting mechanism 45 (air cylinder) installed in the fourth glass plate holder 40d. Upon receiving the descent signal (ON signal), the control unit of the lifting mechanism 45 lowers the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 using the lifting mechanism 45. The magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 descends toward the magnetic weight 47 remaining on the upper surface 12 of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b. When the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 descends to its lowest point, the suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49 comes into contact with the suction surface 50 of the magnetic weight 47.

[0240] After the suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49 comes into contact with the suction surface 50 of the magnetic weight 47 (after the grinding of the periphery of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed), the controller transmits an adsorption signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the vacuum mechanism (air vacuum pump) of the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44. Upon receiving the adsorption signal (ON signal), the control unit of the vacuum mechanism turns on (starts) the air vacuum pump. When the air vacuum pump is turned on, the suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49 becomes negative pressure, an adsorption force is generated on the suction surface 48, and the suction surface 50 of the magnetic weight 47 is adsorbed and held by the suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49 (second lowering means (second lowering step)).

[0241] After the suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight-holding suction cup 49 has attracted and held the suction surface 50 of the magnetic weight 47, the controller sends an upward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the lifting mechanism 45. Upon receiving the upward signal (ON signal), the control unit of the lifting mechanism 45 raises the magnetic weight-holding mechanism 44 using the lifting mechanism 45. The suction force (attraction force) of the suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight-holding suction cup 49 is adjusted so that the suction force (attraction force) of the suction surface 48 is greater than the suction force of the magnet 131 (output of the air vacuum pump).

[0242] When the magnetic weight 47, which is attracted to the suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49, is pulled upward by the lifting mechanism 45, the attraction of the opposing surface 51 of the magnetic weight 47 to the suction surface 134 of the magnet 131 is released, and the magnetic weight 47, together with the magnetic weight holding suction cup 49, gradually rises upward from the upper surface 12 of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b (second lifting means). If the magnet 131 is an electromagnet, after the suction surface 48 of the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 attracts and holds the suction surface 50 of the magnetic weight 47 by the second lowering means (second lowering step), the power supply to the electromagnet is stopped to eliminate the magnetic force of the electromagnet (power supply stop means).

[0243] After the magnetic weight holding mechanism 44 rises to its upper limit, the controller sends a forward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the second servo motor 39. Upon receiving the forward signal (ON signal), the control unit of the second servo motor 39 drives the second servo motor 39. The rotation of the shaft of the second servo motor 39 causes the slide block to move in the front-rear direction from behind to the front of the second guide frame 35, thereby causing the fourth glass plate holder 40d to move forward in the front-rear direction.

[0244] When the fourth glass plate holder 40d moves forward in the front-rear direction, and the holder suction cup 42 (suction pad) moves to directly above the center of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b that are attached and held by the table suction cup 130, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the second servo motor 39. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the second servo motor 39 stops the second servo motor 39. The table suction cup 130 is positioned directly below the center of the main body 66a.

[0245] After the table suction cup 130 is positioned below the main body 66a and in the center of the main body 66a, the controller sends a descent signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism. Upon receiving the descent signal (ON signal), the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism lowers the pad mounting plate 41 (holder suction cup 42) of the fourth glass plate holder 40d using the holder lifting mechanism. After the pad mounting plate 41 has descended and the holder suction cup 42 has come into contact with the upper surface 12 in the center of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the controller sends a suction signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the vacuum mechanism (air vacuum pump). Upon receiving the suction signal (ON signal), the control unit of the vacuum mechanism (air vacuum pump) activates the air vacuum pump.

[0246] When the air vacuum pump is activated, the upper surface 12 of the main body 66a is attracted to and held by the holder suction cup 42. After the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is attracted to and held by the holder suction cup 42, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the vacuum mechanism that creates negative pressure in the table suction cup 130, and also sends an upward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the vacuum mechanism stops the vacuum mechanism and eliminates the suction force of the table suction cup 130, and upon receiving the upward signal (ON signal), the control unit of the holder lifting mechanism activates the holder lifting mechanism and raises the holder suction cup 42 (fourth glass plate holder 40d) that is attracting and holding the main body 66a.

[0247] After the holder suction cup 42 (glass plate fourth holder 40d) has risen to its upper limit, the controller sends a forward signal (ON signal) to the control unit of the second servo motor 39. Upon receiving the forward signal (ON signal), the control unit of the second servo motor 39 drives the second servo motor 39. The rotation of the shaft of the second servo motor 39 causes the slide block to move in the front-rear direction from behind to the front of the second guide frame 35, thereby moving the glass plate fourth holder 40d forward in the front-rear direction toward the discharge area (moving means (moving process)).

[0248] The fourth glass plate holder 40d moves forward in the front-rear direction, and the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, after grinding, is transported from the grinding area 22 to the discharge area 23 by the fourth glass plate holder 40d. When the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is transported to the discharge area, the controller sends a stop signal (OFF signal) to the control unit of the second servo motor 39. Upon receiving the stop signal (OFF signal), the control unit of the second servo motor 39 stops the second servo motor 39. In the discharge area 23, the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, after cutting, folding, and grinding are moved forward from the rear end to the front end of the discharge area 23 by the discharge conveyor 150, and the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, after each processing is completed, are discharged from the discharge area 23.

[0249] Furthermore, when the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, after each processing is completed, is located on the unloading conveyor 150 in the unloading area 23, the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, after grinding is completed, is located on the grinding table 128 in the grinding area 22, the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, after folding is completed, is located on the folding table 84 in the folding area 21, the glass plates 11a and 11b, after cutting is completed, is located on the cutting table 64 in the cutting area 20, and the unprocessed glass plates 11a and 11b, which have been positioned by the first positioning means (first positioning step) and the second positioning means (second positioning step), are located on the loading conveyor 53 in the loading area 19. GrindingIn system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10), multiple glass plates are transported sequentially from the loading area 19 to the unloading area 23, and each processing is performed continuously on the multiple glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0250] Grinding The system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) involves a table suction cup 130 (adsorption pad) contacting the lower surface 13 of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b before grinding begins on the periphery of the main body 66a, thereby adsorbing and holding the lower surface 13 of the main body 66a. Furthermore, before grinding begins on the periphery of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the main body 66a is clamped and fixed by a magnet 131 (permanent magnet or electromagnet) located directly below the lower surface 13 of the main body 66a and a magnetic weight 47 that contacts the upper surface 12 of the main body 66a and is attracted to the magnet 131. Therefore, the main body 66a of 11a and 11b is ground by the table suction cup 130. In addition to being placed and fixed on the table 128, the fixing of the glass plates 11a and 11b to the grinding table 128 is reinforced by sandwiching the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b between a magnet 131 located in the center of the main body 66a directly below the lower surface 13 of the main body 66a and a magnetic weight material 47 that contacts the upper surface 12 of the main body 66a and is attracted to the magnet 131. Even if the glass plates 11a and 11b have small main body 66a sizes (small area), the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b can be firmly fixed to the grinding table 128 by the magnet 131 and magnetic weight material 47 together with the table suction cup 130.

[0251] Grinding The system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) can prevent the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b from sliding laterally on the grinding table 128 when grinding the periphery of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b by engaging the side surface (cylindrical portion) of the rotating disc-shaped grinding wheel 143 of the grinding device 129 (grinding mechanism) with the grinding device 129 (grinding mechanism). This allows the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b to be securely fixed to the grinding table 128 while the periphery of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is ground. GrindingThe system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) can maintain the grinding speed and produce glass plates 11a and 11b of a predetermined shape with their edges ground according to the design.

[0252] Grinding In the system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10), after the grinding of the periphery of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed, the magnetic weight material holding mechanism 44 installed in the fourth glass plate holder 40d descends toward the upper surface 12 of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b to hold the magnetic weight material 47. After holding the magnetic weight material 47, the magnetic weight material holding mechanism 44 installed in the fourth glass plate holder 40d rises upward from the upper surface 12 of the main body portion 66a to release the magnetic weight material 47 from the magnet 131 (permanent magnet or electromagnet). This ensures that the pinching of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b by the magnet 131 and the magnetic weight material 47 is reliably released, and the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b with their periphery ground can be transported to the next transport area 23 (processing completion area).

[0253] Furthermore, if the magnet 131 is an electromagnet, after the grinding of the periphery of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed and the magnetic weight material holding mechanism 44 holds the magnetic weight material 47, the current to the electromagnet is stopped to eliminate the magnetic force of the electromagnet, thereby releasing the magnetic weight material 47 from the electromagnet. This allows the clamping of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b by the electromagnet and the magnetic weight material 47 to be easily released, and the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b with their periphery ground can be transported to the next transport area 23 (processing completion area).

[0254] GrindingThe system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) release the engagement between the magnet 131 (permanent magnet or electromagnet) and the magnetic weight material 47 after grinding the periphery of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is completed, transporting the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b to the transport area, and then placing and fixing the main body 66a of the next glass plate 11a or 11b that has not yet been ground on the grinding table 128 to perform grinding on the periphery of the main body 66a. This allows for continuous grinding of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b, enabling efficient grinding of multiple glass plates 11a and 11b.

[0255] Grinding In the system 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10), since the magnetic weight material 47 is made from one of the metals iron, nickel, or cobalt, the magnetic weight material 47 is easily attracted to the magnet 131 (permanent magnet or electromagnet), and the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is sandwiched between the magnet 131, which has an attractive surface area 134 located in the center 133 of the table suction cup 130, and the magnetic weight material 47 of a predetermined weight that is attracted to the magnet 131. Thus, the fixing of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b to the grinding table 128 can be reliably reinforced by the magnet 131 having an attractive surface area 134 and the magnetic weight material 47 of a predetermined weight made from one of the metals nickel or cobalt.

[0256] GrindingSystem 10a and grinding method (glass plate processing system 10) involves a folding cutter wheel 103 that is lowered vertically by a holder lifting mechanism 104, forming an edge cut line K2 on the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b. After forming the edge cut line K2 on the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b, the folding cutter wheel 103 is raised vertically by the holder lifting mechanism 104, and the first pressing member 105a is lowered vertically by the first pressing member lifting mechanism 106a, thereby cutting the glass plates 11a and 11b that cross the outer edge cut line K1 and extend to the vicinity of the outer edge cut line K1. The first pressing member 105a, which contacts the upper surface 12 of the edge 66b of b and the upper surface 12 of the main body 66a of the glass plates 11a, 11b extending near the inside of the outer cutout line K1, has a semi-annular first pressing surface 115a, and the first and second support surfaces 127a, 127b of the first and second support members 118a, 118b sandwich the main body 66a and edge 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b. After the first pressing member 105a and the first and second support members 118a, 118b sandwich the main body 66a and edge 66b, the second support member 118b moves up and down by the second support member lifting mechanism 119. As the second pressing member 105b descends in the direction, maintaining the clamping of the main body 66a by the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first support surface 127a of the first support member 118a, the second pressing member 105b descends in the vertical direction by the second pressing member lifting mechanism 106b, and the second pressing surface 115b of the second pressing member 105b presses downward on the edges 66b of the glass plates 11a, 11b that extend outside the outer cutout line K1, causing the edges 66b to break, and the first pressing surface 115a of the first pressing member 105a and the first support surface 127a of the first support member 118a press downward on the main body of the glass plates 11a, 11b By sandwiching part 66a, the first support surface 127a, which is formed in a perfect circle and has a predetermined area, supports the lower surface 13 of the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extends near the inside of the outer cutout line K1, and the vicinity of the outer edge of the first support surface 127a supports the lower surface 13 of the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b that extends near the outside of the outer cutout line K1, and the main body portion 66a of the glass plates 11a and 11b is firmly fixed by the first pressing member 105a and the first support member 118a, and the second pressing surface 115b of the second pressing member 105b supports the glass plate 11a that extends outside the outer cutout line K1,Even if the edge 66b of 11b is pressed downward and the pressing force of the second pressing member 105b acts on the edge 66b, it is possible to prevent elastic deformation of the main body portion 66a and the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b extending near the outer shape cutting line K1. Without the main body portion 66a and the edge portion 66b bending upward, the edge portion 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b can be smoothly and surely split at the outer shape cutting line K1 and the end cutting line K2 by the pressing force of the second pressing member 105b.,

[0257] Grinding In the system 10a and the grinding method (glass plate processing system 10), since the cutter wheel axis O3 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 is eccentric radially outward with respect to the cutter holder central axis O2 of the splitting cutter holder 102 (holder main body 107) and the splitting cutter wheel 103 has a caster effect, the first and second splitting jigs 94a and 94b (splitting jigs) only travel (move) circularly from near the starting point of the end cutting line K2 to draw a circular locus (the splitting jigs only travel (move) slightly in a predetermined direction from near the starting point of the end cutting line K2). While the splitting cutter wheel 103 rotates in the circumferential direction (around the axis) of the cutter holder central axis O2, the rolling (rotating) direction of the peripheral edge 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 is directed toward the traveling (moving) direction (the direction in which the virtual end cutting line extends) of the first and second splitting jigs 94a and 94b (splitting cutter holder 102), and the rolling direction of the peripheral edge 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 can be changed quickly and easily.,

[0258] Grinding In the system 10a and the grinding method (glass plate processing system 10), in each end cutting line formation area at the edge 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b to be processed, while making the rolling direction of the peripheral edge 112 of the splitting cutter wheel 103 coincide with the traveling direction (the direction in which the virtual end cutting line of the edge 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b extends) of the first and second splitting jigs 94a and 94b (splitting jigs), the end cutting line K2 can be inserted into those end cutting line formation areas, and a plurality of end cutting lines K2 can be efficiently formed in the end cutting line formation areas of the edge 66b of the glass plates 11a and 11b in a short time.,

Explanation of Signs

[0259] 10 Glass plate processing system 10a Grinding System 11a Large-sized glass plate 11b Small-sized glass plate 12 Upper surface 13 Lower surface 14 One side edge 15 The other side edge 16 Front edge 17 Rear edge 18a~18d First to fourth corner parts 19 Loading area 20 Notch processing area 21 Fold processing area 22 Grinding processing area 23 Unloading area 24 Conveying mechanism 25 System base 26a,26b First and second pillars 27 Fixed frame 28 First moving unit (first moving means) 29 Second moving unit (second moving means) 30 First guide frame 31 First guide rail 32 First running frame 33 First guide shoe 34 First servo motor 35 Second guide frame 36 Second guide rail 37 Second running frame 38 2nd Guide shoe 39 Second servo motor 40a~_{40d} First to fourth glass plate holders 41 Pad installation plate 42 Holder suction cup (adsorption pad) 43 Slide rod 44 Magnetic weight holding mechanism 45 Lifting mechanism 46 Memory 47 Magnetic weight 48 Suction holding surface 49 Magnetic hammer material holding suction cup 50 Suction surface 51 Opposing surface (pressing surface) 52 Handle 53 Loading conveyor 54 Stopper 55 Roller 55a Roller 56 Roller lifting mechanism 57 Moving mechanism 58a One side edge part 58b The other side edge part 59 Shaft 60 Rod 61 Third servo motor 62 Moving arm 63 Contact member 64 Grooving table 65 Grooving device 66a Body part 66b Edge part (peripheral part) 67a, 67b Base lane 68a First moving mechanism 68b Second moving mechanism 69a, 69b Travel guide rail 70a, 70b Feed screw 71 Fourth servo motor 72a, 72b Guide shoe 73a, 73b Slide block (housing nut) 74 Grooving jig 75 Air cylinder 76 Fifth servo motor 77 Grooving cutter wheel 78 Grooving cutter holder 79 Cutter lifting shaft 80 Cutter lifting guide 81 Support shaft 82 Bracket 83 Timing belt 84 Flanging table 85 Flanging device 85a First flanging device 85b 2nd folding device 86 Support device 86a 1st support device 86b Second support device 87 Belt conveyor 88 Conveyor drive motor 89 belt 90 Pulley 91 Carrier Roller 92 Conveyor Frame 93 Pull-up frame 94a First folding jig 94b Second folding jig 95. 6th servo motor (X-axis servo motor) 96a X-axis first actuator 96b X-axis second actuator 97. 7th servo motor (Y-axis servo motor) 98a Y-axis first actuator 98b Y-axis second actuator 99a X-axis first actuator frame 99b X-axis second actuator frame 99c Y-axis first actuator frame 99d Y-axis second actuator frame 100 8th servo motor (X-axis servo motor) 101 9th servo motor (Y-axis servo motor) 102 Folding cutter holder 103 Folding cutter wheel 104 Holder lifting mechanism (first lifting mechanism) 105a First pressing member 105b Second pressing member 106a First pressing member lifting mechanism (second lifting mechanism) 106b Second pressing member lifting mechanism (third lifting mechanism) 107 Holder body 108 Holder Head 109a Starting point for changing direction of rolling 109b End point of change of direction of rolling 110 bearings 111 Rolling shaft 112 Periphery 113 Connecting part 114 bracket 115a First pressing surface 115b Second pressing surface 116 Through hole 117 Guide Frame 118a First support member 118b Second support member 119 Second support member lifting mechanism (fourth lifting mechanism) 120 10th servo motor (X-axis servo motor) 121a X-axis third actuator 121b X-axis 4th actuator 122. 11th Servo Motor (Y-axis Servo Motor) 123a Y-axis third actuator 123b Y-axis 4th actuator 124a X-axis third actuator frame 124b X-axis 4th actuator frame 124c Y-axis third actuator frame 124d Y-axis 4th actuator frame 125. 12th Servo Motor (X-axis Servo Motor) 126. 13th Servo Motor (Y-axis Servo Motor) 127a 1st support surface 127b Second support surface 128 Grinding Table 129 Grinding equipment 130 Table Suction Cups (Adhesive Pads) 131 Magnets 132 Post 133 Central 134 Adsorption surface 135 Connection fittings (nipples) 136 14th Servo Motor 137 Grinding jigs 138 15th Servo Motor 139 16th Servo Motor 140 17th Servo Motor 141 Grinding wheel lifting screw 142 Grinding wheel cutting screw 143 Grinding Wheel 144 Grinding Holder 145 Cover 146 Spindle Motor 147 Slits 148 Motor Housing 149 Bracket 150 Discharge Conveyor K1 External cutting line (cutting line) K2 edge cutting line L1 Positioning reference line 1 (virtual positioning reference line 1) L2 Positioning second reference (virtual positioning second reference line) (center line) O1 Anterior-posterior center of the lateral edge O2 Cutter holder central axis O3 Cutter Wheel Axle S Separation dimension (eccentric dimension)

Claims

1. A grinding system comprising: a grinding table on which the main body of a glass plate whose edges have been folded by a predetermined folding process is placed; a table suction cup of a predetermined area installed on the grinding table to hold the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate by suction; and a grinding mechanism, wherein the peripheral edge of the main body of the glass plate, which is placed and fixed on the grinding table by the table suction cup, is ground using the grinding mechanism, The grinding system includes a magnet located directly below the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate, which is mounted on the table suction cup and placed on the grinding table, and a magnetic weight of a predetermined weight located on the upper surface side of the main body of the glass plate and attracted to the magnet. The grinding system is characterized by comprising: a first fixing means in which the table suction cup contacts the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate before the start of the grinding process on the periphery of the main body of the glass plate to hold the lower surface of the main body by suction; and a second fixing means in which the main body is held between the magnet located directly below the lower surface of the main body and the magnetic weight material that contacts the upper surface of the main body and is attracted to the magnet before the start of the grinding process on the periphery of the main body of the glass plate.

2. The grinding system according to claim 1, wherein the grinding system includes a magnetic weight holding mechanism located on the upper surface side of the main body of the glass plate, and the grinding system includes a first descending means that, before the start of the grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate, the magnetic weight holding mechanism holds the magnetic weight and lowers the magnetic weight toward the upper surface of the main body so that the magnetic weight is placed directly above the magnet so as to sandwich the main body; and a first rising means that, before the start of the grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate and after the magnetic weight has been placed directly above the magnet by the first descending means, the magnetic weight holding mechanism releases its grip on the magnetic weight and rises upward.

3. The grinding system has a positioning means that moves the magnetic weight holding mechanism in the front-rear direction to position the magnetic weight held by the magnetic weight holding mechanism above the main body of the glass plate and in the center of the main body, and the first lowering means lowers the magnetic weight towards the upper surface of the main body after the positioning means has positioned the magnetic weight above the main body and in the center of the main body, the grinding system according to claim 2.

4. The grinding system according to claim 3, further comprising: a second descending means for the magnetic weight holding mechanism to descend toward and hold the magnetic weight after the completion of the grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate; and a second ascending means for the magnetic weight holding mechanism to rise upward from the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate while holding the magnetic weight after the completion of the grinding of the periphery of the main body of the glass plate and after the magnetic weight holding mechanism has been held by the second descending means, thereby releasing the magnetic weight from the magnet.

5. The grinding system according to claim 4, wherein the grinding system includes a glass plate holder that is movable in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction and moves the main body of the glass plate after the grinding process is completed from the grinding table to the discharge area, and a holder suction cup installed on the glass plate holder and adhering to the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate, and the magnetic weight holding mechanism is installed on the glass plate holder.

6. The grinding system according to claim 5, wherein the grinding system includes a lifting mechanism installed in the glass plate holder for individually raising or lowering the magnetic weight material holding mechanism, the second lifting means releases the magnetic weight material from the magnet by raising the magnetic weight material holding mechanism, which holds the magnetic weight material, by the lifting mechanism, and the grinding system further includes a moving means that, after the magnetic weight material holding mechanism, which holds the magnetic weight material, is raised by the lifting mechanism, the glass plate holder moves in the front-rear direction to position the holder suction cup above the main body of the glass plate, after the holder suction cup is positioned above the main body, the glass plate holder descends so that the holder suction cup adheres to the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate, and after the holder suction cup adheres to the upper surface of the main body, the glass plate holder rises and moves forward to move the main body of the glass plate to the transport area.

7. The grinding system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the magnet has an adsorption surface of a predetermined area facing the lower surface of the main body of the glass plate, and the adsorption surface is located in the center of the table suction cup of the predetermined area.

8. The grinding system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.

9. The grinding system according to claim 8, wherein the permanent magnet is covered with an iron cap and has a yoke formed thereon that guides magnetic flux.

10. The grinding system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the magnetic weight material is made of one of the metals iron, nickel, or cobalt and has a predetermined weight, and has a facing surface of a predetermined area that faces the upper surface of the main body of the glass plate.

Images