Plate glass manufacturing method and plate glass take-out device

Abstract

Provided is a plate glass manufacturing method and a plate glass take-out device with which it is possible to take out plate glass while suppressing the occurrence of sagging, curling or the like of a protective sheet. In a take-out step, a plate glass laminate G is pressed by a pressing member 41 made of an elastic member in a main surface Ga on the opposite side to a surface (support surface) 12b1 side of a back surface support member 12b in a pallet 10, and the pressing member 41 is moved to the surface (support surface) 12b1 side according to the variation of the thickness of the plate glass laminate G accompanying the take-out of the plate glass G1.

Description

Sheet glass manufacturing method and sheet glass removal device

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing glass sheets, which includes a removal step of sequentially removing glass sheets one by one together with protective sheets from a glass sheet stack leaned against the support surface of a pallet, and to a glass sheet removal device that carries out the removal step.

[0002] For example, a manufacturing process for glass sheets used in flat panel displays such as liquid crystal display devices and organic electroluminescence (EL) display devices includes the following steps: Arranging glass sheets and protective sheets alternately and leaning them against the support surface of a pallet; Packaging the leaned glass sheets and protective sheets in a stack; and Transporting the stacked package to a predetermined downstream process (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a stacked package of glass sheets and protective sheets (hereinafter referred to as a "glass sheet stack") is transported upstream of the downstream process. Then, a removal mechanism removes the glass sheets one by one from the stack together with their protective sheets, starting with the glass sheets on the opposite side of the pallet's support surface.

[0003] Here, the removal mechanism is equipped with, for example, a suction means capable of simultaneously adsorbing one glass sheet and one protective sheet, and is configured to be movable toward and away from the glass sheet stack on the transported pallet. The removal mechanism moves from a predetermined standby position toward the glass sheet stack on the pallet, and then simultaneously adsorbs the glass sheet and the protective sheet using the suction means. The removal mechanism then moves in the direction away from the glass sheet stack to remove the glass sheet and the protective sheet. The glass sheet removed from the glass sheet stack is clamped together with the protective sheet by a transfer mechanism equipped with a clamping means, and sent to the subsequent process.

[0004] JP 2013-126877 A

[0005] Protective sheets are generally thin and lack sufficient rigidity, and as a result, for example, the protective sheet may sag partially or its bottom corners may curl up due to a pressure difference with atmospheric pressure that occurs when a glass plate and protective sheet are simultaneously sucked by the suction means of the removal mechanism, or slight air disturbances caused by the operation of the removal mechanism.

[0006] If the sagging or curling is significant, the worker may not be able to repair it. In this case, the transfer mechanism sends the protective sheet and the glass sheet in a sagging or curled state to a subsequent process.

[0007] For example, when a glass sheet is placed horizontally together with a protective sheet, the glass sheet may lift up in areas where the protective sheet is sagging or curling. As a result, when cutting (or cleaving) the glass sheet, it may be difficult to stably cut (or cleave) the glass sheet. Furthermore, for example, when a glass sheet is transported in a predetermined direction using a transport conveyor or the like while being placed with the protective sheet interposed therebetween, the main surface of the glass sheet (more specifically, the main surface facing the protective sheet) comes into direct contact with the transport conveyor in areas where the protective sheet is sagging or curling. This may result in scratches, chips, or the like on the main surface of the glass sheet. Furthermore, when transporting a glass sheet using the above-mentioned transport conveyor or the like, the protective sheet is likely to curl up during transport, which may cause transport problems.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses an interleaf support member for preventing slip sheets (protective sheets) from sagging, rolling up, etc. The interleaf support member is connected to the upper end of the pallet at one end and clamps the upper ends of multiple protective sheets together at the other end, thereby preventing the protective sheets from sagging, rolling up, etc.

[0009] However, such a slip sheet support member is intended to prevent the protective sheet from sagging or rolling up when the glass sheet stack packaged on a pallet is transported to a predetermined destination, and therefore, it is difficult to use the slip sheet support member when removing a single glass sheet and protective sheet from the glass sheet stack using a removal mechanism.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the current problems described above, and aims to provide a method for manufacturing sheet glass and a sheet glass removal device that can remove sheet glass while suppressing the occurrence of sagging or curling of the protective sheet.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0012] That is, a method for manufacturing glass sheets according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a step of sequentially removing glass sheets together with the protective sheets from a glass sheet laminate, the glass sheet laminate being arranged upright on a support surface of a pallet and including a plurality of protective sheets and a plurality of glass sheets stacked with the protective sheets interposed therebetween, starting with the glass sheet on the side opposite the support surface, wherein in the removing step, the peripheral edge of the glass sheet laminate is held down on the main surface opposite the support surface by a pressing member made of an elastic material, and the pressing member is moved toward the support surface in response to fluctuations in the thickness of the glass sheet laminate as the glass sheets are removed. In this method for manufacturing glass sheets, the peripheral edge of the glass sheet laminate is held down by the pressing member made of an elastic material. Therefore, the pressing member can prevent partial sagging of the protective sheets and curling up of the protective sheets in areas corresponding to the lower corners of the glass sheets. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the pressing member allows the glass sheet and the protective sheet to be easily removed from the glass sheet stack. The pressing member is also moved toward the support surface of the pallet in accordance with the change in thickness of the glass sheet stack caused by the removal of the glass sheet. Therefore, even if the thickness of the glass sheet stack decreases as the removal process progresses, the pressing member can stably hold down the peripheral edge of the glass sheet stack.

[0013]

[0013] A method for manufacturing glass sheets according to Aspect 2 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned Aspect 1, the pressing member abuts against an end of the glass sheet in the glass sheet laminate opposite to the support surface side via the protective sheet. This configuration not only prevents partial sagging of the protective sheet and curling up of the protective sheet in areas corresponding to the lower corners of the glass sheets, but also enables the pressing member to stably maintain the orientation of the glass sheets (or the glass sheets and the protective sheet) on the pallet.

[0014] Aspect 3 of the present invention relates to the method for manufacturing glass sheets, and is characterized in that a plurality of the pressing members are provided along one side edge of the glass sheet laminate in the above-mentioned aspect 1 or aspect 2. With this configuration, the pressing members can more reliably prevent the protective sheet from sagging partially or from curling up in areas of the protective sheet corresponding to the lower corners of the glass sheets.

[0015] Aspect 4 of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass sheet, wherein the pressing member presses down the upper and side portions of the glass sheet laminate in any one of Aspects 1 to 3. With this configuration, the pressing member can more reliably prevent the protective sheet from sagging partially or from curling up in areas of the protective sheet corresponding to the lower corners of the glass sheets.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing glass sheets, as described in the third aspect, and is characterized in that at least one of the plurality of pressing members contacts the ridge line of the edge of the glass sheet via the protective sheet. This configuration prevents excessive resistance from the pressing member when removing a single glass sheet and protective sheet from the glass sheet stack against the elastic force of the pressing member. Therefore, the pressing member can stably maintain the orientation of the glass sheet (or the glass sheet and protective sheet) on the pallet.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass sheet, and is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the pressing member is slid by a sliding mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the glass sheet laminate by the weight of the pressing member itself or the weight of the pressing member and a weight combined with the weight. With this configuration, it is possible to move the pressing member toward the support surface of the pallet without providing a separate complex moving mechanism.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing glass sheets according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, characterized in that the elastic member of the pressing member is a straight brush. By configuring the pressing member with a straight brush, which is an elastic member with a relatively low rigidity, it is possible to prevent, for example, a thin protective sheet from being torn due to excessive pressure when pressing down the glass sheet stack. Furthermore, the single glass sheet and the protective sheet can be easily removed without receiving excessive resistance from the pressing member.

[0019] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a glass sheet removal device for sequentially removing glass sheets together with a plurality of protective sheets from a glass sheet stack comprising a plurality of glass sheets stacked with each of the plurality of protective sheets interposed therebetween, the device comprising: a pallet for arranging the glass sheet stack in a state in which the glass sheet stack is leaning against a support surface; a pressing member formed of an elastic member for pressing a peripheral edge of the main surface of the glass sheet stack opposite the support surface of the pallet; a removal mechanism for removing the glass sheets together with the protective sheets; and a sliding mechanism for sliding the pressing member toward the support surface in response to a change in thickness of the glass sheet stack as the glass sheets are removed. The glass sheet removal device according to the present invention, having such a configuration, can achieve the same effects as those described in the above-mentioned manufacturing method.

[0020] The present invention has the following advantages: The method for manufacturing a glass sheet and the device for removing a glass sheet according to the present invention make it possible to remove the glass sheet while suppressing sagging, curling, or the like of the protective sheet.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of a sheet glass removal device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a pallet on which a sheet glass laminate is arranged; Fig. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of a pallet on which a sheet glass laminate is arranged; Fig. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of a pressing jig; Fig. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of a pressing jig; Fig. 6 is an enlarged side view showing the state of a pressing member when pressing down the peripheral edge of a sheet glass laminate, and showing the state in which the ridge line at the end of the sheet glass is pressed down via a protective sheet.

[0022] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. For convenience, the following description will be given by defining the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the take-out device 1 using the directions of the arrows shown in Figure 1. The front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the pallet 10 will be described by defining the directions of the arrows shown in Figures 2 and 3. Furthermore, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the holding jig 40 will be described by defining the directions of the arrows shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0023] [Overall Configuration of Take-Out Device 1] First, the overall configuration of a take-out device 1 embodying the sheet glass take-out device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 .

[0024] The take-out device 1 in this embodiment is provided in a manufacturing process of glass sheets G1 used in flat panel displays such as liquid crystal display devices, organic EL display devices, etc. As will be described later, the take-out device 1 is a device that sequentially takes out glass sheets G1 one by one together with protective sheets G2 from a laminated and packaged glass sheet stack G.

[0025] In the manufacturing process of the glass sheet G1, the glass sheets G1 formed through each process are alternately placed upright on a pallet 10 together with the protective sheets G2, and are stacked and packaged in the state of a glass sheet laminate G.

[0026] The stacked and packaged glass sheet laminate G is then transported together with the pallet 10 to the upstream side of a predetermined subsequent process (e.g., a cutting (breaking) process, a polishing process, etc.), and then the removal process is carried out by the removal device 1.

[0027] In the removal process, as will be described later, the removal mechanism 20 sequentially removes the glass sheets G1 one by one together with the protective sheets G2 from the glass sheet stack G leaning against the pallet 10. Thereafter, the transfer mechanism 30 clamps the glass sheets G1 and the protective sheets G2 in an overlapping state, and transports them sequentially to subsequent processes.

[0028] 1, the removal device 1 includes a pallet 10, a removal mechanism 20, and a transfer mechanism 30, which are arranged in order toward a subsequent process. The removal device 1 also includes a holding jig 40 that is detachably fixed to the pallet 10 and maintains the posture of the glass sheet laminate G arranged on the pallet 10.

[0029] The pallet 10 is used to stack and package a plurality of glass sheets G1, G1... and protective sheets G2, G2... in an upright position. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pallet 10 includes a base 11, a mounting table 12 disposed above the base 11, and a support frame 13 that supports the mounting table 12 from the base 11.

[0030] The base 11 is configured, for example, as a loading platform having a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and has a plurality of openings 11a, 11a... on the peripheral side end surface, into which the claws of a forklift or the like can be inserted for transportation.

[0031] The mounting table 12 has a lower end support member 12a that supports the lower end of the sheet glass laminate G, and a rear surface support member 12b that supports the rear surface (rear surface in FIG. 3) of the sheet glass laminate G.

[0032] The lower end support member 12a is a generally rectangular band-shaped member extending horizontally in one direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2 ), and is disposed with its upper surface 12a1 slightly inclined forward and upward. The glass sheet laminate G is placed on the upper surface 12a1 in a vertical position, and its lower end is supported by the lower end support member 12a.

[0033] The rear support member 12b is a rectangular, flat member that extends vertically upward from one side end (the rear end in FIG. 3) of the lower support member 12a. That is, a surface 12b1 of the rear support member 12b on the lower support member 12a side (the front side in FIG. 3) functions as a support surface.

[0034] The outer size of the surface 12b1 is set to be slightly larger than the outer sizes of the glass plate G1 and the protective sheet G2.

[0035] The glass sheet laminate G, which is placed on the upper surface 12a1 of the lower end support member 12a in a vertical position, is positioned in a slightly tilted position toward the rear support member 12b (the rear side in Figure 3) by having its back surface (rear surface) supported by the surface 12b1 of the rear support member 12b.

[0036] The support frame 13 has, for example, a plurality of support blocks 13a that support the lower-end support member 12a along one side end (front end in FIG. 3 ) and a plurality of struts 13b that extend along the other side end (rear end in FIG. 3 ) on the upper surface of the base 11. The support frame 13 further has a back frame 13c having a lattice structure that is provided along the back surface 12b2 (rear side in FIG. 3 ) of the back support member 12b, and a plurality of beams 13d that connect the struts 13b and the back frame 13c.

[0037] In the pallet 10 having the above-described configuration, the glass sheets G1, G1... and the protective sheets G2, G2... are alternately placed in close contact with each other and stacked and packed in a state in which they are leaning against the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the rear support member 12b. In other words, in the pallet 10, the glass sheet stack G is arranged in a state in which it is leaning against the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the rear support member 12b.

[0038] Generally, the multiple glass sheets G1, G1... and protective sheets G2, G2... that make up the glass sheet laminate G are stacked so that the protective sheet G2 is located at the outermost layer on the side opposite (front side of) the rear support member 12b.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the pallet 10 on which the glass sheet laminate G is stacked and packed is first transported to the upstream side of the subsequent process, and then placed at a predetermined removal position P1 with the surface 12b1 of the back support member 12b facing the seesaw table 100 (the front side in Figure 1).

[0040] Here, the seesaw table 100 transports the glass sheets G1 and protective sheets G2 removed from the glass sheet laminate G to a subsequent process. The seesaw table 100 includes, for example, a base 101, a receiving base 102 provided on the upper surface of the base 101, and a position change mechanism 103. The position change mechanism 103 rotates around a rotation axis extending horizontally. The rotation of the position change mechanism 103 changes the position of the receiving base 102 between a horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

[0041] The seesaw table 100 receives the glass plate G1 and protective sheet G2, which are transported in a vertical position by the transfer mechanism 30 described later, on the receiving table 102, which is in an approximately vertical position, and then changes the receiving table 102 to a position where it is in a horizontal position, and transports the glass plate G1 and protective sheet G2 to a subsequent process.

[0042] The removal mechanism 20 removes both the glass sheets G1 and the protective sheets G2 from the glass sheet laminate G stacked and packed on the pallet 10. The removal mechanism 20 includes, for example, a removal mechanism main body 21 and a plurality of suction means 22, 22... (only one is shown in FIG. 1 because it is a side view) provided on the removal mechanism main body 21 and arranged horizontally (left-right direction in FIG. 1 ) and made of vacuum pads or the like. The removal mechanism 20 is arranged on the seesaw table 100 side (front side) of the pallet 10 placed at the removal position P1, with the suction surfaces of the plurality of suction means 22... facing the upper end of the glass sheet laminate G on the pallet 10, and is configured to be movable toward and away from the glass sheet laminate G (front-rear direction in FIG. 1 ).

[0043] The removal mechanism 20 then moves from a predetermined first standby position X1 in a direction approaching the glass sheet laminate G (rearward in FIG. 1 ), and then simultaneously adsorbs the upper ends of one glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 using the suction means 22, and then moves away (forward in FIG. 1 ). This removes the one glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 from the glass sheet laminate G. The removal mechanism 20 then repeats the above-described operation, and sequentially removes the glass sheets G1 together with the protective sheets G2 one by one from the glass sheet laminate G arranged on the pallet 10, starting from the glass sheet G1 on the side opposite the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the rear support member 12b (front side in FIG. 1 ).

[0044] After removing one glass sheet G1 and one protective sheet G2, the removal mechanism 20 stops temporarily at an intermediate stop position X2 before reaching the first standby position X1, and transfers the glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 to the transfer mechanism 30. Thereafter, the removal mechanism 20 moves again in the direction away (forward) and reaches the first standby position X1 where it stops.

[0045] The transfer mechanism 30 receives a glass sheet G1 and a protective sheet G2 removed from the glass sheet stack G from the removal mechanism 20 in a stacked state, and transfers them to the receiving table 102 of the seesaw table 100. The transfer mechanism 30 includes, for example, a transfer mechanism main body 31 and a clamping means 32 provided in the transfer mechanism main body 31. The transfer mechanism 30 is disposed above the pallet 10 and the seesaw table 100, between the pallet 10 arranged at the removal position P1, with the clamping means 32 facing downward, and is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction (front-to-back direction in FIG. 1 ) and the vertical direction (up-and-down direction).

[0046] Then, when the removal mechanism 20, which has removed one glass plate G1 and one protective sheet G2, stops at the intermediate stop position X2, the transfer mechanism 30 moves downward from the predetermined second waiting position Y1 with the clamping means 32 open, and stops at the receiving position Y2 located near the removal mechanism 20.

[0047] The transfer mechanism 30, which has stopped at the receiving position Y2, closes the clamping means 32. As a result, the single glass plate G1 and the protective sheet G2 taken out by the take-out mechanism 20 are clamped at their upper ends by the clamping means 32 while overlapping each other.

[0048] On the other hand, when the one glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 are clamped by the clamping means 32, the take-out mechanism 20 releases the suction state of the suction means 22. As a result, the one glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 are transferred from the take-out mechanism 20 to the transfer mechanism 30.

[0049] After receiving the glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2, the transfer mechanism 30 moves upward with the glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 suspended (in a vertical position), and then moves horizontally (forward in FIG. 1 ) toward the seesaw table 100.

[0050] When the transfer mechanism 30 reaches the vicinity of the seesaw table 100, it moves downward and stops at a predetermined transfer position Y3. Then, the clamping state by the clamping means 32 is released. As a result, the glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 are transferred onto the receiving table 102 of the seesaw table 100 in an overlapping state.

[0051] Thereafter, the transfer mechanism 30 moves to the second standby position Y1.

[0052] As described above, the holding jig 40 maintains the posture of the glass sheet laminate G arranged on the pallet 10. As shown in Fig. 2 , for example, the holding jigs 40 are detachably fixed to the top end and both side end portions (the left and right side end portions in Fig. 2 ) of the pallet 10.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the holding jigs 40, 40, 40 are each detachably fixed to the upper end frame member 13c1 that forms the upper end of the back frame 13c of the pallet 10, and to the side end frame members 13c2, 13c2 that form both side ends (since Figure 3 is a side view, only one side end frame member 13c2 is shown), via fixing mechanisms 44, 44, 44, which will be described later.

[0054] Each pressing jig 40 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) pressing members 41. The pressing jig 40 uses these pressing members 41 to press down the peripheral edge portion of the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G on the side (front side) opposite to the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the back support member 12b.

[0055] The configuration of the holding jig 40 will be described in detail later.

[0056] [Configuration of Holding Jig 40] Next, the specific configuration of the holding jig 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As described above, the holding jigs 40 in this embodiment are fixed to the top end and both side end portions (left and right side end portions) of the pallet 10, respectively. However, since these holding jigs 40 have substantially the same configuration, the following description will mainly focus on the configuration of the holding jig 40 fixed to the top end portion of the pallet 10, and will omit a description of the configuration of the holding jigs 40 fixed to both side end portions of the pallet 10.

[0057] The holding jig 40 mainly comprises a holding member 41, a support member 42 that supports the holding member 41, a slide mechanism 43 that slides the holding member 41 via the support member 42, and a fixing mechanism 44 that fixes the holding jig 40 to the pallet 10.

[0058] The pressing member 41 is brought into contact with the peripheral edge of the glass sheet laminate G placed on the pallet 10 when the peripheral edge of the glass sheet laminate G is pressed down by the pressing jig 40. The pressing member 41 is made of an elastic member, and in this embodiment, for example, is constituted by a linear brush 41b fixed to one side end 41a1 of the fixing plate 41a.

[0059] The material of the presser member 41 may be other elastic materials such as rubber. Examples of rubber that can be used include natural rubber, urethane rubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, and fluororubber. The presser member 41 is preferably a linear brush 41b, as in this embodiment, or a rubber plate. By configuring the presser member 41 using such a linear brush 41b or rubber plate, which are elastic materials with relatively low rigidity, it is possible to prevent, for example, the thin protective sheet G2 (see FIG. 2) from being torn due to excessive pressure when holding down the glass sheet stack G. Furthermore, when removing a single glass sheet G1 (see FIG. 2) and a protective sheet G2 from the glass sheet stack G against the elastic force of the presser member 41, the single glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 can be easily removed without excessive resistance from the presser member.

[0060] The fixing plate 41a has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) oval through-holes 41a2, each extending perpendicular to the one side end 41a1 (the vertical direction in FIG. 4).

[0061] The pressing member 41 is displaceably fixed to the support member 42 using fastening members such as bolts via the plurality of through holes 41a2.

[0062] The support member 42 consists of a flat plate member having an approximately T-shape, and has a strip portion 42a extending in one direction (left and right direction in Figure 4) and a rectangular plate portion 42b protruding from the center of the extension direction of the strip portion 42a to one side in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (upper side in Figure 4).

[0063] Both ends (left and right ends) of the band plate portion 42a in the extension direction function as fixing portions for the pressing member 41. That is, on a flat surface (hereinafter referred to as "surface 42c" as appropriate) on one side (the front side in FIG. 5) of the support member 42, a plurality of (two) female screw holes (not shown) are provided at each end of the band plate portion 42a.

[0064] In this embodiment, presser members 41 are provided at both ends of the band plate portion 42a (more specifically, at both ends of the band plate portion 42a on the surface 42c of the support member 42). The pair of presser members 41 are arranged at both ends of the band plate portion 42a with the linear brushes 41b protruding toward the opposite side from the protruding direction of the rectangular plate portion 42b (the lower side in FIG. 4). The pair of presser members 41 are each fixed to the band plate portion 42a using fastening members such as bolts via a plurality of female screw holes.

[0065] The number of pressing members 41 provided on the pressing jig 40 may be one or more, but is preferably more than one. By providing the pressing members 41 on the pressing jig 40, when the pressing jig 40 presses down the peripheral edge of the glass sheet laminate G placed on the pallet 10, the pressing members 41 can be arranged along one side edge of the glass sheet laminate G.

[0066] These multiple pressure members 41, 41 can more reliably prevent partial sagging of the protective sheet G2 and curling of the area of ​​the protective sheet G2 corresponding to the lower corner of the glass sheet G1, which may occur in the glass sheet stack G placed on the pallet 10.

[0067] The rectangular plate portion 42b is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) oval through-holes 42b1, each extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the strip plate portion 42a (the vertical direction in FIG. 4).

[0068] The support member 42 is displaceably fixed to a first connecting member 43b of the slide mechanism 43 (described later) using fastening members such as bolts via the plurality of through holes 42b1.

[0069] The slide mechanism 43 includes a pair of (two) slide rods 43 a arranged parallel to each other, a first connecting member 43 b connecting one end of the pair of slide rods 43 a to each other, a second connecting member 43 c connecting the other end of the pair of slide rods 43 a to each other, and a pair of bearing members 43 d supporting the pair of slide rods 43 a to be slidable in the axial direction. Note that the number of slide rods 43 a is not limited to that in this embodiment and may be, for example, one or three or more.

[0070] The first connecting member 43b is made of, for example, a flat plate-shaped member, and is connected to the pair of slide rods 43a in the perpendicular direction via a back surface 43b1. Furthermore, a front surface 43b2 of the first connecting member 43b functions as a fixing portion for the support member 42, and each of the front surfaces 43b2 is provided with a plurality of female screw holes (not shown).

[0071] The support member 42 is disposed so that the extending direction of the strip plate portion 42a is perpendicular to the axial direction of the slide rod 43a in a plan view. The rectangular plate portion 42b of the support member 42 is fixed to the first connecting member 43b by fastening members such as bolts via a plurality of female screw holes.

[0072] The second connecting member 43c is a flat plate-shaped member having an outer size slightly larger than that of the first connecting member 43b, and is connected to the pair of slide rods 43a in a direction perpendicular to the first connecting member 43b via a surface 43c1. The second connecting member 43c is connected to the pair of slide rods 43a in a direction perpendicular to the first connecting member 43b at one end (the upper end in FIG. 5) of the surface 43c1. Furthermore, a weight Z, which will be described later, is attached to the surface 43c1.

[0073] With the slide rod 43a coaxially inserted, the bearing member 43d is supported by a fourth frame member 44a4 of the fixing mechanism 44, which will be described later. The bearing member 43d slidably supports the support member 42 fixed to the first connecting member 43b via the slide rod 43a.

[0074] The fixing mechanism 44 has a fixing frame 44 a and fixing means 44 b for detachably fixing the fixing frame 44 a to the pallet 10 .

[0075] The fixed frame 44a has a first frame member 44a1 and a second frame member 44a2, which are substantially flat and arranged opposite each other, and a third frame member 44a3, which is connected to the first frame member 44a1 and the second frame member 44a2 at one end (the rear end in FIG. 5). The fixed frame 44a also has a fourth frame member 44a4, which protrudes from the plane of the first frame member 44a1 on the side opposite to the second frame member 44a2 (the upper side in FIG. 5).

[0076] The fixed frame 44a supports the pair of bearing members 43d in the slide mechanism 43 via the fourth frame member 44a4. This allows the pair of pressing members 41 to slide relative to the fixed mechanism 44 along the axial direction of the slide rod 43a.

[0077] The fixing means 44b includes, for example, a general-purpose toggle clamp 44b1 and an abutting member 44b2 whose position can be changed by the toggle clamp 44b1. The fixing means 44b is provided on the second frame member 44a2 of the fixed frame 44a.

[0078] The abutment member 44b2 is disposed between the first frame member 44a1 and the second frame member 44a2 of the fixed frame 44a and in the vicinity of the second frame member 44a2. The abutment member 44b2 is disposed opposite the first frame member 44a1. Buffer members 45a and 45b, each made of, for example, a flat resin plate, are provided on the opposing flat surfaces of the abutment member 44b2 and the first frame member 44a1.

[0079] The abutment member 44b2 is configured to be movable by the toggle clamp 44b1 between a clamping position S1 where it approaches the first frame member 44a1 and an open position S2 where it moves away from the first frame member 44a1. The clamping position S1 is a position of the abutment member 44b2 that allows it to clamp, together with the first frame member 44a1, the upper frame member 13c1 (or the side frame member 13c2; see FIG. 3 ) of the back frame 13c of the pallet 10 described above. The open position S2 is a position of the abutment member 44b2 where the clamping state of the upper frame member 13c1 (or the side frame member 13c2) by the abutment member 44b2 and the first frame member 44a1 is released.

[0080] [Holding Method Using Holding Jig 40] Next, a holding method for holding the posture of the glass sheet laminate G arranged on the pallet 10 using the holding jig 40 will be described with reference to Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 6 .

[0081] 2 and 3, a glass sheet laminate G consisting of a plurality of glass sheets G1, G1... and protective sheets G2, G2... is placed in advance on the table 12 of the pallet 10, leaning against the surface 12b1 of the rear support member 12b. As described above, the glass sheet laminate G is placed on the pallet 10 with the protective sheet G2 positioned as the outermost layer on the side opposite (front side of) the rear support member 12b.

[0082] In the pallet 10 in this state, the pressing jigs 40 are fixed to the upper end and both side ends of the pallet 10 via fixing mechanisms 44. Each pressing jig 40 is fixed to the upper end and both side ends of the pallet 10 with a pair of pressing members 41, 41 arranged along the upper end or both side ends of the glass sheet laminate G.

[0083] As described above, the rear support member 12b is arranged with the surface 12b1 slightly inclined rearward (i.e., opposite the arrangement side of the glass sheet laminate G) and upward. Therefore, the pressing jigs 40 fixed to the upper end and both side end portions of the pallet 10 via the rear frame 13c (more specifically, the upper end frame member 13c1 and the side end frame members 13c2) are arranged rearward (i.e., opposite the pressing member 41) and slightly inclined downward.

[0084] Therefore, in each pressing jig 40, the pair of pressing members 41 / 41 are slid rearward (opposite the side of the glass sheet laminate G) and downward along a direction perpendicular to the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G (the plane on the opposite side (front side) from the surface 12b1 side of the rear support member 12b) due to the weight of at least the pair of pressing members 41 / 41 (more specifically, the pair of pressing members 41 / 41 and the support member 42).

[0085] As a result, the pair of pressing members 41 of each pressing jig 40 comes into contact with the upper end and both side ends of the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G, and presses down the upper (upper end) and lateral (both side ends) sides of the glass sheet laminate G. As a result, the glass sheet laminate G placed on the pallet 10 is maintained in its position by the pressing jigs 40 fixed to the upper end and both side ends of the pallet 10, and is stacked and packed in a state where it is leaning against the pallet 10.

[0086] As described above, the pallet 10 on which the glass sheet laminate G is stacked and packed is then transported to a removal position P1 (see FIG. 1 ) located upstream of predetermined subsequent processes (such as a cutting (breaking) process or a polishing process). Then, the glass sheets G1 are sequentially removed one by one from the glass sheet laminate G together with the protective sheets G2 by a removal mechanism 20 (see FIG. 1 ) (removal process).

[0087] At this time, the thickness of the glass sheet laminate G varies as the glass sheet G1 is removed (removal operation), and the position of the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G gradually moves toward the front surface (support surface) 12b1 of the back support member 12b of the pallet 10. The pair of pressing members 41, 41 of each pressing jig 40 are moved toward the front surface (support surface) 12b1 by the slide mechanism 43 in accordance with the variation in thickness. Therefore, the glass sheet laminate G can always be pressed at approximately the same position against the peripheral edge thereof.

[0088] In this way, in each pressing jig 40 in this embodiment, a pair of pressing members 41, 41 are configured to respectively press down the upper (upper end) and the sides (both side ends) of the glass sheet laminate G leaning against the pallet 10.

[0089] With this configuration, the pair of pressure members 41, 41 can more reliably prevent partial sagging of the protective sheet G2 and curling up of the area of ​​the protective sheet G2 corresponding to the lower corner of the glass sheet G1.

[0090] The outer size of each protective sheet G2 is generally set larger than the outer size of each glass sheet G1. At least one of the pair of pressing members 41 in each pressing jig 40 is configured to abut against an end (more specifically, an upper end and both side end portions) of the glass sheet G1 located on the opposite side (front side) from the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the back support member 12b in the glass sheet laminate G, via the protective sheet G2.

[0091] This configuration not only prevents partial sagging of the protective sheet G2 and curling up of the area of ​​the protective sheet G2 corresponding to the lower corner of the glass sheet G1, but also enables the pressure member 41 to stably maintain the position of the glass sheet G1 (or the glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2) on the pallet 10.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when either of the pressing members 41 abuts against the end (top end and both side end) of the glass plate G1, the pressing member 41 is configured to contact the ridge line Q of the end of the glass plate G1 via the protective sheet G2.

[0093] With this configuration, when one glass sheet G1 and protective sheet G2 are removed from the glass sheet stack G against the elastic force of the pressing member 41 (more specifically, the linear brush 41 b), the resistance from the pressing member 41 does not become excessive. Therefore, the pressing member 41 can stably maintain the position of the glass sheet G1 (or the glass sheet G1 and protective sheet G2) on the pallet 10.

[0094] 5, in the pressing jig 40 of this embodiment, as described above, the pair of pressing members 41 are slid by the weight of at least one pair of pressing members 41 via the slide mechanism 43, thereby bringing the pair of pressing members 41 into contact with the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in order to adjust the pressing force of the pair of pressing members 41 against the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G, a weight Z having a predetermined weight may be fixed to the second connecting member 43c, and the pair of pressing members 41 may be slid by the weight of the pair of pressing members 41 and the weight of the weight Z.

[0095] In this way, in the pressing jig 40 of this embodiment, the pair of pressing members 41 / 41 are configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to the main surface Ga of the plate glass laminate G via the sliding mechanism 43 by the weight of the pair of pressing members 41 / 41 themselves or the weight of the pair of pressing members 41 / 41 and the weight Z.

[0096] With this configuration, without providing a separate complex moving mechanism, the operation in the above-mentioned removal step progresses by the slide mechanism 43 having a simple configuration, and the pair of pressing members 41 can be moved toward the front surface (support surface) 12b1 of the back support member 12b of the pallet 10 while following the reduction in the thickness of the glass sheet laminate G. Furthermore, since the sliding direction of the pair of pressing members 41 by the slide mechanism 43 is perpendicular to the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G, the abutting state of the pair of pressing members 41 on the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G can always be kept constant even if the thickness of the glass sheet laminate G is reduced.

[0097] As described above, the manufacturing method of the glass sheet G1 in this embodiment is a manufacturing method of glass sheet G1 that includes a removal step of sequentially removing the glass sheets G1 together with the protective sheets G2 one by one from a glass sheet laminate G consisting of a plurality of protective sheets G2, G2... arranged in a standing state on the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the rear support member 12b of the pallet 10, and a plurality of glass sheets G1, G1... stacked with each of the plurality of protective sheets G2, G2... interposed therebetween, starting from the glass sheet G1 on the opposite side (front side) from the surface (support surface) 12b1 side (front side).

[0098] In the removal step, the glass sheet laminate G has its peripheral edge pressed down by a pressing member 41 made of an elastic member on the main surface Ga on the side (front side) opposite to the surface (support surface) 12b1.

[0099] The pressing member 41 is configured to move toward the front surface (support surface) 12b1 in accordance with the change in thickness of the glass sheet laminate G that occurs when the glass sheet G1 is removed.

[0100] In addition, the glass sheet G1 removal device 1 in this embodiment is a removal device that sequentially removes glass sheets G1 one by one together with protective sheets G2 from a glass sheet laminate G consisting of a plurality of protective sheets G2, G2... and a plurality of glass sheets G1, G1... stacked with a plurality of protective sheets G2, G2... interposed therebetween.

[0101] The removal device 1 is configured to include a pallet 10 that places the glass sheet laminate G in an upright position on the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the back support member 12b, a pressing member 41 made of an elastic member that presses down the peripheral portion of the main surface Ga of the glass sheet laminate G on the side opposite to the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the pallet 10, a removal mechanism 20 that removes both the glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2, and a slide mechanism 43 that slides the pressing member 41 toward the surface (support surface) 12b1 in accordance with changes in the thickness of the glass sheet laminate G as the glass sheet G1 is removed.

[0102] In the method for manufacturing glass sheets and the device 1 for removing glass sheets G1 of this embodiment, which are configured as described above, the peripheral edge of the glass sheet stack G is held down by the pressing member 41 made of an elastic material, so that the pressing member 41 prevents partial sagging of the protective sheet G2 and curling of the area of ​​the protective sheet G2 corresponding to the lower corner of the glass sheet G1, while the pressing member 41 elastically deforms, making it possible to easily remove one glass sheet G1 and the protective sheet G2 from the glass sheet stack G.

[0103] In addition, the pressing member 41 is moved toward the surface (support surface) 12b1 of the back support member 12b on the pallet 10 in accordance with changes in the thickness of the glass sheet laminate G as the glass sheet G1 is removed.Therefore, even if the work in the removal process progresses and the thickness of the glass sheet laminate G decreases, the pressing member 41 can stably press down the peripheral portion of the glass sheet laminate G.

[0104] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, which is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and further includes the meaning of equivalents set forth in the claims, and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0105] The present invention can be used in a method for manufacturing glass sheets, which includes a removal step in which glass sheets are removed one by one together with protective sheets from a glass sheet stack placed upright on the support surface of a pallet, and in a glass sheet removal device that carries out this removal step.

[0106] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: Take-out device 10: Pallet 10 12b1: Surface (support surface) 41: Pressing member 41b: Linear brush 43: Slide mechanism G: Glass sheet laminate G1: Glass sheet G2: Protective sheet Ga: Main surface Q: Ridge line Z: Weight

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing glass sheets, comprising: an extraction step of removing glass sheets one by one together with the protective sheets from a glass sheet stack consisting of a plurality of protective sheets and a plurality of glass sheets stacked with each of the protective sheets interposed therebetween, the glass sheets being arranged in a standing state against a support surface of a pallet, starting with the glass sheets on the side opposite the support surface, wherein in the extraction step, the peripheral edge of the glass sheet stack is held down on a main surface on the side opposite the support surface by a pressing member made of an elastic member, and the pressing member is moved towards the support surface in accordance with fluctuations in thickness of the glass sheet stack as the glass sheets are removed.

2. The method for manufacturing glass sheets as described in claim 1, characterized in that the pressing member abuts against an end of the glass sheet in the glass sheet laminate opposite the support surface side via the protective sheet.

3. A method for manufacturing glass sheets according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of the pressing members are provided along one side end of the glass sheet laminate.

4. A method for manufacturing glass sheets according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressing members press down the upper and lateral sides of the glass sheet laminate.

5. A method for manufacturing a glass sheet as described in claim 3, characterized in that, among the multiple pressing members, at least one pressing member contacts the ridge line of the end portion of the glass sheet via the protective sheet.

6. A method for manufacturing plate glass as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressing member is slid in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the plate glass laminate via a sliding mechanism by its own weight or a weight of the pressing member and a weight combined with the weight of the pressing member.

7. The method for manufacturing sheet glass according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastic member of the pressing member is made of a straight brush or a rubber plate.

8. A glass sheet removal device for sequentially removing glass sheets one by one together with a plurality of protective sheets from a glass sheet stack consisting of a plurality of protective sheets and a plurality of glass sheets stacked with each of the protective sheets interposed therebetween, comprising: a pallet for arranging the glass sheet stack so that it is leaning against a support surface; a pressing member made of an elastic member for pressing down the peripheral edge of a main surface of the glass sheet stack opposite the support surface side of the pallet; a removal mechanism for removing the glass sheets together with the protective sheets; and a sliding mechanism for sliding the pressing member toward the support surface side in response to fluctuations in thickness of the glass sheet stack accompanying the removal of the glass sheets.