Glass film manufacturing method and glass film manufacturing device

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the glass film manufacturing method disclosed herein, a processing step separates a glass film (G1) with unnecessary parts into a processed glass film (G2) and an unnecessary glass film (Ga) containing unnecessary parts. The unloading step of the glass film manufacturing method utilizes a first unloading unit (20) and a second unloading unit (21). The first unloading unit (20) has a moving mechanism for moving a first unloading sheet (CS1) carrying the processed glass film (G2) along a first unloading path. The second unloading unit (21) has a moving mechanism for moving a second unloading sheet (CS2) carrying the unnecessary glass film (Ga) along a second unloading path adjacent to the first unloading path. The downstream end (E1) of the first unloading unit (20) extends downstream of the downstream end (E2) of the second unloading unit (21) along its second unloading path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass film and a device for manufacturing a glass film. Prior Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a glass film formed from molten glass comprises a glass film as a product and unnecessary portions (non-product portions) provided on both side edges of the glass film in the width direction. A method for manufacturing a glass film is known that includes a treatment step for removing at least a portion of the unnecessary portions from the glass film having the unnecessary portions.

[0003] Prior Art Literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-026509 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems that the invention aims to solve During the aforementioned step of removing at least a portion of the unnecessary portion from the glass film with the unnecessary portion, the glass film with the unnecessary portion separates into a process glass film and an unnecessary glass film. The separated unnecessary glass film is then removed from the transport path for the process glass film. During this process, glass powder may be scattered near the process glass film due to damage to the unnecessary glass film. This scattered glass powder may adhere to the glass film, potentially reducing the cleanliness of the glass film, for example.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a glass film and a device for manufacturing a glass film, which are capable of suppressing adhesion of glass powder to the glass film.

[0006] Means used to solve problems Various aspects of a method for producing a glass film and a device for producing a glass film that solve the above-mentioned problems will be described. The manufacturing method of the glass film of form 1 comprises a processing step, wherein the processing step performs the following processing: separating the glass film with the unnecessary portion into a processed glass film and an unnecessary glass film including the unnecessary portion by a processing device, wherein the glass film with the unnecessary portion comprises a glass film as a product and the unnecessary portion provided on at least one side edge of the side edge of the glass film; the manufacturing method of the glass film comprises a carrying-in step and a carrying-out step; in the carrying-in step, the glass film with the unnecessary portion is carried into the processing device; in the carrying-out step, the glass film with the unnecessary portion is carried out by using the carrying-out device. The processed glass film processed by the above-mentioned processing device is unloaded from the above-mentioned processing device; the above-mentioned unloading device has a first unloading part and a second unloading part; the above-mentioned first unloading part has a moving mechanism for moving the first unloading sheet carrying the above-mentioned processed glass film on the first unloading route; the above-mentioned second unloading part has a moving mechanism for moving the second unloading sheet carrying the above-mentioned non-essential glass film on the second unloading route adjacent to the above-mentioned first unloading route; the downstream end of the above-mentioned first unloading route of the above-mentioned first unloading part will extend downstream of the downstream end of the above-mentioned second unloading route of the above-mentioned second unloading part.

[0007] The unnecessary glass film separated in the above manner can be unloaded intact by the second unloading sheet moving along the second unloading route. Since the unnecessary glass film is relatively fragile, it may be damaged near the second unloading route when discharged from the downstream end of the second unloading route. Once the unnecessary glass film is damaged, glass powder is likely to scatter near the downstream end of the second unloading route. In this case, the processed glass film can be transported downstream of the downstream end of the second unloading route by the first unloading route of the first unloading section configured in the above manner, supported by the first unloading sheet. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily prevent the processed glass film from drooping near the downstream end of the second unloading route. Furthermore, for example, the first unloading sheet can protect at least a portion of the main surface of the glass film. In this way, it is possible to prevent glass powder scattered near the downstream end of the second unloading route from coming into contact with the glass film.

[0008] The glass film manufacturing method of aspect 2, in aspect 1, may also be configured such that: the first and second discharge units include a common discharge unit; the common discharge unit is a sliding member or a belt conveyor capable of moving the first and second discharge sheets; and the first discharge unit includes a guide member that guides the first discharge sheet downstream of the common discharge unit. This method can, for example, simplify the structure of the discharge unit.

[0009] The glass film manufacturing method of aspect 3, in aspect 2, may also be such that: the guide member includes a guide plate and a guide roller; the guide plate has an upper surface on which the first transport sheet can slide; and the guide roller guides the first transport sheet downward at the downstream end of the first transport path. According to this method, the guide plate can stably support the first transport sheet, and the guide roller can smoothly guide the first transport sheet passing over the guide plate downward.

[0010] The glass film manufacturing method of embodiment 4, in any of embodiments 1 to 3, may also be configured such that: a loading section having an opening for loading the non-essential glass film is provided below the downstream end of the second unloading route, and the downstream end of the first unloading route is positioned downstream of the opening of the loading section. This method can suppress the glass powder in the loading section from scattering toward the downstream end of the first unloading route. This method can also suppress contact between the glass film unloaded from the first unloading route and the glass powder.

[0011] The glass film manufacturing method of embodiment 5, in any of embodiments 1 to 4, may further include a sheet forming step of separating the transport sheet released from the transport sheet roll to form the first and second transport sheets. This method can simplify the equipment compared to using separate sheet rolls to supply the first and second transport sheets.

[0012] The glass film manufacturing method of embodiment 6, in embodiment 5, may also be configured such that the loading step is performed using a loading device that moves a loading sheet carrying the glass film with the unnecessary portion along a loading path; the loading sheet is a transport sheet released from the transport sheet roller. In this manner, by using a common transport sheet roller for the first and second transport devices, the equipment can be simplified. Furthermore, by reusing the used loading sheet as the first and second unloading sheets, the cost of the transport sheets can be reduced.

[0013] The glass film manufacturing method of aspect 7, in any of aspects 1 to 6, may further include a recovery step of recovering the first and second transport sheets by winding them onto a coaxial shaft member. This method allows for the centralized recovery of the first and second transport sheets, thereby simplifying equipment management, for example.

[0014] The method for manufacturing a glass film according to aspect 8, in any of aspects 1 to 7, may also be such that: the non-essential portions of the glass film with the non-essential portions are located on both side edges of the glass film; and the processing step and the unloading step are performed on both sides of the glass film with the non-essential portions. This method can efficiently produce a processed glass film in which at least a portion of both non-essential portions of the glass film with the non-essential portions has been removed.

[0015] The manufacturing device of the glass film of form 9 is provided with a processing device, which performs the following processing: separating the glass film with the unnecessary portion into a processed glass film and an unnecessary glass film containing the unnecessary portion, wherein the glass film with the unnecessary portion has a glass film as a product and the unnecessary portion provided on the side edge of at least one of the two side edges of the glass film; the manufacturing device of the glass film is provided with a carrying-in device and a carrying-out device; the carrying-in device carries the glass film with the unnecessary portion into the processing device; the carrying-out device carries the glass film with the unnecessary portion into the processing device; the carrying-out device carries the glass film with the unnecessary portion into the processing device The processed glass film is unloaded from the above-mentioned processing device; the above-mentioned unloading device has a first unloading part and a second unloading part; the above-mentioned first unloading part has a moving mechanism for moving the first unloading sheet carrying the above-mentioned processed glass film on the first unloading route; the above-mentioned second unloading part has a moving mechanism for moving the second unloading sheet carrying the above-mentioned non-essential glass film on the second unloading route adjacent to the above-mentioned first unloading route; the downstream end of the above-mentioned first unloading route of the above-mentioned first unloading part will extend downstream of the downstream end of the above-mentioned second unloading route of the above-mentioned second unloading part.

[0016] Effects of the invention The present invention can exhibit an effect of suppressing glass frit from adhering to a glass film. Simple diagram description

[0017] FIG1 is a schematic side view showing a glass film manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a glass film manufacturing apparatus. FIG3 is a schematic side view showing the carrying-out device. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the carrying-out device with omitted illustration. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the flow of the conveying sheet. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the flow of the conveying sheet. Implementation Method

[0018] The following describes one embodiment of a glass film manufacturing method and apparatus with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of various components may differ from the actual dimensions.

[0019] <Glass Film Manufacturing Apparatus> As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , a glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment includes a forming apparatus 12 , a carrying-in apparatus 13 , a processing apparatus 14 , a carrying-out apparatus 15 , and a collecting apparatus 16 .

[0020] Glass films can be made of materials used in components requiring lightness or flexibility, for example. The thickness of the glass film is preferably 0.3 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or less, even more preferably 0.05 mm or less, and most preferably 0.035 mm or less. The lower limit of the thickness of the glass film is, for example, 0.005 mm or more. Glass films with this thickness are called ultra-thin glass (UTG). Examples of glass materials that make up the glass film include soda glass, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, and alkali-free glass. The glass film can also be a chemically strengthened glass film. Examples of chemically strengthened glass include alkali-aluminosilicate glass and soda glass, whose glass composition includes alkali metal oxides. The metal oxide contained in the alkali-aluminosilicate glass is preferably at least one selected from Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O. Chemically strengthened glass is preferably alkali-aluminosilicate glass. Aluminosilicate glass preferably contains, for example, SiO2: 50-80%, Al2O3: 5-25%, B2O3: 0-15%, Li2O: 0-20%, Na2O: 1-20%, and K2O: 0-10% by mass.

[0021] <Molding device> The forming device 12 of the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 forms a glass film G1 with non-essential portions from molten glass. The glass film G1 with non-essential portions comprises a glass film as a product and non-essential portions G1a and G1b disposed on both side edges of the glass film. Non-essential portions G1a and G1b are non-essential glass films that are not used in the product. Non-essential portions G1a and G1b are disposed on both side edges of the glass film in the width direction. Non-essential portions G1a and G1b extend along the length direction of the glass film. In this specification, the glass film as a product may sometimes be referred to simply as glass film Gp.

[0022] The forming device 12 forms the glass film G1 with the optional portion using, for example, an overflow down draw method. The forming device 12 includes a forming section 12a having a groove for molten glass to flow. Molten glass supplied to the groove of the forming section 12a overflows. The overflowing molten glass flows down along both sides of the forming section 12a. The molten glass flowing down in this manner converges at the lower end of the forming section 12a, forming a film of molten glass. The film of molten glass is drawn in a direction vertical to the Z axis in the figure. The direction in which the film of molten glass is drawn can also be inclined, for example, by approximately 30° relative to the vertical direction.

[0023] The forming device 12 includes edge rollers (not shown) and an annealing device positioned below the edge rollers. The ends of the film-like molten glass are clamped by the edge rollers and pulled downward. The film-like molten glass is then guided to the annealing device. The annealing device deflects the molten glass to produce a glass film G1 with unnecessary portions.

[0024] The forming device 12 can also be modified to form a glass film using a method other than the overflow drop method. For example, the forming device 12 can be a slot drop method that allows molten glass to flow from a slit-shaped opening. Furthermore, the forming device 12 can be a device that forms a glass film using a secondary process (redraw) that reshapes a sheet of base glass.

[0025] <Importing device> The loading device 13 of the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 loads the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion into the processing apparatus 14. The loading device 13 of this embodiment conveys the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion formed by the forming apparatus 12 to the processing apparatus 14. The loading device 13 includes, in order from the upstream side, a direction changing device 17, a belt conveyor 18, and a contact loading device 19.

[0026] (Direction Changing Device) The direction-changing device 17 changes the direction of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions, conveyed from the forming device 12, from the longitudinal direction to the transverse direction. The direction-changing device 17 includes a plurality of direction-changing rollers 17a and 17b. These rollers 17a and 17b support the two unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions. The direction-changing device 17 maintains a state where it does not contact the glass film Gp of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions.

[0027] The plurality of direction-changing rollers 17a and 17b are arranged in a curved shape when viewed along their axes. The plurality of direction-changing rollers 17a and 17b guide the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. The glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion is guided in the horizontal direction along the X-axis in the figure. The glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion may also be guided in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion is preferably guided in a direction within a range of less than 45° above and below the horizontal direction, and more preferably within a range of less than 30°.

[0028] (with conveyor) The belt conveyor 18 transports the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG2 , the belt conveyor 18 includes belts 18a and 18b that support the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions. The belt conveyor 18 is designed to avoid contact with the glass film Gp of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions.

[0029] (Contact loading device) The contacting and loading device 19 brings the loading sheet CSA into contact with the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion, thereby conveying the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion. The contacting and loading device 19 includes a loading section 19a and a loading sheet supply section 19b that continuously supplies the loading sheet CSA to the loading section 19a. The loading sheet supply section 19b includes a transport sheet roller CSR on which the transport sheet is wound. The loading sheet supply section 19b supplies the transport sheet released from the transport sheet roller CSR as the loading sheet CSA between the loading section 19a and the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion. The loading sheet CSA supplied to the loading section 19a moves toward the processing device 14. The glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion can be loaded using the loaded sheet CSA thus moved. The loading sheet CSA separates from the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion by retreating downward on the downstream side of the loading section 19a.

[0030] The loading section 19a can be a loading platform having an upper surface for the loading sheet CSA to slide on, or a belt conveyor having a belt on which the loading sheet CSA is placed. The loading sheet CSA is preferably a sheet material that is softer than the glass film Gp. In other words, the loading sheet CSA is preferably a sheet material that does not scratch the glass film Gp when rubbing against it. The loading sheet CSA is preferably a resin sheet, more preferably a foamed resin sheet.

[0031] <Processing Device> The processing device 14 of the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 separates the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions into a processed glass film G2 and unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb containing at least a portion of the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b. In other words, the processing device 14 is a device that cuts and removes at least a portion of the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions to obtain the processed glass film G2. The processing device 14 includes, for example, a laser irradiation device. The laser irradiation device includes a pair of laser irradiation units 14a and 14b. The pair of laser irradiation units 14a and 14b are positioned corresponding to the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions, respectively.

[0032] A pair of laser irradiation units 14a and 14b irradiate both sides of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion with laser light LB, thereby fusing the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion. At this time, because the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion is transported below the laser irradiation units 14a and 14b, the laser light LB irradiates along the length of the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion. In this way, the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion is separated into the processed glass film G2 and the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb.

[0033] The processed glass film G2 may consist solely of the finished glass film Gp, or may include portions of the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b. In other words, the processing device 14 may be a device that removes all or part of the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b.

[0034] The processing device 14 can also be configured to use laser light to thermally impact the heated glass to perform cutting. In this case, the processing device 14 can also include a laser irradiation device and a cooling device for cooling the heated glass using the laser. Furthermore, the processing device 14 can also be configured to form a scribe line on the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion and then cut the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion along the scribe line.

[0035] In addition, the processing device 14 may also be configured to mechanically cut the glass film G1 having unnecessary portions using a wire saw or a circular saw. <Exporting device> As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the unloading device 15 of the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 includes a first unloading unit 20 and a second unloading unit 21. The first unloading unit 20 includes a moving mechanism that moves the first unloading sheet CS1 carrying the processed glass film G2 along a first unloading path. The first unloading unit 20 brings the first unloading sheet CS1 into contact with the processed glass film G2 to transport the processed glass film G2.

[0036] The second unloading section 21 has a moving mechanism for moving the second unloading sheet CS2 carrying the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb to a second unloading lane adjacent to the first unloading lane. The second unloading section 21 brings the second unloading sheet CS2 into contact with the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb to transport the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb.

[0037] The first and second carry-out sections 20 and 21 have a common carry-out section 22. Examples of the common carry-out section 22 include a sliding member capable of moving the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2, and a belt conveyor capable of moving the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2. The sliding member has an upper surface on which the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2 slide. The belt conveyor has a belt on which the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2 are placed.

[0038] The first carry-out section 20 includes a guide member 23 that guides the first carry-out sheet CS1 downstream of the common carry-out section 22. The guide member 23 includes a guide plate 23a having an upper surface on which the first carry-out sheet CS1 can slide, and a guide roller 23b that guides the first carry-out sheet CS1 downward at the downstream end E1 of the first carry-out route. The guide plate 23a can be made of, for example, metal or resin. The outer surface of the guide roller 23b can be made of, for example, metal or resin. The guide roller 23b can be driven either rotationally or non-rotatingly.

[0039] As shown in FIG4 , the width W1 of the guide plate 23a is smaller than the width W2 of the process glass film G2. The width W1 of the guide plate 23a may be the same as the width W2 of the process glass film G2. To avoid contact with unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb, the width W1 of the guide plate 23a is preferably smaller than the width W2 of the process glass film G2.

[0040] From the viewpoint of more stably conveying the processed glass film G2, it is preferable that the width dimension W1 of the guide plate 23a and the width dimension W2 of the processed glass film G2 satisfy the relationship of the following formula (1).

[0041] W2-100mm≦W1···(1) 4 shows the unloading device 15, although the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 are omitted, the width dimension of the first unloading sheet CS1 can be set to the same width dimension as the guide plate 23a.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the unloading device 15 includes an inlet 24 located below the downstream end E2 of the second unloading path. The inlet 24 has an opening 24a for loading the optional glass films Ga and Gb. The downstream end E1 of the first unloading path in the first unloading unit 20 is located downstream of the opening 24a of the inlet 24.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the unloading device 15 includes an unloading sheet supply unit 25, which supplies a first unloading sheet CS1 and a second unloading sheet CS2 to the common unloading unit 22. The unloading sheet supply unit 25 separates the incoming sheet CSA used by the contact incoming device 19 into the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the unloading sheet supply unit 25 includes cutting blades 25a and 25b for cutting the incoming sheet CSA. The cutting blades 25a and 25b cut the unloading sheet to obtain the first unloading sheet CS1 and a pair of second unloading sheets CS2. In other words, the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2 are reused versions of the incoming sheet CSA. The unloading sheet supply unit 25 supplies the first unloading sheet CS1 from below the processing device 14 to between the common unloading unit 22 and the processed glass film G2. The unloading sheet supply unit 25 supplies the second unloading sheet CS2 from below the processing device 14 to between the common unloading unit 22 and the non-essential glass films Ga and Gb.

[0044] As shown in FIG1 , the unloading device 15 includes a recovery unit 26 that recovers the first unloading sheet CS1 that has passed through the common unloading unit 22 and the guide member 23. The recovery unit 26 also recovers the second unloading sheet CS2 that has passed through the common unloading unit 22. The recovery unit 26 recovers the first and second unloading sheets CS1 and CS2 by winding them onto a coaxial shaft member 26a. The recovery unit 26 includes a drive unit 26b that rotates the shaft member 26a.

[0045] <Collection Device> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the collection device 16 of the glass film manufacturing apparatus 11 collects the process glass film G2. A take-up device, an example of the collection device 16, includes a take-up roller 16a and a drive unit (not shown) that rotates the take-up roller 16a. The collection device 16 includes a protective sheet roll PSR on which a protective sheet PS for protecting the process glass film G2 is wound. The collection device 16 supplies the protective sheet PS unwound from the protective sheet roll PSR onto the process glass film G2, overlapping the protective sheet PS. The take-up roller 16a of the collection device 16 winds the process glass film G2 and the protective sheet PS into a roll, overlapping them. In this manner, a glass film roll GR is obtained.

[0046] The protective sheet PS can be made of a material that is softer than the glass film G2. Specifically, the protective sheet PS should be a sheet that does not scratch the glass film Gp when rubbed against it. The protective sheet PS is preferably a resin sheet, more preferably a foamed resin sheet.

[0047] The collecting device 16 may also be a sheet collecting device that collects the processed glass film G2 in sheets. The sheet collecting device may include, for example, a cutting device that cuts the processed glass film G2 into predetermined lengths, and a stacking device that stacks the predetermined length of processed glass film G2 and the predetermined length of protective sheet.

[0048] <Method for Manufacturing Glass Film> Next, a method for manufacturing the glass film Gp will be described. The method for manufacturing a glass film Gp includes a forming step, a loading step, a processing step, and an unloading step. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 , the forming step uses a forming device 12 to form a glass film G1 with a non-essential portion. In the loading step, the glass film G1 with a non-essential portion is loaded into a processing device 14. In the processing step, the glass film G1 with a non-essential portion is separated into a processed glass film G2 and non-essential glass films Ga and Gb containing at least a portion of the non-essential portions G1a and G1b.

[0049] In the unloading step, the processed glass film G2 processed by the processing device 14 is unloaded from the processing device 14. The unloading step uses the first unloading unit 20 and the second unloading unit 21 described above. Here, the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp of this embodiment includes a sheet forming step for forming a first carry-out sheet CS1 and a second carry-out sheet CS2 to be supplied to the common carry-out section 22 of the carry-out device 15. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sheet forming step forms the first carry-out sheet CS1 and the second carry-out sheet CS2 by separating the used carry-in sheet CSA that has retreated downward on the downstream side of the carry-in section 19a of the contact carry-in device 19.

[0050] Furthermore, the method for producing the glass film Gp of the present embodiment includes a recovery step of recovering the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2 by winding them up onto the coaxial shaft member 26 a .

[0051] The unloading step transfers the processed glass film G2 from the processing device 14 to the collecting device 16 for collecting the processed glass film G2. The collecting device 16 performs a collecting step of, for example, rolling up the processed glass film G2 to obtain a glass film roll GR.

[0052] For applications requiring particularly smooth main surfaces, it is recommended to use only the glass film Gp within the treated glass film G2. Depending on the required performance, the treated glass film G2, including the remaining non-essential portion, may also be used in the product.

[0053] <Function and Effect> Next, the functions and effects of this embodiment are described. (1) The method for manufacturing a glass film Gp includes a loading step and a unloading step; the loading step is to load the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion into the processing device 14; and the unloading step is to unload the processed glass film G2 processed by the processing device 14 from the processing device 14. The processing step is a step of performing the following processing: separating the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion into the processed glass film G2 and the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb including the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b. The first unloading section 20 used in the unloading step has a moving mechanism for moving the first unloading sheet CS1 carrying the processed glass film G2 along the first unloading route. The second unloading section 21 used in the unloading step has a moving mechanism for moving the second unloading sheet CS2 carrying the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb along the second unloading route adjacent to the first unloading route. The downstream end E1 of the first unloading route of the first unloading section 20 extends downstream of the downstream end E2 of the second unloading route of the second unloading section 21.

[0054] The unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb separated in this manner can be unloaded intact using the second unloading sheet CS2, which is moved along the second unloading path. Since the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb are relatively fragile, they may be damaged near the second unloading path when being discharged from the downstream end E2 of the second unloading path. If the unnecessary glass films Ga and Gb are damaged, glass powder is likely to scatter near the downstream end E2 of the second unloading path.

[0055] In this case, the processed glass film G2 can be transported, supported by the first transport sheet CS1, to the downstream side of the downstream end E2 of the second transport path via the first transport path of the first transport unit 20 configured as described above. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily prevent the processed glass film G2 from sagging near the downstream end E2 of the second transport path. Furthermore, for example, the first transport sheet CS1 can protect at least a portion of the main surface of the glass film Gp. This prevents contact between scattered glass powder near the downstream end E2 of the second transport path and the glass film Gp. Consequently, adhesion of glass powder to the glass film Gp can be suppressed.

[0056] (2) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the first unloading section 20 and the second unloading section 21 include a common unloading section 22. The first unloading section 20 includes a guide member 23 that guides the first unloading sheet CS1 downstream of the common unloading section 22. In this case, for example, the configuration of the unloading device 15 can be simplified.

[0057] (3) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the guide member 23 of the first unloading section 20 includes a guide plate 23a and a guide roller 23b. The guide plate 23a has an upper surface on which the first unloading sheet CS1 can slide. The guide roller 23b guides the first unloading sheet CS1 downward at the downstream end E1 of the first unloading path. In this manner, the guide plate 23a stably supports the first unloading sheet CS1, and the guide roller 23b smoothly guides the first transport sheet passing over the guide plate 23a downward. Therefore, the processed glass film G2 can be stably unloaded.

[0058] (4) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, an inlet 24 is provided below the downstream end E2 of the second unloading route. The inlet 24 has an opening 24a for inserting the optional glass films Ga and Gb. In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the downstream end E1 of the first unloading route is positioned downstream of the opening 24a of the inlet 24. In this manner, the glass powder in the inlet 24 can be prevented from scattering toward the downstream end E1 of the first unloading route. In this manner, contact between the glass film Gp unloaded from the first unloading route and the glass powder can be prevented. Consequently, adhesion of the glass powder to the glass film Gp can be further prevented.

[0059] (5) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the loading step is performed using the loading device 13 (contact loading device 19), which moves the loading sheet CSA carrying the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion along the loading route. In this loading step, the loading sheet CSA is a sheet released from the conveying sheet roller CSR. In addition, the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp further includes a sheet forming step, which forms a first unloading sheet CS1 and a second unloading sheet CS2 by separating the loading sheet CSA. In this way, the first conveying device and the second conveying device use a common conveying sheet roller CSR, thereby simplifying the equipment. In addition, by reusing the used loading sheet CSA as the first unloading sheet CS1 and the second unloading sheet CS2, the cost of the conveying sheet can be reduced.

[0060] (6) The method for manufacturing the glass film Gp further includes a recovery step in which the first and second export sheets CS1 and CS2 are wound onto the coaxial shaft member 26a for recovery. In this case, the first and second export sheets CS1 and CS2 can be recovered together. This allows, for example, simplified equipment management.

[0061] (7) In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the processing step and the unloading step are performed on both sides of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions. In this case, a processed glass film G2 can be efficiently obtained in which at least a portion of the two unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 with unnecessary portions have been removed.

[0062] (8) A glass film composed of alkali-aluminosilicate glass can sometimes be used, for example, as a glass film for chemical strengthening. The main surface of such a chemically strengthened glass film may sometimes require higher cleanliness. The above-described method for manufacturing the glass film Gp can suppress the adhesion of glass powder to the main surface of the glass film Gp, thereby achieving a glass film Gp with higher cleanliness. Therefore, the yield rate can be improved in the manufacture of glass films composed of alkali-aluminosilicate glass that require higher cleanliness.

[0063] <Change Example> The above embodiment can also be implemented with modifications as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0064] The recovery step in the method for producing the glass film Gp may be changed to a step of recovering the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2 by winding them onto different shaft members.

[0065] The recovery step in the method for producing the glass film Gp may be modified to a step in which the first and second carry-out sheets CS1 and CS2 are not wound up but are crushed and recovered, for example.

[0066] The carry-in sheet CSA contacting the carry-in device 19 and the first carry-out sheet CS1 and the second carry-out sheet CS2 of the carry-out device 15 may be supplied from separate conveying sheet rolls CSR.

[0067] The first and second unloading sheets CS1 and CS2 of the unloading device 15 may also be supplied from separate conveyor sheet rolls CSR. The method for manufacturing the glass film Gp preferably includes a sheet forming step in which the sheet material released from the conveyor sheet roll CSR is separated to form the first and second unloading sheets CS1 and CS2. This simplifies the equipment compared to using separate sheet rolls to supply the first and second unloading sheets CS1 and CS2.

[0068] The second unloading sheet CS2 may be made of a different material than the first unloading sheet CS1. For example, the second unloading sheet CS2 may be a harder sheet than the glass film Gp. To prevent scratches on the glass film Gp, the first and second unloading sheets CS1 and CS2 are preferably softer than the glass film Gp. The first and second unloading sheets CS1 and CS2 are preferably resin sheets, more preferably foamed resin sheets.

[0069] The unloading step may also include conveying the processed glass film G2 using a belt conveyor having the same structure as the belt conveyor 18. Specifically, the unloading step may include conveying the processed glass film G2 by supporting the unnecessary portions G1a and G1b remaining at both ends of the processed glass film G2 using the belt of the belt conveyor.

[0070] The above-mentioned loading step may be performed without using the contact loading device 19 . The above-mentioned loading step may be performed without using the belt conveyor device 18 . The guide member 23 of the carrying-out device 15 may be constituted by one of the guide plate 23 a and the guide roller 23 b .

[0071] The guide member 23 of the unloading device 15 may be composed of a plurality of guide plates 23a arranged along the first unloading route. The guide member 23 of the unloading device 15 may also be composed of a plurality of guide rollers arranged along the first unloading path. In this case, the guide roller located upstream of the guide roller 23b arranged at the downstream end E1 of the first unloading path may be a roller that guides the first unloading sheet CS1 in the horizontal direction.

[0072] The common unloading portion 22 of the unloading device 15 can also be changed into an unloading portion in which the first unloading portion 20 and the second unloading portion 21 are independent of each other. In this case, the first unloading portion 20 can also be changed into an unloading portion integrated with the guide plate 23a.

[0073] In the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp, the downstream end E1 of the first unloading route may be arranged upstream of the opening 24 a of the input portion 24 . When the forming device 12 is a forming device that transports the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion laterally, the direction changing step in the transporting step can be omitted. A forming device that transports the glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion laterally includes a forming device using a float method.

[0074] The forming step can be omitted from the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp. Specifically, the loading step in the aforementioned method for manufacturing the glass film Gp can be modified to include loading a pre-formed glass film G1 with a non-essential portion. In this case, the pre-formed glass film G1 with a non-essential portion can be in the form of a glass roll wound into a roll shape. In this manner, the glass film G1 can be loaded by being pulled from the glass roll during the loading step.

[0075] The processing steps in the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp may also be changed to the following steps: after processing the unnecessary portion of one of the two unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 having unnecessary portions, the unnecessary portion of the other one is processed.

[0076] The processing steps in the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp can also be modified to process only one of the two unnecessary portions G1a and G1b of the glass film G1 having unnecessary portions. In other words, processing can be performed on only one of the two sides of the glass film G2, or the entire unnecessary portion can be left intact.

[0077] The glass film G1 with the unnecessary portion carried in the processing step in the method for manufacturing the glass film Gp may have the unnecessary portion provided on only one of the side edges of the glass film Gp.

[0078] 11: Glass film manufacturing device 13:Moving in the device 14: Processing device 15: Remove the device 20: 1st Move-out Department 21:The second move-out department 22: Common Moving Department 23: Guide member 23a: Guide plate 23b: guide roller 24: Investment Department 24a: Opening 26a: shaft component CS1: First unloading sheet CS2: Second transport sheet CSA: moving in sheet CSR:Transport roller E1: Downstream end of the first export route E2: Downstream end of the second export route G1: Glass film with non-essential parts G1a, G1b: Non-essential G2: Processing glass film Ga, Gb: Optional glass film Gp: Glass film

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass film, comprising a processing step, wherein the processing step involves separating a glass film with unnecessary portions into a processed glass film and an unnecessary glass film including unnecessary portions by means of a processing apparatus, wherein the glass film with unnecessary portions has a glass film as an article and the unnecessary portions provided on at least one of the side edges of the glass film, the method for manufacturing the glass film comprising an infeed step and an outfeed step, wherein in the infeed step the glass film with unnecessary portions is infeeded into the processing apparatus, and in the outfeed step the processed glass film processed by the processing apparatus is outfeeded from the processing apparatus using an outfeed device, wherein the outfeed device comprises a first outfeed section and a second outfeed section, wherein the first outfeed section has a moving mechanism for moving a first outfeed sheet carrying the processed glass film along a first outfeed path, and the second outfeed section has a moving mechanism for moving a second outfeed sheet carrying the unnecessary glass film along a second outfeed path adjacent to the first outfeed path. The downstream end of the first moving route of the first moving part extends downstream of the downstream end of the second moving route of the second moving part.

2. The method for manufacturing a glass film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first delivery portion and the second delivery portion have a common delivery portion, the common delivery portion being a sliding member or a belt conveyor capable of moving the first delivery sheet and the second delivery sheet, the first delivery portion having a guide member that guides the first delivery sheet to a downstream side relative to the common delivery portion.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass film as claimed in claim 2, wherein the guiding member comprises a guiding plate and a guiding roller, the guiding plate having an upper surface on which the first delivery sheet can slide, and the guiding roller guiding the first delivery sheet downward at the downstream end of the first delivery path.

4. The method for manufacturing a glass film as claimed in claim 1, wherein an input section is provided below the downstream end of the second delivery route, having an opening for inputting the non-essential glass film, and the downstream end of the first delivery route is disposed downstream of the opening of the input section.

5. The method for manufacturing a glass film as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a sheet forming step, which separates a transport sheet released from a transport sheet roller to form the first transport sheet and the second transport sheet.

6. The method for manufacturing a glass film as claimed in claim 5, wherein the loading step is performed using a loading device that moves a loading sheet carrying the glass film with the unnecessary portion along a loading path, the loading sheet being a transport sheet released from the transport sheet roller.

7. The method for manufacturing a glass film as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a recycling step, wherein the recycling is performed by winding the first and second transfer sheets onto a coaxial shaft member.

8. The method for manufacturing a glass film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unnecessary portion of the glass film having the unnecessary portion is provided on both sides of the glass film, and the processing step and the removal step are performed on both sides of the glass film having the unnecessary portion.

9. A glass film manufacturing apparatus comprising a processing device that performs the following processing: separating a glass film with unnecessary portions into a processed glass film and an unnecessary glass film including unnecessary portions, wherein the glass film with unnecessary portions has a glass film as an article and the unnecessary portions provided on at least one of the side edges of the glass film; the glass film manufacturing apparatus comprises an infeed device and an outfeed device; the infeed device infeeds the glass film with unnecessary portions into the processing device; the outfeed device outfeeds the processed glass film processed by the processing device from the processing device; the outfeed device comprises a first outfeed section and a second outfeed section; the first outfeed section has a moving mechanism for moving a first outfeed sheet carrying the processed glass film along a first outfeed path; the second outfeed section has a moving mechanism for moving a second outfeed sheet carrying the unnecessary glass film along a second outfeed path adjacent to the first outfeed path. The downstream end of the first moving route of the first moving part extends downstream of the downstream end of the second moving route of the second moving part.

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