Production method for glass article and production device for glass article

Abstract

According to the present invention, a production method for a glass article comprises: a layered sheet preparation step for preparing a layered sheet (G2) that includes a support sheet (P1) and a glass sheet (G1) that is mounted on the support sheet (P1); and a bending deformation testing step for performing bending deformation testing on the glass sheet (G1). At the bending deformation testing step, the layered sheet (G2) undergoes bending deformation in a state in which the glass sheet (G1) of the layered sheet (G2) is not in contact with any member other than the support sheet (P1).

Description

Glass article manufacturing method and glass article manufacturing device

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

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, in a method for manufacturing a glass article that includes a step of conducting a bending deformation test on a glass sheet, it becomes possible to easily identify glass sheets that have cracks that will become defects.

[0003] International Publication No. 2014 / 171247

[0004] In the bending deformation test of the glass sheet, the glass sheet comes into contact with a deformation mechanism that bends and deforms the glass sheet. This contact between the glass sheet and the deformation mechanism may cause new defects such as stains and scratches on the glass sheet. In other words, there is a risk of degrading the quality of a glass sheet that is judged to be a good product in the bending deformation test of the glass sheet.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article that can prevent deterioration in the quality of a glass article that has been determined to be a non-defective product in a bending deformation test of a glass sheet.

[0006]

[0013] A method for manufacturing a glass article and an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article according to various aspects of the present invention are described below. A method for manufacturing a glass article according to aspect 1 includes a bending deformation test step for performing a bending deformation test on a glass sheet. The method includes a laminated sheet preparation step for preparing a laminated sheet having a support sheet and the glass sheet placed on the support sheet. In the bending deformation test step, bending deformation of the laminated sheet is performed while the glass sheet of the laminated sheet is not in contact with any member other than the support sheet. This method can prevent new defects from occurring in the glass sheet due to contact between the glass sheet and any member other than the support sheet in the bending deformation test step.

[0007] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 2, in Aspect 1, the thickness of the glass sheet is 0.2 mm or less, and the support sheet may include at least one of a resin sheet and a paper sheet and have an outer shape larger than that of the glass sheet in a planar view. By preparing such a laminated sheet including the glass sheet and the support sheet in the preparation step, the bending deformation test step can be easily performed.

[0008] In the method for producing a glass article of Aspect 3, in Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, the bending deformation test step may be performed under conditions in which the maximum bending stress σ represented by the following formula (1) is 10 MPa or more.

[0009] σ=Et / 2D (1) In the above formula (1), σ is the maximum bending stress generated in the glass sheet, E is the Young's modulus of the glass sheet, t is the thickness of the glass sheet, and D is the bending radius of the glass sheet. This method makes it possible to select glass articles that can suppress the occurrence of cracks even under harsher usage conditions.

[0010] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 4, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the shape of the main surface of the glass sheet is a rectangle having a pair of first sides facing each other and a pair of second sides connecting both ends of the pair of first sides, and the bending deformation test step may include a first test in which a bend line formed on the glass sheet is set to a first bend line extending to connect the pair of first sides, and a second test in which the bend line is set to a second bend line extending to connect the pair of second sides. This method makes it possible to select glass articles that are capable of suppressing cracking even under a wider variety of usage conditions.

[0011] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 5, in any one of Aspects 1 to 4, the bending deformation testing step may be performed under the condition that, when a first bending radius D1 is defined as a first bending radius D1 and a second bending radius D2 is defined as a second bending radius D2, the ratio of the first bending radius D1 to the second bending radius D2 (ratio = D1 / D2) is within a range of 0.8 to 1.2. This method allows the bending deformation testing step to be performed with high accuracy.

[0012] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 6, in any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the shape of the main surface of the glass sheet is a rectangle having a pair of first sides facing each other and a pair of second sides connecting both ends of the pair of first sides, and the bending deformation test step may include a third test in which a bend line formed in the glass sheet is set to a third bend line extending so as to connect the first sides and the second sides. According to this method, in the bending deformation test step, bending deformation of the first side and the second side of the glass sheet can be performed simultaneously.

[0013] The method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 7 is any one of Aspects 1 to 6, and further includes a carrying-out step of sorting and carrying out the glass sheet that did not crack during the bending deformation test step and broken glass that was generated by the glass sheet breaking during the bending deformation test step, and the carrying-out step may include packaging the glass sheet that did not crack during the bending deformation test step and discarding the broken glass that was generated during the bending deformation test step. This method allows the glass sheet to be efficiently transported and can be protected by packaging.

[0014] The method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 8 is any one of Aspects 1 to 6, further comprising a carrying-out step of carrying out broken glass generated by the glass sheet breaking during the bending deformation test step, wherein the broken glass may be carried out in a state where it is placed on the support sheet. This method makes it possible to quickly carry out the broken glass by using the support sheet.

[0015] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 9, in any one of Aspects 1 to 8, the glass sheet may have a side that is bent and split along a scribe line formed on one of the two main surfaces of the glass original plate, and in the bending deformation test step, the glass sheet may be bent and deformed so that the main surface on which the scribe line is formed is convex. According to this method, by generating tensile stress on the main surface on which the scribe line is formed, it is possible to propagate a crack caused by the formation of the scribe line. This makes it possible to efficiently identify glass sheets that are prone to cracking due to a predetermined bending deformation.

[0016] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 10, in any one of Aspects 1 to 9, the bending deformation test step may include a downward bending deformation test step of bending the laminated sheet so as to form a downward convex shape, and an upward bending deformation test step of bending the laminated sheet so as to form an upward convex shape. This method makes it possible to stably bend and deform the laminated sheet, for example.

[0017] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 11, in any one of Aspects 1 to 10, the bending deformation test step may use a bending deformation device arranged in a non-contact state with the glass sheet of the laminated sheet. According to this method, for example, the bending deformation test step can be performed stably.

[0018] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 12, as in Aspect 11, the bending deformation device includes a hanging device, the hanging device including a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion that grip a pair of opposing ends of the support sheet, the laminated sheet is supported in a suspended state so as to hang downward between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion, and in the bending deformation test step, the relative heights of the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may be changed to change the position of the bend line formed in the glass sheet. This method facilitates the downward bending deformation test step of bending the laminated sheet so as to be convex downward.

[0019] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 13, in accordance with Aspect 11, the bending deformation device may include a roller conveyor, the roller conveyor having a plurality of conveying rollers that convey the laminate sheet, and the roller conveyor may include at least one of a first roller conveyor unit that conveys the laminate sheet so that it is convex downward in a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and a second roller conveyor unit that conveys the laminate sheet so that it is convex upward. This method makes it possible to easily perform at least one of a downward bending deformation test step in which the laminate sheet is bent and deformed so that it is convex downward, and an upward bending deformation test step in which the laminate sheet is bent and deformed so that it is convex upward.

[0020] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 14, in accordance with Aspect 11, the bending deformation device may include a belt conveyor, the belt conveyor having a conveyor belt that conveys the laminate sheet, and the belt conveyor may include at least one of a first belt conveyor section in which the conveyor belt is arranged so as to be convex downward in a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and a second belt conveyor section in which the conveyor belt is arranged so as to be convex upward. This method makes it possible to easily perform at least one of a downward bending deformation test step in which the laminate sheet is bent and deformed so as to be convex downward, and an upward bending deformation test step in which the laminate sheet is bent and deformed so as to be convex upward.

[0021] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 15, in accordance with Aspect 14, the first belt conveyor may include a pair of press-down members that press down both widthwise ends of the conveyor belt, respectively, and a height adjustment mechanism that enables adjustment of height positions of the press-down members. According to this method, by adjusting the height positions of the pair of press-down members, the bending radius in the bending deformation test step can be easily adjusted.

[0022] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 16, as set forth in Aspect 15, each of the pair of press-down members may include a rotating roller that contacts the conveyor belt, and when the rotating roller is a first rotating roller, the first rotating roller may be replaceable with a second rotating roller having a different diameter from the first rotating roller. According to this method, by replacing the first rotating roller of each press-down member with a second rotating roller having a different diameter, the bending radius of the glass sheet in the bending deformation test step can be easily changed.

[0023] A method for manufacturing a glass article according to aspect 17 includes a bending deformation testing step of performing a bending deformation test on the glass sheet using a support sheet that supports the glass sheet. In the bending deformation testing step, the glass sheet is pressed against a main surface of the support sheet, which is held so that the main surface is curved, thereby bending the glass sheet. This method can prevent contact between the glass sheet and members other than the support sheet during the bending deformation testing step. Therefore, it is possible to prevent new defects in the glass sheet caused by contact with members other than the support sheet.

[0024] In the method for manufacturing a glass article of Aspect 18, in Aspect 17, the support sheet may be replaceably attached to a holding member that holds the main surface in a curved state. According to this method, by replacing the support sheet, for example, the cleanliness of the support sheet can be easily maintained. Therefore, the occurrence of new defects in the glass sheet due to repeated use of the support sheet can be suppressed.

[0025] The glass article manufacturing apparatus of aspect 19 is an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article that includes a bending deformation testing section that performs bending deformation tests on glass sheets, and the bending deformation testing section includes a bending deformation device that bends and deforms a laminated sheet having a support sheet and the glass sheet placed on the support sheet, and the bending deformation device bends and deforms the laminated sheet in a state where the glass sheet of the laminated sheet is not in contact with any member other than the support sheet.

[0026] The glass article manufacturing apparatus of aspect 20 is an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article that includes a bending deformation test section that performs bending deformation tests on glass sheets, and the bending deformation test section includes a support sheet that is held so that its main surface is curved, and the main surface of the support sheet determines the bending deformation of the glass sheet when the glass sheet is pressed against it.

[0027] The present invention exhibits the effect of being able to suppress deterioration in the quality of glass articles that have been determined to be non-defective in a bending deformation test of a glass sheet.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article in a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article in a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic front view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article in a sixth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a glass article. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a laminated sheet in a modified example of the method for manufacturing a glass article.

[0029] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a method for manufacturing a glass article and an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, for the sake of convenience, some of the configurations may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ from the actual ratios. Hereinafter, in the drawings, the X-axis of the XYZ axes represents the horizontal direction, the Y-axis represents the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X-axis, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction (upward) perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0030] 4, the shape of the main surface of the glass article 11 is a quadrangle having a pair of first sides 11a facing each other and a pair of second sides 11b connecting the pair of first sides 11a. The shape of the main surface of the glass article 11 of this embodiment is a rectangle having the pair of first sides 11a as long sides and the pair of second sides 11b as short sides.

[0031] The upper limit of the thickness of the glass article 11 is 0.2 mm or less, 0.1 mm or less, 0.085 mm or less, 0.060 mm or less, 0.055 mm or less, 0.040 mm or less, or 0.035 mm or less. The lower limit of the thickness of the glass article 11 is, for example, 0.005 mm or more, or 0.01 mm or more.

[0032] Examples of the glass constituting the glass article 11 include soda glass, soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, and alkali-free glass. The glass constituting the glass article 11 may be chemically strengthened glass. Examples of chemically strengthened glass include soda glass and alkali aluminosilicate glass containing alkali metal oxides as a glass composition. The alkali metal oxide component contained in the alkali aluminosilicate glass as a glass composition is Li ２ O, Na ２ O and K ２ Preferably, the glass for chemical strengthening is at least one selected from O. Preferably, the glass for chemical strengthening is alkali aluminosilicate glass. The glass constituting the glass article 11 may be crystallized glass (glass ceramics).

[0033] 1 and 2, a glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 includes a bending deformation testing section 13 that performs a bending deformation test on a glass sheet G1. The bending deformation testing section 13 includes a bending deformation device 14 that bends and deforms a laminated sheet G2. The laminated sheet G2 includes a support sheet P1 and a glass sheet G1 placed on the support sheet P1.

[0034] The bending deformation device 14 is disposed in a state where it is not in contact with the glass sheet G1. The bending deformation device 14 bends the laminated sheet G2 in a state where the glass sheet G1 of the laminated sheet G2 is not in contact with any member other than the support sheet P1.

[0035] The bending deformation device 14 of this embodiment includes a belt conveyor 15. The belt conveyor 15 includes a conveying belt 16 that conveys the laminated sheet G2. The conveying belt 16 is in contact with the support sheet P1 of the laminated sheet G2. The conveying belt 16 is not in contact with the glass sheet G1 of the laminated sheet G2.

[0036] The belt conveyor 15 includes a first belt conveying section 15a in which the conveying belt 16 is disposed so as to be convex downward in a side view perpendicular to the conveying direction MD. Specifically, the belt conveyor 15 includes support rollers 17 that support the conveying belt 16. The support rollers 17 include a first support roller 17a and a second support roller 17b that is disposed downstream of the first support roller 17a in the conveying direction MD. The conveying belt 16 is disposed between the first support roller 17a and the second support roller 17b so as to be convex downward. The first support roller 17a is, for example, a drive roller that sends the conveying belt 16 in the conveying direction MD. The second support roller 17b is, for example, a driven roller that follows the conveying belt 16. The belt conveyor 15 includes a pulley or the like that drives the conveying belt 16.

[0037] The first belt conveying section 15a includes a pair of press-down members 18 that press down both ends of the conveying belt 16 in the width direction, and a height position adjustment mechanism 19 that adjusts the height position of the pair of press-down members 18. The press-down members 18 in this embodiment include a rotating roller that contacts the conveying belt 16. The rotating roller has a cylindrical shape. When the rotating roller installed as the press-down members 18 is a first rotating roller, it is preferable that the first rotating roller be replaceable with a second rotating roller having a diameter different from that of the first rotating roller.

[0038] The rotating roller in this embodiment is a driven roller that follows the conveyor belt 16. The rotating roller may be driven to feed the conveyor belt 16 in the conveying direction MD. The height position adjustment mechanism 19 can be configured, for example, by a well-known screw mechanism or a fluid pressure cylinder.

[0039] The belt conveyor 15 of this embodiment is equipped with a suction device 20 that sucks the laminated sheet G2 on the conveying belt 16 in the first belt conveying section 15a. The suction device 20 is equipped with a suction box 20a and an exhaust pipe 20b that exhausts air from the suction box 20a. The upper wall of the suction box 20a has a plurality of through holes (not shown). The conveying belt 16 has a plurality of suction holes (not shown). The suction box 20a is positioned so that it can suck air above the conveying belt 16 through the suction holes in the conveying belt 16. The exhaust pipe 20b of the suction device 20 is connected to an exhaust device (not shown).

[0040] The suction device 20 sucks the laminated sheet G2 being conveyed by the first belt conveying section 15a, thereby promoting bending deformation of the laminated sheet G2 along the main surface of the conveying belt 16 of the first belt conveying section 15a.

[0041] 3, the method for manufacturing the glass article 11 includes a laminated sheet preparation step (step S1) and a bending deformation test step (step S2). The method for manufacturing the glass article 11 further includes a carrying-out step (step S3) of carrying out the glass sheet G1 or the broken glass.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, in the laminate sheet preparation step of step S1, a laminate sheet G2 is prepared, which includes a support sheet P1 and a glass sheet G1 placed on the support sheet P1. The support sheet P1 preferably has a larger outer shape than the glass sheet G1 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the shape of the main surface of the support sheet P1 is rectangular. Examples of the support sheet P1 include a paper sheet such as interleaf paper, a synthetic resin sheet, etc. The basis weight of the paper sheet is 10 g / m ２ Above, 200g / m ２ It is preferable that the thickness is within the following range. The synthetic resin sheet may be a non-foamed resin sheet or a foamed resin sheet. Examples of synthetic resins for the synthetic resin sheet include polyolefin resin, polyester resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin. It is preferable that the thickness of the synthetic resin sheet is within the range of 0.02 mm or more and 1 mm or less. It is preferable that the support sheet P1 includes at least one of a resin sheet and a paper sheet. In addition, it is preferable that the air resistance of the support sheet P1 (JIS P8117:2009) is 100 seconds or less.

[0043] The shape of the main surface of the glass sheet G1 is a rectangle having a pair of first sides G1a facing each other and a pair of second sides G1b connecting the pair of first sides G1a. The shape of the main surface of the glass sheet G1 of this embodiment is a rectangle having the pair of first sides G1a as long sides and the pair of second sides G1b as short sides. The glass sheet G1 is obtained, for example, by dividing a glass original sheet. Methods for dividing the glass original sheet include bending, laser cutting, and thermal cleaving. The glass sheet G1 of this embodiment has a side that is bent along a scribe line formed on one of the two main surfaces of the glass original sheet.

[0044] In the bending deformation test process of step S2, bending deformation of the laminated sheet G2 is performed using a bending deformation device 14 that is arranged in a non-contact state with the glass sheet G1 of the laminated sheet G2. The bending deformation test process of step S2 of this embodiment includes a downward bending deformation test process in which the laminated sheet G2 is bent so as to be convex downward, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0045] As described above, when the glass sheet G1 has a side that is bent along a scribe line, the main surface on which the scribe line is formed can be confirmed by observing the edge surface of the glass sheet G1. At the edge surface of the glass sheet G1, cracks are more likely to exist on the main surface on which the scribe line is formed than on the main surface on which the scribe line is not formed. Therefore, in the bending deformation test process of step S2, it is preferable to bend the glass sheet G1 so that the main surface on which the scribe line is formed is convex. In this case, by generating tensile stress on the main surface on which the scribe line is formed, cracks caused by the formation of the scribe line can be propagated.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the bending deformation test process of step S2 includes a first test in which a bend line L formed on the glass sheet G1 is set as a first bend line L1 extending to connect a pair of first sides G1a. The first bend line L1 is preferably set so as to be perpendicular to the first side G1a in a plan view. The bending deformation test process of step S2 preferably further includes a second test in which the bend line L is set as a second bend line L2 extending to connect a pair of second sides G1b. The second bend line L2 is preferably set so as to be perpendicular to the second side G1b in a plan view. The second test can be performed using a belt conveyor having a configuration similar to that of the belt conveyor 15.

[0047] In the first test of the bending deformation test step of step S2, the laminated sheet G2 is bent so that the first bend line L1 of the glass sheet G1 moves along the second side G1b of the glass sheet G1. In the first test of the bending deformation test step of step S2, it is preferable to bend the laminated sheet G2 so that the first bend line L1 passes along the entire first side G1a of the glass sheet G1. When performing the second test, the laminated sheet G2 is bent so that the second bend line L2 of the glass sheet G1 moves along the first side G1a of the glass sheet G1. In the second test of the bending deformation test step of step S2, it is preferable to bend the laminated sheet G2 so that the second bend line L2 passes along the entire second side G1b of the glass sheet G1.

[0048] The bending deformation test process in step S2 is preferably performed under conditions where the maximum bending stress σ, expressed by the following formula (1), is 10 MPa or more: σ=Et / 2D (1) In the formula (1), σ is the maximum bending stress generated in the glass sheet G1, E is the Young's modulus of the glass sheet G1, t is the thickness of the glass sheet G1, and D is the bending radius of the glass sheet G1. The bending radius D is determined in a cross section perpendicular to the bending line L.

[0049] The maximum bending stress σ can be set by adjusting the bending radius D of the glass sheet G1. The maximum bending stress σ can be changed depending on the quality required for the glass article 11. The maximum bending stress σ may be, for example, 20 MPa or more, or 50 MPa or more. The maximum bending stress σ is preferably, for example, 200 MPa or less.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2 , in the bending deformation test process of step S2, the glass sheet G1 is bent at a predetermined bending radius D. As shown in FIG. 4 , the glass sheet G1 has a first end E1 and a second end E2, which are opposite ends of a first bending line L1. If the bending radius D at the first end E1 is the first bending radius D1 and the bending radius at the second end E2 is the second bending radius D2, the ratio of the first bending radius D1 to the second bending radius D2 (ratio = D1 / D2) is preferably within a range of 0.8 to 1.2. The bending radii at both ends of the second bending line L2 also preferably satisfy the above ratio, similar to the bending radius at both ends of the first bending line L1. The bending radius D of the glass sheet G1 substituted into the above formula (1) is the larger of the first bending radius D1 and the second bending radius D2.

[0051] 4, in the carrying-out step of step S3, the glass sheet G1 that did not undergo cracking in the bending deformation test step of step S2 is carried out from the bending deformation test section 13 to the acceptable product storage area A1, thereby obtaining the glass article 11. In the carrying-out step of step S3, it is preferable to carry out the glass sheet G1 that did not undergo cracking while it is placed on the support sheet P1.

[0052] In the carrying-out step of step S3, the broken glass GB generated by the glass sheet G1 being broken in the bending deformation test step of step S2 is carried out from the bending deformation test section 13 to the disposal location A2. In the carrying-out step of step S3, it is preferable to carry out the broken glass GB while it is placed on the support sheet P1.

[0053] As described above, in the conveying process of step S3, the glass sheet G1 that did not crack during the bending deformation test process of step S2 and the broken glass that was generated when the glass sheet G1 broke during the bending deformation test process of step S2 are sorted and conveyed out.

[0054] The carrying-out step of step S3 may include a step of carrying out the glass sheet G1 to the next processing step, or a step of packaging the glass sheet G1 for storage or transportation of the glass sheet G1. For example, the glass sheet G1 can be packaged by tying a stack of glass sheets G1 and buffer sheets alternately stacked together with a binding material.

[0055] <Functions and Effects of First Embodiment> Next, the functions and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The manufacturing method of the glass article 11 includes a laminate sheet preparation step of step S1 and a bending deformation test step of step S2. In the laminate sheet preparation step of step S1, a laminate sheet G2 is prepared, which includes a support sheet P1 and a glass sheet G1 placed on the support sheet P1. In the bending deformation test step of step S2, bending deformation of the laminate sheet G2 is performed while the glass sheet G1 of the laminate sheet G2 is not in contact with any member other than the support sheet P1. This method can prevent new defects from occurring in the glass sheet G1 due to contact with any member other than the support sheet P1 in the bending deformation test step of step S2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the quality of a glass article 11 determined to be a non-defective product in the bending deformation test of step S2.

[0056] (1-2) In the manufacturing method of the glass article 11, the thickness of the glass sheet G1 is preferably 0.2 mm or less. The support sheet P1 preferably includes at least one of a resin sheet and a paper sheet and has a larger outer shape than the glass sheet G1 in a planar view. By preparing a laminated sheet G2 including such a glass sheet G1 and the support sheet P1 in the preparation step of step S1, the bending deformation test step of step S2 can be easily performed.

[0057] (1-3) The bending deformation test step of step S2 in the manufacturing method of glass article 11 is preferably performed under conditions where the maximum bending stress σ expressed by the above formula (1) is 10 MPa or more. In this case, it becomes possible to select glass article 11 that can suppress the occurrence of cracks even under more severe usage conditions.

[0058] (1-4) The bending deformation test process of step S2 preferably includes a first test and a second test. In the first test, the bend line L formed on the glass sheet G1 is set to a first bend line L1 extending to connect a pair of first sides G1a. In the second test, the bend line L formed on the glass sheet G1 is set to a second bend line L2 extending to connect a pair of second sides G1b. In this case, it is possible to select glass articles 11 that can suppress cracking under a wider variety of usage conditions.

[0059] (1-5) In the bending deformation test step S2 in the manufacturing method of glass article 11, the ratio of the first bending radius D1 to the second bending radius D2 (ratio = D1 / D2) is preferably within a range of 0.8 to 1.2, inclusive. In this case, the bending deformation test step S2 can be performed with high accuracy.

[0060] (1-6) The bending deformation test process of step S2 includes a downward bending deformation test process in which the laminate sheet G2 is bent so as to be convex downward. In this case, for example, it is possible to stably bend the laminate sheet G2.

[0061] (1-7) The manufacturing method of the glass article 11 further includes a carrying-out step S3. In the carrying-out step S3, the glass sheet G1 that did not crack during the bending deformation test step S2 and the broken glass GB that was generated when the glass sheet G1 broke during the bending deformation test step S2 are sorted and carried out. In the carrying-out step S3, the glass sheet G1 that did not crack during the bending deformation test step S2 is packaged, and the broken glass GB that was generated during the bending deformation test step S2 is discarded. In this case, the glass sheet G1 can be efficiently carried out, and the glass sheet G1 can be protected by packaging.

[0062] (1-8) In the carrying-out step of step S3, the broken glass GB generated by the glass sheet G1 breaking during the bending deformation test step of step S2 is carried out while being placed on the support sheet P1. In this case, the support sheet P1 can be used to quickly carry out the broken glass GB.

[0063] (1-9) The glass sheet G1 may have a side that is bent and split along a scribe line formed on one of the two main surfaces of the glass plate. In this case, in the bending deformation test process of step S2, it is preferable to bend and deform the glass sheet G1 so that the main surface on which the scribe line is formed is convex. In this case, by generating tensile stress on the main surface on which the scribe line is formed, cracks caused by the formation of the scribe line can be propagated. This makes it possible to efficiently identify glass sheets G1 that are prone to cracking due to a predetermined bending deformation.

[0064] (1-10) In the bending deformation test process of step S2 in the manufacturing method of the glass article 11, a bending deformation device 14 is used that is arranged in a non-contact state with the glass sheet G1 of the laminated sheet G2. In this case, for example, the bending deformation test process of step S2 can be performed stably.

[0065] (1-11) The bending deformation device 14 used in the manufacturing method of the glass article 11 includes a belt conveyor 15. The belt conveyor 15 has a transport belt 16 that transports the laminated sheet G2. The belt conveyor 15 includes a first belt transport section 15a in which the transport belt 16 is arranged so as to be convex downward in a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the transport direction MD. In this case, a downward bending deformation test step can be easily performed in which the laminated sheet G2 is bent so as to be convex downward.

[0066] (1-12) The first belt transport section 15a of the belt conveyor 15 includes a pair of press-down members 18 that press down both widthwise ends of the transport belt 16, and a height adjustment mechanism 19 that allows adjustment of the height positions of the pair of press-down members 18. In this case, by adjusting the height positions of the pair of press-down members 18, the bending radius D in the bending deformation test process of step S2 can be easily adjusted. Therefore, for example, the test conditions can be easily changed to suit the application of the glass article 11.

[0067] (1-13) It is preferable that the first rotating roller of each press-down member 18 of the belt conveyor 15 be replaceable with a second rotating roller having a different diameter from the first rotating roller. In this case, by replacing the first rotating roller of each press-down member 18 with a second rotating roller having a different diameter, the bending radius of the glass sheet G1 in the bending deformation test process of step S2 can be easily changed. Therefore, for example, the test conditions can be easily changed to suit the application of the glass article 11.

[0068] (1-14) The belt conveyor 15 is equipped with a suction device 20 that sucks the laminated sheet G2 on the conveying belt 16 of the first belt conveying section 15a. In this case, the bending deformation of the laminated sheet G2 along the main surface of the conveying belt 16 of the first belt conveying section 15a is promoted, thereby stabilizing the bending deformation of the laminated sheet G2 in the first belt conveying section 15a. For example, if the support sheet P1 in the laminated sheet G2 is breathable, the suction device 20 can also suck the glass sheet G1 on the support sheet P1. This increases the adhesion between the support sheet P1 and the glass sheet G1, thereby promoting the bending deformation of the glass sheet G1 following the support sheet P1.

[0069] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of a method for manufacturing a glass article 11 and an apparatus 12 for manufacturing a glass article will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0070] 5 to 7, the belt conveyor 15 in the glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 of the second embodiment includes a second belt conveyor 15b in addition to the first belt conveyor 15a described above. In the second belt conveyor 15b, the conveyor belt 16 is arranged so as to be convex upward in a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction MD.

[0071] The bending deformation test step of step S2 in the manufacturing method of the glass article 11 of the second embodiment includes an upward bending deformation test step in addition to the downward bending deformation test step described above. In the upward bending deformation test step, the laminated sheet G2 is bent so as to be convex upward.

[0072] The suction device 20 of the belt conveyor 15 is disposed so as to suck the laminated sheet G2 on the conveyor belt 16 in the first belt conveying section 15a and the laminated sheet G2 on the conveyor belt 16 in the second belt conveying section 15b. Specifically, the conveyor belt 16 in the second belt conveying section 15b is supported by a pair of second support rollers 17b spaced apart in the width direction of the conveyor belt 16. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a suction box 20a of the suction device 20 is disposed between the pair of second support rollers 17b. The upper wall of the suction box 20a has a through-hole (not shown). The suction box 20a is disposed so as to be able to suck air above the conveyor belt 16 in the second belt conveying section 15b through the suction holes in the conveyor belt 16, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7.

[0073] Next, the operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The bending deformation test process of step S2 includes an upward bending deformation test process in which the laminate sheet G2 is bent so as to be convex upward. In this case, for example, it is possible to stably bend and deform the laminate sheet G2. Furthermore, the bending deformation test process of step S2 includes an upward bending deformation test process and a downward bending deformation test process. In this case, for example, it is possible to perform the bending deformation test process of step S2 without considering the bending direction in which cracks are likely to occur in the glass sheet G1.

[0074] (2-2) The belt conveyor 15 includes a first belt transport section 15a and a second belt transport section 15b. In this case, the downward bending deformation test process and the upward bending deformation test process can be easily performed.

[0075] (2-3) The belt conveyor 15 is provided with a suction device 20 that sucks the laminated sheet G2 on the conveying belt 16 in the second belt conveying section 15b. In this case, the bending deformation of the laminated sheet G2 in the second belt conveying section 15b can be stabilized.

[0076] Third Embodiment A third embodiment of a method for manufacturing a glass article 11 and an apparatus 12 for manufacturing a glass article will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0077] 8 and 9 , the bending deformation device 14 in the glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 of the third embodiment includes a roller conveyor 21. The roller conveyor 21 has a plurality of conveying rollers 22 that convey the laminated sheet G2. The roller conveyor 21 includes a first roller conveying section 21a that conveys the laminated sheet G2 so that it is convex downward in a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction MD.

[0078] More specifically, the conveying rollers 22 of the roller conveyor 21 include a pair of first conveying rollers 22a arranged along the conveying direction MD and a second conveying roller 22b arranged between the pair of first conveying rollers 22a in a plan view. The upper surface of the second conveying roller 22b is arranged lower than the upper surfaces of the pair of first conveying rollers 22a. The first conveying roller 22a may be a driving roller or a driven roller that follows the movement of the laminate sheet G2. The second conveying roller 22b may be a driving roller or a driven roller that follows the movement of the laminate sheet G2. The glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 is equipped with a pulling device that pulls the support sheet P1 of the laminate sheet G2 downstream of the first roller conveying section 21a.

[0079] The laminated sheet G2 being transported by the roller conveyor 21 is bent and deformed so as to hang down between the pair of first transport rollers 22a. The laminated sheet G2 hanging down between the pair of first transport rollers 22a comes into contact with the upper surface of the second transport roller 22b, thereby maintaining the laminated sheet G2 bent into a predetermined shape.

[0080] Next, the operation and effects of the third embodiment will be described. (3-1) The bending deformation device 14 used in the manufacturing method of the glass article 11 includes a roller conveyor 21. The roller conveyor 21 includes the first roller transport section 21a described above. In this case, the downward bending deformation test step of bending the laminated sheet G2 so as to be convex downward can be easily performed.

[0081] Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of a method for manufacturing a glass article 11 and an apparatus 12 for manufacturing a glass article will be described, focusing on differences from the first and third embodiments.

[0082] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the roller conveyor 21 in the glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 of the fourth embodiment includes a second roller conveying section 21b that conveys the laminate sheet G2 so that it is convex upward in a side view perpendicular to the conveying direction MD. The upper surface of the second conveying roller 22b is positioned higher than the lower surface of the first conveying roller 22a. The upstream and downstream first conveying rollers 22a each consist of a pair spaced apart in the width direction of the laminate sheet G2. The pair of first conveying rollers 22a are positioned so as to contact the upper surface of the support sheet P1 at both ends in the width direction of the laminate sheet G2. The laminate sheet G2 conveyed by the roller conveyor 21 is bent and deformed so as to be convex upward by being supported by the upper surfaces of the second conveying rollers 22b.

[0083] Next, the operation and effect of the fourth embodiment will be described. (4-1) The roller conveyor 21 used in the manufacturing method of the glass article 11 is equipped with the second roller transport section 21b described above. In this case, the upward bending deformation test step of bending the laminated sheet G2 so as to be convex upward can be easily performed.

[0084] (4-2) By using the second conveying roller 22b that supports the laminated sheet G2 so that it is convex upward as described above, it is possible to accurately set the bending radius D of the glass sheet G1 based on the outer diameter of the second conveying roller 22b.

[0085] Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of a method for manufacturing a glass article 11 and an apparatus 12 for manufacturing a glass article will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0086] 12 to 14, the bending deformation device 14 in the glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 of the fifth embodiment includes a hanging device 23. The hanging device 23 includes a first gripping portion 23a and a second gripping portion 23b that grip a pair of opposing ends of the support sheet P1. The hanging device 23 supports the laminated sheet G2 in a suspended state between the first gripping portion 23a and the second gripping portion 23b so that the laminated sheet G2 hangs downward.

[0087] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the position of the bend line L formed in the glass sheet G1 can be changed by changing the relative heights of the first gripping portion 23a and the second gripping portion 23b. That is, in the bending deformation test process of step S2 in the fifth embodiment, the position of the bend line L formed in the glass sheet G1 is changed by changing the relative heights of the first gripping portion 23a and the second gripping portion 23b. The hanging device 23 of this embodiment includes a lifting device 23c that changes the relative heights of the first gripping portion 23a and the second gripping portion 23b. The lifting device 23c is configured, for example, to raise and lower the second gripping portion 23b relative to the first gripping portion 23a, which has a fixed height position.

[0088] Next, the operation and effects of the fifth embodiment will be described. (5-1) The bending deformation device 14 used in the manufacturing method of the glass article 11 is equipped with the above-mentioned hanging device 23. In this case, the downward bending deformation test step of bending the laminated sheet G2 so that it is convex downward can be easily performed. For example, the bending deformation test step of step S2 can be performed in a relatively small space.

[0089] Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of a method for manufacturing a glass article 11 and an apparatus 12 for manufacturing a glass article will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0090] As shown in Figure 15, the bending deformation test section 13 of the glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 of the sixth embodiment includes a support sheet P2. The support sheet P2 is held so that a main surface P2a of the support sheet P2 is curved. The main surface P2a of the support sheet P2 determines the bending deformation of the glass sheet G1 when the glass sheet G1 is pressed against it. A specific example of the support sheet P2 is the same as the specific example of the support sheet P1 described in the first embodiment above.

[0091] The bending deformation test section 13 includes a holding member 24 that holds the support sheet P2. The outer peripheral surface of the holding member 24 has a curved shape. The holding member 24 holds the support sheet P2 with the main surface P2a curved. The curved shape of the main surface P2a of the support sheet P2 is determined by the curved shape of the outer peripheral surface of the holding member 24. The holding member 24 may have, for example, a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. In this case, the curved shape of the main surface P2a of the support sheet P2 can be determined by the outer diameter dimension of the holding member 24. The curved shape of the outer peripheral surface of the holding member 24 is preferably set so that, for example, the maximum bending stress σ expressed by equation (1) of the first embodiment is 10 MPa or more.

[0092] For example, a hollow pipe member, a solid rod-shaped member, or the like can be used as the holding member 24. The glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 may be equipped with a plurality of holding members 24 having different outer dimensions. In this case, by selecting and using a holding member 24 having a predetermined outer dimension from the plurality of holding members 24, it becomes possible to easily change the conditions of the bending test.

[0093] The support sheet P2 is replaceably attached to the holding member 24. The support sheet P2 is attached to the holding member 24 using, for example, a detachable attachment member 25. As the attachment member 25, for example, an adhesive tape can be used.

[0094] 16, the method for manufacturing the glass article 11 includes a bending deformation test step (step S4) and further includes a carrying-out step (step S5).

[0095] 17, in the bending deformation test process of step S4, the glass sheet G1 is pressed against the main surface P2a of the support sheet P2 to bend the glass sheet G1. This operation of pressing the glass sheet G1 may be performed manually or by using a robot arm or the like.

[0096] The unloading step of step S5 can be performed in the same manner as the unloading step of step S3 described in the first embodiment. Next, the operation and effects of the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0097] (6-1) In the bending deformation test step S4 of the manufacturing method of the glass article 11, a bending deformation test of the glass sheet G1 is performed using a support sheet P2 that supports the glass sheet G1. In the bending deformation test step S4, the glass sheet G1 is pressed against the main surface P2a of the support sheet P2, which is held so that the main surface P2a is curved, thereby bending the glass sheet G1. According to this method, contact between the glass sheet G1 and members other than the support sheet P2 can be suppressed in the bending deformation test step S4. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of new defects in the glass sheet G1 caused by contact with members other than the support sheet P2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the quality of the glass article 11 that was determined to be a non-defective in the bending deformation test step S4.

[0098] (6-2) The support sheet P2 is replaceably attached to the holding member 24, which holds the main surface P2a in a curved state. In this case, by replacing the support sheet P2, for example, the cleanliness of the support sheet P2 can be easily maintained. This prevents new defects from occurring in the glass sheet G1 due to repeated use of the support sheet P2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration in the quality of the glass article 11 that was determined to be non-defective in the bending deformation test in step S4.

[0099] <Modifications> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 18 , the bending deformation test process of step S2 may include a third test in which the bend line L formed on the glass sheet G1 is set as a third bend line L3 extending to connect the first side G1a and the second side G1b. In this case, bending deformation of the first side G1a and the second side G1b of the glass sheet G1 can be performed simultaneously. In the third test of the bending deformation test process of step S2, it is preferable to bend and deform the laminated sheet G2 so that the third bend line L3 passes through the entire pair of first sides G1a and the entire pair of second sides G1b of the glass sheet G1. In this case, in the bending deformation test process of step S2, it is possible to efficiently test the four sides of the glass sheet G1, consisting of the pair of first sides G1a and the pair of second sides G1b.

[0101] In the bending deformation test process of step S4 of the sixth embodiment, the bending line of the glass sheet G1 is set to extend so as to connect the first sides G1a, thereby bending the glass sheet G1 along the first sides G1a. However, the bending line of the glass sheet G1 may be set to extend so as to connect the second sides G1b of the glass sheet G1, or may be set to extend so as to connect the first side G1a and the second side G1b.

[0102] In the glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 of the first and second embodiments, the suction device 20 of the belt conveyor 15 may be omitted. The glass article manufacturing apparatus 12 of the third embodiment may further include clamping rollers that clamp the support sheet P1 at both ends of the laminate sheet G2 together with the second conveying rollers 22b.

[0103] The bending deformation test process in step S2 can also be performed by omitting the hanging device 23 in the fifth embodiment and manually changing the relative heights of a pair of opposing ends of the laminated sheet G2.

[0104] In the manufacturing method of the glass article 11 of the first to fifth embodiments, the bending deformation test process of step S2 can also be performed by stacking multiple laminated sheets G2 so that the support sheet P1 and the glass sheet G1 alternate with each other.

[0105] The manufacturing methods of the glass article 11 of the first to fifth embodiments may include a processing step of processing the glass sheet G1 after the bending deformation test step of step S2. The manufacturing method of the glass article 11 of the sixth embodiment may also include a processing step of processing the glass sheet G1 after the bending deformation test step of step S4. Examples of the processing step include a cleaning step.

[0106] In the manufacturing method of the glass article 11 of the sixth embodiment, the support sheet P2 may be attached to the holding member 24 in an unreplaceable manner. The shape of the main surface of the glass sheet G1 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be a square shape. Furthermore, the shape of the main surface of the glass sheet G1 is not limited to a quadrilateral shape and may be, for example, a polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like. The shapes of the main surfaces of the support sheets P1 and P2 can also be changed depending on the shape of the main surface of the glass sheet G1.

[0107] The glass article 11 obtained by the method of the present disclosure can be used, for example, for a foldable display or a rollable display. Examples of applications for foldable displays and rollable displays include mobile devices, electronic devices (display devices), and the like. Examples of mobile devices include smartphones and tablet computers. Examples of electronic devices include in-vehicle displays, personal computer displays, and television displays.

[0108] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11...Glass article 12...Glass article manufacturing apparatus 13...Bending deformation test section 14...Bending deformation device 15...Belt conveyor 15a...First belt conveying section 15b...Second belt conveying section 16...Conveying belt 18...Pressing member 19...Height position adjustment mechanism 21...Roller conveyor 21a...First roller conveying section 21b...Second roller conveying section 22...Conveying roller 23...Suspension device 23a...First gripping section 23b...Second gripping section 24...Holding member D...Bending radius E1...First end E2...Second end G1...Glass sheet G1a...First side G1b...Second side G2...Laminated sheet GB...Broken glass L...Bending line L1...First bending line L2...Second bending line L3...Third bending line MD...Conveying direction P1, P2...Support sheet P2a…main surface

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a glass article, comprising a bending deformation testing step for conducting a bending deformation test on a glass sheet, the method comprising a laminated sheet preparation step for preparing a laminated sheet having a support sheet and the glass sheet placed on the support sheet, wherein in the bending deformation testing step, bending deformation of the laminated sheet is conducted in a state where the glass sheet of the laminated sheet is not in contact with any member other than the support sheet.

2. A method for manufacturing a glass article as described in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the glass sheet is 0.2 mm or less, and the support sheet comprises at least one of a resin sheet and a paper sheet, and has an outer shape larger than that of the glass sheet in a plan view.

3. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, wherein the bending deformation test step is performed under the condition that the maximum bending stress σ, expressed by the following formula (1): σ=Et / 2D (1) (in formula (1), σ is the maximum bending stress generated in the glass sheet, E is the Young's modulus of the glass sheet, t is the thickness of the glass sheet, and D is the bending radius of the glass sheet), is 10 MPa or more.

4. A method for manufacturing a glass article as described in claim 1, wherein the shape of the main surface of the glass sheet is a rectangle having a pair of first sides facing each other and a pair of second sides connecting both ends of the pair of first sides, and the bending deformation test process includes a first test in which a bend line formed on the glass sheet is set to a first bend line extending to connect the pair of first sides, and a second test in which the bend line is set to a second bend line extending to connect the pair of second sides.

5. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, wherein the bending deformation test step is carried out under the condition that, when the bending radius of the first end is a first bending radius D1 and the bending radius of the second end is a second bending radius D2, the ratio of the first bending radius D1 to the second bending radius D2 (ratio = D1 / D2) is within the range of 0.8 or more and 1.2 or less, of the first end and second end, which are both ends of the bend line formed on the glass sheet.

6. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the main surface of the glass sheet is a rectangle having a pair of first sides facing each other and a pair of second sides connecting both ends of the pair of first sides, and the bending deformation test step includes a third test in which the bend line formed in the glass sheet is set to a third bend line extending to connect the first sides and the second sides.

7. A method for manufacturing a glass article as described in claim 1, further comprising a carrying-out process for sorting and carrying out the glass sheet in which no cracks occurred during the bending deformation test process and broken glass generated when the glass sheet breaks during the bending deformation test process, wherein in the carrying-out process, the glass sheet in which no cracks occurred during the bending deformation test process is packaged and the broken glass generated during the bending deformation test process is discarded.

8. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, further comprising a carrying-out step of carrying out broken glass generated by the glass sheet breaking during the bending deformation test step, wherein in the carrying-out step, the broken glass is carried out while placed on the support sheet.

9. A method for manufacturing a glass article as described in claim 1, wherein the glass sheet has an edge that is bent along a scribe line formed on one of the two main surfaces of the glass original plate, and in the bending deformation test step, the glass sheet is bent and deformed so that the main surface side along which the scribe line is formed becomes convex.

10. A method for manufacturing a glass article as described in claim 1, wherein the bending deformation test process includes a downward bending deformation test process in which the laminated sheet is bent so as to be convex downward, and an upward bending deformation test process in which the laminated sheet is bent so as to be convex upward.

11. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 1, wherein the bending deformation test step uses a bending deformation device that is arranged in a non-contact state with the glass sheet of the laminated sheet.

12. A method for manufacturing a glass article as described in claim 11, wherein the bending deformation device includes a hanging device, the hanging device includes a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion that grip a pair of opposing ends of the support sheet, the laminated sheet is supported in a suspended state so as to hang downward between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion, and in the bending deformation test process, the relative heights of the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are changed to change the position of the bend line formed in the glass sheet.

13. A method for manufacturing a glass article as described in claim 11, wherein the bending deformation device is equipped with a roller conveyor, the roller conveyor has a plurality of conveying rollers that convey the laminated sheet, and the roller conveyor is equipped with at least one of a first roller conveying section that conveys the laminated sheet so that it is convex downward in a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and a second roller conveying section that conveys the laminated sheet so that it is convex upward.

14. A method for manufacturing a glass article as described in claim 11, wherein the bending deformation device comprises a belt conveyor, the belt conveyor having a transport belt for transporting the laminated sheet, and the belt conveyor comprises at least one of a first belt transport section in which the transport belt is arranged so as to be convex downward in a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and a second belt transport section in which the transport belt is arranged so as to be convex upward.

15. A method for manufacturing glass articles as described in claim 14, wherein the first belt conveying section is provided with a pair of pressing down members that press down both ends of the conveying belt in the width direction, and a height position adjustment mechanism that enables adjustment of the height position of the pressing down members.

16. A method for manufacturing glass articles as described in claim 15, wherein each of the pair of pressing members has a rotating roller that contacts the conveying belt, and when the rotating roller is a first rotating roller, the first rotating roller is replaceable with a second rotating roller having a diameter different from that of the first rotating roller.

17. A method for manufacturing a glass article, comprising a bending deformation testing step of conducting a bending deformation test on a glass sheet using a support sheet that supports the glass sheet, wherein in the bending deformation testing step, the glass sheet is bent by pressing the glass sheet against a main surface of the support sheet, which is held so that the main surface is curved.

18. The method for manufacturing a glass article according to claim 17, wherein the support sheet is replaceably attached to a holding member that holds the main surface in a curved state.

19. A glass article manufacturing apparatus having a bending deformation testing section for conducting bending deformation tests on glass sheets, wherein the bending deformation testing section is provided with a bending deformation device for bending a laminated sheet having a support sheet and the glass sheet placed on the support sheet, and the bending deformation device bends the laminated sheet in a state where the glass sheet of the laminated sheet is not in contact with any member other than the support sheet.

20. A glass article manufacturing apparatus having a bending deformation test section for conducting bending deformation tests on glass sheets, wherein the bending deformation test section has a support sheet held so that its main surface is curved, and the main surface of the support sheet determines the bending deformation of the glass sheet when the glass sheet is pressed against it.

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