Spacer and package

Abstract

A frame body 2, which is a component of a spacer 1, comprises: a receiving part 5 that receives an outer edge part Ga of a plate-like object G from below; a regulation part 6 that regulates lateral movement of the plate-like object G; and a take-out part 4 for taking out the plate-like object G upward. The take-out part 4 is provided inside an outer end part 2B of the frame body 2. The spacer 1 includes a fall prevention part 7 and an outside extension part 8 as components other than the frame body 2.

Description

Spacers and packaging

[0001] The present invention relates to a spacer and a package in which plate-shaped objects are packaged using the spacer.

[0002] When packing plate-like objects such as glass plates and semiconductor wafers, a spacer such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used. This spacer has a circular frame body that supports the circular plate-like object and is used in a flat position.

[0003] Specifically, the frame of this spacer is an integrally formed inner frame, middle frame, and outer frame. The middle frame has a restricting portion formed on the inner peripheral edge thereof that restricts lateral (horizontal) movement of the plate-like object, and the inner frame has a receiving portion formed on the upper surface thereof that receives the outer edge (periphery) of the plate-like object from below.

[0004] Furthermore, the frame of this spacer has two opposing recesses formed in it, from which both sides of the plate-like object supported by the frame protrude (see Figure 1 of the same document).

[0005] In this case, the operation of removing (taking out) the plate-like object supported by the frame body is configured to be performed by, for example, an operator grabbing with his or her fingers both sides of the plate-like object that protrude from the missing portion (see paragraph

[0039] of the same document).

[0006] JP 2009-29474 A

[0007] However, if both sides of the plate-like object protrude from the missing part of the spacer as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that chips or cracks will occur on both sides of the plate-like object during the packaging process in which multiple spacers and plate-like objects are stacked together, or when the plate-like object is removed from the spacer, resulting in damage to the plate-like object.

[0008] From the above perspective, the object of the present invention is to prevent damage to plate-like objects when stacking the spacer and the plate-like objects or when removing the plate-like objects from the spacer in a configuration in which the plate-like objects are supported on the frame body of a spacer used in a flat position.

[0009] (1) A first aspect of the present invention, which was invented to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a spacer that is used in a flat position and has a frame body, the frame body having a receiving portion that receives the outer edge of a plate-like object from below, a regulating portion that regulates the horizontal movement of the plate-like object, and a removal portion for removing the plate-like object upward, and is characterized in that the removal portion is located inside the outer end of the frame body.

[0010] With this configuration, the removal section for removing the plate-like object supported by the receiving section and the restricting section of the frame is located inside the outer end of the frame, so that the plate-like object does not protrude outward from the frame, thereby preventing damage to the plate-like object when stacking the spacer and the plate-like object or when removing the plate-like object from the spacer.

[0011] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the receiving portion and the restricting portion may be formed on the inner end of the frame, and the receiving portion and the restricting portion may be provided at different positions along the inner end of the frame in a plan view. Here, "plan view" means "looking down from above with the spacer in a flat position" (the same applies hereinafter).

[0012] In this way, there is no interference between the location where the receiving portion and the restricting portion are provided on the frame body and the location where the removal portion is provided on the frame body, so that the operation of removing the plate-like object can be carried out smoothly.

[0013] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the receiving portion and the restricting portion may be provided at the same location in a direction along the inner end of the frame body in a plan view.

[0014] In this way, the length between the receiving portion and the regulating portion (the length in the direction along the inner end of the frame body when viewed in a plane) can be sufficiently secured, so that the plate-like object can be properly supported.

[0015] (4) In any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, the removal portions may be provided at multiple locations in a direction along the inner end of the frame body when viewed in a plane, and receiving portions and regulating portions may be provided between the removal portions.

[0016] This makes it possible for an operator to efficiently take out a plate-like object using both hands, and also allows the receiving portion and the restricting portion to efficiently support the plate-like object.

[0017] (5) In any of the configurations (1) to (4) above, the removal portion may be a recess that is recessed downward from the upper surface of the frame body in a plan view and penetrates the inner end of the frame body in an inward and outward direction, and the bottom surface of the recess may be formed at a position lower than the receiving portion.

[0018] In this way, a gap is provided in the vertical direction between the bottom surface of the recess and the outer edge of the plate-like object received from below by the receiving part, and this gap can be used to effectively remove the plate-like object, making it easier to remove the plate-like object and improving workability.

[0019] (6) In any of the configurations (1) to (4) above, the removal portion may be a notch that passes through the frame in the vertical direction.

[0020] In this way, a space is created below the outer edge of the plate-like object that is received from below by the receiving part at the position where the notch is formed, and this space can be used to effectively remove the plate-like object, thereby further improving the workability of the removal operation.

[0021] (7) In any of the above configurations (1) to (6), a raised portion that rises upward from the upper surface may be formed on the outer side of the take-out portion on the upper surface of the frame.

[0022] In this way, the formation of the raised portion can increase the rigidity around the extraction portion.

[0023] (8) In the configuration of (7) above, the raised portion may be formed over the entire area in a direction along the outer edge of the frame body in a plan view.

[0024] In this way, the formation of the raised portion can increase the rigidity of the entire frame body.

[0025] (9) In the configuration of (8) above, the outer end of the raised portion may constitute the upper end of the outer end of the frame body.

[0026] In this way, the formation of the raised portion can increase the rigidity of the outer end portion of the frame body.

[0027] (10) In any of the configurations (1) to (9) above, a drop prevention part may be provided to receive the plate-like object at a position lower than the receiving part.

[0028] In this way, even if the operation of removing the plate-shaped object from the receiving part or the operation of holding the plate-shaped object in the receiving part is not performed properly (for example, if the plate-shaped object falls off the receiving part), the plate-shaped object will be received by the fall prevention part at a position lower than the receiving part.

[0029] (11) In the configuration of (10) above, the fall prevention portion may extend inward from the lower end of the inner end of the frame body.

[0030] In this way, the fall prevention part can reliably receive the plate-like object in the appropriate position.

[0031] (12) In any of the configurations (1) to (11) above, the inner end of the frame body may be circular in plan view, the plate-like object may be circular, and the outer end of the frame body may be polygonal or circular in plan view.

[0032] In this way, the circular plate-like object can be properly supported.

[0033] (13) In any of the configurations (1) to (11) above, the inner end of the frame body may be polygonal in plan view, the plate-like object may be polygonal, the inner end and the plate-like object may be similar in plan view, and the outer end of the frame body may be polygonal or circular in plan view.

[0034] In this way, polygonal plate-like objects can be properly supported.

[0035] (14) In any of the configurations (1) to (13) above, the outer end of the frame body may be rectangular in plan view, and the removal portion may be located on at least one diagonal of the outer end in plan view.

[0036] This allows for sufficient space to be created between the corners of the frame and the removal section, improving the workability of removing plate-like objects. Furthermore, even if an external force is applied to the frame from the horizontal direction in a plan view, the removal section, which is relatively weak within the frame, can be protected.

[0037] (15) In any of the above configurations (1) to (14), the plate-like member may be made of a brittle material.

[0038] In this way, even if the plate-like object is fragile, damage to the plate-like object during the stacking or packing operation can be reliably prevented.

[0039] (16) In any of the above configurations (1) to (15), the surface of the plate-like object may be a polished surface that forms a mirror surface.

[0040] In this way, even if the plate-like object has a mirror-finished surface, damage to the plate-like object during the stacking operation or removal can be reliably prevented.

[0041] (17) In any of the configurations (1) to (16) above, a cavity may be formed in the inner region of the inner end of the frame.

[0042] In this way, the formation of the cavity can reduce the weight of the spacer. Furthermore, when the thickness of the plate-like object is small, even if the central region of the plate-like object whose outer edge is received by the receiving portion bends downward so as to be convex, the presence of the cavity can prevent the central region of the plate-like object (especially the effective region that will become the product) from interfering with the spacer.

[0043] (18) In any of the configurations (1) to (17) above, the frame may be formed by bending a plate-like member having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0044] This allows the frame to be made thinner, which reduces its weight. In addition, the ease of bending makes it possible to easily obtain the optimal shape of the spacer suitable for stacking.

[0045] (19) A second aspect of the present invention, which was invented to solve the above problem, is a packaged body characterized by packaging a plurality of spacers and plate-like objects of any one of (1) to (18) above.

[0046] According to the package having such a configuration, substantially the same effects as those of the configurations (1) to (18) above can be obtained.

[0047] (20) In the configuration of (19) above, the entire lower area of ​​the spacer does not have to be in contact with the entire upper surface of the plate-like object received from below by the receiving portion of the frame body of the adjacent spacer below the spacer.

[0048] In this way, no pressing force acts on the plate-like object in the vertical direction, so that the plate-like object is less likely to be damaged by the pressing force.

[0049] (21) A third aspect of the present invention, which was invented to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a package characterized in that a stack of any one of the spacers (1) to (20) and plate-like objects is stacked on top of and below the stack and cushioning material is placed on the top and bottom of the stack and housed in a box.

[0050] In a package having such a configuration, the provision of the cushioning material ensures that the plate-like object is protected.

[0051] (22) A fourth aspect of the present invention, which was invented to solve the above problem, is a package in which a stack of spacers and plate-like objects having the configuration described above in (14) is housed in a box body, and is characterized in that the inner surface of the box body is rectangular in plan view, and the corners of the frame body face the corners of the box body.

[0052] A packaging body configured in this manner provides the following advantages. That is, if the above-described recesses or notches are formed near the corners of the frame body, the rigidity of the corners of the frame body will be reduced. In contrast, if the inner surface of the box body is rectangular in plan view, the rigidity of the corners of the box body will be increased. Therefore, by arranging the corners of the frame body opposite the corners of the box body, the parts of the frame body with low rigidity can be held by the parts of the box body with high rigidity. This makes it less likely that the frame body will be unduely deformed and that the resulting damage to the plate-like object will occur.

[0053] According to the present invention, in a configuration in which a plate-like object is supported on the frame of a spacer used in a flat position, it is possible to prevent damage to the plate-like object when stacking or removing the spacer and the plate-like object.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an enlarged main part of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation and effect of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention (a view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention (a view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 1). FIG. 9 is a transverse plan view illustrating a package according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal front view illustrating a package according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the operation of a package according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention (a view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1). FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention (a view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 1).

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A spacer and a package according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a spacer 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the spacer 1 has a frame 2 and is used in a flat position. The frame 2 has a circular inner end 2A and a rectangular (square) outer end 2B. The frame 2 supports a glass sheet G as a circular plate-like object. The frame 2 is formed with a holding portion 3 that holds the peripheral portion (outer edge) Ga of the glass sheet G and a removal portion 4 for removing the glass sheet G upward.

[0057] The retaining portion 3 is formed at the inner end 2A of the frame body 2. The take-out portion 4 is formed inside the outer end 2B of the frame body 2. The retaining portion 3 and the take-out portion 4 are provided at different locations along the inner end 2A of the frame body 2 (circumferential direction). More specifically, the take-out portions 4 are provided at four equiangularly spaced locations (four corners) on two diagonal lines of the outer end 2B of the frame body 2, and four retaining portions 3 are provided at equiangularly spaced locations between these take-out portions 4. The circumferential length of the retaining portion 3 is longer than the circumferential length of the take-out portions 4. It is preferable that all of the retaining portions 3 have the same configuration. It is preferable that there are two or more take-out portions 4, and that at least one pair (opposing pair) of the take-out portions 4 is located diagonally across the outer end 2B of the frame body 2. It is also preferable that all of the take-out portions 4 have the same configuration.

[0058] The spacer 1 is made of a resin such as polyethylene, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PS (polystyrene). The length L1 between two opposing sides of the outer edge 2B of the frame 2 is 200 mm to 500 mm. The glass plate G has a thickness of 50 μm to 700 μm and a diameter of 150 mm to 450 mm.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main portion of the spacer 1, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a further main portion of the spacer 1. As shown in these figures, the holding portion 3 is composed of a receiving portion 5 that receives the peripheral portion Ga of the glass sheet G from below and a restricting portion 6 that restricts lateral (horizontal) movement of the glass sheet G. The receiving portion 5 is provided at a lower position between the upper end 2Aa and the lower end 2Ab of the inner end 2A of the frame 2. The receiving portion 5 has a receiving surface 5a that is aligned with the horizontal surface on which the peripheral portion Ga of the glass sheet G rests. The restricting portion 6 has a restricting surface 6a against which the peripheral portion Ga of the glass sheet G can laterally abut. Here, the peripheral portion Ga of the glass sheet G is located in an area closer to the outer periphery than the effective area of ​​the glass sheet G. The receiving portion 5 has an inward-outward dimension of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm. Therefore, the peripheral edge portion Ga of the glass sheet G has a radial dimension from the outer peripheral edge of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0060] The extraction portion 4 is a recess recessed downward from the upper surface 2C of the frame body 2. The upper surface 2C of the frame body 2 is flat and extends along a horizontal plane. The upper surface 2C of the frame body 2 is connected to the upper end 2Aa of the inner end 2A of the frame body 2. The recess 4 penetrates the inner end 2A of the frame body 2 in the inward and outward directions, leaving the inner periphery open. Therefore, the recess 4 is formed by a bottom surface 4a, two side surfaces 4b, and an outer end surface 4c. The outer end surface 4c of the recess 4 is a curved surface that curves concentrically with the inner end 2A of the frame body 2. The two side surfaces 4b of the recess 4 extend in a straight line in the inward and outward directions.

[0061] The bottom surface 4a of the recess 4 is formed at a position lower than the receiving portion 5 of the holding portion 3. Most of the bottom surface 4a of the recess 4 is a flat surface 4aa that is along a horizontal plane, and only the inner end region of the bottom surface 4a is an inclined surface 4ab. The inclined surface 4ab is inclined so that the inside is higher than the outside.

[0062] Furthermore, a fall prevention portion 7 is provided at a position lower than the receiving portion 5 of the holding portion 3. In this embodiment, the fall prevention portion 7 extends inward from the lower end portion 2Ab of the inner end portion 2A of the frame 2. In this case, the fall prevention portion 7 serves to receive the glass sheet G at a position lower than the receiving portion 5 when the operation of removing the glass sheet G upward from the holding portion 3 (receiving portion 5) or the operation of holding the glass sheet G in the holding portion 3 (receiving portion 5) is not performed properly (for example, when the glass sheet G falls off the receiving portion 5). The fall prevention portion 7 is preferably provided around the entire circumference of the inner end portion 2A of the frame 2, but may also be provided around a portion of the circumference. Furthermore, the fall prevention portion 7 may be continuous with the inclined surface 4ab of the bottom surface 4a of the recess 4. The inner peripheral region of the fall prevention portion 7 is defined as a hollow portion (space portion) S. The length La of the fall prevention portion 7 in the inward / outward direction (radial direction) is 1 mm to 30 mm. The lower limit of the length La is preferably 3 mm or more, or 5 mm or more, and the upper limit of the length La is preferably 20 mm or less, or 10 mm or less.

[0063] The removal portion 4 may be a notch that passes through the frame 2 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the removal portion 4 may have a shape that does not have the flat surface 4aa, the inclined surface 4ab, or the fall prevention portion 7. By adopting such a shape, although the overall strength of the frame 2 is slightly reduced, it becomes easier for the fingers of an operator, tools, or a robot hand to abut against the peripheral edge portion Ga of the glass sheet G.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, an outer extension 8 extending outward is integrally attached to the lower end of the outer end 2B of the frame body 2. The outer extension 8 is provided around the entire circumference of the outer end 2B of the frame body 2, but may also be provided around a portion of it. The outer end 2B of the frame body 2 has four flat surfaces 2Ba extending in the vertical direction, and the outer extension 8 is connected to the lower ends of these flat surfaces 2Ba. The length Lb in the inward / outward direction of the outer extension 8 is shorter than the length La in the inward / outward direction of the fall prevention portion 7. As described above, the spacer 1 is composed of the frame body 2, the fall prevention portion 7, and the outer extension 8.

[0065] As shown in Figure 3, the inner end 2A of the frame 2 has a first vertical surface 2d that extends downward from the inner end of the receiving portion 5 and is connected to the fall prevention portion 7, and a second vertical surface 2e that extends upward from the outer end of the receiving portion 5 and is connected to the top surface 2C. The lower end region of the second vertical surface 2e serves as the aforementioned restriction surface 6a. The vertical length of the second vertical surface 2e is two to five times the vertical length of the first vertical surface 2d.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a raised portion 9 is formed on the outer side of the upper surface 2C of the frame body 2, protruding upward from the upper surface 2C. The raised portion 9 is formed outside the extraction portion 4 on the upper surface 2C of the frame body 2. The raised portion 9 is formed around the entire circumference of the outer end 2B of the frame body 2. In this case, the outer end 9a of the raised portion 9 forms the upper end of the outer end 2B of the frame body 2 (see FIG. 2 ). The upper surface 9b of the raised portion 9 is flat and extends along a horizontal plane. The raised portion 9 has a third vertical surface 9c that extends downward from the inner end 9ba of the upper surface 9b of the raised portion 9 and continues to the upper surface 2C of the frame body 2. The vertical length of the third vertical surface 9c is shorter than the vertical length of the second vertical surface 2e and longer than the vertical length of the first vertical surface 2d.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1 . As shown in these figures, the spacer 1 according to this embodiment is formed by bending a plate-like member having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Therefore, all components of the spacer 1 are composed of walls having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Specifically, the inner end 2A of the frame 2 is composed of an inner end wall, the outer end 2B of the frame 2 is composed of an outer end wall, and the raised portion 9 is composed of a raised wall. The upper surface 2C of the frame 2 is formed on the upper wall 2Cx. Furthermore, the receiving portion 5 of the holding portion 3 is composed of a receiving wall, the restricting portion 6 of the holding portion 3 is composed of a restricting wall, and the removal portion 4 is composed of a wall that forms the recess 4. Furthermore, the fall prevention portion 7 and the outer extension portion 8 are each composed of a wall.

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which the peripheral edge Ga of the glass sheet G is received from below by the receiving portions 5 of the frame 2, and the lateral movement of the glass sheet G is restricted by the restricting portions 6 of the frame.

[0069] 5 illustrates the positional relationship between the take-out portion 4 and the peripheral edge portion Ga of the glass sheet G when the peripheral edge portion Ga of the glass sheet G is held by the receiving portion 5 and the restricting portion 6 as described above. As shown in the figure, a gap R1 is provided between the peripheral edge portion Ga of the glass sheet G and an inner end region (inclined surface 4ab in the illustrated example) of the bottom surface 4a of the take-out portion (recess) 4. Therefore, a wide space Y is provided outside the inclined surface 4ab of the recess 4. In this case, the gap R1 and the space Y are effectively utilized when the glass sheet G is taken out upward from the spacer 1.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 4 , the second vertical wall portion 2ex, on which the second vertical surface portion 2e of the frame 2 is formed, is inclined so that its upper side is positioned more outward than its lower side. The outer end portion 2B of the frame 2 (the outer end wall portion of the frame 2) is inclined so that its upper side is positioned more inward than its lower side. The third vertical wall portion 9cx, on which the third vertical surface portion 9c of the protrusion 9 is formed, is inclined so that its upper side is positioned more outward than its lower side. As shown in FIG. 5 , the fourth vertical wall portion 4cx, on which the outer end surface 4c of the recess 4 is formed, is inclined so that its upper side is positioned more outward than its lower side. Furthermore, although not shown, the two fifth vertical wall portions, on which the two side surfaces 4b of the recess 4 are formed, are both inclined so that the distance between the fifth vertical wall portions increases upward.

[0071] According to the spacer 1 having the above-described configuration, the following effects can be obtained.

[0072] Since the removal section 4 for removing the glass sheet G is provided inside the outer end 2B of the frame 2, the glass sheet G does not protrude outward from the frame 2. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the glass sheet G when the spacer 1 and the glass sheet G are laminated together or when the glass sheet G is removed from the spacer 1.

[0073] The holding portion 3 having the receiving portion 5 and the regulating portion 6 and the removal portion 4 are located at different positions along the inner end portion 2A of the frame body 2 and do not interfere with each other, so that the glass plate G can be removed smoothly.

[0074] Since the receiving portion 5 and the regulating portion 6 are provided at the same location in the circumferential direction, the circumferential length of the receiving portion 5 and the regulating portion 6 can be sufficiently secured, and the glass plate G can be properly supported.

[0075] On the outer side of the extraction portions 4 on the upper surface 2C of the frame 2, protruding portions 9 protruding upward from the upper surface 2C are formed, so that the rigidity around the extraction portions 4 can be increased.

[0076] The raised portion 9 is formed around the entire circumference in the direction along the outer end portion 2B of the frame body 2, and therefore the rigidity of the entire frame body 2 can be increased.

[0077] The removal section 4 is provided at a corner of the frame body 2, so that a sufficiently large removal section 4 can be ensured. Furthermore, a sufficient distance can be maintained between the corner of the frame body 2 and the removal section 4, so that even if an external force is applied to the frame body 2 from the horizontal direction in a plan view, the removal section 4, which has a relatively low strength within the frame body 2, can be protected.

[0078] The spacer 1 is formed by bending a plate-like member having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, which allows for a thinner and lighter spacer 1. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the ease of bending, it is possible to easily obtain an optimal shape for the spacer 1 suitable for stacking.

[0079] 5, the spacer 1 and the glass sheet G are in the state shown in Fig. 5, and therefore, by using the gap R1 shown in the figure to lift the peripheral edge portion Ga of the glass sheet G from below with the fingers of an operator, a tool, or a robot hand, the glass sheet G can be easily removed upward from the spacer 1. Moreover, during the removal work, the wide space Y shown in the figure can be used to perform the work, thereby improving workability.

[0080] Since the spacer 1 is provided with the fall prevention parts 7, even if the glass sheet G is not properly removed from the receiving parts 5 or held on the receiving parts 5 because the glass sheet G is tilted as shown in Fig. 6, the glass sheet G is received by the fall prevention parts 7. This prevents a part of the glass sheet G from protruding downward from the spacer 1.

[0081] Since the inner peripheral region of the fall prevention portion 7 is a hollow portion S, even if the thickness of the glass plate G is small and the central region of the glass plate G held by the receiving portion 5 bends so as to become convex downward, the central region of the glass plate G (especially the effective region that will become the product) can be prevented from interfering with the spacer 1.

[0082] The spacer 1 can be obtained by, for example, vacuum molding. This process is described in detail as follows: First, a sheet-shaped resin material is heated with a heater, and a mold is pressed against the sheet. Next, the gap between the mold and the sheet is reduced in pressure, and the sheet is tightly attached to the mold. Next, cooling is carried out in this tightly attached state. Next, after cooling is complete, air is blown in to separate the molded product consisting of the mold and the sheet. Finally, unnecessary portions of the molded product are cut off, and the spacer 1 is obtained.

[0083] Next, the package according to this embodiment will be described.

[0084] 7 and 8 each illustrate a portion of a laminate 10 obtained in the process of producing a package, i.e., a portion of a laminate 10 in which spacers 1 supporting glass plates G are stacked vertically. Note that FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 1. Furthermore, these figures illustrate a case in which spacers 1 supporting glass plates G are stacked in three layers, but the number of layers may be two or more, with no particular upper limit. For example, it is preferable to stack them in 10 to 40 layers.

[0085] 7, in this stack 10, of two vertically adjacent spacers 1, the outer surface (second vertical surface portion) 2e of the second vertical wall portion 2ex of the lower spacer 1 is in contact with the inner surface 2eb of the second vertical wall portion 2ex of the upper spacer 1. Also, the outer surface (flat surface portion) 2Ba of the outer end wall portion 2B of the lower spacer 1 is in contact with the inner surface 2Bb of the outer end wall portion 2B of the upper spacer 1. Furthermore, the outer surface (third vertical surface portion) 9c of the third vertical wall portion 9cx of the lower spacer 1 is in contact with the inner surface 9cb of the third vertical wall portion 9cx of the upper spacer 1.

[0086] 8, the outer surface 4c (outer end surface of the recess 4) of the fourth vertical wall portion 4cx of the lower spacer 1 is in contact with the inner surface 4cb of the fourth vertical wall portion 4cx of the upper spacer 1. Furthermore, although not shown, the outer surfaces of the two fifth vertical wall portions of the lower spacer 1 are in contact with the inner surfaces of the two fifth vertical wall portions of the upper spacer 1, respectively.

[0087] As described above, the outer surfaces of the inclined wall portions provided at multiple locations (six locations in total) on the lower spacer 1 come into contact with the inner surfaces of the inclined wall portions provided on the upper spacer 1, thereby restricting the relative vertical movement between the lower spacer 1 and the upper spacer 1 at a predetermined position. As a result, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, a vertical gap R2 is formed between the lower spacer 1 and the upper spacer 1. The vertical length of this gap R2 is longer than the thickness of the glass sheet G. Therefore, a gap R3 is formed between the glass sheet G supported on the lower spacer 1 and the fall prevention portion 7 of the upper spacer 1. Note that in Figure 8, a gap R4 is also formed between the glass sheet G supported on the lower spacer 1 and the wall portion on which the inclined surface 4ab of the recess 4 of the upper spacer 1 is formed. As a result, the upper surface Gb of the glass sheet G supported on the lower spacer 1 does not come into contact with any location on the upper spacer 1. Therefore, no pressing force from above acts on the glass sheet G supported on the lower spacer 1. As a result, problems such as a large pressing force acting on the glass sheet G and causing breakage of the glass sheet G are less likely to occur. Furthermore, a gap R5 is formed between the outer extension 8 of the lower spacer 1 and the outer extension 8 of the upper spacer 1. Therefore, when removing the upper spacer 1 from the lower spacer 1, the outer extension 8 of the upper spacer 1 can be lifted from below using the gap R5. As a result, the upper spacer 1 can be easily removed. As described above, the laminate 10 does not necessarily require that the upper and lower second vertical wall portions 2ex, the upper and lower third vertical wall portions 9cx, the upper and lower fourth vertical wall portions 4cx, the upper and lower fifth vertical wall portions, and the upper and lower outer end wall portions 2B all be in contact with each other. Therefore, by changing the inclination angles of these wall portions in the illustrated example, for example, only the upper and lower second vertical wall portions 2ex and the upper and lower outer end wall portions 2B may be in contact with each other. Even in this case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0088] Also, referring to Figure 7, even if the glass plate G cannot be removed or held properly as described above, the presence of the fall prevention part 7 prevents part of the glass plate G from protruding downward from the spacer 1, thereby avoiding problems such as the peripheral part Ga of the upper glass plate G coming into contact with or colliding with the upper surface Gb (effective area of ​​the upper surface Gb) of the lower glass plate G.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a package 12 in which the above-described laminate 10 is housed in a box body 11. As shown in the figure, the box body 11 and its inner surface 11a are rectangular in plan view. Therefore, the corners of the frame body 2 are located at the corners of the box body 11. A package 12 configured in this manner achieves the following effects. The access portion (recess) 4 of the frame body 2 has low rigidity. On the other hand, because the box body 11 is rectangular in plan view, the corners of the box body 11 have high rigidity. Therefore, by forming the access portion 4 diagonally on the corner of the frame body 2 and further arranging the corner of the frame body 2 opposite the corner of the box body 11, the access portion 4, which is a region of the frame body 2 with low rigidity, can be protected by the corner, which is a region of the box body 11 with high rigidity. This reduces the likelihood of undue deformation of the frame body 2 and resulting breakage of the glass sheet G.

[0090] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional front view of the above-described package 12. Note that detailed configuration of the stack (10-40 stack) 10 is omitted in this figure. As shown in this figure, the top of the box 11 is covered with a lid 11x. Plate-shaped buffer material 13 is disposed above the stack 10. The buffer material 13 is preferably a porous resin plate or a foamed resin plate, such as a plastic corrugated board made of polypropylene or the like. The number of buffer material 13 may be one or more; in the illustrated example, three buffer material sheets 13 are disposed. Similarly, plate-shaped buffer material 13 is disposed below the stack 10. This prevents damage to the glass sheets G of the stack 10 even if the package 12 experiences vertical shaking or vibration during transportation. Furthermore, although not shown, the top and bottom spacers 1 of the stack 10 each support a discarded glass sheet that is not a product. Even if the discarded glass is broken due to vertical shaking or vibration of the package 12, the glass sheets G as other products can be protected. This ensures that the glass sheets G of the laminate 10, which should be protected, are protected when the package 12 is transported, etc.

[0091] 11 , the side wall 11b of the box body 11 in the package 12 can be folded down as shown by the chain line. Therefore, the work of supporting each glass sheet G on each spacer 1 to produce the stack 10 and the work of removing each glass sheet G from each spacer 1 when dismantling the package 12 are performed with the side wall 11b of the box body 11 folded down (with the lid 11x removed). This improves work efficiency.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, the spacer 1 is formed by bending a plate-like member having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, but instead of this configuration, the spacer 1 may be formed in a block shape as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Components common to the main parts of the spacer 1 according to the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals in these figures, and their description will be omitted. With this configuration, too, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained, except for the point of weight reduction.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the take-out portion 4 formed on the frame 2 of the spacer 1 is used only for the operation of taking out the glass sheet G from the frame 2, but this take-out portion 4 can also be used for the operation of fitting the glass sheet G into the frame 2. Therefore, this take-out portion 4 can also serve as the fitting portion.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the removal portion 4 formed on the frame body 2 of the spacer 1 is formed as a recess, but this removal portion 4 may also be a notch portion that penetrates the frame body 2 and the fall prevention portion 7 in the vertical direction.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the inner end 2A of the frame 2 is circular and the outer end 2B is rectangular. However, the inner end 2A may be rectangular or another polygonal shape. Therefore, the glass sheet G may be rectangular or another polygonal shape similar to the inner end 2A. The outer end 2B of the frame 2 may be circular or another polygonal shape other than a rectangle. In this case, for example, when the glass sheet G is rectangular and the inner end 2A and outer end 2B of the frame 2 are rectangular, i.e., when the frame 2 has a rectangular frame shape, it is preferable to provide the outlets 4 at positions excluding the four corners. Furthermore, in this case, the outlets 4 may be formed on two opposing sides of the four sides of the rectangular inner end 2A, or on all four sides. In this case, it is preferable to form the outlets 4 at the center of the length of each side. Furthermore, when the inner end 2A of the frame 2 is rectangular and the outer end 2B is rectangular, the hollow portion S in the inner peripheral region of the fall prevention portion 7 is preferably rectangular, but may be other polygonal or circular shapes. Furthermore, even when the glass sheet G is polygonal other than a rectangle and the inner end 2A of the frame 2 is polygonal other than a rectangle and the outer end 2B is polygonal other than a rectangle, it is preferable to provide the extraction portion 4 at a position excluding each corner.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the plate-like object is a glass plate G. However, for example, the glass plate G may be a cover glass for a WLCSP (Wafer Level Chip Size Package) of a CMOS image sensor or a semiconductor wafer support substrate glass. Furthermore, the plate-like object may be a plate-like object made of a brittle material other than glass (e.g., a semiconductor wafer, a ceramic substrate, etc.). The surface of the plate-like object may be a polished surface that forms a mirror finish.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the spacer 1 is composed of the frame body 2 and other components (the fall prevention portion 7 and the outer extension portion 8), but it may also be composed of the frame body 2 only.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the inner peripheral region of the fall prevention part 7 attached to the lower end of the inner end part 2A of the frame body 2 is made into a hollow portion S, but it is also possible to not form a hollow portion S and instead have a flat portion connected to the entire inner peripheral region of the fall prevention part 7.

[0100] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Spacer 2 Frame 2A Inner end of frame 2B Outer end of frame (outer end wall) 2C Upper surface of frame 3 Holding portion 4 Removal portion (recess) 4a Bottom surface of recess 5 Receiving portion 6 Restricting portion 7 Fall prevention portion 9 Raised portion 9a Outer end of raised portion 10 Laminated body 11 Box 11a Inner surface of box 12 Packaging body 13 Cushioning material G Glass plate (plate-like object) Ga Peripheral portion (outer edge portion) of glass plate (plate-like object) Gb Upper surface of glass plate (plate-like object) S Cavity portion

Claims

1. A spacer used in a flat position and having a frame body, the frame body comprising a receiving portion that receives the outer edge of a plate-like object from below, a regulating portion that regulates horizontal movement of the plate-like object, and a removal portion for removing the plate-like object upward, the removal portion being located inside the outer end of the frame body.

2. A spacer as described in claim 1, wherein the receiving portion and the regulating portion are formed at the inner end of the frame body, and the receiving portion and the regulating portion and the removal portion are provided at different locations in a direction along the inner end of the frame body when viewed in a plane.

3. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving portion and the restricting portion are provided at the same location in a direction along the inner end of the frame body in a plan view.

4. A spacer as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction portions are provided at multiple locations along the inner end of the frame body when viewed in a plane, and the receiving portions and the regulating portions are provided between the extraction portions.

5. A spacer as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction portion is a recess that is recessed downward from the upper surface of the frame body and penetrates the inner end of the frame body in an inward and outward direction, and the bottom surface of the recess is formed at a position lower than the receiving portion.

6. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the take-out portion is a notch that passes through the frame body in the vertical direction.

7. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a raised portion that rises upward from the upper surface portion of the frame is formed on the outer side of the extraction portion on the upper surface portion of the frame.

8. The spacer according to claim 7, wherein the raised portion is formed over the entire area in a direction along the outer edge of the frame body in a plan view.

9. A spacer according to claim 8, wherein the outer end of said raised portion constitutes the upper end of the outer end of said frame body.

10. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fall prevention portion for receiving the plate-like object at a position lower than the receiving portion.

11. A spacer according to claim 10, wherein the fall prevention portion extends inward from the lower end of the inner end of the frame body.

12. A spacer as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner end of the frame is circular in plan view, the plate-like object is circular, and the outer end of the frame is polygonal or circular in plan view.

13. A spacer as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner end of the frame body is polygonal in plan view, the plate-like object is polygonal, the inner end and the plate-like object are similar in plan view, and the outer end of the frame body is polygonal or circular in plan view.

14. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer end of the frame is rectangular in plan view, and the extraction portion is located on at least one diagonal of the outer end in plan view.

15. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate-like member is made of a brittle material.

16. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of said plate-like member is a polished surface forming a mirror surface.

17. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cavity is formed in the inner region of the inner end of the frame body.

18. A spacer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame is formed by bending a plate-like member having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

19. A packaged body in which a plurality of spacers according to claim 1 or 2 and the plate-like object are stacked and packaged.

20. A package as described in claim 19, wherein the entire lower area of ​​the spacer is not in contact with the entire upper surface of a plate-like object received from below by the receiving portion of the frame of an adjacent spacer below the spacer.

21. A packaged body in which a stack of spacers according to claim 1 or 2 and the plate-like objects is stacked in a plurality of layers, and cushioning materials are placed on the top and bottom of the stacked body and the stacked body is housed in a box.

22. A package in which a stack of spacers and the plate-like objects described in claim 14 is housed in a box, the inner surface of the box being rectangular in plan view, and the corners of the box facing the corners of the frame.

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