JP7395117B2 - Method for manufacturing plate glass and its manufacturing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to improvements in sheet glass manufacturing techniques, including techniques for cutting sheet glass along scribe lines.

As is well known, plate glass is used in various fields, as typified by glass substrates for displays such as liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, and organic EL displays, and cover glasses for organic EL lighting. When manufacturing this type of glass plate, steps such as cutting out a small glass plate from a large glass plate and trimming the edges along the sides of the glass plate are performed. In these steps, after forming a scribe line on a glass plate, the glass plate is usually cut along the scribe line.

A specific example of a method for cutting this type of plate glass is the method disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the method disclosed in this document, after forming a scribe line on the surface of a glass plate, the back surface of a first region (an area on one side of the scribe line) of the glass plate is supported by a back support member. In this state, the back surface of the second area (the area on the other side of the scribe line) of the plate glass is suction-supported with a suction pad, and while rolling a roller (rolling element) along the surface of the second area, A force directed toward the back side is applied to the second region. As a result, bending stress is applied near the scribe line, and the plate glass is cut along the scribe line.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-226549

By the way, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the configuration in which the back surface of the second region of the sheet glass is suction-supported by a suction pad and cut, the following problems occur due to the characteristics of the sheet glass and the characteristics of the suction pad. A problem arises.

That is, the glass plate before being cut may be warped. If the back surface of the second area of the glass sheet is suction-supported by a suction pad when cutting the glass sheet having this warp, the suction-supported portions will be sparse. Furthermore, since the suction pad is made of an elastic material such as rubber or resin, it has characteristics such as being highly elastic. As a result, there is a shortage of elements that support the back surface of the second region of the glass plate, making it difficult to sufficiently correct the warpage of the glass plate during cutting. Therefore, it is not possible to apply bending stress evenly to the vicinity of the scribe line of the plate glass, and proper cutting along the scribe line is inhibited. As a result, chipping (unreasonable cracks on the cut end surface) occurs at the cut portion of the glass sheet, causing problems such as a large amount of glass powder being scattered.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to appropriately cut a plate glass along a scribe line by properly supporting the back surface of the second region of the plate glass during cutting.

A first aspect of the present invention devised to solve the above problem is to form a scribe line on the surface side of the boundary between the first region and the second region of the plate glass, and to follow the scribe line along the plate glass. In the method for producing a sheet glass, the cutting step includes supporting the back surface of the first region by a back support member, and supporting the second region with a suction pad in a direction along the scribe line. The method is characterized in that the plate glass is cut along the scribe line by applying a force toward the back surface side to the second region while being supported by an auxiliary support member extending from the second region to the second region. Here, the plate glass described above has a thickness of 500 μm or less, preferably 300 μm or less. Moreover, it is preferable that this plate glass has flexibility.

According to this method, in the cutting process, the second region of the sheet glass is supported by the suction pad and the auxiliary support member extending in the direction along the scribe line. , a preferred form of support point extending in a direction along the scribe line is added. Therefore, even if the plate glass is warped, the warp can be sufficiently corrected by adding the above-mentioned preferable support location. Moreover, since the suction pad pulls in the second area, when the auxiliary support member is in contact with the second area, the suction pad acts on the contact portion, and the second area is pulled in by the auxiliary support member. is strongly pressed against. Thereby, the warp can be corrected even more satisfactorily. Due to the above circumstances, when cutting a plate glass, bending stress acts evenly near the scribe line and proper cutting is performed, so chipping occurs at the cut part of the plate glass and a large amount of glass powder is generated. Problems such as scattering are appropriately avoided. Note that the warpage of the plate glass is particularly effective if the scribe line on the surface of the plate glass and any virtual straight line parallel to the scribe line are curved.

In this method, the suction pad and the auxiliary support member support the back surface of the second region and push the second region toward the back surface by bringing a pushing member into contact with the surface of the second region. A force directed toward the back side may be applied to the two regions.

In this way, with the suction pad and the auxiliary support member sufficiently correcting the warpage of the plate glass, the pushing member disposed on the front side can appropriately apply a force toward the back side to the second region. Therefore, it becomes possible to stably cut the plate glass.

In the above method, in the cutting step, the plate glass may be suspended and supported so that the scribe line faces in an up-down direction.

In this way, the above-mentioned effects when the sheet glass is warped can be significantly obtained. To explain in detail, when cutting a plate glass by placing it in a flat position on a surface plate etc., the warpage of the plate glass is reduced, but when the plate glass is suspended and supported as in this configuration, , the warpage increases. Even when the plate glass is highly warped, it can be dealt with appropriately as described above, so the effects are exceptional.

In the above method, the auxiliary support member may be arranged at a shorter distance from the scribe line than the suction pad.

This is advantageous when the dimension from the scribe line of the second region to the end edge facing the scribe line is short. To be more specific, since suction pads have been used conventionally, there is a suitable position for the suction support position of the suction pad on the back surface of the second area. Therefore, if it is attempted to arrange the auxiliary support member closer to the above-mentioned edge than the preferred suction support position in the second region, it may be impossible due to space considerations. However, according to the configuration here, the auxiliary support member is disposed on the side opposite to the above-mentioned edge portion side from the conventional suction support position, so such problems can be eliminated. This allows for no major improvements to the traditional configuration. It becomes possible to additionally arrange an auxiliary support member.

Contrary to the configuration in this method, the auxiliary support member may be arranged at a position that is farther away from the scribe line than the suction pad.

In this way, the effect of correcting large warpage of the plate glass becomes remarkable. To be more specific, the warpage of the glass plate tends to be particularly large at the edge portion facing the scribe line in the second region and in the vicinity thereof. Such a tendency becomes particularly noticeable when the edge portion is thicker than the other portions of the second region. According to the relative positional relationship between the suction pad and the auxiliary support member described here, the auxiliary support member can be brought into contact with the edge portion and its vicinity, so that the particularly large warp described above can be sufficiently corrected. can.

In the above method, the auxiliary support member may contact an area other than both ends of the back surface of the second area in the direction along the scribe line.

This is advantageous when the above-mentioned both end faces of the second region are cut surfaces. That is, since the fractured surface has minute cracks, etc., when the auxiliary support member comes into contact with the fractured surface, there is a risk that the minute cracks and the like will develop, leading to breakage of the glass plate. However, according to this configuration, such a problem does not occur because the auxiliary support member does not contact the above-mentioned both ends.

Contrary to the configuration in this method, the auxiliary support member may contact an area including both ends of the back surface of the second area in the direction along the scribe line.

In this way, the curvature of the glass plate can be corrected by the auxiliary support member over the entire area extending to both ends of the second region, so that the glass plate can be cut more appropriately.

In the above method, a contact portion of the auxiliary support member with the second region may be formed of a cushioning material.

In this way, for example, the impact when the auxiliary support member comes into contact with the second region can be alleviated by the cushioning material. Therefore, even if the auxiliary support member is brought into contact with the second region at high speed, the plate glass is less likely to be broken or damaged, and the work can be done more quickly.

A second aspect of the present invention, which was created to solve the above problems, is to cut a plate glass having a scribe line formed on the surface side of the boundary between the first region and the second region along the scribe line. In the plate glass manufacturing apparatus, the cutting device supports the back surface of the first region by a back support member, and supports the second region with a suction pad in a direction along the scribe line. The sheet glass is characterized in that the plate glass is cut along the scribe line by applying a force toward the back surface side to the second region while supported by an extending auxiliary support member.

According to this manufacturing apparatus, as in the case of the manufacturing method described above, the sheet glass is properly cut, and occurrence of chipping and scattering of a large amount of glass powder during cutting can be avoided.

According to the present invention, the back surface of the second region of the plate glass is well supported during cutting, and the plate glass is appropriately cut along the scribe line.

1 is a perspective view showing a cutting device included in a plate glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a main part of a cutting device included in a plate glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3(a) is a schematic side view of a cutting device included in the sheet glass manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side, and FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic bottom view of the essential parts of the cutting device included in the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic bottom views showing a cutting step included in the method for manufacturing plate glass according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic bottom view which shows the 1st modification of the cutting process included in the manufacturing method of the plate glass based on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic bottom view which shows the 2nd modification of the cutting process included in the manufacturing method of the plate glass based on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic bottom view which shows the 3rd modification of the cutting process included in the manufacturing method of the plate glass based on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic bottom view which shows the 1st modification of the cutting device included in the manufacturing apparatus of the plate glass based on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic bottom view which shows the 2nd modification of the cutting device included in the manufacturing apparatus of the plate glass based on embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a method and apparatus for manufacturing plate glass according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cutting device 1 included in a plate glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the plate glass G has a scribe line S formed on the front side (the side marked Ga, Gx) as a boundary, and one side in the width direction (the side in the direction of arrow A) is a first area G1. , the other side in the width direction (the side in the direction of arrow B) is the second region G2. In this embodiment, the first area G1 becomes the product part and the second area G2 becomes the non-product part. However, both the first region G1 and the second region G2 may be part of the product. In the illustrated example, the scribe line S does not reach the upper and lower ends of the plate glass G, but may reach the upper and lower ends thereof.

The plate glass G is suspended and supported so that the scribe line S faces in the vertical direction. The thickness of the plate glass G can be, for example, 200 to 2000 μm. Since the glass plate G is likely to warp, the thickness of the glass plate G is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 300 μm or less. Moreover, it is preferable that the plate glass G has flexibility. In this embodiment, the plate glass G is warped. This warpage has a shape in which the scribe line S on the surface of the plate glass G and any virtual straight line parallel to the scribe line S are curved.

The cutting device 1 cuts a plate glass G along a scribe line S using bending stress. To be more specific, the cutting device 1 includes a gripping mechanism 2 that suspends and supports the plate glass G, a back support member 3 that supports the back surface Gb side of the first region G1, and a back surface that supports the back surface Gy side of the second region G2. Auxiliary support mechanism 4 and a plate-like member (pushing member) that applies a force (pushing force) toward the back surface Gy to the second region G2 while rotating in the direction of arrow C while in contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2. 5.

The gripping mechanism 2 moves the plate glass G in the width direction while gripping the upper end of the first region G1. Note that the gripping mechanism 2 is slidably held on a rail (not shown) that extends above the glass plate G along the width direction. When the process of cutting the plate glass G is performed, the gripping mechanism 2 and the plate glass G are in a stopped state. Furthermore, the gripping mechanisms 2 may be arranged at multiple locations in the width direction at the upper end of the first region G1.

The back support member 3 is arranged on the back surface Gb side at the end of the first region G1 on the scribe line S side. The back surface support member 3 is a columnar body or a plate-like body (surface plate) that has a flat support surface that supports the back surface Gb of the first region G1 and is elongated in the vertical direction. Note that the shape of the back support member 3 may be a round bar shape or the like. Further, although the back support member 3 protrudes vertically from the upper end Gf and lower end Gg of the first region G1, it may have a length that does not reach the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg.

The back surface auxiliary support mechanism 4 includes a vertically elongated holding base 6, a suction pad 7 attached to the holding base 6, and an auxiliary support member 8 fixed to the holding base 6. The holding base material 6 is configured to be moved by the operation of a driving means (not shown) such as a robot arm.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed configuration of the back surface auxiliary support mechanism 4. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, on the front side of the holding base material 6, a plurality of (five in the illustrated example) suction pads 7 are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction. The suction pad 7 is formed of an elastic member such as stretchable rubber or resin, and suction-supports the back surface Gy of the second region G2 using negative pressure. Further, on the front side of the holding base material 6, an auxiliary support member 8 that is elongated in the vertical direction is provided. The auxiliary support member 8 is fixed to the front surface of the holding base material 6, and supports the back surface Gy of the second region G2 in contact with it. An end surface 8a of the auxiliary support member 8 that contacts the second region G2 is a flat surface, so that the auxiliary support member 8 comes into surface contact with the back surface Gy of the second region G2. The contact portion of the auxiliary support member 8 with the second region G2 is formed of a cushioning material 8x made of foamed resin, such as Paronia. This cushioning material 8x is attached to the tip of a plate-shaped base 8y, and the plate-shaped base 8y is made of a metal material (for example, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or various types of steel) or a material having the same degree of rigidity. The area in contact with the auxiliary support member 8 on the back surface Gy of the second region G2 is an area excluding the upper end Gf and lower end Gg of the second region G2. In this embodiment, the auxiliary support member 8 is arranged on the holding base material 6 so that the distance from the scribe line S is shorter than that of the suction pad 7. That is, in the width direction of the glass plate G, the auxiliary support member 8 is disposed between the suction pad 7 and the scribe line S. Furthermore, although the auxiliary support member 8 extends continuously in the direction along the scribe line S, it may extend in the direction along the scribe line S at predetermined intervals. In other words, the auxiliary support member 8 may be divided into a plurality of parts in the direction along the scribe line S. Note that the scribe line S here is a scribe line formed on a plate glass G that has no warpage at all, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plate member 5 is arranged on the surface Gx side of the second region G2. In this embodiment, the plate-like member 5 is a flat plate whose side that contacts the surface Gx of the second region G2 is flat and which is elongated in the vertical direction. Further, although the plate member 5 protrudes vertically from the upper end Gf and lower end Gg of the second region G2, it may have a length that does not reach the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg. A roller-equipped member 9 that removably holds the plate member 5 is disposed on the front side of the plate member 5. This roller-equipped member 9 includes a roller shaft 10 extending in the direction along the scribe line S, a plurality of rollers 11 (five in the illustrated example) arranged at equal intervals in the axial direction of the roller shaft 10, and a roller shaft 10 extending in the direction along the scribe line S. A support body 12 that supports the. In addition, the scribe line S here is also the scribe line S when it is assumed that the plate glass G has no warpage at all, as in the case described above. In this embodiment, the plate member 5 is connected to the roller shaft 10 using a binding band 13. The binding band 13 can be wrapped and unwound across the plate-like member 5 and the roller shaft 10, so that the plate-like member 5 can be attached to and detached from the roller-equipped member 9. The support body 12 is configured to move by the operation of a driving means (not shown) such as a robot arm, so that the roller-equipped member 9 and the plate-shaped member 5 are moved in synchronization. Here, the roller shaft 10 and the roller 11 are configured to move straight in the D direction. This direction D is a direction perpendicular to the surface Gx of the second region G2. The surface Gx of the second region G2 referred to here is the surface Gx of the second region G2 before the cutting process when there is no warping at all.

Next, a method for manufacturing plate glass using the manufacturing apparatus configured as described above will be described.

First, in a process upstream of the position shown in FIG. 1, with the plate glass G suspended and supported by the gripping mechanism 2, scribe lines S are formed on the surface Gx of the plate glass G by pressing with a wheel cutter, laser irradiation, etc. do. Next, while the glass plate G on which the scribe line S is formed is suspended and supported by the gripping mechanism 2, the glass plate G is transported in the width direction and stopped. When the glass plate G stops, the back support member 3 moves toward the front side and contacts the back surface Gy of the first region G1 of the glass plate G, as shown in FIG. Further, as the roller-equipped member 9 moves toward the back side, the plate-like member 5 comes into contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2. Further, as the holding base material 6 of the back surface auxiliary support mechanism 4 moves toward the front side, the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8 come into contact with the back surface Gy of the second region G2.

Thereafter, the suction pad 7 suctions the second region G2, so that the auxiliary support member 8 comes into firm surface contact with the back surface Gy of the second region G2. In parallel with this, the plate-like member 5 presses the second region G2 to the back side, so that the plate-like member 5 comes into surface contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2. While maintaining this state, the plate member 5 pushes the second region G2 toward the back surface Gy. At this stage, the area around the support part Gw of the second region G2 by the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8 is flat with almost no warpage in the side view shown in FIG. 3(a) and the bottom view shown in FIG. 3(b). It becomes a shape. In this case, if the back surface Gy of the second region G2 is suction-supported using only the suction pad as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the supporting elements (already mentioned elements) are insufficient and the second region G2 is It is not possible to sufficiently correct the warpage. Therefore, when cutting the plate glass G, it becomes difficult to generate uniform bending stress in the vicinity of the scribe line S. On the other hand, if the back surface Gy of the second region G2 is supported by the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8, the number of supporting points increases and the warping of the second region G2 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the auxiliary support member 8 extends in the direction along the scribe line S, a preferable form is that the back side auxiliary support mechanism 4 is supported at a suction support location by the suction pad 7 and extends in the direction along the scribe line S. Support points have been added. Therefore, the warpage in the second region G2 can be sufficiently corrected by adding the above-mentioned preferred form of support. Moreover, since the suction pad 7 pulls in the second region G2, when the auxiliary support member 8 is in contact with the second region G2, a pulling force by the suction pad 7 acts on the contact portion, and the second region G2 is pulled in by the suction pad 7. The region G2 is strongly pressed against the auxiliary support member 8 (buffer material 8x). Thereby, the warp can be corrected even more satisfactorily. Due to the above circumstances, when cutting the plate glass G, bending stress acts evenly near the scribe line S and proper cutting is performed, so chipping occurs at the cut part of the plate glass G and a large amount of glass powder is generated. Problems such as scattering are effectively avoided. In this embodiment, since the warpage of the second region G2 is corrected also by the plate member 5 coming into surface contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2, the plate glass G can be cut more appropriately.

FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) show, in chronological order, the process of pushing the second region G2 toward the back surface Gy side and breaking the plate glass G by the operations of the suction pad 7, the auxiliary support member 8, and the plate-like member 5. is exemplified. First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the member 9 with rollers and the back surface auxiliary support mechanism 4 are moved to bring the plate member 5 into surface contact with the front surface Gx of the second region G2, and the back surface of the second region G2 is brought into surface contact with the plate member 5. Gy is suction supported by the suction pad 7 and supported in contact by the auxiliary support member 8. At this time, the roller 11 is in contact with the plate-like member 5, and both the plate-like member 5 and the holding base material 6 are in a non-inclined state (parallel to the surface Gx of the first region G1). Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the initial state.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the roller 11 moves straight in the D direction, so that the plate-like member 5 maintains surface contact with the surface Gx of the second region G2, and the roller shaft 10 (axis 9a). While the plate-like member 5 rotates in this manner, the angle of the plate-like member 5 changes following the change in the angle of the second region G2. In parallel with this, by moving the holding base material 6 along a predetermined curved trajectory, the angle of the holding base material 6 changes following the change in the angle of the second region G2. The predetermined curved trajectory here is, for example, a circular trajectory centered near the back support member 3 or the scribe line S, or a similar trajectory. As a result, the plate glass G is bent with the back support member 3 as a starting point. In this process, the area from the surface contact part Gw with the plate member 5 of the second region G2 to the scribe line S becomes nearly flat, so the vicinity of the scribe line S of the second region G2 becomes bent. It has a similar shape, that is, a curved shape with a large curvature. Here, the curved line W shown by a chain line in the figure depicts the shape when the surface Gx of the second region G2 is bent by only the roller 11 and the suction pad 7 as disclosed in Patent Document 1. . This curved line W is curved with a small curvature near the scribe line S in the second region G2. The bending stress acting in the vicinity of the scribe line S is larger when the vicinity of the scribe line S is curved with a large curvature than when the vicinity of the scribe line S is curved with a small curvature.

After this, the roller 11 further moves straight in the direction D, and the second region G2 is further pushed toward the back surface Gy side, and when the bending stress acting near the scribe line S becomes sufficiently large, as shown in FIG. As shown in c), the plate glass G is cut along the scribe line S. In this case, as already explained based on FIG. 4(b), when the second region G2 is bent, the portion of the second region G2 from the surface contact portion Gw to the scribe line S has a nearly flat shape. become. Therefore, even if the distance by which the roller 11 is moved straight in the D direction is short, the plate glass G can be cut. As a result, the time required for cutting the plate glass G is shortened, work efficiency is improved, and the mechanism for moving the roller-equipped member 9 and the mechanism for moving the back surface auxiliary support mechanism 4 can be made more compact. Note that after the second region G2 is separated from the first region G1 by cutting the plate glass G, the second region G2 does not fall and remains suction-held by the suction pad 7. After this second region G2 is transported to a retreat position where it does not affect the first region G1, the suction by the suction pad 7 is released and the second region G2 is dropped and collected.

In the plate glass manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method according to the above embodiment, instead of the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. It may be made to contact the surface Gx of the site including the. To explain in detail, the edge portion Gz (a portion called an ear portion) of the second region G2 is thicker than the other portions of the second region G2. Moreover, in the illustrated state, the length of the second region G2 in the width direction (the distance from the edge Gz to the scribe line S) is short. Even under such conditions, the back surface Gy of the second region G2 is supported by the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8 as shown in the figure, and the plate glass G can be appropriately cut.

Moreover, the structure of the plate glass manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method according to the above embodiment can be changed as shown below. That is, first, the binding band 13 of the roller-attached member 9 is unwound and the plate-shaped member 5 is removed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the roller 11 is brought into rollable contact with the front surface Gx of the second region G2, and the back surface Gy of the second region G2 is supported by the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8. With this state as the initial state, the second region G2 is bent as in the state shown in FIG. The plate glass G is cut as shown in FIG. 4(c).

Furthermore, the plate glass manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method according to the above embodiments can be applied not only to cutting the plate glass G at one place but also to cutting the plate glass G at two places as shown below. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the central region in the width direction of the plate glass G is defined as a first region G1, scribe lines S are formed on both sides thereof, and the outer regions in the width direction of each scribe line S are respectively defined as second regions. Let's call it G2. Then, the roller-equipped member 9 is arranged on the front surface Gx side of each second region G2, and the back surface auxiliary support mechanism 4 is arranged on the back surface Gy side of each second region G2. Furthermore, the back support members 3 are arranged on the back surface Gb side at both widthwise end portions of the first region G1. In this case, with respect to each member 9 with rollers, the center side in the width direction is on the side in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1, and both outer sides in the width direction are on the side in the direction of arrow B in FIG. If these are the prerequisites, substantially the same actions as those already described are performed on both sides of the glass plate G in the width direction, and substantially the same effects as those already described are obtained.

According to the above embodiment, in addition to the effects already described, the following effects can also be obtained. That is, in the above embodiment, since the plate glass G is suspended and supported so that the scribe line S faces in the vertical direction (see FIG. 1), the effect when a large warpage occurs in the plate glass G is significantly reduced. Obtainable. To explain in detail, when the plate glass G is laid flat and cut, the warpage of the glass plate G is reduced, but when the glass plate G is suspended and supported, the warp becomes large. Even when the plate glass G has a large degree of warpage, it can be dealt with appropriately as described above, so the effects are exceptional.

In the embodiment described above, since the auxiliary support member 8 is arranged at a position where the distance from the scribe line S is shorter than that of the suction pad 7 (see FIG. 2, etc.), the auxiliary support member 8 can be scribed from the scribe line S in the second region G2 This is advantageous when the dimension from the line S to the opposing end edge Gz is short. To explain in detail, since the suction pad 7 has been used conventionally, there is a suitable position for the suction support position of the suction pad 7 with respect to the back surface Gy of the second region G2. Therefore, if it is attempted to arrange the auxiliary support member 8 closer to the above-mentioned end edge Gz than the preferred suction support position in the second region G2, it may not be possible in terms of space. However, according to the relative positional relationship here, the auxiliary support member 8 is disposed on the side opposite to the above-mentioned end edge Gz side from the conventional suction support position, so such problems can be eliminated. . This allows for no major improvements to the traditional configuration. It becomes possible to additionally arrange the auxiliary support member 8.

In the above embodiment, since the auxiliary support member 8 is in contact with the area other than the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg on the back surface Gy of the second region G2 (see FIG. 2, etc.), the end surfaces of the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg are the cut surface. It is advantageous if That is, since the cut surface has cracks and the like, when the auxiliary support member 8 comes into contact with the cut surface, there is a possibility that the cracks and the like will develop and the plate glass G will be damaged. However, in the configuration here, since the auxiliary support member 8 does not contact the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg, such a problem does not occur.

In the above embodiment, since the contact portion of the auxiliary support member 8 with the second region G2 is formed of the cushioning material 8x, the shock when the auxiliary support member 8 contacts the second region G2 is alleviated by the cushioning material 8x. can do. Therefore, even if the auxiliary support member 8 is brought into contact with the second region G2 at high speed, the plate glass G is less likely to be broken or damaged, and the work can be done more quickly.

Note that in the above embodiment, the auxiliary support member 8 was arranged at a position where the distance from the scribe line S was shorter than that of the suction pad 7, but on the contrary, as shown in FIG. The member 8 may be arranged at a position where the distance from the scribe line S is longer than that of the suction pad 7. In this way, the effect of correcting large warpage of the plate glass G becomes remarkable. To explain in detail, the warpage of the plate glass G tends to be particularly large at and in the vicinity of the end edge Gz opposite to the scribe line S of the second region G2. Such a tendency becomes particularly noticeable when the end edge portion Gz is thicker than the other portions of the second region G2 as shown in the figure. According to the relative positional relationship between the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8 here, the auxiliary support member 8 can be brought into contact in the vicinity of the edge portion Gz, so that the above-mentioned large warp can be sufficiently corrected. I can do it.

Further, in the above embodiment, the auxiliary support member 8 is in contact with the area other than the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg on the back surface Gy of the second region G2, but on the contrary, as shown in FIG. The auxiliary support member 8 may be in contact with a region including the upper end Gf and the lower end Gg. In this way, the curvature of the glass plate G can be corrected by the auxiliary support member 8 over the entire area from the upper end Gf to the lower end Gg of the second region G2, so that the glass plate G can be cut more appropriately. can.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the warp of the plate glass G has a shape in which the scribe line S on the surface of the plate glass G and an arbitrary virtual straight line parallel to the scribe line S are curved, but the warpage may have a shape different from this. It may be warped.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the plate glass G is suspended and supported in a vertical position, but the plate glass G may be placed horizontally (preferably horizontally).

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front surface Gx of the second region G2 of the plate glass G is pushed toward the back surface Gy side by a pushing member such as the plate member 5 or the roller 11, but the use of this pushing member can be abolished. Alternatively, the second region G2 may be drawn in only by the back surface auxiliary support mechanism 4. In this case, a pulling force toward the back surface Gy acts on the second region G2. Alternatively, the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8 may support the surface Gx of the second region G2 of the plate glass G, and the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8 may be pushed toward the back surface Gy side.

In addition, in the back side auxiliary support mechanism 4, the suction pad 7 and the auxiliary support member 8 are attached to the holding base material 6 so that both 7 and 8 move synchronously, but the two 7 and 8 are separated. It may also be possible to move in synchronization with each other.

1. Flat glass manufacturing equipment (cutting equipment)
3 Back surface support member 4 Back surface auxiliary support mechanism 6 Holding base material 7 Suction pad 8 Auxiliary support member 8x Cushioning material G Plate glass G1 First region G2 Second region Gb Back surface Gy of the first region Back surface Gz of the second region Edge S scribe line

Claims (14)

A method for producing a plate glass, including a cutting step of forming a scribe line on the surface side of the boundary between a first region and a second region of the plate glass, and cutting the plate glass along the scribe line,
In the cutting step, the back surface of the first region is supported by a back support member, and the second region is supported by a suction pad and an auxiliary support member extending in a direction along the scribe line, applying a force toward the back side of the second region to break the plate glass along the scribe line;
The suction pad and the auxiliary support member support the back surface of the second area,
A method for manufacturing a plate glass, characterized in that a force directed toward the back surface side is applied to the second region by bringing a pushing member into contact with the surface of the second region and pushing the second region toward the back surface side. 2. The method of manufacturing a plate glass according to claim 1 , wherein in the cutting step, the plate glass is suspended and supported so that the scribe line faces in an up-down direction. A method for producing a plate glass, including a cutting step of forming a scribe line on the surface side of the boundary between a first region and a second region of the plate glass, and cutting the plate glass along the scribe line,
In the cutting step, the back surface of the first region is supported by a back support member, and the second region is supported by a suction pad and an auxiliary support member extending in a direction along the scribe line, applying a force toward the back side of the second region to break the plate glass along the scribe line;
In the cutting step, the sheet glass is suspended and supported so that the scribe line faces in an up-down direction. 4. The method for manufacturing a glass plate according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary support member is arranged at a shorter distance from the scribe line than the suction pad. 4. The method for manufacturing sheet glass according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary support member is arranged at a position that is farther away from the scribe line than the suction pad. A method for producing a plate glass, including a cutting step of forming a scribe line on the surface side of the boundary between a first region and a second region of the plate glass, and cutting the plate glass along the scribe line,
In the cutting step, the back surface of the first region is supported by a back support member, and the second region is supported by a suction pad and an auxiliary support member extending in a direction along the scribe line, applying a force toward the back side of the second region to break the plate glass along the scribe line;
The method for manufacturing a plate glass, wherein the auxiliary support member is arranged at a position that is farther away from the scribe line than the suction pad. 7. The method for manufacturing a plate glass according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary support member contacts an area other than both ends of the back surface of the second area in the direction along the scribe line. 7. The method for manufacturing a plate glass according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary support member contacts an area including both ends of the back surface of the second area in a direction along the scribe line. 9. The method for manufacturing plate glass according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary support member has a contact portion with the second region made of a cushioning material. A method for producing a plate glass, including a cutting step of forming a scribe line on the surface side of the boundary between a first region and a second region of the plate glass, and cutting the plate glass along the scribe line,
In the cutting step, the back surface of the first region is supported by a back support member, and the second region is supported by a suction pad and an auxiliary support member extending in a direction along the scribe line, applying a force toward the back side of the second region to break the plate glass along the scribe line;
A method for producing a plate glass, wherein the auxiliary support member has a contact portion with the second region made of a cushioning material. A plate glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a cutting device that cuts a plate glass having a scribe line formed on the surface side of the boundary between the first region and the second region along the scribe line,
The cutting device has the back surface of the first area supported by a back support member, and the second area supported by a suction pad and an auxiliary support member extending in a direction along the scribe line, The plate glass is configured to be cut along the scribe line by applying a force toward the back surface side to the second region,
The suction pad and the auxiliary support member support the back surface of the second area,
A plate glass characterized in that a pushing member is brought into contact with the surface of the second region to push the second region toward the back surface, thereby applying a force toward the back surface side to the second region. Manufacturing equipment. A plate glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a cutting device that cuts a plate glass having a scribe line formed on the surface side of the boundary between the first region and the second region along the scribe line,
The cutting device has the back surface of the first area supported by a back support member, and the second area supported by a suction pad and an auxiliary support member extending in a direction along the scribe line, The plate glass is configured to be cut along the scribe line by applying a force toward the back surface side to the second region,
A plate glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a gripping mechanism that suspends and supports the plate glass so that the scribe line faces in an up-down direction. A plate glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a cutting device that cuts a plate glass having a scribe line formed on the surface side of the boundary between the first region and the second region along the scribe line,
The cutting device has the back surface of the first area supported by a back support member, and the second area supported by a suction pad and an auxiliary support member extending in a direction along the scribe line, The plate glass is configured to be cut along the scribe line by applying a force toward the back surface side to the second region,
The plate glass manufacturing apparatus is characterized in that the auxiliary support member is arranged at a longer distance from the scribe line than the suction pad. A plate glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a cutting device that cuts a plate glass having a scribe line formed on the surface side of the boundary between the first region and the second region along the scribe line,
The cutting device has the back surface of the first area supported by a back support member, and the second area supported by a suction pad and an auxiliary support member extending in a direction along the scribe line, The plate glass is configured to be cut along the scribe line by applying a force toward the back surface side to the second region,
A plate glass manufacturing apparatus, wherein the auxiliary support member has a contact portion with the second region made of a cushioning material.

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