TWI637928B - Glass plate manufacturing method and glass plate manufacturing device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a glass sheet manufacturing method and a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus which can reduce the vibration of the glass sheet in the inspection step of the glass sheet.

The glass plate manufacturing method includes a conveying step and a suppressing step. The transport step conveys the glass sheet 10 in the first direction. The suppressing step suppresses the movement of the glass sheet in the second direction intersecting the first direction. The suppression step includes a first gas supply step and a second gas supply step. The first gas supply step is directed toward the first guide by causing the first gas to flow along the first main surface in the first gap between the first main surface 10a of the glass sheet and the first guiding members 118a and 118c. The force of the member is imparted to the glass sheet. In the second gas supply step, the second gas flows along the second main surface in the second gap between the second main surface 10b on the back side of the first main surface and the second guiding members 118b and 118d. The force toward the second guiding member is imparted to the glass sheet.

Description

Glass plate manufacturing method and glass plate manufacturing device

The present invention relates to a glass sheet manufacturing method and a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus.

In the manufacturing step of the glass sheet, an inspection step for inspecting the glass sheet cut to a specific size is performed. In the inspection step, for example, optical defects are used to detect defects such as damage and streaks formed on the surface of the glass sheet.

An example of an inspection apparatus for a glass sheet is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-236771). The inspection device comprises a clamping unit above the upper side of the clamping glass plate and a clamping unit below the lower side of the clamping glass plate. The inspection device relatively moves the glass plate relative to the device for detecting the defect of the glass plate while the upper holding unit and the lower holding unit are separated from each other to impart tension in the vertical direction to the glass sheet.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-236771

However, the inspection apparatus disclosed in the patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-236771) is provided with a tension in the vertical direction by the upper holding unit and the lower holding unit, and thus is used for clamping. In the case of a large and thin glass plate like a liquid crystal display device, the glass plate is broken.

Moreover, due to the movement of the glass plate, the glass plate is detected with high precision. Since it is trapped, it is necessary to stabilize the posture of the glass plate and suppress the vibration of the glass plate. In particular, it is important to stabilize the direction of the normal to the surface of the glass sheet and to reduce the vibration in the normal direction of the surface of the glass sheet to improve the inspection accuracy of the glass sheet.

An object of the present invention is to provide a glass sheet manufacturing method and a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus which can reduce the vibration of the glass sheet in the inspection step of the glass sheet.

The method for producing a glass sheet of the present invention includes a carrying step and a suppressing step. The transfer step conveys the glass sheet in the first direction. The suppressing step suppresses the movement of the glass sheet in the second direction intersecting the first direction when the glass sheet is conveyed in the first direction. The suppressing step includes a first gas supply step. The first gas supply step flows along the first main surface in the first gap between the first main surface of the glass sheet and the first guiding member disposed to face the first main surface. The force directed to the first guiding member is imparted to the glass sheet.

In general, when a large-sized thin glass plate is not given any force during transportation, it is likely to vibrate in a direction orthogonal to the main surface of the glass plate due to a slight change in pressure around the glass plate. However, in the glass sheet manufacturing method of the present invention, one of the main surfaces of the conveyed glass sheet is subjected to a force toward the guiding member opposed to the main surface. Since the gas flows between the main surface of the glass sheet and the guiding member, the glass sheet does not collide with the guiding member, so that the distance between the glass sheet and the guiding member can be stably maintained. Therefore, the conveyed glass sheet is not easily subjected to a change in force in a direction orthogonal to the main surface. Therefore, the glass sheet manufacturing method of the present invention can reduce the vibration of the glass sheet.

Further, preferably, the suppressing step further includes a second gas supply step. The second gas supply step is to move toward the second main surface by causing the second gas to flow along the second main surface in the second gap between the second main surface on the back side of the first main surface and the second guiding member. The force of the guiding member is applied to the glass sheet, and the second guiding member is disposed to face the second main surface.

In the glass sheet manufacturing method, one of the glass sheets conveyed faces the main surface in a direction opposite to each other. When the magnitude of the force applied to each of the main surfaces is the same, The force acting on the glass sheet in the direction orthogonal to the main surface is balanced. Therefore, the conveyed glass sheet is not easily subjected to a change in force in a direction orthogonal to the main surface. Therefore, the glass sheet manufacturing method of the present invention can reduce the vibration of the glass sheet.

Further, in the end surface measurement step, the first gas is supplied to the first guiding member and flows along the surface of the first guiding member to be guided to the first gap, and the second gas is supplied to the first gas supply step. In the step, the second gas flows along the surface of the second guiding member by being ejected toward the second guiding member, and is guided to the second gap.

Moreover, in the conveyance step, it is preferable that the glass plate is conveyed in the first direction parallel to the end portion in a state where the glass plate is suspended by sandwiching one end portion of the glass plate. In this case, in the first gas supply step, the first gas flows in the first gap that gradually narrows along the first direction, and in the second gas supply step, the second gas follows the first direction. Flows in the second gap that gradually narrows.

Further, preferably, the glass sheet manufacturing method further includes an inspection step of inspecting the glass sheet. In this case, the inhibition step is performed at least before the inspection step.

In the method for producing a glass sheet, since the vibration of the glass sheet to be conveyed is lowered in the conveying step, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of defects of the glass sheet in the inspection step.

The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises a platform for fixing a glass sheet, a chamfering grindstone for chamfering the end surface of the glass sheet, a conveying mechanism, and a suppressing mechanism. The conveying mechanism is a mechanism for conveying the glass sheet in the first direction. The suppression mechanism is a mechanism for suppressing movement of the glass sheet in the second direction intersecting the first direction when the glass sheet is conveyed in the first direction. The suppression mechanism includes a first guiding member, a second guiding member, a first gas ejecting mechanism, and a second gas ejecting mechanism. The first guiding member has a first guiding surface that faces the first main surface of the glass sheet. The second guiding member has a second guiding surface that faces the second main surface on the back side of the first main surface. The first gas ejecting mechanism ejects the first gas toward the first guiding surface. The second gas ejecting mechanism ejects the second gas toward the second guiding surface. First gas injector The first gas flows along the first main surface in the first gap between the first main surface and the first guiding surface, and the force directed to the first guiding member is applied to the glass sheet. The second gas ejecting means causes the second gas to flow along the second main surface in the second gap between the second main surface and the second guiding surface, and applies a force toward the second guiding member to the glass sheet.

Moreover, it is preferable that the first guiding member causes the first gas to flow along the first guiding surface to guide the first gas to the first gap, and the second guiding member causes the second gas to flow along the second guiding surface. The second gas is guided to the second gap.

Moreover, it is preferable that the conveying mechanism conveys the glass sheet in the first direction parallel to the end portion in a state in which the glass sheet is suspended by sandwiching one end portion of the glass sheet. In this case, the first guiding member has the first guiding surface that gradually approaches the first main surface along the first direction, and the second guiding member has the second guiding surface that gradually approaches the second main surface along the first direction. .

Moreover, it is preferable that the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus further has an inspection mechanism for inspecting the glass sheet. In this case, the suppression mechanism is provided on the upstream side of the inspection mechanism at least in the first direction.

Moreover, it is preferable that the suppression means is further provided on the downstream side of the inspection means in the first direction.

In the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus, not only the vibration of the glass sheet is lowered on the upstream side of the inspection mechanism, but also the vibration of the glass sheet is lowered on the downstream side of the inspection mechanism, whereby the vibration of the glass sheet on the upstream side of the inspection mechanism can be further reduced. Therefore, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus can more effectively suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the inspection of the glass sheet by the inspection mechanism.

Moreover, it is preferable that the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a plurality of suppression mechanisms provided on the upstream side of the inspection mechanism in the first direction. In this case, among the plurality of suppression mechanisms, the minimum distance between the first main surface and the first guiding surface and the minimum distance between the second main surface and the second guiding surface are along the first direction. Slowly become smaller.

The glass sheet manufacturing method and the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention can reduce the vibration of the glass sheet in the inspection step of the glass sheet.

10‧‧‧ glass plate

10a‧‧‧Left main surface (1st main surface)

10b‧‧‧Right main surface (2nd main surface)

100‧‧‧ glass plate manufacturing equipment

102‧‧‧Transporting device (transporting mechanism)

104‧‧‧Inspection device (inspection agency)

110‧‧‧Upper guiding mechanism

112‧‧‧Clamping mechanism

112a‧‧‧ base

112b‧‧‧ gripping department

114‧‧‧Lower guiding mechanism

114a‧‧‧slit

116a‧‧‧1st air knife (first gas injection mechanism)

116b‧‧‧1st right air knife (2nd gas ejection mechanism)

116c‧‧‧2nd left air knife (first gas injection mechanism)

116d‧‧‧2nd right air knife (2nd gas injection mechanism)

116e‧‧‧ air knife

116f‧‧‧ air knife

118a‧‧‧1st left guide (first guide member)

118b‧‧‧1st right guide (second guide member)

118c‧‧‧2nd left guide (1st guide member)

118d‧‧‧2nd right guide (2nd guiding member)

118e‧‧‧ Guide

118f‧‧‧ Guide

119a‧‧‧1st left guiding surface (1st guiding surface)

119a1‧‧‧Guided curved surface

119a2‧‧‧ Guide plane

119b‧‧‧1st right guiding surface (2nd guiding surface)

119c‧‧‧2nd left guiding surface (1st guiding surface)

119d‧‧‧2nd right guiding surface (2nd guiding surface)

120‧‧‧Light source

122‧‧‧ line sensor

122a‧‧‧ camera

S1‧‧‧ forming step

S2‧‧‧ plate cutting steps

S3‧‧‧1st inspection step

S4‧‧‧cutting steps

S5‧‧‧ roughening step

S6‧‧‧ Face processing steps

S7‧‧‧ cleaning steps

S8‧‧‧Second inspection steps

S9‧‧‧Bundle steps

F1‧‧‧ arrow

F2‧‧‧ arrow

F3‧‧‧ arrow

F4‧‧‧ arrow

L1‧‧‧ size

L2‧‧‧ size

L3‧‧‧ size

L4‧‧‧ size

L5‧‧‧ distance

L6‧‧‧ distance

L7‧‧‧ size

L8‧‧‧ diameter

L9‧‧‧ size

L10‧‧‧ distance

The minimum distance of L11‧‧‧

The minimum distance of L20‧‧‧

X‧‧‧ axis

Y‧‧‧ axis

Z‧‧‧ axis

Θ‧‧‧ angle

Fig. 1 is a view showing an example of a flow chart of a manufacturing step of a glass sheet.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus of the embodiment.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus as seen from the direction of arrow III of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus as seen from the direction of the arrow IV of Figure 2 .

Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the flow of air ejected from an air knife and guided by a guide.

Fig. 6 is a view for explaining an example of the size and position of the air knife and the guide.

Fig. 7 is a view for explaining an example of the size and position of the air knife and the guide. And it is a view seen from the direction of the arrow VII of FIG.

Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus of Modification B.

Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus of Modification C.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment mainly includes a conveying device 102 for conveying the glass sheet 10, and an inspection device 104 for inspecting the glass sheet 10 conveyed by the conveying device 102.

(1) Outline of the manufacturing steps of the glass plate

First, the manufacturing steps of the glass sheet 10 will be described. The glass plate 10 is used to manufacture a flat panel display (FPD) such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, and an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. The glass plate 10 has, for example, a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, and has a size of 680 mm to 2200 mm in length and 880 mm to 2500 mm in width.

As an example of the glass plate 10, a glass having the following composition (a) to (j) is exemplified.

(a) SiO ₂ : 50% by mass to 70% by mass; (b) Al ₂ O ₃ : 10% by mass to 25% by mass; (c) B ₂ O ₃ : 1% by mass to 18% by mass; (d) MgO : 0% by mass to 10% by mass; (e) CaO: 0% by mass to 20% by mass; (f) SrO: 0% by mass to 20% by mass; (g) BaO: 0% by mass to 10% by mass; (h) RO: 5 mass% to 20 mass% (R is at least one selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba); (i) R' ₂ O: 0% by mass to 2.0% by mass (R' is selected from At least one of Li, Na, and K); (j) at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of SnO ₂ , Fe ₂ O _{3 ,} and CeO ₂ .

Further, the glass having the above composition allows the presence of other trace components in the range of less than 0.1% by mass.

Fig. 1 is a view showing an example of a flow chart of a manufacturing step of the glass sheet 10. The manufacturing steps of the glass sheet 10 mainly include a forming step (step S1), a plate-shaped cutting step (step S2), a first inspection step (step S3), a cutting step (step S4), and a roughening step (step S5). The end surface processing step (step S6), the cleaning step (step S7), the second inspection step (step S8), and the sacrificial step (step S9).

In the forming step S1, the molten glass obtained by heating the glass raw material by a down-draw method or a floating method continuously forms a glass sheet. The formed glass sheet is cooled to a temperature below the glass slow cooling point while being temperature-controlled so as not to be deformed or warped.

In the plate-like cutting step S2, the glass sheet formed in the forming step S1 is cut to obtain a plain glass having a specific size.

In the first inspection step S3, the plain glass obtained in the plate-shaped cutting step S2 is inspected by the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. In the first inspection step S3, the translucent and non-transparent foreign matter existing inside the plain glass is mainly detected. The foreign matter is, for example, a glass raw material component, a metal, and minute bubbles. Further, in the first inspection step S3, it is also possible to detect streaks and damage existing on the main surface of the plain glass.

In the cutting step S4, the sheet glass obtained in the first inspection step S3 is cut to obtain the glass sheet 10 of the product size. The laser is used to cut the plain glass with a high precision.

In the roughening step S5, the roughening treatment for increasing the surface roughness of the main surface of the glass sheet 10 obtained in the cutting step S4 is performed. The roughening treatment of the glass plate 10 is, for example, wet etching using an etchant containing hydrogen fluoride.

In the end surface processing step S6, the chamfering of the end surface of the glass sheet 10 which has been subjected to the roughening treatment in the roughening step S5 is performed. One of the end faces of the chamfered process has an R shape.

In the cleaning step S7, the glass sheet 10 which has been chamfered by the end surface in the end surface processing step S6 is cleaned. The glass plate 10 is attached with a cutting of the factor plate glass, a minute glass piece produced by processing the end surface of the glass plate 10, or a foreign matter such as an organic substance existing in the environment. The foreign matter is removed by cleaning the glass sheet 10.

In the second inspection step S8, the glass sheet 10 that has been cleaned in the cleaning step S7 is inspected. Specifically, the main surface of the glass sheet 10 is optically measured to detect defects of the glass sheet 10. The defects of the glass plate 10 are, for example, stripes formed on the main surface of the glass plate 10, damage and cracks existing on the main surface of the glass plate 10, foreign matter adhering to the main surface of the glass plate 10, and existing inside the glass plate 10. Tiny bubbles, etc.

In the bag step S9, the glass sheet 10 which has passed the inspection in the second inspection step S8 and the spacer paper for protecting the glass sheet 10 are alternately laminated on the pallet and are wrapped. The glass sheet 10 that has been wrapped is shipped to the manufacturer of the FPD.

(2) Composition of glass plate manufacturing equipment

In the first inspection step S3, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 optically inspects the defects of the plain glass by the inspection apparatus 104 while conveying the plain glass by the conveyance apparatus 102. The defects are mainly foreign matter such as tiny bubbles existing inside the plain glass. 2 is a perspective view of a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. Fig. 3 is a side view of the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 as seen from the direction of the arrow III shown in Fig. 2. Figure 4 is a view from the direction of the arrow IV shown in Figure 2. A plan view of the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is examined. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is provided in a space that is controlled such that the pressure is fixed. Hereinafter, for convenience, the plain glass that is transported by the transport device 102 and inspected by the inspection device 104 is described as the glass sheet 10.

(2-1) Composition of the transport device

The conveying device 102 conveys the glass plate 10 in an upright state in the horizontal direction. The normal line of the main surface of the glass sheet 10 conveyed by the conveying device 102 is parallel to the horizontal direction. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis of the orthogonal coordinate system constituting the three-dimensional space are shown. The X axis is parallel to the conveying direction of the glass sheet 10. The Y axis is parallel to the normal to the major surface of the glass sheet 10. The Z axis is parallel to the vertical direction and is orthogonal to the normal to the major surface of the glass sheet 10.

The direction of the X-axis is the direction in which the glass sheet 10 is conveyed. Hereinafter, the negative direction of the X-axis is referred to as the upstream side, and the positive direction of the X-axis is referred to as the downstream side. The glass plate 10 is conveyed from the upstream side toward the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 4, when viewed from the upstream side toward the downstream side, the right side of the glass plate 10 is set to the Y-axis negative direction, and the left side of the glass plate 10 is set to the Y-axis positive direction. The direction of the Z axis is upward in the vertical direction.

The conveying device 102 mainly includes an upper guiding mechanism 110, a jig mechanism 112, a lower guiding mechanism 114, a plurality of air knives 116a, ..., and a plurality of guide plates 118a, .... Hereinafter, the main surface on the left side of the glass sheet 10 is referred to as the left main surface 10a, and the main surface on the right side of the glass sheet 10 is referred to as the right main surface 10b.

(2-1-1) Upper guiding mechanism

The upper guide mechanism 110 is a guide rail that extends in the X-axis direction above the conveyed glass sheet 10. The upper guide mechanism 110 is mounted with a clamp mechanism 112. The upper guide mechanism 110 has a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the clamp mechanism 112 in the X-axis direction.

(2-1-2) Fixture mechanism

The clamp mechanism 112 sandwiches the end portion of the glass plate 10 in the positive Z-axis direction, that is, the upper end portion. The clamp mechanism 112 mainly includes a base portion 112a and a plurality of clamping portions 112b. The base portion 112a is a member that extends in the X-axis direction. The base 112a is slidable together with the upper guiding mechanism 110 It is mounted to the upper guiding mechanism 110. The base portion 112a is movable in the X-axis direction by sliding together with the upper guiding mechanism 110. On the lower side of the base portion 112a, a plurality of nip portions 112b are attached at equal intervals along the X-axis direction. The nip portion 112b sandwiches the upper end portion of the glass sheet 10, and fixes the glass sheet 10 to the jig mechanism 112. Further, the number of the sandwiching portions 112b and the mounting position of the sandwiching portion 112b with respect to the base portion 112a may be appropriately set depending on the size of the glass plate 10, the conveying speed of the glass sheet 10, and the like.

The clamp mechanism 112 is conveyed in the X-axis direction by the upper guide mechanism 110. Thereby, the conveyance device 102 can convey the glass plate 10 clamped by the clamp mechanism 112 in the X-axis direction.

(2-1-3) lower guiding mechanism

The lower guiding mechanism 114 is a member that extends in the X-axis direction. A slit 114a is formed along the X-axis direction on the end surface of the lower guiding mechanism 114 in the positive Z-axis direction. The slit 114a accommodates a space of the lower end portion which is the end portion of the glass plate 10 to be conveyed in the negative Z-axis direction. The lower end of the glass plate 10 is not in contact with the bottom of the slit 114a. The lower guiding mechanism 114 suppresses the movement of the lower end portion of the glass sheet 10 conveyed by the upper guiding mechanism 110 in the Y-axis direction.

(2-1-4) air knife

The air knives 116a, ... are means for blowing a jet of air to the main surfaces 10a, 10b of the glass sheet 10. The air knives 116a, ... are disposed on the left and right sides of the glass sheet 10.

The air knives 116a, ... have ejection holes (not shown) for ejecting a jet of air. The discharge holes are formed in the front end portions of the air knives 116a, ... and elongated holes extending in the Z-axis direction. The air knives 116a, ... have a regulator (not shown) for controlling the amount of air ejected from the ejection holes. The regulator is for example a pressure regulating valve. The air knives 116a, ... have a wind direction adjusting mechanism (not shown) for controlling the direction of the air ejected from the ejecting holes on the XY plane. The wind direction adjustment mechanism is, for example, a mechanism that controls the posture of the air knives 116a, .... As described below, the air knives 116a, ... have an effect of suppressing the movement of the glass sheet 10 to be conveyed in the Y-axis direction and stabilizing the posture of the glass sheet 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 has four air knives 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d. Hereinafter, the four air knives 116a, 116b, 116c, and 116d are referred to as a first left air knife 116a, a first right air knife 116b, a second left air knife 116c, and a second right air knife 116d, respectively, as needed.

The first left air knife 116a and the second left air knife 116c are disposed on the left side of the glass plate 10. The first right air knife 116b and the second right air knife 116d are disposed on the right side of the glass sheet 10. The first left air knife 116a and the first right air knife 116b are disposed on the upstream side of the second left air knife 116c and the second right air knife 116d. In the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, the first left air knife 116a and the first right air knife 116b are disposed at the same position, and the second left air knife 116c and the second right air knife 116d are disposed at the same position. The distance between the first left air knife 116a and the left main surface 10a is the same as the distance between the first right air knife 116b and the right main surface 10b. The distance between the second left air knife 116c and the left main surface 10a is the same as the distance between the second right air knife 116d and the right main surface 10b.

The first left air knife 116a and the second left air knife 116c blow air toward the central portion of the left main surface 10a in the Z-axis direction. The first right air knife 116b and the second right air knife 116d blow air toward the central portion of the right main surface 10b in the Z-axis direction.

(2-1-5) guide

The guide plates 118a, ... are members that are disposed opposite to the main surfaces 10a, 10b of the glass sheet 10. The guide plates 118a, ... are disposed on the left and right sides of the glass sheet 10. The number of the guide plates 118a, ... is the same as the number of the air knives 116a, ....

The guide plates 118a, ... have a position adjustment mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the position in the Y-axis direction, and an angle adjustment mechanism (not shown) for controlling the direction on the XY plane. As described below, the guide plates 118a, ... are used to guide the air ejected from the air knives 116a, ... to the space between the guide plates 118a, ... and the glass plate 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 has four guide plates 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d. Hereinafter, the four guide plates 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d are referred to as a first left guide 118a, a first right guide 118b, a second left guide 118c, and a second right guide 118d, respectively, as needed.

The first left guide 118a and the second left guide 118c are disposed on the left side of the glass sheet 10. The first right guide plate 118b and the second right guide plate 118d are disposed on the right side of the glass plate 10. The first left guide 118a and the first right guide 118b are disposed on the upstream side of the second left guide 118c and the second right guide 118d. In the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, the first left guide 118a and the first right guide 118b are disposed at the same position, and the second left guide 118c and the second right guide 118d are disposed at the same position.

The first left guide 118a has a first left guiding surface 119a opposed to the left main surface 10a. The first right guide 118b has a first right guiding surface 119b opposed to the right main surface 10b. The second left guide 118c has a second left guiding surface 119c opposed to the left main surface 10a. The second right guide 118d has a second right guiding surface 119d opposed to the right main surface 10b. The distance between the first left guiding surface 119a and the left main surface 10a and the distance between the first right guiding surface 119b and the right main surface 10b are the same in the X-axis direction. The distance between the second left guiding surface 119c and the left main surface 10a and the distance between the second right guiding surface 119d and the right main surface 10b are the same in the X-axis direction.

Next, the effect of the first left guide 118a will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description can also be applied to the other guide plates 118b, 118c, 118d.

The first left guide 118a guides the air flowing from the first left air knife 116a along the first left guiding surface 119a to guide the air to the space between the first left guiding surface 119a and the left main surface 10a. Fig. 5 is a view for explaining the flow of air ejected from the first left air knife 116a and guided by the first left guide 118a. Fig. 5 is a plan view similar to Fig. 4. In Fig. 5, the flow of air is indicated by hollow arrows F1 to F4. As shown in FIG. 5, the first left guiding surface 119a of the first left guide 118a includes a guiding curved surface 119a1 and a guiding plane 119a2. The guide curved surface 119a1 gradually approaches the surface of the left main surface 10a from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The guiding plane 119a2 is located on the downstream side of the guiding curved surface 119a1 and is parallel to the left main surface 10a. The guiding curved surface 119a1 is smoothly connected to the guiding plane 119a2. That is, the first left guiding surface 119a gradually approaches the left main surface 10a from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The distance between the guiding plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a is the distance between the first left guiding surface 119a and the left main surface 10a. The minimum value.

Referring to Fig. 5, the flow of air ejected from the first left air knife 116a will be described. First, the jet of air is ejected from the discharge hole of the first left air knife 116a toward the guide curved surface 119a1 of the first left guide 118a (arrow F1). At this time, the jet of the ejected air is attracted to the first left guide 118a due to the Coanda effect. As a result, air flows along the guide curved surface 119a1 (arrow F2). At this time, the air flowing along the guide curved surface 119a1 draws in the surrounding air by the jet flow, and sucks in the surrounding air (arrow F3). Moreover, the air that has taken in the surrounding air flows in the space between the guiding plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a in the X-axis direction (arrow F4).

Further, on the downstream side of the first left guide 118a, a suction mechanism (not shown) for sucking gas is provided. The air passing through the space between the guiding plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a is sucked by the suction mechanism.

(2-2) Composition of inspection device

The inspection device 104 detects foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10 by an optical method. The inspection device 104 is disposed on the downstream side of the air knives 116a, ... and the guide plates 118a, ....

The inspection device 104 mainly includes a light source 120 and a line sensor 122. The light source 120 is disposed on the left side of the glass sheet 10. The line sensor 122 is disposed on the right side of the glass sheet 10 so as to face the light source 120. The light source 120 illuminates the line light extending in the Z-axis direction in the negative direction of the Y-axis. The line sensor 122 includes a plurality of cameras 122a arranged along the Z-axis direction. Line sensor 122 receives line light that is illuminated from light source 120 and that passes through glass sheet 10 using camera 122a. The line sensor 122 detects the deformation of the glass sheet 10 based on the change in the intensity of the received line light, thereby detecting the foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10. The focus area of the camera 122a of the line sensor 122 is ±5 mm or less.

(3) Specific examples of the glass plate manufacturing apparatus

An example of the configuration of the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described. 6 and 7 are views for explaining the dimensions and positions of the first left air knife 116a and the first left guide 118a. Figure 6 is related to Figure 3 The same side view. Fig. 7 is a portion of the plan view which is the same as Fig. 4 and is a view as seen from the direction of arrow VII shown in Fig. 6. Only the glass plate 10, the first left air knife 116a, the second left air knife 116c, the first left guide 118a, and the second left guide 118c are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The dimension L1 of the glass plate 10 in the X-axis direction is 2400 mm. The dimension L2 of the glass plate 10 in the Z-axis direction is 1550 mm. The conveying speed of the glass sheet conveyed in the X-axis direction by the conveying device 102 is 1200 mm/s. The following description can also be applied to other air knives 116b, 116c, 116d, and other guides 118b, 118c, 118d.

In Fig. 6, the dimension L3 of the first left air knife 116a in the Z-axis direction is 627 mm. The dimension L4 of the first left guide 118a in the Z-axis direction is 693 mm. The center position of the first left air knife 116a in the Z-axis direction is the same as the center position of the first left guide 118a in the Z-axis direction. The distance L5 between the upper end of the glass plate 10 and the upper end of the first left air knife 116a is 376 mm. The distance L6 between the lower end of the glass plate 10 and the lower end of the first left air knife 116a is 547 mm.

In Fig. 7, the dimension L7 of the first left guide 118a in the X-axis direction is 845 mm. The guiding curved surface 119a1 of the first left guiding plate 118a has an R shape on the XY plane, and has a diameter L8 of 300 mm. The dimension L9 of the guiding plane 119a2 of the first left guide 118a in the X-axis direction is 195 mm. The distance L10 between the guiding plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a is 10 mm. The first left air knife 116a is disposed so as to approach the left main surface 10a from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The minimum value L11 of the distance between the first left air knife 116a and the left main surface 10a is 32 mm. The angle θ between the first left air knife 116a and the left main surface 10a is 30 degrees. The maximum velocity of the air flowing in the space between the guiding plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a of the first left guide 118a is 1.0 m/s to 2.0 m/s. The speed of the air flowing in the space between the guiding plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a is adjusted according to the conveying speed of the glass sheet 10, and is preferably larger than the conveying speed of the glass sheet 10.

The larger the size of the first left air knife 116a and the first left guide 118a in the Z-axis direction, the better. The center position of the first left air knife 116a and the first left guide 118a in the Z-axis direction is preferably closer to the center position of the glass plate 10 in the Z-axis direction.

The numerical values L3 to L11 and θ related to the size and position of the first left air knife 116a and the first left guide 118a can be appropriately selected according to the sizes L1 and L2 of the glass sheet 10 and the conveying speed of the glass sheet 10. set up.

(4) Features

In the first inspection step S3, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 detects the foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10 by the inspection apparatus 104 by the inspection apparatus 104 while conveying the glass sheet 10 in the X-axis direction by the conveyance apparatus 102.

The air ejected from the air knives 116a, ... is blown to the main surfaces 10a, 10b of the glass sheet 10 conveyed by the conveying device 102. The air is guided by the guide plates 118a, ..., and flows in the space between the guide plates 118a, ... and the glass plate 10 along the X-axis direction.

Referring to Fig. 5, the action of the air ejected from the first left air knife 116a and guided by the first left guide 118a will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the air ejected from the first left air knife 116a flows along the guide curved surface 119a1 while sucking the surrounding air, and flows in the space between the guide plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a. The space between the first left guide plate 118a and the glass plate 10 is a flow path of air ejected from the first left air knife 116a, and gradually narrows from the upstream side toward the downstream side. Therefore, in the space between the first left guide 118a and the glass plate 10, the flow velocity of the air gradually increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side. In particular, in the space between the guiding plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a, the flow velocity of the air becomes maximum. According to Bernoulli's law, as the flow velocity of the air increases, the pressure of the air decreases, so that the space between the guide plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a becomes a negative pressure with respect to the surrounding space. As a result, the glass plate 10 receives a force in the Y-axis direction of the first left guide 118a. Similarly, the glass sheet 10 receives a force directed from the first right air knife 116b and guided by the first right guide 118b, and receives a force in the Y-axis direction of the first right guide 118b. Further, the glass plate 10 receives a force in the Y-axis direction of the second left guide 118c and a force in the Y-axis direction of the second right guide 118d. In this manner, the glass sheet 10 is subjected to a force in the positive direction of the Y-axis and a force in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and is conveyed in the X-axis direction.

The glass plate 10 receives the region where the force in the Y-axis direction is the largest due to the action of the guide plates 118a, ..., and the region in which the guide plates 118a, ... face each other, that is, the central region in the Z-axis direction. The central portion of the glass plate 10 in the Z-axis direction includes a clamp mechanism 112 that is farthest from the clamp glass plate 10 in the Z-axis direction, and a lower movement guide mechanism 114 that suppresses the movement of the glass plate 10 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the central region of the glass plate 10 to be conveyed in the Z-axis direction is not given any force in the Y-axis direction, it is likely to vibrate in the Y-axis direction due to a slight change in the pressure around the glass plate 10.

However, in the present embodiment, the glass plate 10 conveyed by the conveying device 102 is biased in the positive and negative directions of the Y-axis in the central region in the Z-axis direction. When the magnitude of the force in the positive direction of the Y-axis is the same as the magnitude of the force in the negative direction of the Y-axis, the force acting on the Y-axis direction of the glass sheet 10 is equalized. Therefore, the glass sheet 10 to be conveyed is less likely to be subjected to a change in the force in the Y-axis direction in the central region in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the vibration of the glass plate 10 in the Y-axis direction is lowered.

Further, the force in the Y-axis direction given to the glass sheet 10 to be conveyed can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate and direction of the air ejected from the air knives 116a, ... or the positions and angles of the guide plates 118a, ... Precision control. Therefore, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can easily reduce the vibration of the glass sheet 10 to be conveyed in the Y-axis direction.

Further, the air passing through the space between the guide plane 119a2 of the first left guide 118a and the left main surface 10a of the glass sheet 10 is sucked by the suction mechanism. Thereby, the airflow along the left main surface 10a in the space between the guide plane 119a2 and the left main surface 10a is stabilized, so that the vibration of the glass plate 10 in the Y-axis direction can be reduced.

When the glass plate 10 conveyed by the transport device 102 vibrates in the Y-axis direction, the focus position of the camera 122a of the line sensor 122 of the inspection device 104 is shifted, so that the detection accuracy of the foreign matter existing inside the glass plate 10 is lowered. . Further, when the focus area of the camera 122a of the line sensor 122 is shorter than ±3 mm, the focus position of the camera 122a requires a high precision, and therefore the detection accuracy of the foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10 is lowered. Therefore, since the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 100 can reduce the vibration of the glass plate 10 to be conveyed, and control the amplitude of the vibration of the glass plate 10 in the Y-axis direction to 1 mm or less, it is possible to suppress foreign matter existing inside the glass plate 10. Detection accuracy is reduced.

(5) Variations

In the above, the embodiment of the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

(5-1) Change A

The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the embodiment has four air knives 116a, 116b, 116c, and 116d, and four guide plates 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d. However, the number of the air knives 116a, ... and the number of the guide plates 118a, ... which the glass plate manufacturing apparatus 100 has may be set suitably according to the dimension L1, L2 of the glass plate 10, and the conveyance speed of the glass plate 10.

The larger the number of the air knives 116a, ... and the guide plates 118a, ... provided in the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the more stable the flow of air along the main surfaces 10, 10b of the glass sheets 10 becomes more effective. The vibration of the glass plate 10 to be conveyed in the Y-axis direction is suppressed. Therefore, even if the airflow in the Y-axis direction is generated in the space in which the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is provided, the vibration of the glass plate 10 in the Y-axis direction can be sufficiently suppressed, and the detection accuracy of the foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10 can be suppressed from being lowered.

(5-2) Change B

In the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, the air knives 116a, ... and the guide plates 118a, ... are provided on the upstream side of the inspection apparatus 104. However, the air knives 116a, ... and the guide plates 118a, ... may also be disposed on the downstream side of the inspection device. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 in the present modification. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 8 further has two air knives 116e and 116f and two guide plates 118e and 118f on the downstream side of the inspection apparatus. The air knife 116e and the guide plate 118e are disposed on the left side of the glass plate 10. The air knife 116f and the guide plate 118f are disposed on the right side of the glass plate 10.

In order to suppress the detection accuracy of the inspection device 104 from the foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10, it is important to lower the vibration of the glass sheet 10 on the upstream side of the inspection apparatus 104. However, by the present modification, not only the vibration of the glass plate 10 is lowered on the upstream side of the inspection device 104, but also the vibration of the glass plate 10 is lowered on the downstream side of the inspection device 104, so that the upstream side of the inspection device 104 can be further reduced. The vibration of the glass plate 10. Therefore, the present modification can more effectively suppress the detection accuracy of the inspection device 104 from detecting foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10.

(5-3) Change C

The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the embodiment has four air knives 116a, 116b, 116c, and 116d, and four guide plates 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d. The left main surface 10a of the glass plate 10 faces the downstream side from the upstream side, and faces the first left guide 118a and the second left guide 118c. When a plurality of guide plates 118a, ... are provided along the conveying direction of the glass sheet 10 as described above, the distance between the guide plates 118a, ... and the glass sheet 10 may be gradually reduced from the upstream side toward the downstream side. In other words, the guide plates 118a, ... can be brought closer to the glass sheet 10 along the conveying direction of the glass sheet 10.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 in the present modification. In Fig. 9, only the glass plate 10, the first left air knife 116a, the second left air knife 116c, the first left guide 118a, and the second left guide 118c are shown. As shown in FIG. 9, the minimum value L20 of the distance between the second left guiding surface 119c of the second left guiding plate 118c and the left main surface 10a is smaller than the first left guiding surface 119a and the left main of the first left guiding plate 118a. The minimum distance L10 between the surfaces 10a. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the minimum value of the distance between the second right guiding surface 119d and the right main surface 10b of the second right guide 118d is also smaller than the first right of the first right guide 118b. The minimum distance between the guiding surface 119b and the right main surface 10b.

The velocity of the air flowing in the space between the guide plates 118a, ... and the glass plate 10 as the guide plates 118a, ... are closer to the glass plate 10 when the air volume and the direction of the air ejected from all the air knives 116a, ... are the same. The more the increase, the lower the pressure of the air. Therefore, the guide The closer the glass plate 10 is to the glass plate 10, the greater the force acting on the Y-axis direction of the glass plate 10 toward the guide plates 118a, ..., so that the vibration of the glass plate 10 in the Y-axis direction can be more effectively reduced. However, when the distance between the upstream side guide plates 118a, ... and the glass plate 10 is too small, the glass plate 10 is in contact with the guide plates 118a, ... due to vibration in the Y-axis direction of the glass plate 10, and is broken. Worried. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance between the guide plates 118a, ... and the glass sheet 10 gradually decreases from the upstream side toward the downstream side as in the present modification.

(5-4) Variation D

In the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, air knives 116a, ... and guide plates 118a, ... are disposed on the left and right sides of the glass sheet 10. However, the air knife 116a, ... and the guide plates 118a, ... may be disposed only on the left side of the glass sheet 10 or only on the right side of the glass sheet 10.

For example, when only the air knife 116a, ... and the guide plates 118a, ... opposed to the left main surface 10a of the glass sheet 10 are disposed, the glass sheet 10 receives the force of the guide plates 118a, ... toward the left side. Since the air flows between the left main surface 10a of the glass sheet 10 and the guide sheets 118a, ..., the glass sheet 10 does not collide with the guide sheets 118a, ..., thereby stably maintaining the gap between the glass sheet 10 and the guide sheets 118a, ... The distance. Therefore, the glass plate 10 to be conveyed is not easily subjected to a change in force in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, in the present modification, the vibration of the glass plate 10 can also be reduced.

(5-5) Change E

In the first inspection step S3, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the embodiment detects the defect of the glass sheet 10 which is the plain glass obtained in the plate-shaped cutting step S2. However, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can also detect defects of the glass sheet 10 that has been cleaned in the cleaning step S7 in the second inspection step S8. In this case, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can also detect the foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10, and detect the streaks formed on the main surface of the glass sheet 10, the damage existing on the main surface of the glass sheet 10, and Cracks, foreign matter attached to the main surface of the glass sheet 10, and the like. Moreover, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can also detect foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10, and also detect streaks formed on the main surface of the glass sheet 10, which are present on the glass sheet. Damage and cracks on the surface of the main surface of 10, and foreign matter attached to the main surface of the glass sheet 10.

(5-6) Variation F

In the first inspection step S3, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the embodiment can sufficiently suppress the vibration of the glass sheet 10 in the Y-axis direction by the flow of air, thereby suppressing the detection accuracy of the foreign matter existing inside the glass sheet 10 from being lowered. The flow of the air is formed by the air ejected from the air knives 116a, ... and guided by the guide plates 118a, ..., and along the major surfaces 10a, 10b of the glass sheet 10.

However, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 may perform a cleaning step of removing foreign matter adhering to the main surfaces 10a and 10b of the glass sheet 10 before the first inspection step S3. The washing step is, for example, blowing air toward the main surfaces 10a, 10b, and blowing foreign matter adhering to the main surfaces 10a, 10b to remove the autonomous surfaces 10a, 10b. Specifically, in the cleaning step, high-pressure compressed air is ejected toward the main surfaces 10a and 10b using an air nozzle or the like, and foreign matter adhering to the main surfaces 10a and 10b is blown and removed. Thereafter, in the washing step, the compressed air ejected from the air nozzle is sucked together with the foreign matter removed by the autonomous surfaces 10a, 10b using a vacuum nozzle or the like provided in the vicinity of the air nozzle. The foreign matter is a cullet which is a glass microchip which is produced from the cut surface of the glass sheet in the sheet-like cutting step S2, and a conveying roller which is used to convey the glass sheet to the lower side in the forming step S1. And the substances produced.

In the present modification, the cleaning step of removing the foreign matter adhering to the main surfaces 10a and 10b of the glass sheet 10 is performed before the first inspection step S3, so that the inspection apparatus 104 can be more effectively suppressed from being present inside the glass sheet 10. The detection accuracy of the foreign matter is reduced.

(5-7) Change G

In the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, the vibration of the glass sheet 10 in the Y-axis direction can be sufficiently suppressed by the flow of air, and the flow of the air is ejected by the air blades 116a, ... and guided by the guide plates 118a, ... Formed along and along the major surfaces 10a, 10b of the glass sheet 10.

However, the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can also utilize the inspection in the first inspection step S3. The device 104 confirms whether or not the vibration of the glass plate 10 in the Y-axis direction is sufficiently suppressed. In the first inspection step S3, the camera 122a of the line sensor 122 of the inspection device 104 photographs the glass sheet 10 at the focus position in the Y-axis direction. The focus position is the position at which the focus of the image of the camera 122a is most aligned, in the focus area of the camera 122a. The focus position can be set to any position in the Y-axis direction. However, in order to effectively detect the defects dispersed in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the glass sheet 10, the focus position is preferably located at the center of the thickness direction of the glass sheet 10 when it is not vibrated in the Y-axis direction.

When the vibration of the glass plate 10 conveyed by the conveyance device 102 in the Y-axis direction is not sufficiently suppressed, there is a case where the glass plate 10 is deviated from the focus area of the camera 122a. In particular, when the focus area of the camera 122a is shorter than ±3 mm, the glass sheet 10 is liable to be deviated from the focus area by vibration in the Y-axis direction. If the glass plate 10 is deviated from the focus area of the camera 122a, there is a concern that the detection accuracy of the foreign matter existing inside the glass plate 10 is lowered.

Therefore, when the glass sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present modification detects that the glass sheet 10 is deviated from the focus area of the camera 122a in the first inspection step S3, the glass sheet 10 can be judged as a defective product, and It is conveyed to the cutting step S4 and taken off from the production line. Further, in order to determine whether or not the glass plate 10 is deviated from the focus area, a distance sensor that measures the distance from the camera 122a to the main surfaces 10a and 10b of the glass plate 10 in the Y-axis direction may be used. In this case, in order to make the imaging timing of the camera 122a as close as possible to the measurement timing of the distance sensor, it is preferable that the distance sensor is provided in the vicinity of the camera 122a.

Claims (11)

A method for producing a glass sheet, comprising: a conveying step of conveying a glass sheet in a first direction; and a suppressing step of suppressing a second direction intersecting the first direction when the glass sheet is conveyed in the first direction The step of suppressing the movement of the glass plate; and the suppressing step includes a first gas supply step of disposing the first gas on the first main surface of the glass plate and the first main surface The first gap between the first guiding members is flowed along the first main surface, and the force directed toward the first guiding member is applied to the glass plate. In the first gas supply step, the The first gas is ejected toward the first guiding member, and the first gas flows along the surface of the first guiding member and is guided to the first gap. The glass sheet manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the suppressing step further includes a second gas supply step of causing the second gas to be on the second main surface on the back side of the first main surface The second gap disposed between the second guiding members facing the second main surface flows along the second main surface, and the force directed toward the second guiding member is applied to the glass sheet. The method of producing a glass sheet according to claim 2, wherein in the second gas supply step, the second gas is discharged toward the second guiding member, whereby the second gas flows along a surface of the second guiding member It is guided to the above second gap. The glass sheet manufacturing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the conveying step, the glass sheet is suspended in a state parallel to the end portion while being suspended by sandwiching one end portion of the glass sheet The glass sheet is conveyed in one direction, and in the first gas supply step, the first gas flows in the first gap gradually narrowed along the first direction. In the second gas supply step, the second gas flows in the second gap which gradually narrows along the first direction. The glass sheet manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an inspection step of inspecting said glass sheet, and said suppressing step is performed at least before said inspecting step. A glass sheet manufacturing apparatus including: a conveying mechanism for conveying a glass sheet in a first direction; and a suppressing mechanism for suppressing crossing the first direction when the glass sheet is conveyed in the first direction The movement of the glass sheet in the second direction; and the suppression mechanism includes: a first guiding member having a first guiding surface facing the first main surface of the glass sheet; and a second guiding member having a second guiding surface facing the second main surface on the back side of the first main surface; a first gas ejecting mechanism that ejects the first gas toward the first guiding surface; and a second gas ejecting mechanism that faces the first (2) the second gas is ejected from the guide surface; and the first gas ejecting means causes the first gas to flow along the first main surface in the first gap between the first main surface and the first guiding surface The force directed to the first guiding member is applied to the glass plate, and the second gas ejecting means causes the second gas to follow the second main portion in a second gap between the second main surface and the second guiding surface Surface flow, The imparted force toward said second guide member to the glass plate of the first guide member so that the first gas flowing along the first guide surface and the above-described first guided to the first gas gap. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second guiding member causes the second gas to flow along the second guiding surface, and guides the second gas to the The second gap. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the conveying means transports the glass sheet to the first direction parallel to the end portion while the glass sheet is suspended by sandwiching one end portion of the glass sheet In the glass plate, the first guiding member has the first guiding surface that gradually approaches the first main surface along the first direction, and the second guiding member gradually approaches the second main surface along the first direction. The second guiding surface. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising an inspection mechanism for inspecting the glass sheet, wherein the suppression mechanism is provided at least on an upstream side of the inspection mechanism in the first direction. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the suppression means is further provided on a downstream side of the inspection means in the first direction. The glass sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, comprising: a plurality of the suppression mechanisms provided on the upstream side of the inspection mechanism in the first direction, and the first main surface and each of the plurality of suppression mechanisms The minimum distance between the first guiding surfaces and the minimum distance between the second main surface and the second guiding surface gradually decrease along the first direction.