Patent Publication Number: US-2016244245-A1

Title: Glass plate holder and glass plate transport device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a glass plate holder and a glass plate transport device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Various methods for transporting a glass plate having a plate-like shape have conventionally been proposed, and, for example, a device such as the device described in Patent Literature 1 is disclosed. Specifically, the device includes: a holder member that is folded in half so as to grip an end portion of a glass plate; and a fixing member that detachably supports the holder member gripping the glass plate. A fitting recessed portion is formed in the upper surface of the fixing member, and the holder member gripping the glass plate is inserted into this fitting recessed portion. It is thus possible to hold the glass plate in the upright position. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: International Publication WO 2007/123070 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     However, in order to hold a glass plate with the above-described device, it is necessary to carry out two processes, namely the process of gripping the glass plate with the holder member and the process of inserting the holder member into the fixing member. Also, it is necessary to support the holder member such that the holder member does not become separated from the glass plate, and there is thus the problem that the task of holding the glass plate on the device is laborious. Furthermore, since the glass plate can be heavy in weight in some cases, there is also the risk of the glass plate being damaged by a shock when it is inserted into the fixing member. The present invention is made in view of the problems above, and aims to provide a glass plate holder that is capable of holding a glass plate with a simple operation and is also capable of reducing a shock when the glass plate is mounted. 
     Solution to Problem 
     First Aspect of Invention 
     One aspect of the present invention is a glass plate holder for holding a flat glass plate in a vertical position, and includes: a clip configured to grip both surfaces of the glass plate; a supporting body that supports the clip and that has a guide portion that allows the clip to move in a vertical direction; and an elastic member that biases the clip upward. 
     With this configuration, it is possible to grip a glass plate by merely positioning the glass plate so as to be gripped by the clip. Also, since the clip is supported by the supporting body, the glass plate is held in the vertical position by the supporting body upon the glass plate being attached to the clip. Therefore, unlike with conventional examples, it is possible to hold the glass plate with a simple operation. Also, since the supporting body has a guide portion that allows the clip to move in the vertical direction, the clip is able to move in the vertical direction. Also, since the clip is biased upward by the elastic member, a shock can be moderated by the elastic member when the glass plate is positioned to the clip. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the glass plate from being damaged by a shock when mounting the glass plate. Note that the “vertical position” according to the present invention does not necessarily indicate the perfectly vertical position, and a certain degree of inclination is allowed. 
     In each glass plate holder above, the clip may be supported by the supporting body so as to be able to move in the thickness direction of the glass plate. This configuration allows the glass plate held by the glass plate holder to move in the thickness direction of the glass plate when force in the thickness direction is applied to the glass plate. Therefore, this configuration moderates a shock caused by the force thus applied. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the glass plate from being damaged. 
     In each glass plate holder above, the clip may be configured to include: a first gripping member that has a first contact portion configured to be in contact with one surface of the glass plate; a second gripping member that has a second contact portion configured to be in contact with the other surface of the glass plate; and a pivot portion that supports the first gripping member and the second gripping member such that the first gripping member and the second gripping member are rotatable relative to each other, and the supporting body may be configured to include a pressing portion that presses at least one of the gripping members so as to narrow a gap between the first contact portion and the second contact portion as the clip moves downward. 
     With this configuration, upon the glass plate being positioned between the first gripping member and the second gripping member of the clip, the clip moves downward due to the weight of the glass plate, and accordingly the pressing portion of the supporting body applies pressure so as to narrow the gap between the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the clip. Consequently, it is possible to reliably hold the glass plate in the holder with a very simple operation. 
     In each glass plate holder above, a configuration may be adopted in which the second gripping member: has a center of gravity on a side of a surface that is farther from the first gripping member; and rotates so as to move away from the first gripping member due to an effect of the center of gravity upon the clip moving upward. With this configuration, while the clip is moving upward, the second gripping member rotates so as to move away from the first gripping member due to the effect of the center of gravity because the gripping members are not pressed by the pressing portion. Consequently, it is possible to release the pressure and widen the gap between the gripping members of the clip by simply pulling the glass plate upward. Therefore, it is easy to detach the glass plate from the holder. Also, when the clip has moved upward, the gap between the gripping members is always wide, and it becomes easy to insert the glass plate between the gripping members. Therefore, it becomes easy to attach the glass plate to the holder. 
     In each glass plate holder above, a configuration may be adopted in which the clip is provided with an engaging member, the guide portion includes a guide groove with which the engaging member engages such that the engaging member is able to move in a vertical direction, and an upward movement of the engaging member is restricted by an upper end portion of the guide groove. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the clip from detaching from the supporting body even when the clip is biased upward by the elastic member. 
     In each glass plate holder above, the engaging member may be provided on a lower end portion of the clip, and a horizontal groove that extends in the thickness direction of the glass plate may be formed to communicate with a lower end portion of the guide groove. This configuration allows the engaging member of the clip to move along the horizontal groove in the situation where the clip has moved downward, and thus allows the glass plate held by the clip to move in the thickness direction of the glass plate when force in the thickness direction is applied to the glass plate, for example. Therefore, this configuration moderates a shock caused by the force thus applied. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the glass plate from being damaged. 
     In each glass plate holder above, the glass plate may be a glass plate for a car. Since it is easy to hold the glass plate, especially a large-sized windshield glass or the like can be loaded on, without being damaged. Also, since it is easy to detach the glass plate from the holder, the glass plate in the state of being held by the holder can be carried to an automated car manufacturing line. 
     In each glass plate holder above, a configuration may be adopted in which a molding is attached to at least part of a peripheral portion of the glass plate, the clip has a supporting portion that supports the glass plate, and the supporting portion supports an edge portion of the glass plate to which the molding is attached. With this configuration, the glass edge portion of the glass plate is supported by the supporting surface of the clip. In other words, the weight of the glass plate per se acts on the glass edge portion, and does not act on the molding attached to the glass peripheral portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the molding from being damaged or deformed by external force applied to it. 
     A glass plate transport device according to one aspect of the present invention includes at least one glass plate holder among the glass plate holders above. 
     Second Aspect of Invention 
     Various methods for transporting a glass plate having a plate-like shape have conventionally been proposed, and, for example, there is a stopper such as the stopper described in Utility Model Application Publication NO. H1-96861. This stopper is formed to have a standing plate-like shape. One surface has a supporting portion that supports a lower end portion of a glass plate, and the other surface has a contact portion that presses another glass plate. Therefore, in order to hold a glass plate with this stopper, at least two stoppers are used, and the glass plate is positioned between these stoppers. Specifically, the lower end portion of the glass plate is positioned on the supporting portion of one stopper, and the glass plate is pressed with the contact portion of another stopper. The number of stoppers increases as the number of glass plates increases. 
     However, when using the stopper above, it is necessary to prepare at least two stoppers in order to hold one glass plate, and it is necessary to position these stoppers together with the glass plate. Therefore, there is the problem that the task of holding the glass plate is laborious. The present invention is made in view of the problems above, and aims to provide a glass plate holder that is capable of holding a glass plate with a simple operation. 
     One aspect of the present invention is a glass plate holder for holding a flat glass plate in a vertical position, and includes: 
     a gripping body that is able to grip both surfaces of the glass plate; and 
     a supporting body that supports the gripping body, 
     wherein the gripping body has: 
     a first gripping member that is to be in contact with one surface of the glass plate; 
     a second gripping member that is to be in contact with the other surface of the glass plate; and 
     a mounting portion that is provided in the first gripping member and that supports an edge of the glass plate, and 
     the first gripping member is rotatably supported, and the mounting portion is positioned between a rotation center of the first gripping member and the second gripping member. 
     With this configuration, upon a glass plate being mounted on the mounting portion of the first gripping member, the first gripping member is pressed due to the weight of the glass plate per se, and rotates toward the second gripping member. This is because the mounting portion is positioned between the rotation center of the first gripping member and the second gripping member. As a result of the first gripping member rotating toward the second gripping member, the gripping members are able to grip the glass plate. Therefore, it is possible to hold the glass plate by performing a simple operation to mount the glass plate on the mounting portion. Note that the “vertical position” according to the present invention does not necessarily indicate the perfectly vertical position, and a certain degree of inclination is allowed. 
     In the glass plate holder above, the pressing portion that is able to press the glass plate can be formed in the first gripping member at a position higher than the mounting portion. Consequently, the first gripping member rotates toward the second gripping member and the pressing portion is able to press the glass plate, and therefore the glass plate can be stably gripped between the gripping members. 
     In each glass plate holder above, a configuration may be adopted in which the rotation center is positioned closer to the second gripping member than the center of gravity of the first gripping member is, and the first gripping member in the initial state rotates so as to move in the direction away from the second gripping member due to the effect of the center of gravity. With this configuration, in the initial state in which the glass plate is not mounted, the first gripping member rotates so as to move in the direction away from the second gripping member due to the effect of the center of gravity. Therefore, the gap between the gripping members is widened, and it becomes easy to insert the glass plate between the gripping members. Therefore, it becomes easy to attach the glass plate to the holder. 
     Each glass plate holder above may further include a base platform that supports the supporting body such that the supporting body is able to rotate about a shaft center that is parallel with the rotation center. With this configuration, the glass plate held by the glass plate holder swings together with the supporting body when force in the thickness direction is applied to the glass plate. Therefore, this configuration moderates a shock caused by the force thus applied. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the glass plate from being damaged. 
     In each glass plate holder above, the glass plate may be a glass plate for a car. Since it is possible to hold the glass plate with a simple operation, especially a large-sized front glass or the like can be loaded on, without being damaged. Also, since it is easy to detach the glass plate from the holder, the glass plate in the state of being held by the holder can be carried to an automated car manufacturing line. 
     A glass plate transport device according to one aspect of the present invention includes at least one glass plate holder among the glass plate holders above. 
     With the glass plate holder and the glass plate transport device according to aspects of the present invention, it is possible to hold a glass plate with a simple operation, and furthermore, it is possible to reduce a shock when the glass plate is mounted. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a glass plate. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a glass plate holder according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view pertaining to  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a clip. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view illustrating how to use the glass plate holder. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view illustrating how to use the glass plate holder. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view illustrating how to use the glass plate holder. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are front views illustrating how to use the glass plate holder. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view showing another example of the glass plate holder. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a glass plate transport device. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view pertaining to  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a glass plate. 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of a glass plate holder according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view pertaining to  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a front view illustrating how to use the glass plate holder shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a front view illustrating how to use the glass plate holder shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is a front view showing another example of the glass plate holder. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A. First Embodiment 
     First Aspect of Invention 
     The following describes a first embodiment of a glass plate holder according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. 
     1. Glass Plate with Molding 
     First, a description is given of a glass plate to be handled with the glass plate holder according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a glass plate. As shown in  FIG. 1 , this glass plate  1  is formed to have a plate-like shape with a first surface  11  and a second surface  12 , and is used in a car. A molding  2  that extends so as to have an elongated shape is attached to one peripheral portion of the glass plate  1 . The molding  2  is used for attaching the glass plate  1  to a car, and includes: a plate-like bonding portion  21  that is to be bonded to the second surface  12  of the glass plate  1 ; and a base portion  22  that extends from an end portion of the bonding portion  21  so as to cover an edge portion  13  of the glass plate  1 . An attaching portion  23  that is formed to have a U-like cross section and that is elastically deformable is coupled to the end portion of the base portion  22  on the bonding portion  21  side, i.e., the end portion of the glass plate  1  on the second surface  12  side. An opening  231  in the U-like attaching portion  23  faces in the direction of the first surface  11  of the glass plate  1 , and is configured to engage with an attachment-target member of a car to which the attaching portion  23  is to be attached. 
     2. Glass Plate Holder 
     Next, a description is given of the glass plate holder with reference to  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 2  is a front view of the glass plate holder,  FIG. 3  is a side view pertaining to  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 4  is a front view of a clip. As shown in  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 4 , the glass plate holder  3  includes: a clip  4  that grips the glass plate  1 ; and a supporting body  6  that supports the clip  4 . Also, a spring (elastic member)  5  is attached to a lower end portion of the clip  4 , and the clip  4  is biased upward by the spring  5 . The following describes each member. 
     2.1 Clip 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the clip  4  includes: a first gripping member  41  that faces the first surface  11  of the glass plate  1 ; and a second gripping member  42  that faces the second surface  12  of the glass plate  1 . The gripping members  41  and  42  are both formed to have a rectangular plate-like shape. In the first gripping member  41 , the surface that faces the second gripping member  42  constitutes a first gripping surface (first contact portion)  410 , and in the second gripping member  42 , the surface that faces the first gripping member  41  constitutes a second gripping surface (second contact portion)  420 . In other words, the glass plate  1  is gripped between the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface as described below. A shaft fixing portion  411  that has a cylindrical shape and extends in the horizontal direction along the edge of the first gripping member  41  is formed at a lower end portion of the first gripping member  41 , and a shaft body (engaging member)  43  is rotatably inserted into the shaft fixing portion  411  (see FIG.  2  and  FIG. 3 ). The shaft body  43  engages with the supporting body  6  as described below. 
     Also, a shaft member (pivot portion)  412  that extends in the horizontal direction along the first gripping surface  410  is attached to a portion of the first gripping member  41  above the shaft fixing portion  411 . The shaft member  412  is formed to have a circular cross section, and is attached to the first gripping surface  410  with a coupling portion  413  between them. The coupling portion  413  has a width that is smaller than the diameter of the shaft member  412 . Also, a step portion (supporting portion)  414  that extends in the horizontal direction is formed at a position higher than the shaft member  412  of the first gripping surface  410 . An upper end portion of the first gripping member  41  is curved outward, away from the second gripping member  42 . 
     Next, a description is given of the second gripping member  42 . A fixing portion  421  that has a U-like cross section and that engages with the shaft member  412  of the first gripping member  41  is provided at a lower end portion of the second gripping member  42 . More specifically, the fixing portion  421  is formed such that a U-like opening  4211  faces toward the first gripping member  41  and extends in the horizontal direction. The shaft member  412  of the first gripping member is fitted into the fixing portion  421  so as to be rotatable about the shaft. Thus, the gripping members  41  and  42  are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other about the shaft member  412  serving as the pivot, and the distance of the upward-opening gap between the gripping members  41  and  42  can be increased and reduced. 
     A bulging portion  423  that is formed to have a large thickness and that bulges toward the first gripping member  41  is formed above the fixing portion  421  of the second gripping member  42 . Thus, a recessed portion is formed between the fixing portion  421  and the bulging portion  423 , and the attaching portion  23  of the molding  2  is housed within this recessed portion as described below. A cushion member  422  made of urethane or the like is positioned on the upper surface of the fixing portion  421  below the recessed portion, and serves as a buffer member for the molding  2  of the glass plate  1  gripped by the clip  4 . The center of gravity of the second gripping member  42  is located on the side of the surface of the bulging portion  423  that is farther from the first gripping member  41 . Thus, the second gripping member  42  swings in the direction away from the first gripping member  41  due to the effect of the center of gravity unless external force is applied. An upper end portion of the second gripping member  42  is curved outward, away from the first gripping member  41 . 
     2.2 Supporting Body 
     Next, a description is given of the supporting body  6 . As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the supporting body  6  is formed to have a rectangular shape, and includes: a base plate  61  that extends in the horizontal direction; and a pair of supporting plates  62  that respectively stand on both sides of the base plate  61  opposing each other. Each supporting plate  62  is formed to have a trapezoidal shape, and a slit  621  is formed in an upper end portion of each supporting plate  62 . Each slit  621  has an upward opening in its upper end, and extends in the vertical direction. Also, in each supporting plate  62 , a guide groove  622  having an elongated hole shape and extending in the vertical direction is formed below its slit  621 . Also, a horizontal groove  623  that extends in the horizontal direction is formed in a lower end portion of each guide groove  622 , and the horizontal groove  623  communicates with the guide groove  622 . Both end portions of the shaft body  43 , inserted into the shaft fixing portion  411  of the clip  4  described above, engage with the guide grooves  622 . The clip  4  is thus configured to move up and down relative to the supporting body  6  as the shaft body  43  moves up and down along the guide grooves  622 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the spring  5  is positioned between the upper surface of the base plate  61  of the supporting body  6  and the lower end portion of the clip  4 . The clip  4  is thus biased upward. However, since the shaft body  43  attached to the clip  4  engages with the guide grooves  622  of the supporting body  6  as described above, the upward movement of the clip  4  is restricted by the shaft body  43  coming into contact with respective upper end portions of the guide grooves  622 . 
     A pair of guide bars (pressing portions)  63  are respectively attached to both sides of the slit  621  formed in each supporting plate  62 . The guide bars  63  extend so as to couple the supporting plates  62 , which face each other, to each other, and the clip  4  is positioned between the guide bars  63 . The guide bars  63  are adjusted to be positioned at a position that is slightly higher than the shaft member  412  of the clip  4  in the initial state in which the glass plate  1  is not held. The clip  4  is configured to move up and down between the guide bars  63 , and the gripping members  41  and  42  are each configured to swing relative to each other. 
     3. How to Hold Glass Plate 
     Next, a description is given of how to hold the glass plate  1  with the glass plate holder  3  having the above-described configuration with reference to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  as well. As shown in  FIG. 2 , when not holding the glass plate  1 , the clip  4  is biased upward by the spring  5 . Since a large part of the clip  4  is located at a position higher than the guide bars  63 , the second gripping member  42  is not considerably restricted by the guide bars  63 , and hence rotates so as to move away from the first gripping member  41  due to the effect of the center of gravity. Thus, the gap between the gripping members  41  and  42  is wide. Consequently, it is easy to insert the glass plate  1  between the gripping members  41  and  42 . 
     Next, orientation adjustment is performed such that the edge portion  13  of the glass plate  1 , to which the molding  2  is attached, is orientated downward, and the first surface  11  of the glass plate  1  faces the first gripping member  41 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the glass plate  1  is inserted between the gripping members  41  and  42  such that the corner of the edge portion  13  on the first surface  11  side is mounted on the step portion  414  of the first gripping member  41 . Upon the edge portion  13  being mounted on the step portion  414  of the first gripping member  41 , the first gripping member  41  is pressed downward due to the weight of the glass plate  1 , and consequently the clip  4  moves downward, acting against the spring  5 . In the meantime, the gripping members  41  and  42  move downward between the guide bars  63 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in order to be able to pass through the gap between the guide bars  63 , the gripping members  41  and  42  rotate so as to narrow the gap while being pressed by the guide bars  63 , and thus move downward. Consequently, the glass plate  1  is gripped between the gripping members  41  and  42  and is fixed. Then, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the clip  4  moves downward until the shaft body  43  comes into contact with the lower end portion of the guide groove  622 . Note that since the slits  621  are respectively formed in the supporting plates  62  of the supporting body  6 , the glass plate  1  is inserted into the slits  621  even if the glass plate  1  is longer than the distance between the supporting plates  62 , and the glass plate  1  does not interfere with the supporting body  6 . 
     Upon the clip  4  being thus positioned on the bottom portion, the vicinities of the respective upper end portions of the gripping members  41  and  42  are pressed by the guide bars  63 , the gap between the gripping members  41  and  42  is narrowed, and the glass plate  1  is firmly held between them. In this situation, the glass plate  1  is supported by the step portion  414  of the first gripping member  41 . Therefore, the attaching portion  23  of the molding  2  only lightly presses the cushion member  422 , and is not supported by the gripping members  41  and  42 . Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to support the glass plate  1  without applying force to the attaching portion  23 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the attaching portion  23  from deforming due to external force. 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the clip  4  is configured such that its lower end portion swings in the horizontal direction if force in the thickness direction is applied to the glass plate  1  in this situation. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8A , if a force F 1  is applied to the glass plate  1 , the clip  4  swings about the respective vicinities of the guide bars  63  serving as the pivots, and the shaft body  43  attached to the lower end portion of the clip  4  moves in a horizontal direction S 1  along the horizontal grooves  623  coupled to the respective lower end portions of the guide grooves  622 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 8B , if a force F 2  is applied to the glass plate  1 , the clip  4  swings about the vicinities of the guide bars  63  serving as the pivots, and the shaft body  43  moves in a horizontal direction S 2  along the horizontal grooves  623 . Thus, the force applied to the glass plate  1  in the thickness direction can be released, and force acting on the glass plate  1  can be moderated. 
     Also, it is possible to detach the glass plate  1  from the holder  3  by pulling the glass plate  1  upward. Consequently, the weight of the glass plate  1  acting on the clip  4  is eliminated, and the clip  4  is biased upward by the spring  5 . When a large part of the clip  4  is located at a position higher than the guide bars  63 , the second gripping member  42  swings away from the first gripping member  41  due to the effect of the center of gravity. Consequently, the glass plate  1  is released from the state of being gripped between the gripping members  41  and  42 , and it becomes possible to detach the glass plate  1  from the clip  4 . 
     4. Features 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to grip the glass plate  1  with the clip  4  by positioning the glass plate  1  between the first gripping member  41  and the second gripping member  42  of the clip  4 . Also, since the clip  4  is supported by the supporting body  6 , the glass plate  1  is held by the supporting body  6  in the vertical position upon the glass plate  1  being attached to the clip  4 . Therefore, unlike conventional examples, it is possible to hold the glass plate  1  with a simple operation. Also, since the clip  4  is biased upward by the spring  5 , a shock can be moderated by the spring  5  when the glass plate  1  is positioned to the clip  4 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the glass plate  1  from being damaged by a shock when mounting the glass plate  1 . 
     5. Modifications 
     Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The following are examples of modifications that can be made. 
     5.1 
     For example, in the embodiment above, the second gripping member  42  rotates so as to move away from the first gripping member  41  due to the effect of the center of gravity. However, an alternative configuration may be adopted in which, in the situation where the glass plate  1  has not been mounted to the clip  4 , the gap between the gripping members  41  and  42  is widened by a spring or the like. 
     5.2 
     In the embodiment above, the gripping members  41  and  42  are sandwiched between the guide bars  63 , and the guide bars  63  apply pressure so as to reduce the distance between the gripping members  41  and  42 . However, the present invention is not particularly limited to the embodiment if the supporting body is provided with a member or a part that is able to apply pressure so as to reduce the distance between the gripping members  41  and  42 . 
     5.3 
     In the embodiment above, the horizontal groove  623  allows the clip  4  to move in the horizontal direction. However, another configuration may be adopted insofar as the clip  4  is supported by the supporting body  6  so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. 
     5.4 
     In the embodiment above, the clip is biased by using the spring  5 . However, instead of the spring  5 , another elastic member that is able to bias the clip  4  upward may be used. 
     5.5 
     The clip  4  only needs to be able to grip the glass plate  1 , and may be configured not to change the distance between the gripping surfaces  410  and  420 . Also, a cushion member may be provided on the step portion (supporting portion)  414  of the first gripping member  41 . 
     5.6 
     The configuration of the supporting body  6  is not particularly limited, and it suffices if at least a guide portion that allows the clip to move up and down is formed. 
     5.7 
     In the embodiment above, a description has been given of the case of holding a glass plate for a car, provided with a molding. However, it is of course possible to hold a different kind of glass plate that is not provided with a molding. 
     5.8 
     In the glass plate holder  3  according to the embodiment above, a single clip  4  is attached to the supporting body  6 . However, a plurality of clips may be attached. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the base plate  61  and the supporting plates  62  are each formed to have a shape elongated in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of sets of grooves, each set of grooves composed of the slit  621 , the guide groove  622 , and the horizontal groove  623 , are formed as grooves for supporting clips. Then, the clip  4  provided with a plurality of springs is attached to each set of grooves. This configuration makes it possible to support a plurality of glass plates. Note that the number of clips  4  attached to a single supporting body  6  is not particularly limited. 
     5.9 
     It is also possible to manufacture a glass plate transport device that has the above-described glass plate holders  3  that are able to support a plurality of glass plates.  FIG. 10  is a front view of such a glass plate transport device, and  FIG. 11  is a plan view pertaining to  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , this glass plate transport device includes: a base platform  81  that is formed to have a rectangular shape; and a pair of side plates  82  that respectively stand on both sides of the base platform  81 , and casters  83  for transport are attached to the lower surface of the base platform  81 . Supporting platforms  84  are respectively provided near the side plates  82  on the base platform  81 . Each of the supporting platforms  84  is a member that extends along the corresponding side plate  82  in one direction, and their respective upper surfaces are inclined obliquely downward toward the center of the base platform  81  (the center in the left-right direction in  FIG. 10 ). The glass plate holders  3 , each having the plurality of clips  4  shown in  FIG. 9 , are respectively positioned on the upper surfaces of the supporting platforms  84 . 
     With this configuration, a single glass plate  1  is supported by the clips  4  of the pair of glass plate holders  3 . Note that in this example, the bottom edge of the glass plate  1  is curved so as to protrude downward, the upper surfaces of the supporting platforms  84  are formed to be inclined so that the glass plate holders  3  incline. Consequently, the clips  4  of each glass plate holder  3  are attached to be orthogonal to the lower surface of the glass plate  1 , and it is thus possible to stably hold the glass plate  1 . Also, since the plurality of clips  4  are positioned on each glass plate holder  3 , it is possible to hold a plurality of glass plates  1  in parallel at predetermined intervals. 
     Also, a plurality of partition members  85  in two rows are positioned between the supporting platforms  84  along the supporting platforms  84 , at predetermined intervals. Each partition member  85  is formed to have a rod-like shape extending upward. Each partition member  85  is positioned between adjacent glass plates  1 , and thus the partition members  85  prevents adjacent glass plates  1  from touching one another. 
     The glass plate transport device having the above-described configuration makes it possible to transport a plurality of glass plates  1 . Note that the configuration of the glass plate transport device is not limited to this configuration, and it suffices if the glass plate transport device is provided with the base platform  81  and the glass plate holder  3  attached to the upper surface of the base platform  81 . The base platform  81  may be provided with a travelling mechanism such as the casters  83 , or, instead, have a palette shape that allows for transport with a forklift. The number of glass plate holders  3  used for holding a single glass plate  1  may be other than 2, and may be 1, 3, or more than 3. In the case where the supporting platforms  84  are provided, their upper surfaces may be horizontal surfaces, depending on the type of the glass plate  1 . If this is the case, the supporting platforms  84  may be omitted. Furthermore, the partition members  85  are not essential, and a different buffer member may be positioned. Also, a single glass plate holder  3  provided with a plurality of clips  4 , or a plurality of glass plate holders  3 , may be positioned on the base platform  81 . 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           1  glass plate 
           11  first surface 
           12  second surface 
           2  molding 
           22  base portion 
           23  attaching portion 
           4  clip 
           41  first gripping member 
           410  first gripping surface (first contact portion) 
           412  shaft member (pivot portion) 
           414  step portion (supporting portion) 
           42  second gripping member 
           420  second gripping surface (second contact portion) 
           43  shaft body (engaging member) 
           5  spring (elastic member) 
           6  supporting body 
           622  guide groove 
           623  horizontal groove 
           63  guide bar (pressing portion) 
       
    
     B. Second Embodiment 
     Second Aspect of Invention 
     The following describes a second embodiment of a glass plate holder according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. 
     1. Glass Plate with Molding 
     First, a description is given of a glass plate to be handled with the glass plate holder according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a glass plate. As shown in  FIG. 12 , this glass plate  1  has almost the same configuration as the configuration described in the first embodiment, and the difference lies in that the molding  2  is attached to the first surface  11  of the glass plate  1 . Therefore, a detailed description is omitted. 
     2. Glass Plate Holder 
     Subsequently, a description is given of the glass plate holder with reference to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the glass plate holder, and  FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the same. As shown in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , this glass plate holder  131  has a first gripping member  110  and a second gripping member  210  that grip the glass plate  1 , and the gripping members  110  and  210  are supported by a supporting body  14 . Furthermore, this supporting body  14  is supported by a base platform  15 . The following describes each member. 
     The gripping members  110  and  210  are both formed to have a plate-like shape, and are supported by the supporting body  14  so as to face each other in the upright position. In the first gripping member  110 , the surface facing the second gripping member  210  constitutes a first gripping surface  101 , and in the second gripping member  210 , the surface facing the first gripping member  110  constitutes a second gripping surface  201 . Specifically, the glass plate  1  is gripped between the first gripping surface  101  and the second gripping surface  201  as described below. 
     A shaft member  115  that extends in the horizontal direction along the edge of the first gripping member  110  is fixed to the lower end portion of the first gripping member  110 , and the first gripping member  110  is configured to be rotatable on the supporting body  14  about the shaft member  115  serving as the rotation center. Thus, the distance of the upward-opening gap between the gripping members  110  and  210  can be increased or reduced. Here, the shaft member  115  is positioned slightly on the second gripping member  210  side rather than at the center of the first gripping member  110  in the thickness direction. Therefore, the center of gravity of the first gripping member  110  is located outside the shaft member  115  (on the opposite side to the second gripping member  210 ). For this reason, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the first gripping member  110  rotates so as to move in the direction away from the second gripping member  210  due to the effect of the center of gravity unless external force is applied. Consequently, the gap between the gripping members  110  and  210  is wider at a higher position. 
     A mounting portion  116  having a groove-like shape extending in the horizontal direction is formed in a mid-portion of the first gripping surface  101  in the vertical direction, and the edge portion  13  of the glass plate  1  is mounted on a surface  1161 , which faces upward, of the mounting portion  116 . The mounting portion  116  is set to have the following positional relationship with the shaft member  115  above. Specifically, the mounting portion  116  is positioned higher than the shaft member  115 , and is positioned between the shaft member  115  and the second gripping member  210  in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, a portion of the first gripping surface  101  above the mounting portion  116  constitutes a pressing portion  117  that protrudes toward the second gripping member  210 . As described below, this pressing portion  117  is configured to be able to press the surface of the glass plate  1  when the glass plate  1  is gripped. 
     The second gripping member  210  is also supported by the supporting body  14 . However, the second gripping member  210  is fixed in the upright position so as not to move on the supporting body  14 . Therefore, the glass plate  1  is gripped between the gripping members  110  and  210  as a result of the first gripping member  110  swinging toward the second gripping member  210 . An upper end portion of the second gripping surface  201  has a surface that inclines outward in the direction away from the first gripping member  110 . 
     Next, a description is given of the supporting body  14 . As shown in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , the supporting body  14  includes: a first supporting portion  141  that supports the gripping members  110  and  210 ; and a second supporting portion  142  that is formed below the first supporting portion  141  and that supports a supporting shaft body  16  for coupling to the base platform  15 , and the supporting portions  141  and  142  are formed integrally with each other. The first supporting portion  141  is formed to have a U-like shape including: a base plate  1411  having a rectangular shape; and a pair of side plates  1412  that respectively stand on both sides of the base plate  1411 . The gripping members  110  and  210  are positioned between the pair of side plates  1412 . The first gripping member  110  is positioned on the left side of the supporting body  14  in  FIG. 13 , and both ends of the shaft member  115  fixed to the lower end portion of the first gripping member  110  are rotatably supported by the pair of side plates  1412 . Thus, the first gripping member  110  rotates relative to the supporting body  14  about the shaft member  115  serving as the rotation center. On the other hand, the second gripping member  210  is positioned on the right side of the supporting body  14  in  FIG. 13 . The lower end portion of the second gripping member  210  is fixed to the pair of side plates  1412  with bolts  143  so that the second gripping member  210  maintains the upright position and does not move. 
     The second supporting portion  142  of the supporting body  14  is formed to have a U-like shape including: a bottom plate  1421  having a rectangular shape; and a pair of coupling plates  1422  that respectively stand on both sides of the bottom plate  1421 . Respective upper end portions of the coupling plates  1422  are coupled to the lower surface of the base plate  1411  of the first supporting portion  141 . A through holes is formed in each coupling plate  1422 , and the supporting shaft body  16  is inserted into these through holes. 
     Next, a description is given of the base platform  15 . The base platform  15  is formed to have a U-like shape with: a base plate  151  having a plate-like shape; and side plates  152  that respectively stand on both sides of the base plate  151 . The supporting body  14  is positioned between the side plates  152 . More specifically, a through hole is formed in each of the pair of side plates  152 , and the supporting shaft body  16  of the supporting body  14  is rotatably inserted into these through holes. Thus, the supporting body  14  is swingable about the supporting shaft body  16  relative to the base platform  15 . However, when the supporting body  14  swings, the bottom plate  1421  of the second supporting portion  142  of the supporting body  14  comes into contact with the base plate  151  of the base platform  15 , and the swingable range of the supporting body  14  is thus limited. 
     3. How to Hold Glass Plate 
     Next, a description is given of how to hold the glass plate  1  with the glass plate holder having the above-described configuration with reference to  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , when the glass plate  1  is not being held, the first gripping member  110  swings in the direction away from the second gripping member  210  due to the effect of the center of gravity, and thus the gap between the gripping members  110  and  210  is wide. Consequently, it is easy to insert the glass plate  1  between the gripping members  110  and  210 . 
     Next, orientation adjustment is performed such that the edge portion of the glass plate  1 , to which the molding  2  is attached, is orientated downward, and the first surface  11  of the glass plate  1  faces the first gripping member  110 . Then, the glass plate  1  is inserted between the gripping members  110  and  210  such that the attaching portion  23  of the molding  2  is mounted on the mounting portion  116  of the first gripping member  110 . Since the attaching portion  23  is positioned so as to protrude from the first surface  11  of the glass plate  1 , it is easy to mount the attaching portion  23  on the mounting portion  116 . Upon the molding  2  being mounted on the mounting portion  116  of the first gripping member  110 , the first gripping member  110  is pressed downward due to the weight of the glass plate  1 . Consequently, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the first gripping member  110  rotates about the shaft member  115  toward the second gripping member  210 , and thus narrows the gap between the gripping members  110  and  210 . At this time, the pressing portion  117  of the first gripping member  110  presses the first surface  11  of the glass plate  1 , and accordingly the glass plate  1  is gripped between the gripping members  110  and  210  and is fixed in the upright position. 
     If force in the thickness direction is applied to the glass plate  1  in this situation, the supporting body  14  swings about the supporting shaft body  16 . Thus, the force applied to the glass plate  1  in the thickness direction can be released, and force acting on the glass plate  1  can be moderated. 
     Also, it is possible to detach the glass plate  1  from the holder  131  by pulling the glass plate  1  upward. Consequently, the weight of the glass plate  1  acting on the mounting portion  116  is eliminated, and the first gripping member  110  rotates so as to move in the direction away from the second gripping member  210  due to the effect of the center of gravity. As a result, the glass plate  1  is released from the state of being gripped between the gripping members  110  and  210 , and it becomes possible to detach the glass plate  1  from the holder  131 . 
     4. Features 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, upon the glass plate  1  being mounted on the mounting portion  116  of the first gripping member  110 , the first gripping member  110  rotates toward the second gripping member  210  due to the weight of the glass plate  1  per se. This is because the mounting portion  116  is positioned between the rotation center of the first gripping member  110  and the second gripping member  210 . It is possible to grip the glass plate  1  with the gripping members  110  and  210  as a result of the first gripping member  110  rotating toward the second gripping member  210 . Therefore, it is possible to hold the glass plate  1  by performing a simple operation to mount the glass plate  1  on the mounting portion  116 . 
     5. Modifications 
     Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The following are examples of modifications that can be made. 
     5.1 
     For example, in the embodiment above, the first gripping member  110  rotates so as to move away from the second gripping member  210  due to the effect of the center of gravity. However, an alternative configuration may be adopted in which, in the situation where the glass plate  1  has not been mounted, the gap between the gripping members  110  and  210  is widened by a spring or the like. 
     5.2 
     In the embodiment above, the pressing portion  117  is provided on the first gripping member. However, the pressing portion  117  is not essential. It is possible to hold the glass plate  1  with the vertical wall surface of the mounting portion  116  and the second gripping member  210 . 
     5.3 
     Although the mounting portion  116  is formed to have a groove-like shape, the shape is not particularly limited insofar as at least an end surface of the glass plate  1  can be mounted on it. For example, it is possible to provide a protruding portion that protrudes from the first gripping surface  101 , and use the upper surface of the protruding portion as the mounting surface. 
     5.4 
     In the embodiment above, the base platform  15  is provided. However, the base platform  15  need not be provided, and the supporting body  14  may be used as a platform. 
     5.5 
     The configurations of the supporting body  14  and the base platform  15  are not particularly limited. The supporting body  14  only needs to be able to support the gripping members  110  and  210  as described above, and the base platform  15  only needs to be able to support the supporting body  14 . 
     5.6 
     In the embodiment above, a description has been given of the case of holding a glass plate for a car, provided with a molding. However, it is of course possible to hold a different kind of glass plate that is not provided with a molding. Even in the case of a glass plate without a molding, it is possible to mount any end surface on the mounting portion  116 . 
     5.7 
     Also, although the second gripping member  210  is configured so as not to move on the supporting body  14 , the second gripping member  210  may be rotatably supported as with the first gripping member  110 . 
     5.8 
     In the embodiment above, a single holder  131  is attached to the base platform  15 . However, a plurality of holders  131  may be attached. For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the base platform  15  is formed to have a shape elongated in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of holders  131  are attached to the base platform  15  at predetermined intervals. This configuration makes it possible to support a plurality of glass plates. Note that the number of holders  131  to be attached to a single base platform  15  is not particularly limited. 
     5.9 
     It is also possible to manufacture a glass plate transport device that has the above-described glass plate holders  131  that are capable of supporting a plurality of glass plates. For example, in the glass plate transport device shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the holders  131  according to the second embodiment may be used instead of the glass plate holder  3  according to the first embodiment. Specifically, it is possible to position the base platforms  15 , each having the plurality of holders  131  shown in  FIG. 17 , on the upper surfaces of the supporting platforms  84  of the glass plate transport device above. 
     Such a glass plate transport device makes it possible to transport a plurality of glass plates  1  as with the first embodiment. Note that the configuration of the glass plate transport device is not limited to this configuration. For example, the supporting platforms  84  or the base platform  5  need not be provided, and the glass plate holders  3  may be attached directly to the base plate  81 . Other modifications may have the same configuration as the configuration described for the glass plate transport device according to the first embodiment. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           1  glass plate 
           11  first surface 
           12  second surface 
           110  first gripping member 
           115  shaft member (rotation center) 
           116  mounting portion 
           117  pressing portion 
           210  second gripping member 
           2  molding 
           14  supporting body 
           15  base platform