Abstract:
The present invention introduces a solution by providing a supporting apparatus for glass substrate and which comprises a first supporting member creating a first supporting surface along a first horizontal direction. A second supporting member is included to create a second supporting surface and arranged spatially and perpendicular to the first supporting member. The supporting apparatus further includes at least two buffering devices arranged between the first and second supporting surfaces for providing an attenuating effect when a fully loaded cartridge is landed thereupon.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a field of liquid crystal display, and more particularly, to a supporting apparatus for glass substrate cartridge. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    During the manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel, the glass substrates are generally carried within a cartridge and then moved to different workstations. Typically, a cartridge can stack upto fifty-six (56) sheets of glass substrates. However, when those glass substrates are stacked within the cartridge, every two adjacent glass substrates are spaced merely twenty-one (21) millimeters, and as the glass substrate has a comparable larger dimension, typically 500 mm×2200 mm with a thickness of 0.4˜0.7 mm. It is vulnerable to break apart under shock because of its extreme brittleness. Accordingly, care has to be taken so as to avoid such detrimental situation. 
         [0003]    In an automatic transportation system, the cartridge carried with glass substrates can be moved by an automatic transportation vehicle or manually. Currently, a mover is moved to the cartridge to lift it up with its forks. Then the cartridge is moved to a supporting platform. 
         [0004]    Since cartridge is disposed on the supporting platform in a head-to-head manner without any buffer therebetween, and the weight of a fully loaded cartridge can reach to seven hundred and forty kilograms (740 kg), a rough touch down or landing of the cartridge onto the supporting platform can easily create a shockwave to break the glass substrates within the cartridge. If this is happen, a grave loss of the glass substrates will be encountered. 
         [0005]    It is therefore a necessity to provide a supporting apparatus for cartridge to effectively reduce any shockwave during the landing or touch-down of the cartridge onto the supporting platform. As a result, damages from breaking the glass substrates can be avoided. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The main issue of prior art will be addressed by the present invention as a supporting apparatus for supporting glass substrate cartridge is provided. The supporting apparatus is specially provided with a buffering device which can effectively attenuate any shockwave resulted from a rough landing of the cartridge on the supporting apparatus. 
         [0007]    In order to resolve the technical issue discussed above, the present invention introduces a solution by providing a supporting apparatus for glass substrate and which comprises a first supporting member creating a first supporting surface along a first horizontal direction. A second supporting member is included to create a second supporting surface, and arranged spatially and perpendicular to the first supporting member. The supporting apparatus further includes at least two buffering devices arranged between the first and second supporting surfaces for providing an attenuating effect when a fully loaded cartridge is landed thereupon. 
         [0008]    Wherein the first supporting member is configured with at least two first supporting hoards spatially arranged along the horizontal direction to define the first supporting surface, the second supporting member is configured with at least two second supporting boards spatially arranged along the horizontal direction to define the second supporting surface. 
         [0009]    Wherein the buffering devices includes a cylinder configured by a body and a piston moveably disposed within the body, and a piston rod having a first end interconnected to the piston and a second end extending out of the body, the body is securely attached to the first supporting member, and the second supporting member is securely attached to the second end of the piston rod. 
         [0010]    Wherein the buffering device further includes a connecting hoard interconnected to the second ends of the piston rod so as to simultaneously move upward and downward with the pistons within the body, the second supporting member is interconnected to the connecting board. 
         [0011]    Wherein the buffering device includes a guiding rod and a elastic member, an end of the guiding rod is interconnected to the first supporting member and further extends along vertical direction, wherein the elastic member is enveloped onto the guiding rod and is arranged between the first and second supporting members. 
         [0012]    Wherein the second supporting member is defined with a guiding hole in which a bushing is arranged for moveably supporting the second supporting member onto the guiding rod and to move along the guiding rod. 
         [0013]    Wherein a stopper is arranged between the supporting member and the guiding rod so as to limit an upward stroke of the second supporting member. 
         [0014]    Wherein the stopper includes a washer fixedly arranged on another end of the guiding rod limiting an upward movement of the second supporting by stopping the bushing of the second supporting member. 
         [0015]    Wherein the elastic member is a spring or elastomer. 
         [0016]    Wherein the second supporting member includes a plastic pad for supporting the cartridge thereon. 
         [0017]    In order to resolve the technical issue discussed above, the present invention introduces a solution by providing a supporting apparatus for glass substrate and which comprises a first supporting member configured with at least two first supporting boards spatially arranged along the horizontal direction to define the first supporting surface. A second supporting member is provided and configured with at least two second supporting hoards spatially arranged along the horizontal direction and disposed above the first supporting hoards to define the second supporting surface which is vertically spatially with respect to the first supporting surface. At least two buffering devices are arranged between the first and second supporting surfaces for providing an attenuating effect when a loaded cartridge is landed thereupon. The buffering devices each includes a cylinder configured by a body and a piston moveably disposed within the body, and a piston rod having a first end interconnected to the piston and a second end extending out of the body. The body is securely attached to the first supporting member, and the second supporting member is securely attached to the second end of the piston rod. 
         [0018]    Wherein the buffering device further includes a connecting board interconnected to the second ends of the piston rod so as to simultaneously move upward and downward with the pistons within the body, the second supporting member is interconnected to the connecting hoard. 
         [0019]    Wherein the second supporting member includes a plastic pad for supporting the cartridge thereon. 
         [0020]    In order to resolve the technical issue discussed above, the present invention introduces a solution by providing a supporting apparatus for glass substrate and which comprises a first supporting member configured with at least two first supporting boards spatially arranged along the horizontal direction to define the first supporting surface. A second supporting member is included and configured with at least two second supporting boards spatially arranged along the horizontal direction and disposed above the first supporting boards to define the second supporting surface which is vertically spatially with respect to the first supporting surface. At least two buffering devices each is arranged between the first and second supporting surfaces for providing an attenuating effect when a loaded cartridge is landed thereupon. Wherein the buffering device includes a guiding rod and an elastic member, an end of the guiding rod is interconnected to the first supporting member and further extends along vertical direction, wherein the elastic member is enveloped onto the guiding rod and is arranged between the first and second supporting members. 
         [0021]    Wherein the second supporting member is defined with a guiding hole in which a bushing is arranged for moveably supporting the second supporting member onto the guiding rod and to move along the guiding rod. 
         [0022]    Wherein a stopper is arranged between the supporting member and the guiding rod so as to limit an upward stroke of the second supporting member. 
         [0023]    Wherein the stopper includes a washer fixedly arranged on another end of the guiding rod limiting an upward movement of the second supporting by stopping the bushing of the second supporting member. 
         [0024]    Wherein the elastic member is a spring or elastomer. 
         [0025]    Wherein the second supporting member includes a plastic pad for supporting the cartridge thereon. 
         [0026]    The present invention can be concluded with the following advantages. As compared to the prior art supporting platform, the supporting apparatus made in accordance with the present invention can readily attenuate the shockwave resulted from a rough operation of placing the cartridge onto the supporting apparatus. As a result, breakage of the glass substrates contained within the cartridge resulted from vibrating and impact can be readily avoided. The supporting apparatus features a simple and compact configuration with lowered manufacturing cost, and it can be readily maneuvered. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    In order clearly explain the technology of the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, a brief and concise description will be given along with the accompanied drawings. Apparently, the embodiments illustrated in the drawings are merely some typical embodiments and which can be readily modified by the skilled in the art without any additional laborious efforts so as to transform them into other drawings. Wherein 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is an illustrational and elevational view of a supporting apparatus made in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a partially illustrational view of the supporting apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of an encircled portion I of the supporting apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is an illustrational and elevational view of a supporting apparatus made in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a partially illustrational view of the supporting apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of an encircled portion II of the supporting apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is an illustrational and elevational view of a supporting apparatus made in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a partially illustrational view of the supporting apparatus of  FIG. 7 ; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of an encircled portion III of the supporting apparatus shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Detailed description of preferred embodiments will be given herebelow along with the accompanied drawings. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is an illustrational and elevational view of a supporting apparatus made in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; and  FIG. 2  is a partially illustrational view of the supporting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the supporting apparatus  100  includes a first supporting member  110 , and a second supporting member  120 , and a pair of buffering devices  130 . 
         [0039]    The first supporting member  110  defines a first supporting surface along the horizontal direction X. In this embodiment, the first supporting member  110  includes a pair of first supporting boards  111  and which are spaced along the horizontal direction so as to define the first supporting surface. When the cartridge  500  for storing the glass substrates are disposed and placed onto the supporting apparatus  100 , the gross weight of the cartridge  500  is fully loaded onto the first supporting member  110 . Accordingly, the first supporting member  110  can be made from aluminum excursion structure or steel frame. The steel frame can be further coated and painted to as to provide an aesthetic appearance while is can functionally support the gross weight of the cartridge  500 . 
         [0040]    The second supporting member  120  is used to provide a second supporting surface along the horizontal surface, while it is vertically distant to the first supporting surface. In the present embodiment, the second supporting member  120  includes a pair of second supporting hoards  121  which are spatially arranged along the horizontal direction and located above the first supporting boards  111 . The second supporting member  120  is provided with plastic pad, or alternatively, the second supporting member  120  is made from plastic material as a whole. The cartridge  500  can be readily supported onto the plastic pad. The function of the plastic pad used in the present invention is to separate the cartridge  500  from in contact with other parts or elements so as to avoid any dust resulted from direct friction encountered therebetween. In addition, the plastic pad can readily provide a lubricated surface facilitating easily sliding movement thereupon when the cartridge needs a final adjustment of its position. The plastic pad can be made from any material featured with low frictional coefficient and abrasion-proof material. For example, it can be made from polyoxymethylene or Teflon. As it is readily known to the skilled in the art and no further description is given. 
         [0041]    The buffering device  130  is arranged between the first and second supporting surfaces. The buffering device  130  provides an attenuating effect to the cartridge  500  when it is landed onto the second supporting surface. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of an encircled portion I of the supporting apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the buffering device  130  includes a guiding rod  131 , an elastic member  132  and a stopper  133 . 
         [0043]    An end of the guiding rod  131  is securely attached to the first supporting member  110  by means of a nut  1311  and extends upwardly. Alternatively, in other embodiment, the guiding rod  131  can be securely attached to the first supporting member  110  by other proper means. As it is readily known to the skilled in the art and no detailed description is given. 
         [0044]    The elastic member  132  is used to absorb the momentum of the cartridge  500  when it is landed. In the present embodiment, the spring member  132  can be made from other elastomer, such as polyurethane. As this is known to the skilled in the art, no detailed description is given. The second supporting member  120  is provided with a guiding hole  122  and a bushing  123  disposed within the guiding hole  122 . The second supporting member  120  is enveloped onto the guiding rod  131  through the bushing,  123 . The elastic member  132  is enveloped onto the guiding rod  131 . In addition, the elastic member  132  is arranged between the first and second supporting members  110  and  120 . 
         [0045]    When a shock is generated when the cartridge  500  is disposed onto the supporting member  100 , the guiding rod  131  provides a guiding arrangement to the upward and downward movement of the second supporting member  120 . As a result, the second supporting member  120  will move along the guiding rod  131 . 
         [0046]    During the upward and downward movement of the second supporting member  120  along the guiding rod  121 , the bushing  123  properly separates the second supporting member  120  and the guiding rod  131  such that no dust will be generated because of direct abrasive movement therebetween. In the present invention, the bushing  123  can be made with the material identical to the plastic pad. As a result, no detailed description is given. 
         [0047]    Preferably, in the present embodiment, the stopper  133  is arranged between the second supporting member  120  and the guiding rod  131  so as to limit the upward movement of the second supporting member  120 . The stopper  133  will prevent the second supporting member  120  from escaping from the guiding rod  131 . The stopper  133  is configured by a screw member  1331  and a washer  1332  fixedly attach to the other end of the guiding rod  131 . When the second supporting member  120  reaches to a preset height, the bushing  123  will be limited by the washer  1332 . As result, the second supporting member will be limited from further displacing upward. Alternatively, the washer can be securely fixed to the other end of the guiding rod  131 . 
         [0048]    The elastic member  132  is used to absorb the downward momentum of the cartridge  500 . Substantially, when the supporting apparatus  100  is unloaded with the cartridge  500 , the washer  1332  and the hushing  123  will give a preset compression to the elastic member  1232 . As a result, the position of the second supporting member  120  can be accurately positioned to a preset position. When the supporting device  100  is loaded with the cartridge  500 , the compression ration to the elastic member  132  will increase till a balance is reached with respect to the cartridge  500 . In a surge and bump is experienced, then the elastic member  132  will absorb the additional shock to keep the cartridge  500  from being negatively influenced. Once the cartridge  500  is removed therefrom, the elastic member  132  will bounce back to its original position, i.e. a situation when no cartridge  500  is loaded. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  is an illustrational and elevational view of a supporting apparatus made in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  is a partially illustrational view or the supporting apparatus of  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the supporting apparatus  200  for cartridge contained with glass substrates includes a first supporting member  210 , a second supporting member  220 , and at least a pair of buffering device  230 . The first supporting member  210  includes a pair of supporting boards  211 , and the second supporting member  220  includes at least second supporting boards  221 . 
         [0050]    The first and second supporting members  210  and  220  have the same configuration of the first and second supporting members  110  and  120  of the first embodiment, as a result, no detailed description is given. 
         [0051]    The buffering device  230  is arranged between the first and second supporting surfaces. The buffering device  230  provides an attenuating effect to the cartridge  500  loaded onto the second supporting surface. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of an encircled portion II of the supporting apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the buffering device  230  includes a guiding rod  231 , an elastic member  232 , and a stopper  233 . The second supporting member  220  is defined with guiding hole  222  with a bushing  223  disposed therein. 
         [0053]    The guiding rod  231 , the guiding hole  222 , the stopper  233  feature the identical or similar configuration of the guiding rod  131 , the guiding hole  122 , the bushing and the stopper  133  of the supporting device  100  according to the first embodiment, as a result, no detailed description is given herebelow. 
         [0054]    The buffering device  230  is used to attenuate the downward momentum generated by the loading of the cartridge  500  onto the supporting apparatus  200 . The difference between the buffering device  130  of the first embodiment, and the buffering device  230  of the second embodiment is that the buffering device  230  in the second embodiment embodies into a spring member  232  which envelops onto the guiding rod  231  so as to properly support the first and second supporting members  210  and  22 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  is an illustrational and elevational view of a supporting apparatus made in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; and  FIG. 8  is a partially illustrational view of the supporting apparatus of  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the supporting apparatus  300  includes a first supporting member  310 , a second supporting member  320  and at least two buffering device  330 . The first supporting member  310  includes a pair of first supporting board  311 ; and the second supporting member includes at least a pair of second supporting boards  321 . 
         [0056]    The first and second supporting members  310  and  320  have the same configuration of the first and second supporting members  110  and  120  of the first embodiment, as a result, no detailed description is given. 
         [0057]    The buffering device  330  is arranged between the first and second supporting surfaces. The buffering device  330  provides an attenuating effect to the cartridge  500  loaded onto the second supporting surface. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of an encircled portion III of the supporting apparatus shown in  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the buffering device  330  in this embodiment includes a cylinder  331  and a connecting board  332 . 
         [0059]    The cylinder  331  includes a body  3311 , a piston  3312 , and a piston rod  3313 . The body  3311  is securely attached to the first supporting member  310 . The piston  3312  is moveably disposed within the body  3311 . A first end or the piston rod  3313  is attached to the piston  3312 , and the other end or second end extends out of the body  3311 , and eventually terminated to the second supporting member  320 . Substantially, the connecting board  332  is used to interconnect the second ends of those two piston rods  3313  such that both ends of the piston rods  3313  can move up and down synchronically or simultaneously. The second supporting member  320  is fixedly attached to the connecting hoard  332 . 
         [0060]    Once the cylinder  331  is compressed by the displacement of the piston  3312 , it can absorb the downward momentum when the cartridge  500  is loaded onto the supporting apparatus  300 . Substantially, when the supporting apparatus  300  is unloaded with the cartridge  500 , the piston rod  3312  is substantially extended out of the body  3311 . Once the cartridge  500  is loaded onto the supporting apparatus  300 , the piston rod  3312  starts to retreat into the body  3311  because of the load from the cartridge  500 . During the downward displacement of the cylinder rod  3312 , any unexpected vibration or shock generated can be effectively neutralized by the cylinder  331 . Once the cartridge  500  is removed from the supporting apparatus  300 , the piston rod  3312  will resume back to its original position. 
         [0061]    Of course, it is feasible to interconnect the cylinder  331  with air source and with incorporation with valves and circuits, the upward and downward displacement of the cylinder  331  can be readily mitered. 
         [0062]    As compared to the prior art supporting platform, the supporting apparatus made in accordance with the present invention can readily attenuate the shockwave resulted from a rough operation of placing the cartridge onto the supporting apparatus. As a result, breakage of the glass substrates contained within the cartridge resulted from vibrating and impact can be readily avoided. The supporting apparatus features a simple and compact configuration with lowered manufacturing cost, and it can be readily maneuvered. 
         [0063]    Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but not intending to impose any unduly constraint to the appended claims. Any modification of equivalent structure or equivalent process made according to the disclosure and drawings of the present invention, or any application thereof, directly or indirectly, to other related fields of technique, is considered encompassed in the scope of protection defined by the clams of the present invention.