Glass Slit Cutter

Abstract

In one embodiment and aspect of the present disclosure, a glass slit cutter may include a body, a cutting wheel extending from the body and configured to slit a glass sheet, and a datum wheel extending from the body and configured to guide the cutting wheel along the glass sheet, wherein the cutting wheel and the datum wheel rotate about a common axis within the body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 380,037, filed October 13, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 416,209, filed October 14, 2022, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates to a glass slit cutter for cutting glass, and a glass cutting method using the slit cutter. [Background technology]

[0003] Glass ribbons are typically cut and trimmed using slit cutters as the glass ribbon moves along cutting rolls. Numerous variables of the slit cutter are controlled to cut and trim the glass to achieve trade glass cutting specifications. For example, the speed of the cutter relative to the glass and the movement of the wheel cutter in space can be controlled to cut and trim the glass to achieve desired trade glass cutting specifications. However, known slit cutters suffer from various problems, including mechanical tolerance and part clearance issues. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved slit cutter that overcomes these shortcomings while also achieving trade glass cutting specifications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment and aspect of the present disclosure, a glass slit cutter may include a body, a cutting wheel extending from the body and configured to slit a glass sheet, and a datum wheel extending from the body and configured to guide the cutting wheel along the glass sheet, wherein the cutting wheel and the datum wheel rotate about a common axis within the body.

[0005] A ball bearing shaft may extend through the body. The cutting wheel and the reference wheel may rotate about the ball bearing shaft. The body may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining an operating channel therebetween, and the cutting wheel may extend from the first portion and within the operating channel from the body. The ball bearing shaft may extend through the first portion of the body, the operating channel, and the second portion of the body. The slit cutter may further include a solenoid disposed proximate the second portion of the body, the solenoid may be configured to power the cutting wheel. The ball bearing shaft may extend through at least a portion of the solenoid such that the solenoid rotates about the ball bearing shaft.

[0006] The slit cutter may further include a force applying unit configured to apply a force to the cutting wheel via power received from the solenoid. The force applying unit may be an air spring. The slit cutter may further include a bracket, a first end of the bracket may be connected to the cutting wheel, and a second end of the bracket may be connected to the reference wheel so that rotation of the cutting wheel is synchronized with rotation of the reference wheel. The slit cutter may further include a cutting wheel cantilever. A first end of the cutting wheel cantilever may be attached to a ball bearing shaft. The cutting wheel may extend proximate to the second end of the cutting wheel cantilever. The cutting wheel cantilever and the cutting wheel may be rotatable about the ball bearing shaft. The slit cutter may further include a force applying unit configured to apply a force to the cutting wheel, and the force applying unit may be attached to the cutting wheel cantilever on a side opposite the cutting wheel.

[0007] The glass slit cutter may further include a reference wheel cantilever. A first end of the reference wheel cantilever may be attached to the ball bearing axis. The reference wheel may be attached to a second end of the reference wheel cantilever. The reference wheel cantilever and the reference wheel may be rotatable about the ball bearing axis. The glass slit cutter may further include an arm extending from the body, the arm attached to the second end of the reference wheel cantilever such that the arm can be retracted into the body to rotate the reference wheel cantilever about the ball bearing axis. The arm may include an air cylinder for retracting and extending the arm within the body.

[0008] In another embodiment and aspect of the present disclosure, a glass slit cutter may include a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining an operating channel therebetween; a datum wheel attached to the first portion of the body, the datum wheel being retracted within the first portion of the body; a cutting wheel attached to the body and extending at least partially through the operating channel, the cutting wheel being retracted within the operating channel; and a ball bearing axle extending through the body such that the datum wheel and the cutting wheel are rotatable about the ball bearing axle.

[0009] The glass slit cutter may further include a bracket having a first end attached to the reference wheel and a second end attached to the cutting wheel so that rotation of the cutting wheel is synchronized with rotation of the reference wheel. The glass slit cutter may further include a force applying unit configured to apply a cutting force to the cutting wheel. The glass slit cutter may further include a solenoid for providing power to the force applying unit. The solenoid may be connected to the ball bearing shaft. The solenoid may be attached to the second portion of the body. The glass slit cutter may further include a cutting wheel cantilever having a first end attached to the ball bearing shaft and a second end. The cutting wheel may be attached to the cutting wheel cantilever proximate the second end, and the force applying unit is attached to the cutting wheel cantilever proximate the second end on the side opposite the cutting wheel.

[0010] In some embodiments or aspects, the present disclosure may be expressed by the following clauses:

[0011] Clause 1. A glass slit cutter comprising a body, a cutting wheel extending from the body and configured to slit a glass sheet, and a reference wheel extending from the body and configured to guide the cutting wheel along the glass sheet, wherein the cutting wheel and the reference wheel rotate about a common axis within the body.

[0012] Clause 2. The glass slit cutter of clause 1, further comprising a ball bearing axle extending through the body, the cutting wheel and the reference wheel rotating about the ball bearing axle.

[0013] Clause 3. The glass slit cutter of clause 2, wherein the body comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining an operating channel therebetween, the cutting wheel extending from the first portion, and the cutting wheel extending from the body within the operating channel.

[0014] Clause 4. The glass slit cutter of clause 3, wherein a ball bearing shaft extends through the first portion of the body, the operating channel, and the second portion of the body.

[0015] Clause 5. The glass slit cutter of clause 3 or 4, further comprising a solenoid disposed proximate to the second portion of the body, the solenoid configured to power the cutting wheel, and a ball bearing shaft extending through at least a portion of the solenoid such that the solenoid rotates about the ball bearing shaft.

[0016] Clause 6. The glass slit cutter of clause 5, further comprising a force applying unit configured to apply force to the cutting wheel via power received from the solenoid.

[0017] Clause 7. The glass slit cutter according to clause 6, wherein the force applying part is an air spring.

[0018] Clause 8. A glass slit cutter according to any one of clauses 2 to 7, further comprising a bracket, wherein a first end of the bracket is connected to the cutting wheel and a second end of the bracket is connected to the reference wheel so that rotation of the cutting wheel is synchronized with rotation of the reference wheel.

[0019] Clause 9. A glass slit cutter according to any of clauses 2 to 8, further comprising a cutting wheel cantilever, a first end of the cutting wheel cantilever attached to a ball bearing axis, the cutting wheel extending adjacent to a second end of the cutting wheel cantilever, and the cutting wheel cantilever and cutting wheel being rotatable about the ball bearing axis.

[0020] Clause 10. The glass slit cutter according to clause 9, further comprising a force applying portion configured to apply a force to the cutting wheel, the force applying portion being attached to the cutting wheel cantilever on a side facing the cutting wheel.

[0021] Clause 11. A glass slit cutter according to any of clauses 2 to 10, further comprising a reference wheel cantilever, wherein a first end of the reference wheel cantilever is mounted on a ball bearing axis and a reference wheel is mounted on a second end of the reference wheel cantilever, and wherein the reference wheel cantilever and the reference wheel are rotatable about the ball bearing axis.

[0022] Clause 12. The glass slit cutter of clause 11, further comprising an arm extending from the body, the arm attached to a second end of the reference wheel cantilever such that the arm is retracted within the body to rotate the reference wheel cantilever about the ball bearing axis.

[0023] Clause 13. The glass slit cutter of clause 12, wherein the arm comprises an air cylinder for retracting and extending the arm within the body.

[0024] Clause 14. A glass slit cutter comprising: a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining an operating channel therebetween; a datum wheel attached to the first portion of the body, the datum wheel being retracted within the first portion of the body; a cutting wheel attached to the body and extending at least partially through the operating channel and being retracted within the operating channel; and a ball bearing axle extending through the body such that the datum wheel and the cutting wheel are rotatable about the ball bearing axle.

[0025] Clause 15. The glass slit cutter of clause 14, further comprising a bracket having a first end attached to the reference wheel and a second end attached to the cutting wheel such that rotation of the cutting wheel is synchronized with rotation of the reference wheel.

[0026] Clause 16. The glass slit cutter according to clause 14 or 15, further comprising a force applying portion configured to apply a cutting force to the cutting wheel.

[0027] Clause 17. The glass slit cutter of clause 16, further comprising a solenoid for providing power to the force applying portion.

[0028] Clause 18. A glass slit cutter according to clause 17, wherein the solenoid is connected to a ball bearing shaft.

[0029] Clause 19. The glass slit cutter according to clause 18, wherein the solenoid is attached to the second portion of the body.

[0030] Clause 20. A glass slit cutter according to any one of clauses 16 to 19, further comprising a cutting wheel cantilever having a first end attached to the ball bearing shaft and a second end, wherein the cutting wheel is attached to the cutting wheel cantilever adjacent to the second end, and the force applying portion is attached to the cutting wheel cantilever adjacent to the second end on the side opposite the cutting wheel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a body and a reference wheel of a slit cutter according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a glass slit cutter and a reference wheel according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cutting wheel shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a side view showing the movement of the cutting wheel shown in FIG. 2 within the body of the slit cutter. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the reference wheel of the glass slit cutter shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the movement of the reference wheel shown in FIG. 1 within the body of the slit cutter. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of a solenoid for a slit cutter according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] For purposes of the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "sideways," "vertical," and their derivatives shall refer to the present invention as oriented in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention may contemplate alternative variations and step sequences, unless expressly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0033] It should also be understood that any numerical range recited herein includes all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" includes all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, i.e., having a minimum value of 1 or greater and a maximum value of 10 or less.

[0034] In this application, unless expressly stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the plural encompasses the singular. Further, in this application, the use of "or" means "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise, even though "and / or" may be expressly used in certain instances.

[0035] The present disclosure relates to a glass slit cutter 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the slit cutter 10, which includes a body 12, a datum wheel 14, and a cutting wheel 16 (shown in FIG. 2). The body 12 houses various elements used to operate the slit cutter 10. The datum wheel 14 guides the slit cutter 10 along the glass G. The cutting wheel 16 cuts the glass G according to a desired specification. The datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16 share a common axis A so that they can rotate synchronously relative to the body 12. This allows for closer tolerances between these two features during operation, resulting in a more precise cutting action. In one embodiment, the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16 may be mounted on a ball-bearing axle 18 extending through the body 12. The positioning and rotation of the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16 about the ball-bearing axle 18 will now be described in more detail.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the body 12 includes a first portion 20 and a second portion 22, both of which extend toward the glass G. The datum wheel 14 extends from the first portion 20, and some of its operational features are retained within the first portion 20. The first portion 20 and the second portion 22 define an operating channel 24 therebetween. The cutting wheel 16 extends and operates within the operating channel 24. A ball bearing axle 18 extends through the body approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16 extend. A first end of the ball bearing axle 18 is attached to the side wall 13 of the body adjacent the first portion 20, and a second end of the ball bearing axle 18 is attached to the side wall 15 of the body 12 adjacent the second portion 22. The ball bearing axle 18 may also extend through the operating channel 24. This arrangement allows the ends of the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16 to be mounted on ball bearing axles 18, so that both the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel rotate about the ball bearing axles 18. Figures 4 and 6 illustrate this rotation. Being able to rotate about the ball bearing axles 18 in this manner minimizes tolerances on both the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16, allowing for more accurate cutting. The rotation of the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16 can also be synchronized about the ball bearing axles 18.

[0037] The above-described arrangement of the slit cutter 10 has been found to provide improved mechanical tolerances and desired clearances for each component during operation due to the rotational motion of the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16. For example, the ball bearing axle 18 has been found to reduce clearance issues between the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16 during operation, as well as to provide tight mechanical tolerances by providing rotational motion for the wheels 14 and 16. The slit cutter 10 can also provide various system capabilities. For example, in some instances, the slit cutter 10 can provide automotive sizing +1 / 4 inch to 1 / 16 inch, instrument grade sizing ±1 / 32 inch (e.g., GEMTRON ±1 / 64 inch within each container), and / or 8-2 slit size capabilities (e.g., @±1 / 32 inch: Cpk 1.1, @±1 / 64: Cpk 0.5).

[0038] The second portion 22 of the body 12 houses an electric solenoid 26 that ultimately provides power to the cutting wheel 16 so that it can act on the glass G. The electric solenoid 26 may provide power to a force applying portion 28, which then acts on the cutting wheel 16 to provide the force necessary to slit the glass G. In some cases, the force applying portion 28 may be an air spring. The solenoid 26 may also be mounted or otherwise coupled to a ball bearing shaft 18 within the second portion 22 of the body 12. It is also contemplated that power from the solenoid 26 may cause rotation of the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16. To help facilitate synchronous rotation of these two elements, a bracket 30 may be used to connect the datum wheel 14 and the cutting wheel 16. A first end 32 of the bracket 30 is attached to the datum wheel 14, and a second end 34 of the bracket 30 is attached to the cutting wheel 16. A portion of this bracket 30 may extend along the perimeter of the operating channel 24.

[0039] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a cutting wheel cantilever 36 is shown. The cutting wheel cantilever 36 connects the cutting wheel 16 to the ball bearing axle 18. A first end 38 of the cutting wheel cantilever 36 is mounted around the ball bearing axle 18. The cutting wheel 16 is attached to the cantilever 36 near a second end 40. The cutting wheel cantilever 36 extends downward at an angle from the first end 38 toward the glass G and then extends essentially parallel to the glass G until it terminates at the second end 40. A force application unit 28 is also attached to the cutting wheel cantilever 36 near the second end 40 on the opposite side from the cutting wheel 16, so that the force application unit 28 can apply a downward force to the cutting wheel 16 to cut the glass G. Rotation of the cutting wheel cantilever 36, cutting wheel 16, and force application unit 28 about the ball bearing axle 18 is shown partially in phantom in Figure 4.

[0040] 5 and 6, features associated with the reference wheel 14 are shown. A reference wheel cantilever 42 connects the reference wheel 14 to the ball bearing axle 18. A first end 44 of the reference wheel cantilever 42 is attached to the ball bearing axle 18. The reference wheel 14 is attached proximate a second end 46 of the reference wheel cantilever 42. The reference wheel cantilever 42 extends from the ball bearing axle 18 in a direction substantially parallel to the glass G, with the reference wheel 14 and its mounting features extending vertically downward until the wheel 18 contacts the glass G. An arm 48 is also attached to the reference wheel cantilever 42 proximate the second end 46. The arm 48 is attached to the side of the cantilever 42 opposite the reference wheel 14. An air cylinder 50 is part of the arm 48 and operates to pull the reference wheel 14 upward within the first portion 20 of the body 12 and extend the wheel 14 downward to contact the glass G. The mounting feature for the arm 48 is located adjacent the top of the body 12 as shown in FIG.

[0041] 7 shows the solenoid 26 and its associated features relative to the ball bearing bracket 18. The solenoid 26 includes a mount 52 for connecting to the ball bearing shaft 18.

[0042] It is understood that the slit cutter 10 can include additional components, such as a motor, a mounting wheel, air lines, etc. The slit cutter 10 can also include a controller and one or more computer-readable storage media in operative communication with the controller. The computer-readable storage media can include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the controller to perform a number of tasks, such as causing the slit cutter 10 to cut glass.

[0043] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes in the details of the invention can be made without departing from the invention as defined in the claims below.

Claims

1. The main body and a cutting wheel extending from the body and configured to slit a glass sheet; a reference wheel extending from the body and configured to guide the cutting wheel along the glass sheet; A glass slit cutter comprising: A glass slit cutter wherein the cutting wheel and the reference wheel rotate about a common axis within the body.

2. a ball bearing shaft extending through the body; 2. The glass slit cutter of claim 1, wherein the cutting wheel and the reference wheel rotate about the ball bearing axis.

3. 3. The glass slit cutter of claim 2, wherein the body comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining an operating channel therebetween, the cutting wheel extending from the first portion, and the cutting wheel extending from the body within the operating channel.

4. 4. The glass slit cutter of claim 3, wherein the ball bearing shaft extends through the first portion of the body, the operating channel, and the second portion of the body.

5. further comprising a solenoid disposed proximate the second portion of the body, the solenoid configured to power the cutting wheel; 5. The glass slit cutter of claim 4, wherein said ball bearing shaft extends through at least a portion of said solenoid such that said solenoid rotates about said ball bearing shaft.

6. The glass slit cutter of claim 5, further comprising a force applying portion configured to apply a force to the cutting wheel via power received from the solenoid.

7. 7. The glass slit cutter according to claim 6, wherein the force applying portion is an air spring.

8. Further comprising a bracket; 3. The glass slit cutter of claim 2, wherein a first end of the bracket is connected to the cutting wheel and a second end of the bracket is connected to the reference wheel such that rotation of the cutting wheel is synchronized with rotation of the reference wheel.

9. Further equipped with a cutting wheel cantilever, a first end of the cutting wheel cantilever attached to the ball bearing shaft; the cutting wheel extends proximate to the second end of the cutting wheel cantilever; 3. The glass slit cutter of claim 2, wherein the cutting wheel cantilever and the cutting wheel are rotatable about the ball bearing axis.

10. a force applying unit configured to apply a force to the cutting wheel; 10. The glass slit cutter according to claim 9, wherein the force applying portion is attached to the cutting wheel cantilever on a side facing the cutting wheel.

11. further comprising a reference wheel cantilever; a first end of the reference wheel cantilever attached to the ball bearing shaft; the reference wheel is attached to a second end of the reference wheel cantilever; 3. The glass slit cutter of claim 2, wherein the datum wheel cantilever and the datum wheel are rotatable about the ball bearing axis.

12. 12. The glass slit cutter of claim 11, further comprising an arm extending from the body, the arm attached to the second end of the reference wheel cantilever such that the arm is retracted into the body to rotate the reference wheel cantilever about the ball bearing axis.

13. 13. The glass slit cutter of claim 12, wherein the arm includes an air cylinder for retracting and extending the arm within the body.

14. a body including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion defining a working channel therebetween; a reference wheel attached to the first portion of the body, the reference wheel being recessed within the first portion of the body; a cutting wheel attached to the body and extending at least partially through and retractable within the working channel; a ball bearing axle extending through the body such that the reference wheel and the cutting wheel are rotatable about the ball bearing axle; A glass slit cutter comprising:

15. 15. The glass slit cutter of claim 14, further comprising a bracket having a first end attached to the reference wheel and a second end attached to the cutting wheel such that rotation of the cutting wheel is synchronized with rotation of the reference wheel.

16. The glass slit cutter of claim 14, further comprising a force applying portion configured to provide a cutting force to the cutting wheel.

17. 17. The glass slit cutter of claim 16, further comprising a solenoid for providing power to the force applying portion.

18. 18. The glass slit cutter of claim 17, wherein the solenoid is connected to the ball bearing shaft.

19. 20. The glass slit cutter of claim 18, wherein the solenoid is attached to the second portion of the body.

20. a cutting wheel cantilever having a first end attached to the ball bearing shaft and a second end; 17. The glass slit cutter according to claim 16, wherein the cutting wheel is attached to the cutting wheel cantilever adjacent to the second end, and the force application portion is attached to the cutting wheel cantilever adjacent to the second end on a side opposite to the cutting wheel.

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