Scoring device and glass cutting device including the same

Abstract

A scoring device for scoring a vertically moving glass ribbon is provided, the scoring device comprising: a first rail spaced apart from a first surface of the glass ribbon, facing the first surface of the glass ribbon and intersecting the glass ribbon in a direction inclined relative to the vertical; a scoring wheel reciprocating along the first rail and comprising a first pivot and a tip; a second rail facing a second surface, spaced apart from the second surface, and extending parallel to the first rail, the second surface being on the opposite side of the first surface of the glass ribbon; a support wheel reciprocating along the second rail and comprising a second pivot and a roll pad; and a support located below the second rail and configured to reciprocate vertically, the tip forming a score line on the first surface of the glass ribbon.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0015824, filed on February 6, 2023, the contents of which are reliable and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to scoring devices, and more particularly to scoring devices with improved speed for producing glass sheets. [Background technology]

[0003] A traveling anvil machine (TAM) is used to form horizontal score lines on a glass ribbon. The TAM moves in the same direction as the glass ribbon at a speed that matches the speed of the glass ribbon. While moving in the same direction as the glass ribbon, a linear slide attached to the TAM moves in the direction that the glass ribbon moves. As the TAM moves with the glass ribbon, a scoring wheel attached to the linear slide contacts the glass ribbon, scores the glass ribbon, and forms horizontal score lines across the glass ribbon.

[0004] While scoring a glass ribbon, there is a need to provide a counter force to the action of the scoring wheel. Scoring using a TAM involves a complex process, and the scoring wheel contacts the surface of the glass ribbon in a difficult manner. Therefore, a less complex and efficient system for scoring a glass ribbon is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a scoring apparatus with improved speed for forming glass sheets.

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a glass cutting device that can efficiently transport glass sheets.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the objects and advantages that may be achieved by the inventive concept are not limited to those specifically set forth above, and that other objects of the inventive concept will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description.

[0008] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a scoring device for scoring a vertically moving glass ribbon includes: a first rail spaced apart from a first surface of the glass ribbon, facing the first surface of the glass ribbon, and intersecting the glass ribbon in a direction inclined relative to the vertical; a scoring wheel reciprocating along the first rail and including a first pivot and a tip; a second rail facing a second surface, spaced apart from the second surface, and extending parallel to the first rail, the second surface being on the opposite side of the first surface of the glass ribbon; a support wheel reciprocating along the second rail and including a second pivot and a roll pad; and a support located below the second rail and configured to reciprocate vertically, the tip forming a score line on the first surface of the glass ribbon.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a glass cutting apparatus for forming a glass sheet by cutting a vertically moving glass ribbon includes a first rail spaced apart from a first surface of the glass ribbon, facing the first surface of the glass ribbon and intersecting the glass ribbon in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction; a scoring wheel that reciprocates along the first rail and forms score lines on the first surface of the glass ribbon; a support located below the first rail and configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction; and a bender located below the first rail and configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction, wherein the bender bends the glass ribbon in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction at a position lower than the score lines.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a glass cutting apparatus for forming glass sheets by cutting a vertically moving glass ribbon includes: a first rail spaced apart from a first surface of the glass ribbon, facing the first surface of the glass ribbon, and intersecting the glass ribbon in a direction oblique to the vertical; a scoring wheel reciprocating along the first rail and including a tip and a first pivot configured to move the tip; a second rail facing a second surface, spaced apart from the second surface, and extending parallel to the first rail, the second surface being on the opposite side to the first surface of the glass ribbon; and a roll pad and a roll pad moving mechanism reciprocating along the second rail and moving the roll pad. a support wheel having a second pivot configured to move the glass ribbon; a support positioned below the second rail, spaced apart from the second surface of the glass ribbon while facing the second surface, and configured to reciprocate vertically; and a bender positioned below the second rail, spaced apart from the first surface of the glass ribbon while facing the first surface, and configured to reciprocate vertically while tracking the glass ribbon, wherein the tip forms a score line on the first surface of the glass ribbon, the bender is adsorbed on the glass ribbon below the score line and bends the glass ribbon in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface, and the support contacts the glass ribbon above the point where the bender contacts the glass ribbon.

[0012] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the scoring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the scoring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating movement of the scoring wheel and support wheel of a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating movement of the scoring wheel and support wheel of a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating movement of the scoring wheel and support wheel of a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the movement of the scoring wheel and support wheel of a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 1A-1C are front views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines by a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1A-1C are front views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines by a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] 1A-1C are front views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines by a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view that schematically illustrates a scoring device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the scoring device of FIG. 8 for forming scorelines. [Figure 10] 1 is a front view diagrammatically illustrating a glass cutting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a side view diagrammatically illustrating a glass cutting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] 1A-1C are side views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines with a glass cutting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 1A-1C are side views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines with a glass cutting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12C] 1A-1C are side views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines with a glass cutting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12D] 1A-1C are side views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines with a glass cutting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12E] 1A-1C are side views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines with a glass cutting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a side view diagrammatically illustrating a glass cutting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below with reference to the drawings to illustrate aspects of the present specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When preceding a list of elements, phrases such as "at least one of" modify the entire list of elements, and not individual elements of the list.

[0015] As the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and multiple embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description, but this is not intended to limit the embodiments to any particular disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the scoring device of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the scoring device of Figure 1.

[0017] In particular, Figure 2 shows the positional relationship between the glass ribbon GR, the first rail 200, and the second rail 400 when the scoring device 1000 is viewed on a plane, by showing the guide 120 in dashed lines. Figure 3 shows a side view of the scoring device, omitting the slopes of the first rail 200 and the second rail 400.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the scoring device 1000 may include a frame 110, a guide 120, a first rail 200, a second rail 400, a scoring wheel 300, a support wheel 500, and a support 600.

[0019] The scoring device 1000 can score the vertically moving glass ribbon GR. That is, the scoring device 1000 can form a score line (SL in FIG. 4A) on one surface of the vertically moving glass ribbon GR. The surface of the glass ribbon GR on which the score line is generated is referred to as the first surface GR1.

[0020] Hereinafter, the direction in which the glass ribbon GR moves vertically is referred to as the Z-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and thickness direction of the glass ribbon GR is referred to as the X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and X-axis direction, i.e., the width direction of the glass ribbon GR, is referred to as the Y-axis direction.

[0021] The frame 110 of the scoring device 1000 may have a first rail 200, a second rail 400, and a support 600 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the frame 110 may extend in the Z-axis direction. The frame 110 may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In some embodiments, the separation distance in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the separation distance in the X-axis direction. The frame 110 may be mounted on the ceiling or the ground of the workspace.

[0022] The guide 120 of the scoring device 1000 may be attached to the frame 110. The guide 120 may include a through hole 121. The through hole 121 may extend from the upper surface to the lower surface of the guide 120. The guide 120 may be located on the upper portion of the first rail 200 and the second rail 400.

[0023] 2, the guide 120 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape including a through hole 121. The glass ribbon GR may move vertically through the through hole 121 of the guide 120. That is, the guide 120 may provide a movement path for the glass ribbon GR.

[0024] The guide 120 can prevent the glass ribbon GR from going off course due to vibration or shaking of the glass ribbon GR, which can occur during the moving, scoring, and cutting processes.

[0025] The first rail 200 of the scoring device 1000 may face the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. The first rail 200 may be spaced apart from the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. That is, the first rail 200 may not be in contact with the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. The first rail 200 may be spaced apart from one surface of the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction.

[0026] The first rail 200 may cross the glass ribbon GR in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical movement direction of the glass ribbon GR. Specifically, the first rail 200 may extend across the glass ribbon GR in a direction inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction. In other words, the first rail 200 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the Z-axis and the Y-axis. That is, the first rail 200 may be installed on the frame 110 so as to be inclined when the scoring apparatus 1000 is viewed from the front. In some embodiments, the first rail 200 may be installed on the frame 110 so as to be positioned lower than the guide 120 in the Z-axis direction.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first rail 200 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the Y-axis direction. The first rail 200 and the Y-axis may intersect with each other at a first angle A1. That is, the first rail 200 may be inclined by the first angle A1 with respect to the Y-axis. In some embodiments, the first angle A1 may be between about 5° and about 20°. For example, the first angle A1 may be 7°.

[0028] The second rail 400 of the scoring device 1000 may face the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR, which is on the opposite side to the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. The second rail 400 may be provided spaced apart from the second surface GR2. That is, the second rail 400 may be provided spaced apart from the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction.

[0029] In other words, the second rail 400 may be spaced apart from the first rail 200 with the glass ribbon GR interposed therebetween. That is, the first rail 200 may be positioned above a first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR, and the second rail 400 may be positioned above a second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0030] The second rail 400 may cross the glass ribbon GR in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical movement direction of the glass ribbon GR. Specifically, the second rail 400 may extend across the glass ribbon GR in a direction inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction. In other words, the second rail 400 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the Z-axis and the Y-axis. That is, the second rail 400 may be installed on the frame 110 so as to be inclined when the scoring device 1000 is viewed from the front. In some embodiments, the second rail 400 may be installed on the frame 110 so as to be positioned lower than the guide 120 in the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The second rail 400 may extend parallel to the first rail 200. That is, the second rail 400 and the first rail 200 may extend parallel to each other. In other words, the first angle A1 and the second angle A2 may be equal to each other.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second rail 400 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the Y-axis direction. The second rail 400 and the Y-axis may intersect with each other at a second angle A2. That is, the second rail 400 is inclined with respect to the Y-axis at the second angle A2. In some embodiments, the second angle A2 may be between about 5° and about 20°. For example, the second angle A2 may be 7°.

[0033] The scoring wheel 300 of the scoring apparatus 1000 may reciprocate along the first rail 200. That is, the scoring wheel 300 may reciprocate on the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR along the first rail 200. In some embodiments, the scoring wheel 300 may be moved along the first rail 200 via an actuator.

[0034] The scoring wheel 300 may include a first pivot 310 and a tip portion 320. The first pivot 310 rotates the tip portion 320 so that the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR may contact or be separated from the tip portion 320. The method of the first pivot 310 for rotating the tip portion 320 will be described below.

[0035] The tip portion 320 can form a score line (SL in FIG. 4A ) on the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR by contacting the first surface GR1. That is, the tip portion 320 can form a score line on the glass ribbon GR by moving while penetrating at least a portion of the glass ribbon GR. The tip portion 320 can move along the first rail 200 while contacting the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR so as to be actually perpendicular to the first surface GR1.

[0036] In some embodiments, the tip 320 may include at least one of polycrystalline diamond, carbide, and glass cutting materials.

[0037] The support wheel 500 of the scoring device 1000 may reciprocate along the second rail 400. That is, the support wheel 500 may reciprocate above the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR along the second rail 400. In some embodiments, the support wheel 500 may move along the second rail 400 via an actuator.

[0038] The support wheel 500 may include a second pivot 510 and a roll pad 520. The second pivot 510 rotates the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 can contact or separate from the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. The method for rotating the roll pad 520 using the second pivot 510 will be described below.

[0039] The roll pad 520 may contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. In some embodiments, the roll pad 520 may be formed within a roller that makes point contact with the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. The roll pad 520 may move along the second rail 400 while contacting the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. Thus, the roll pad 520 may contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR while moving along the score line.

[0040] The point where the tip portion 320 and the first surface GR1 contact each other and the point where the roll pad 520 and the second surface GR2 contact each other may face each other. In other words, the point where the tip portion 320 contacts the first surface GR1 and the point where the roll pad 520 contacts the second surface GR2 may be symmetrical to each other based on a horizontal line (HL in FIG. 4A ) that intersects the glass ribbon GR. While the tip portion 320 forms the score line, the roll pad 520 contacts the glass ribbon GR at a point opposite to the point where the tip portion 320 contacts the glass ribbon GR, and the roll pad 520 may then provide a reaction force to the glass ribbon GR. In other words, the roll pad 520 may support the glass ribbon GR when the tip portion 320 forms the score line.

[0041] The scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 can form score lines (SL in FIG. 4A ) on the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR while moving along the first rail 200 and the second rail 400, respectively. Because the first rail 200 and the second rail 400 extend in directions parallel to and inclined with respect to each other with respect to the moving direction of the glass ribbon GR, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 can be moved parallel to each other in directions inclined with respect to the moving direction of the glass ribbon GR. The speed of the scoring wheel 300 and the speed of the support wheel 500 can be equal to each other. That is, based on the horizontal line (HL in FIG. 4A ) of the glass ribbon GR, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 can move symmetrically with respect to each other along the first rail 200 and the second rail 400, respectively.

[0042] While the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 are moved in a direction inclined with respect to the moving direction of the glass ribbon GR, the glass ribbon GR moves in a vertical direction, and then score lines can be formed in a direction parallel to the Y axis. That is, while the scoring wheel 300 is moved along the first rail 200, the glass ribbon GR moves in the Z axis direction, and the score lines formed by the scoring wheel 300 can be formed in a direction parallel to the Y axis.

[0043] The scoring device 1000 can form score lines in a direction parallel to the width direction of the glass ribbon GR by adjusting the speed of the scoring wheel 300. Alternatively, the scoring device 1000 can form score lines in a direction parallel to the width direction of the glass ribbon GR by adjusting the inclination angle of the first rail 200.

[0044] The relationship between speed and angle can be expressed as Vs = Vg / Sin(θ), where Vs can represent the speed of the scoring wheel, Vg can represent the speed of the glass ribbon, and θ can represent the tilt angle of the first rail relative to the Y axis.

[0045] The support 600 of the scoring device 1000 may be located below the second rail 400. That is, the support 600 may be located lower than the second rail 400 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the support 600 may be located below the first rail 200 extending parallel to the second rail 400. The support 600 may extend in the width direction of the glass ribbon GR. That is, the support 600 may extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0046] In some embodiments, the support 600 may be positioned facing the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR, i.e., the support 600 may be positioned above the second surface GR2.

[0047] The support 600 may reciprocate vertically. In other words, the support 600 may reciprocate vertically along the support frame 130 extending in the Z-axis direction. That is, the support 600 may reciprocate in the direction in which the glass ribbon GR moves. The support 600 may provide a reaction force to the glass ribbon GR while cutting the glass ribbon GR. While FIG. 1 shows the support 600 moving along the support frame 130, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto, and the support 600 may move vertically along the frame 110 without using a separate support frame 130.

[0048] The support 600 may include an anvil 610 and a support pad 620 .

[0049] The anvil 610 may reciprocate along the frame 110 or the support frame 130. In some embodiments, the anvil 610 may move at the same speed as the glass ribbon GR. In some embodiments, the anvil 610 moves the support pad 620 toward the glass ribbon GR so that the support pad 620 contacts the glass ribbon GR. In other words, the anvil 610 may move the support pad 620 in the X-axis direction while moving vertically along the frame 110 or the support frame 130.

[0050] The support pad 620 may be in contact with the glass ribbon GR. The support pad 620 may be in surface contact with the glass ribbon GR. That is, the support pad 620 may extend in the width direction of the glass ribbon GR. The support pad 620 may move with the anvil 610 as the anvil 610 moves. That is, the support pad 620 may be attached to the anvil 610 and move with the anvil 610.

[0051] 4A to 4C are plan views showing the movement of a scoring wheel and a support wheel of a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] In particular, FIGS. 4A-4C show the process in which the tip portion 320 and the roll pad 520 contact the glass ribbon GR to form the scorelines SL.

[0053] 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5, the manner in which the tip portion 320 and the roll pad 520 are pivoted by the first pivot 310 and the second pivot 510, respectively, will be described in detail below.

[0054] The starting points of the scorelines SL may include a first starting point PS320 located on the first surface GR1 and a second starting point PS520 located on the second surface GR2.

[0055] The scoring wheel 300 may move (M300) along the first rail 200. Simultaneously with the movement of the scoring wheel 300 along the first rail 200, the first pivot 310 may move the tip 320 toward the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0056] The first pivot 310 can move the tip 320 so that the tip 320 can at least partially penetrate the glass ribbon GR. That is, the tip 320 can be moved to contact the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR at a first start point PS320 of the scoreline SL, which is located on the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0057] In other words, when the scoring device is viewed on a plane, the tip 320 may approach the glass ribbon GR while tracing a curve. After the tip 320 contacts the glass ribbon GR, the first pivot 310 fixes the tip 320 so that a score line SL of a certain depth may be formed.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first pivot 310 may move the tip 320 before the scoring wheel 300 reaches the first start point PS320 of the scoreline SL. That is, the first pivot 310 may move the tip 320 to the outside of the scoreline SL. In other words, as the scoring wheel 300 approaches the first start point PS320 of the scoreline SL, the tip 320 may be closer to the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0059] The support wheel 500 may move along the second rail 400. Simultaneously with the movement of the support wheel 500 along the second rail 400, the second pivot 510 may move the roll pad 520 toward the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0060] The support wheel 500 may move along the second rail 400 so as to be symmetrical to the scoring wheel 300 based on the glass ribbon GR (M500). Specifically, the support wheel 500 may be symmetrical to the scoring wheel 300 based on a horizontal line HL that intersects the glass ribbon GR. That is, the inclination angles of the first rail 200 and the second rail 400 may be the same, and the speed of the support wheel 500 may be equal to the speed of the scoring wheel 300. In other words, when the scoring apparatus is viewed on a plane, the support wheel 500 may move so that the support wheel 500 and the scoring wheel 300 face each other based on the glass ribbon GR.

[0061] The second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 can contact the glass ribbon GR at a second start point PS520 of the score line SL. That is, at the second start point PS520 facing the first start point PS320 of the score line SL, the second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 can contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0062] The second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 is symmetrical to the tip portion 320 based on the glass ribbon GR. That is, the second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 so that the end of the roll pad 520 is symmetrical to the end of the tip portion 320 based on the glass ribbon GR. In other words, the second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 and the tip portion 320 can be symmetrical to each other based on a horizontal line HL that intersects the glass ribbon GR.

[0063] Specifically, the separation distance between the roll pad 520 and the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction may be a first distance, and the separation distance between the tip 320 and the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction may be a second distance, where the second pivot 510 may move the roll pad 520 so that the first distance can be equal to the second distance.

[0064] The roll pad 520 may make point contact with the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. The roll pad 520 may make point contact with the glass ribbon GR at a second starting point PS520. In some embodiments, the roll pad 520 may make point contact with the glass ribbon GR while rotating (R500) while the support wheel 500 moves along the scoreline SL.

[0065] The tip portion 320 and the roll pad 520 can be moved from a state spaced apart from the glass ribbon GR toward the glass ribbon GR by the first pivot 310 and the second pivot 510, respectively. As the tip portion 320 and the roll pad 520 move toward the glass ribbon GR, they can first come into contact with the glass ribbon GR at the start points of the score lines SL.

[0066] In particular, at the start point of the score line SL, the tip portion 320 may contact the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR at a first start point PS320, and the roll pad 520 may contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR at a second start point PS520. Here, to improve the quality of the score line SL, the tip portion 320 and the roll pad 520 may be at a uniform speed.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first pivot 310 can move the tip portion 320 in the X-axis direction (MS320). That is, the first pivot 310 can fix the tip portion 320 in the Y-axis direction and can move the tip portion 320 only in the X-axis direction. The second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction (MS520). That is, the second pivot 510 can fix the roll pad 520 in the Y-axis direction and can move the roll pad 520 only in the X-axis direction.

[0068] 4A , in a first state 300_1 in which the scoring wheel 300 begins to move along the first rail 200, the first rail 200 may move the tip 320 in the X-axis direction (MS 320). In a first state 500_1 in which the support wheel 500 begins to move along the second rail 400, the second pivot 510 may move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction (MS 520).

[0069] Thereafter, in a second state 300_2 in which the speed of the scoring wheel 300 moving along the first rail 200 increases, the first rail 200 can continuously move the tip 320 in the X-axis direction (MS320). In a second state 500_2 in which the speed of the support wheel 500 moving along the second rail 400 increases, the second pivot 510 can continuously move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction (MS520).

[0070] Thereafter, in a third state 300_3 in which the scoring wheel 300 passes above the start point of the scoreline SL, the first pivot 310 can continuously move the tip portion 320 so that the tip portion 320 can be positioned at a first start point PS320 of the scoreline SL. In a third state 500_3 in which the support wheel 500 passes above the start point of the scoreline SL, the second pivot 510 can continuously move the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 can be positioned at a second start point PS520 of the scoreline SL.

[0071] Thereafter, in a fourth state 300_4 in which the scoring wheel 300 forms score lines SL and moves along the first rail 200, the first pivot 310 fixes the tip 320 to form score lines SL with a consistent depth. In a fourth state 500_4 in which the support wheel 500 moves along the second rail 400, the second pivot 510 brings the roll pad 520 into contact with the glass ribbon GR, and can provide a constant reaction force to the glass ribbon GR.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first pivot 310a can move the tip portion 320 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (MS320a). That is, the first pivot 310a can move the tip portion 320 in the Y-axis direction while moving the tip portion 320 in the X-axis direction. The second pivot 510a can move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (MS520a). That is, the second pivot 510a can move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction while moving the roll pad 520 in the Y-axis direction.

[0073] 4B, in a first state 300a_1 in which the scoring wheel 300a begins to move along the first rail 200, the first pivot 310a can move the tip 320 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (MS320a). In a first state 500a_1 in which the support wheel 500a begins to move along the second rail 400, the second pivot 510a can move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (MS520a).

[0074] Thereafter, in a second state 300a_2 in which the speed of the scoring wheel 300a moving along the first rail 200 increases, the first pivot 310a may continuously move the tip 320 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (MS320a). In a second state 500a_2 in which the speed of the support wheel 500a moving along the second rail 400 increases, the second pivot 510a may continuously move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (MS520a).

[0075] Thereafter, in a third state 300a_3 in which the scoring wheel 300a passes above the start points of the scorelines SL, the first pivot 310a can continuously move the tip portion 320 so that the tip portion 320 can be positioned at first start points PS320 of the scorelines SL. In a third state 500a_3 in which the support wheel 500a passes above the start points of the scorelines SL, the second pivot 510a can continuously move the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 can be positioned at second start points PS520 of the scorelines SL.

[0076] Thereafter, in a fourth state 300a_4 in which the scoring wheel 300a forms score lines SL and moves along the first rail 200, the first pivot 310a fixes the tip 320 to form score lines SL with a consistent depth. In a fourth state 500a_4 in which the support wheel 500a moves along the second rail 400, the second pivot 510a can bring the roll pad 520 into contact with the glass ribbon GR and provide a constant reaction force to the glass ribbon GR.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first pivot 310b may rotate the tip portion 320 toward the glass ribbon GR (R321). That is, the first pivot 310b may rotate the tip portion 320 around the first rotation shaft 321. The second pivot 510b may rotate the roll pad 520 toward the glass ribbon GR (R521). That is, the second pivot 510b may rotate the roll pad 520 around the second rotation shaft 521.

[0078] 4C , in a first state 300b_1 in which the scoring wheel 300b begins to move along the first rail 200, the first pivot 310b may rotate the tip toward the glass ribbon (R321). In a first state 500b_1 in which the support wheel 500b begins to move along the second rail 400, the second pivot 510b may rotate the roll pad 520 toward the glass ribbon (R521).

[0079] Thereafter, in a second state 300b_2 in which the speed of the scoring wheel 300b moving along the first rail 200 increases, the first pivot 310b can continuously rotate the tip 320 while maintaining the direction of rotation. In a second state 500b_2 in which the speed of the support wheel 500b moving along the second rail 400 increases, the second pivot 510b can continuously rotate the roll pad 520 while maintaining the direction of rotation.

[0080] Thereafter, in a third state 300b_3 in which the scoring wheel 300b passes above the start point of the scoreline SL, the first pivot 310b can rotate the tip portion 320 so that the tip portion 320 can be positioned at a first start point PS320 of the scoreline SL. In a third state 500b_3 in which the support wheel 500b passes above the start point of the scoreline SL, the second pivot 510b can rotate the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 can be positioned at a second start point PS520 of the scoreline SL.

[0081] Thereafter, in a fourth state 300b_4 in which the scoring wheel 300b forms score lines SL and moves along the first rail 200, the first pivot 310b fixes the tip 320 to form score lines SL with a consistent depth. In a fourth state 500b_4 in which the support wheel 500b moves along the second rail 400, the second pivot 510b can bring the roll pad 520 into contact with the glass ribbon GR and provide a constant reaction force to the glass ribbon GR.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the movement of the score wheels and support wheels of the scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] In particular, FIG. 5 shows the process in which the tip portion 320 and roll pad 520 are spaced apart from the glass ribbon GR after the scorelines SL are formed.

[0084] The ending points of the scoreline SL may include a first ending point PE320 located on the first surface GR1 and a second ending point PE520 located on the second surface GR2.

[0085] The scoring wheel 300 may move (M300) along the first rail 200. After the scoring wheel 300 forms the score line SL while moving along the first rail 200, the first pivot 310 may move the tip portion 320 away from the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0086] That is, the tip portion 320 can be moved so as to be separated from the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR at the first end point PE320 of the score line SL, which is located on the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. In other words, when the scoring device is viewed on a plane, the tip portion 320 can be moved away from the glass ribbon GR while tracing a curve.

[0087] The support wheel 500 may move along the second rail 400. After the support wheel 500 forms the score line SL by moving along the second rail 400, the second pivot 510 may separate the roll pad 520 from the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0088] The second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 can be separated from the glass ribbon GR at a second end point PE520 of the score line SL. That is, at the second end point PE520 facing the first end point PE320 of the score line SL, the second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 so that it can be separated from the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0089] That is, at the end point of the score line SL, the first pivot 310 may move the tip portion 320 so that the tip portion 320 separates from the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR, and the second pivot 510 may move the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 separates from the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. In other words, after forming the score line SL, the separation distance between the tip portion 320 and the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction may increase while the scoring wheel 300 moves along the first rail 200. Furthermore, after forming the score line SL, the separation distance between the roll pad 520 and the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction may increase while the support wheel 500 moves along the second rail 400.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first pivot 310 can move the tip portion 320 in the X-axis direction (ME320) so that the tip portion 320 and the glass ribbon GR can be separated from each other. That is, the first pivot 310 can fix the tip portion 320 in the Y-axis direction and can move the tip portion 320 only in the X-axis direction. The second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction (ME520) so that the roll pad 520 and the glass ribbon GR can be separated from each other. That is, the second pivot 510 can fix the roll pad 520 in the Y-axis direction and can move the roll pad 520 only in the X-axis direction.

[0091] 5 , in a fifth state 300_5 in which the scoring wheel 300 is moving along the first rail 200 and forming the score line SL, the first pivot 310 can move the tip portion 320 in the X-axis direction (ME320) so that the tip portion 320 is separated from the glass ribbon GR. In a fifth state 500_5 in which the support wheel 500 is moving along the second rail 400 and forming the score line SL, the second pivot 510 can move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction (ME520) so that the roll pad 520 is separated from the glass ribbon GR. The points at which the tip portion 320 and the roll pad 520 are separated from the glass ribbon GR can be a first end point PE320 and a second end point PE520, respectively.

[0092] Thereafter, in a sixth state 300_2 in which the speed of the scoring wheel 300 along the first rail 200 gradually decreases, the first pivot 310 may continuously move the tip 320 in the X-axis direction (ME320). In a sixth state 500_2 in which the speed of the support wheel 500 moving along the second rail 400 gradually decreases, the second pivot 510 may continuously move the roll pad 520 in the X-axis direction (ME520).

[0093] Thereafter, in a seventh state 300_7 in which the scoring wheel 300 is stopped, the first pivot 310 fixes the tip portion 320 so that the tip portion 320 and the glass ribbon GR can be completely separated from each other. In a seventh state 500_7 in which the support wheel 500 is stopped, the second pivot 510 fixes the roll pad 520 so that the roll pad 520 and the glass ribbon GR can be completely separated from each other.

[0094] Although not shown in the drawings, the scoring wheel 300 and support wheel 500 may return to their initial positions before the formation of the score lines SL, while the tip 320 and roll pad 520 are moved away from the glass ribbon.

[0095] 6A to 6C are front views sequentially illustrating a process of forming score lines by a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] 6A-6C, aspects of driving the scoring wheel 300, support wheel 500, and support 600 of the scoring device 1000 are described in detail below.

[0097] 6A shows the glass ribbon GR moving vertically. Here, the frame 110 may be installed on the ceiling or the ground of the work space. The glass ribbon GR may move vertically at a consistent speed. The width of the glass ribbon GR may be greater than the thickness of the glass ribbon GR.

[0098] 6B shows score lines SL being formed on the glass ribbon GR. The scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 may simultaneously form score lines SL across the glass ribbon GR. Here, the support 600 may not move.

[0099] 6C shows that the glass ribbon GR on which the score lines SL are formed is moved vertically. Here, the support 600 can move vertically in accordance with the movement of the glass ribbon GR. In other words, the support 600 can move vertically while in contact with the glass ribbon GR by tracking the movement of the glass ribbon GR.

[0100] While support 600 moves vertically, scoring wheel 300 and support wheel 500 may not move vertically, i.e., first rail 200 and second rail 400 on which scoring wheel 300 and support wheel 500, respectively, are located may not move vertically.

[0101] The scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 may return to their initial positions while the support 600 moves vertically along in contact with the glass ribbon GR. In other words, the scoring wheel 300 and the support 600 may move independently, and the support wheel 500 and the support 600 may move independently.

[0102] That is, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 can prepare to form new score lines SL independently of the movement of the support 600. In other words, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 can return to their initial positions while the support 600 moves downward while supporting the glass ribbon GR.

[0103] Additionally, the support 600 may be prepared to support the glass ribbon GR while the score lines SL are formed by the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500. In other words, the support 600 may move upward while the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 intersect the glass ribbon GR while forming the score lines SL.

[0104] In some embodiments, the support 600 may contact the glass ribbon GR below the score lines SL. That is, the support 600 may vertically contact the second surface of the glass ribbon GR below the score lines SL. During the process of bending the glass ribbon GR, the support 600 supports the glass ribbon GR, and therefore the support 600 may contact the glass ribbon GR below the score lines SL so that the glass ribbon GR can be cut along the score lines SL. However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto, and the support 600 may contact the glass ribbon GR at the score lines SL.

[0105] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 7, the scoring device 1000 a may include a frame 110 , a guide 120 , a first rail 200 , a second rail 400 , a scoring wheel 300 , a support wheel 500 , a support 600 , and an angle adjuster 800 .

[0107] Hereinafter, the description of the elements of scoring device 1000a in FIG. 7 as elements of scoring device 1000 in FIG. 1 will be omitted, and the differences will be described below.

[0108] The scoring device 1000a may further include an angle adjuster 800. The angle adjuster 800 may adjust the angles of the first rail 200 and the second rail 400. That is, the angle adjuster 800 may adjust the first angle A1 and the second angle A2. In particular, the angle adjuster 800 may adjust the inclination of the first rail 200 and the second rail 400 with respect to the moving direction of the glass ribbon GR. In some embodiments, the angle adjuster 800 may operate via hydraulic pressure.

[0109] In some embodiments, the angle adjuster 800 may include a first actuator 820 and a piston 810. The piston 810 may be connected to the first rail 200 and the second rail 400 via one end thereof and to the first actuator 820 via the other end thereof. The piston 810 may be moved up and down by the first actuator 820. While the piston 810 is moved up and down, the inclination angles of the first rail 200 and the second rail 400 may be changed. Specifically, when the first actuator 820 moves the piston 810 upward, the first angle A1 and the second angle A2 may decrease. When the first actuator 820 moves the piston 810 downward, the first angle A1 and the second angle A2 may increase.

[0110] The angle adjuster 800 can adjust the inclination angles of the first rail 200 and the second rail 400 according to production conditions such as the speed of the glass ribbon GR and the speed of the scoring wheel 300.

[0111] Fig. 8 is a side view that schematically illustrates a scoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the scoring device of Fig. 8 forming score lines.

[0112] 8 and 9, the scoring device 1000b may include a frame 110, a guide 120, a first rail 200, a scoring wheel 900, and a support 600.

[0113] Hereinafter, the description of the elements of scoring device 1000b in FIG. 8 as elements of scoring device 1000 in FIG. 1 will be omitted, and the differences will be described below.

[0114] The scoring device 1000b may include a scoring wheel 900 that reciprocates along a first rail 200. The scoring wheel 900 may form score lines SL on a first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0115] The scoring wheel 900 may include a laser device 910. By using the laser device 910, the scoring wheel 900 may form score lines SL without contacting the glass ribbon GR.

[0116] The laser device 910 of the scoring wheel 900 can irradiate a laser beam LR toward a first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. The laser beam LR generates heat on the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR to form score lines SL. The depth of the score lines SL can be adjusted by adjusting the intensity of the laser beam LR.

[0117] In some embodiments, the scoring apparatus 1000b may include a cooling device (not shown). The cooling device may face the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. The cooling device may cool the glass ribbon GR on the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR when the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR is heated by the laser device 910. The quality of the score line SL may be improved via the cooling device.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 9, in a first state 900_1 where the scoring wheel 900 begins to move along the first rail 200, the laser device 910 is fixed to the scoring wheel 900 and is separated from the glass ribbon GR.

[0119] Thereafter, in a second state 900_2 in which the scoring wheel 900 reaches a start point PS900 of the score line SL, the laser device 910 can emit a laser beam LR. Here, the separation distance between the laser device 910 and the glass ribbon GR can be consistent. That is, the laser device 910 can be separated from the glass ribbon GR and can emit a laser beam to the start point PS900 of the score line SL.

[0120] Thereafter, in a third state 900_3 in which the scoring wheel 900 moves along the first rail 200 while forming scorelines SL, the laser device 910 may continuously irradiate the first surface GR1 with the laser beam LR. That is, the laser device 910 may irradiate the first surface GR1 with the laser beam LR while maintaining the intensity of the laser beam LR constant. By irradiating the first surface with the laser beam LR of a consistent intensity, the laser device 910 may form scorelines SL of a consistent depth.

[0121] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic front and side views of a glass cutting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] 10 and 11, the glass cutting apparatus 2000 may include a frame 110, a guide 120, a first rail 200, a second rail 400, a scoring wheel 300, a support wheel 500, a support 600, and a bender 700.

[0123] Hereinafter, the redundant elements of the glass cutting device of FIG. 10 and the scoring device of FIG. 1 will be omitted, and the differences will be described below.

[0124] The glass cutting apparatus 200 can cut a vertically moving glass ribbon GR. Specifically, the glass cutting apparatus 2000 can form score lines SL (see FIG. 12A ) on the vertically moving glass ribbon GR and bend the glass ribbon GR to form a glass sheet. The surface of the glass ribbon GR on which the score lines are generated is referred to as the first surface GR1.

[0125] The frame 110, guide 120, first rail 200, second rail 400, scoring wheel 300, support wheel 500, and support 600 of the glass cutting apparatus 2000 may be the frame 110 (see FIG. 1), guide 120 (see FIG. 1), first rail 200 (see FIG. 1), second rail 400 (see FIG. 1), scoring wheel 300 (see FIG. 1), support wheel 500 (see FIG. 1), and support 600 (see FIG. 1) described above, respectively.

[0126] While the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 are moved in a direction inclined with respect to the moving direction of the glass ribbon GR, the glass ribbon GR moves in a vertical direction, and then score lines can be formed in a direction parallel to the Y axis. That is, while the scoring wheel 300 is moved along the first rail 200, the glass ribbon GR moves in the Z axis direction, and the score lines formed by the scoring wheel 300 can be formed in a direction parallel to the Y axis.

[0127] The bender 700 of the glass cutting device may be located at the lower portion of the first rail, i.e., the bender 700 may be located below the first rail 200. The bender 700 may reciprocate vertically, i.e., the bender 700 may be moved vertically in the Z-axis direction below the first rail 200.

[0128] The bender 700 may come into contact with the glass ribbon GR. The bender 700 may come into contact with the first surface GR1 or the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. That is, the bender 700 may move in the X-axis direction and come into contact with the first surface GR1 or the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0129] Here, the contact location between the bender 700 and the glass ribbon GR may be below the score line SL (see FIG. 4A). That is, the bender 700 may contact the glass ribbon GR at a position lower than the score line.

[0130] The bender 700 may bend the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction. In other words, the bender 700 may bend the glass ribbon GR in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the glass ribbon GR. That is, the bender 700 may apply a force to the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction. For example, the bender 700 may apply a force to the glass ribbon GR by coming into contact with the glass ribbon and then continuously moving in the X-axis direction.

[0131] Here, the position where the bender 700 bends the glass ribbon GR may be lower than the scoreline SL (see FIG. 4A). That is, the bender 700 may apply a force to the glass ribbon GR in the X-axis direction below the scoreline.

[0132] In some embodiments, the bender 700 may be located separate from the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR, and the bender 700 may move in the X-axis direction to contact the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. In other words, the bender 700 may move in the X-axis direction toward the glass ribbon GR and contact the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0133] In some embodiments, the bender 700 may contact the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR and may exert a force on the glass ribbon GR in a direction from the first surface GR1 toward the second surface GR2. That is, the bender 700 may continuously move in the X-axis direction toward the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR to contact the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR and bend the glass ribbon GR in a direction from the first surface GR1 toward the second surface GR2.

[0134] In some embodiments, the bender 700 may be located separate from the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR, and the bender 700 may move in the X-axis direction to contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. In other words, the bender 700 may move in the X-axis direction toward the glass ribbon GR and contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0135] Here, the bender 700 and the support 600 may be spaced apart from each other with the glass ribbon GR interposed therebetween. In other words, the bender 700 may be located on an upper portion of the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR, and the support 600 may be located on an upper portion of the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. When the bender 700 presses the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR, the support 600 may support the glass ribbon GR from the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0136] In some embodiments, the bender 700 may contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR and may exert a force on the glass ribbon GR in a direction from the first surface GR1 to the second surface GR2. That is, the bender 700 may generate a negative pressure between the bender 700 and the glass ribbon GR and may bend the glass ribbon GR in a direction from the first surface GR1 to the second surface GR2. In other words, the bender 700 may move in a direction from the first surface GR1 to the second surface GR2 while adsorbing the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR, and therefore the glass ribbon GR may be bent.

[0137] Here, the bender 700 and the support 600 may face the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. In other words, the bender 700 and the support may be located above the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. When the bender 700 pulls the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR, the support 600 may support the glass ribbon GR from the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0138] When the glass ribbon GR having score lines SL (see FIG. 12A ) formed thereon is bent, the glass ribbon GR may be cut along the score lines SL. A portion of the glass ribbon GR weakened by the score lines SL may easily be broken by an external force. That is, the bender 700 applies a force to the glass ribbon GR to damage the glass ribbon GR along the score lines SL. Thus, the glass cutting apparatus 2000 may form score lines on the glass ribbon GR and cut the glass ribbon GR along the score lines to produce glass sheets.

[0139] In some embodiments, bender 700 may include a contact frame 710 , a connecting frame 720 , an arm 730 , and a regulator 740 .

[0140] The bender 700 may include at least one contact frame 710. For example, the bender 700 may include two or more contact frames 710 to increase the contact area between the bender 700 and the glass ribbon GR.

[0141] Multiple contact frames 710 can be connected to the connection frame 720. That is, multiple contact frames 710 can be connected to one connection frame 720 and can be moved simultaneously.

[0142] The contact frame 710 may include a plurality of contact pads 711. The contact frame 710 may contact the glass ribbon GR. Specifically, the contact frame 710 may have a plurality of contact pads 711 that contact the glass ribbon. The plurality of contact pads 711 may prevent the surface of the glass ribbon GR from being scratched when the glass ribbon GR and the contact frame 710 contact each other.

[0143] One end of an arm 730 in bender 700 may be connected to connection frame 720, and the other end may be connected to adjuster 740. One end of arm 730 may be moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis direction, and the other end of arm 730 may be fixed to adjuster 740.

[0144] The adjuster 740 of the bender 700 can adjust the arm 730 to move the connection frame 720. That is, the adjuster 740 can move the connection frame 720 in the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis direction via the arm 730. Thus, the contact frame 710 connected to the connection frame 720 can be moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis direction.

[0145] The contact frame 710 can be moved by the adjuster 740 to apply an external force in a direction from the first surface GR1 to the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. That is, the contact frame 710 can apply a force to the glass ribbon GR in a direction from the first surface GR1 on which the score lines are formed to the second surface GR2 on which the score lines are not formed.

[0146] In some embodiments, the contact frame 710 may exert a force on the glass ribbon GR while in contact with the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR and moving in a direction from the first surface GR1 toward the second surface GR2.

[0147] In some embodiments, the adjuster 740 can create a vacuum between the glass ribbon GR and the plurality of contact pads 711 while the contact frame 710 is in contact with the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. While the contact frame 710 and the glass ribbon GR are attracted to each other via the vacuum, the contact frame 710 can exert a force on the glass ribbon GR while moving in a direction from the first surface GR1 toward the second surface GR2.

[0148] 12A-12E are side views sequentially illustrating the process of forming score lines with a glass cutting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] 12A to 12E, a process of forming score lines SL on the glass ribbon GR and cutting the glass ribbon GR along the score lines SL will be described below. An example will be described in which the bender 700 is spaced to face the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0150] FIG. 12A shows that the score lines SL are formed on the glass ribbon GR and the bender 700 comes into contact with the glass ribbon GR.

[0151] The score lines SL may be formed when the tip portion 320 and the roll pad 520 move along the inclined first rail 200 and second rail 400 while contacting the glass ribbon GR. Methods by which the tip portion 320 and the roll pad 520 contact the glass ribbon GR may include the methods described above with reference to Figures 4A to 4C.

[0152] The glass cutting apparatus 2000 can form score lines SL in a direction parallel to the Y-axis by adjusting the angle of the first rail 200, the speed of the glass ribbon GR, and the speed of the scoring wheel 300. That is, the first rail 200 can be tilted according to the speed of the glass ribbon GR, and then the score lines SL can be formed parallel to the width direction of the glass ribbon GR.

[0153] After the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 form score lines SL across the glass ribbon GR, the contact frame 710 of the bender 700 may contact a first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. Specifically, the adjuster 740 may move the contact frame 710 so that the glass ribbon GR and the contact frame 710 contact each other below the score lines SL of the glass ribbon GR.

[0154] FIG. 12B shows that the support 600 contacts the glass ribbon GR, and the glass ribbon GR, on which the score lines SL are formed, moves vertically.

[0155] The glass ribbon GR on which the score lines SL are formed may be moved at a constant speed. That is, the glass ribbon GR may move vertically at a constant speed. The contact frame 710 may move vertically while in contact with the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. That is, the contact frame 710 may move vertically at the same speed as the speed of the glass ribbon GR in the vertical direction. In other words, the bender 700 may move at the same speed as the speed of the glass ribbon GR while tracking the movement of the glass ribbon GR.

[0156] The support 600 may contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR on which the score lines SL are formed. That is, the support 600 may be attached to the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR, which is moving together with the bender 700 attached to its first surface. In other words, the support 600 may move in the X-axis direction and contact the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. For example, the anvil 610 of the support 600 moves the support pad 620 of the support 600 in the X-axis direction so that the support pad 620 contacts the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0157] A first height L2 of the point where the support 600 and the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR contact each other may be lower than the second height L0 of the scoreline SL. Further, the first height L2 may be substantially equal to the second height L0.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first height L2 at the point where the support 600 and the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR contact each other can be higher than the third height L1 at the point where the bender 700 and the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR contact each other. That is, the support 600 can contact the glass ribbon GR at a position higher than the bender 700. In other words, while the support 600 and the bender 700 are in contact with the glass ribbon GR, the support 600 can be positioned higher than the bender 700 and lower than the score line SL. For example, the first height L2 can be lower than the second height L0 and higher than the third height L1.

[0159] FIG. 12C shows that the support 600 and bender 700 move vertically along the glass ribbon GR while the glass ribbon GR moves.

[0160] The glass ribbon GR may move vertically at a constant speed. During the process in which the score lines SL are formed and the glass ribbon GR is cut along the score lines SL, the glass ribbon GR may move at a constant speed. For example, the glass ribbon GR may always move vertically at a first speed V1 regardless of the state of the glass cutting device 2000.

[0161] The support 600 and the bender 700 may move vertically downward along the glass ribbon GR, that is, the support 600 and the bender 700 may move in the same direction as the movement of the glass ribbon GR while in contact with the glass ribbon GR.

[0162] The support 600 and the bender 700 in contact with the glass ribbon GR may move at the same speed as the glass ribbon GR. For example, the speed of the bender 700 in the Z-axis direction may be a second speed V2, and the speed of the support 600 in the Z-axis direction may be a third speed V3. The second speed V2 and the third speed V3 may be equal to the first speed V1. In some embodiments, the support 600 and the bender 700 may be moved to track the glass ribbon GR and contact the glass ribbon GR at a fixed position.

[0163] In some embodiments, while the support 600 and the bender 700 move along the glass ribbon GR, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 may return to their initial positions. That is, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 may move independently of the movement of the support 600. For example, the vertical movement of the anvil 610 of the support 600 and the reciprocating movement of the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 are independent of each other. In other words, while the support 600 and the bender 700 move in contact with the glass ribbon GR, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 may prepare to form a new score line.

[0164] FIG. 12D shows the process of cutting the glass ribbon GR along the score lines SL.

[0165] The bender 700 may bend the glass ribbon GR. The bender 700 may bend the glass ribbon GR in a direction from the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR toward the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. That is, the bender 700 may apply a force to the glass ribbon GR in a direction from the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR toward the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0166] In some embodiments, the bender 700 may apply a force to the glass ribbon GR while the contact frame 710 moves in a direction from the first surface GR1 to the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. Here, the support pads 620 of the support 600 may support the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. For example, when the glass ribbon GR is bent by the bender 700, the points at which the support pads 620 contact may function as rotation shafts.

[0167] In some embodiments, while the contact frame 710 rotates in a direction from the first surface GR1 to the second surface GR2, the bender 700 may exert a force on the glass ribbon GR. That is, the bender 700 generates a torque on the glass ribbon GR, causing the glass ribbon GR to bend in a direction from the first surface GR1 to the second surface GR2. Here, the support pad 620 supports the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR to function as an axis of rotation for the glass ribbon GR.

[0168] FIG. 12E shows the process of transferring the glass sheet GS.

[0169] The glass sheet GS may represent a sheet of glass that has been cut and separated from the glass ribbon GR along the score lines SL. In some embodiments, the score lines SL formed through the inclined first rail 200 and second rail 400 are parallel to the Y-axis direction, and therefore the glass sheet GS may have a rectangular shape.

[0170] The bender 700 may transfer the glass sheet GS to a container (not shown) while maintaining contact with the glass sheet GS. In some embodiments, the container may be located above the second surface GS2 of the glass ribbon GR, and the bender 700 may continuously move in the X-axis direction after cutting the glass ribbon GR to transfer the glass sheet GS to the container.

[0171] While the bender 700 is moving the glass sheet GS, the support 600 may return to its initial position. In other words, the support 600 may move vertically independent of the movement of the bender 700. In some embodiments, when the support 600 returns to its initial position, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 may form a new score line. That is, the scoring wheel 300 and the support wheel 500 may move independently of the movement of the support 600.

[0172] FIG. 13 is a side view diagrammatically illustrating a glass cutting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 13, the glass cutting apparatus 2000 a may include a frame 110 , a guide 120 , a first rail 200 , a scoring wheel 900 , a support 600 , and a bender 700 .

[0174] Hereinafter, the description of the elements of the glass cutting apparatus 2000a in FIG. 13 as the elements of the glass cutting apparatus 2000 in FIG. 1 will be omitted, and the differences will be described below.

[0175] In the glass cutting apparatus 2000a, the glass ribbon GR and the scoring wheel 900 may not contact each other during the process of forming the score lines SL. That is, the glass cutting apparatus 2000a may form the score lines SL on the glass ribbon GR in a non-contact manner.

[0176] The glass cutting apparatus 2000a may include a scoring wheel 900 that reciprocates along the first rail 200. The scoring wheel 900 may form score lines SL on the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR.

[0177] The scoring wheel 900 may include a laser device 910. By using the laser device 910, the scoring wheel 900 may form score lines SL without contacting the glass ribbon GR.

[0178] The laser device 910 of the scoring wheel 900 can irradiate a laser beam LR toward a first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR. The laser beam LR generates heat on the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR to form score lines SL. The depth of the score lines SL can be adjusted by adjusting the intensity of the laser beam LR.

[0179] In some embodiments, the scoring apparatus 1000b may include a cooling device (not shown). The cooling device may face the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR. The cooling device may cool the glass ribbon GR on the second surface GR2 of the glass ribbon GR when the first surface GR1 of the glass ribbon GR is heated by the laser device 910. The quality of the score line SL may be improved via the cooling device.

[0180] In some embodiments, the glass cutting device may include the scoring device of FIG.

[0181] Scoring devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the spacing between scoreline forming processes, thus increasing the speed at which glass sheets are formed and reducing the time it takes to manufacture glass sheets.

[0182] A glass cutting apparatus according to the present disclosure may separate the structure for cutting the glass ribbon along the score lines from the structure for transporting the glass sheet in order to improve the efficiency of transporting the glass sheet.

[0183] However, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can clearly understand effects not described above from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0184] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in an illustrative sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. The description of a feature or aspect within each embodiment should typically be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A scoring apparatus for scoring a vertically moving glass ribbon, comprising: a first rail spaced apart from a first surface of the glass ribbon, facing the first surface of the glass ribbon and intersecting the glass ribbon in a direction oblique to the vertical direction; a scoring wheel reciprocating along the first rail and having a first pivot and a tip; a second rail facing a second surface, spaced from the second surface, and extending parallel to the first rail, the second rail being on an opposite side of the glass ribbon from the first surface; a support wheel reciprocating along the second rail and including a second pivot and a roll pad; a support positioned below the second rail and configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction; The scoring device, wherein the tip forms a score line on the first surface of the glass ribbon.

2. As the scoring wheel moves along the first rail, moving the tip portion so that the first pivot contacts the first surface of the glass ribbon at the start of the score line; The scoring device of claim 1 , wherein the tip is moved so as to separate from the first surface of the glass ribbon at an end point of the score line.

3. 3. The scoring device of claim 2, wherein the first pivot moves the tip before the scoring wheel reaches the starting point.

4. When the support wheel moves along the second rail, moving the roll pad so that the second pivot contacts the second surface of the glass ribbon at the start of the score line; The scoring device of claim 2 , wherein the roll pad is moved so as to separate from the second surface of the glass ribbon at an end point of the score line.

5. the support wheel moves along the second rail symmetrically with the scoring wheel based on the glass ribbon; 5. The scoring device of claim 4, wherein a second pivot moves the roll pad so that the roll pad and the tip are symmetrical with respect to one another based on the glass ribbon.

6. 2. The scoring device of claim 1, wherein said support reciprocates independently of said movement of said scoring wheel and said movement of said support wheel.

7. The scoring device of claim 1 , wherein the support is positioned facing the second surface of the glass ribbon.

8. The scoring device of claim 1 , wherein the support contacts the glass ribbon below the score line.

9. The scoring device of claim 1 , wherein the support is in surface contact with the glass ribbon.

10. The scoring device of claim 1 , further comprising an angle adjuster configured to adjust the inclination angle of the first rail and the second rail.

11. 1. A glass cutting apparatus for forming glass sheets by cutting a vertically moving glass ribbon, comprising: a first rail spaced apart from a first surface of the glass ribbon, facing the first surface of the glass ribbon and intersecting the glass ribbon in a direction oblique to the vertical direction; a scoring wheel that reciprocates along the first rail and forms score lines on the first surface of the glass ribbon; a support positioned below the first rail and configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction; a bender located below the first rail and configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction; The glass cutting device, wherein the bender bends the glass ribbon in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction at a position lower than the score lines.

12. 12. The glass cutting apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bender is adsorbed onto the first surface of the glass ribbon.

13. 13. The glass cutting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bender bends the glass ribbon in a direction from the first surface toward a second surface opposite the first surface.

14. 12. The glass cutting apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bender moves in the vertical direction at a velocity equal to a velocity of the glass ribbon.

15. 12. The glass cutting apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support contacts the glass ribbon above a point where the bender contacts the glass ribbon.

16. 12. The glass cutting apparatus of claim 11, wherein the scoring wheel comprises a laser device configured to emit a laser onto the first surface of the glass ribbon.

17. a second rail facing a second surface, spaced from the second surface, and extending parallel to the first rail, the second rail being on an opposite side of the glass ribbon from the first surface; a support wheel reciprocating along the second rail and including a second pivot and a roll pad; 12. The glass cutting device of claim 11, wherein the scoring wheel comprises a first pivot and a tip.

18. 12. The glass cutting apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bender is spaced apart from the support with the glass ribbon interposed therebetween.

19. 1. A glass cutting apparatus for forming glass sheets by cutting a vertically moving glass ribbon, comprising: a first rail spaced apart from a first surface of the glass ribbon, facing the first surface of the glass ribbon and intersecting the glass ribbon in a direction oblique to the vertical direction; a scoring wheel reciprocating along the first rail and including a tip and a first pivot configured to move the tip; a second rail facing a second surface, spaced from the second surface, and extending parallel to the first rail, the second rail being on an opposite side of the glass ribbon from the first surface; a support wheel reciprocating along the second rail and including a roll pad and a second pivot configured to move the roll pad; a support positioned below the second rail, facing the second surface while spaced apart from the second surface of the glass ribbon, and configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction; a bender located below the second rail, facing the first surface while spaced apart from the first surface of the glass ribbon, and configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction while tracking the glass ribbon; the tip portion forms a score line on the first surface of the glass ribbon; the bender is attracted to the glass ribbon below the score line and bends the glass ribbon in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface; The glass cutting apparatus, wherein the support contacts the glass ribbon above the point where the bender contacts the glass ribbon.

20. As the scoring wheel moves along the first rail, pivoting the tip so that the first pivot contacts the first surface of the glass ribbon at the start point of the score line and separates from the first surface of the glass ribbon at the end point of the score line; the support wheel moves along the second rail symmetrically with the scoring wheel based on the glass ribbon; 20. The glass cutting apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second pivot rotates the roll pad symmetrically about the tip based on the glass ribbon.

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