Bend-breaking system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a bend-breaking system capable of achieving miniaturization, energy savings, and cost reduction, and efficiently performing bend-breaking work on both side edge parts and both end edge parts of a glass plate in a short time. [Solution] This bend-breaking system includes: a first scribe line forming means for forming a first scribe line extending in the conveyance direction of a glass plate 11 on first and second side edge parts of the glass plate 11 using a bend-breaking cutter wheel; a first bend-breaking means for bend-breaking the first and second side edge parts by pressing the first and second side edge parts of the glass plate 11, on which the first scribe line is formed, using pressing bars 63a and 63b; a rotation means for rotating the glass plate 11 by 90° so that a center line bisecting the dimension of the glass plate 11 in the width direction is orthogonal to the conveyance direction, after bend-braking the first and second side edge parts of the glass plate 11; a second scribe line forming means for forming a second scribe line extending in the conveyance direction using the bend-breaking cutter wheel on front and rear end edge parts of the glass plate 11 rotated by 90° by the rotation means; and a second bend-breaking means for bend-breaking the front and rear end edge parts by pressing the front and rear end edge parts of the glass plate, on which the second scribe line is formed, using the pressing bars 63a and 63b.

Description

Folding and splitting system

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding and breaking system that forms a cutting line on the edge of a glass plate to be processed, and then breaks the edge of the glass plate on which the cutting line has been formed.

[0002] Various folding systems have been disclosed that utilize a folding jig equipped with a folding cutter wheel for forming a scribe line on a glass plate to be processed and a pressing member for pressing the edge of the glass plate downwards. These systems form a scribe line on the edge of the glass plate using the folding cutter wheel, and then press the edge of the glass plate with the pressing member to fold the edge (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] As an example of a conventional glass plate folding system, as shown in Figure 14, a side view of the folding system, and Figure 15, a top view of the folding system, it includes a glass plate loading area 91 into which glass plates to be processed before folding are loaded, equipped with a glass loading support 90; a first folding area 93 located in front of the glass plate loading area 91 in the transport direction and equipped with a first glass folding support 92 for folding both side edges of the glass plate; a glass plate rotation area 95 located in front of the first folding area 93 in the transport direction and equipped with a glass rotation support 94 for rotating the glass plate with its side edges folded by 90°; a second folding area 97 located in front of the glass plate rotation area 95 in the transport direction and equipped with a second glass folding support 96 for folding both end edges of the glass plate; and a glass plate discharge area 99 located in front of the second folding area 97 in the transport direction and equipped with a glass discharge support 98 for transporting the glass plate after folding. The glass plates are transported in the following order: glass plate loading area 91 → first folding area 93 → glass plate rotation area 95 → second folding area 97 → glass plate unloading area 99. The glass plates are transported by a transport shuttle 100, which is installed on a transport rail extending in the transport direction and moves along the transport rail in the forward and backward directions of transport.

[0004] In the first scoring area 93 of the scoring system shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, after forming first scribe lines extending in the conveying direction by scoring cutter wheels at both side edges of the glass plate placed on the first glass receiving stand 92, the pressing members press both side edges of the glass plate, and both side edges of the glass plate are scored. In the second scoring area 97 of the scoring system, after forming second scribe lines extending in the conveying direction by scoring cutter wheels at both end edges of the glass plate placed on the second glass receiving stand 96 after the glass plate has been rotated 90° in the glass plate rotating area 95, the pressing members press both end edges of the glass plate, and both end edges of the glass plate are scored. The glass plate with both side edges and both end edges scored is conveyed by the conveying shuttle 100 to the glass receiving stand 98 in the glass plate unloading area 99.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-66539, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-77606

[0006] In the scoring system shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, after both side edges of the glass plate are scored in the first scoring area 93, the glass plate is conveyed from the first scoring area 93 to the glass plate rotating area 95 by the conveying shuttle 100, and after the glass plate is rotated 90° in the glass plate rotating area 95, the glass plate is conveyed from the glass plate rotating area 95 to the second scoring area 97 by the conveying shuttle 100, and both side edges of the glass plate are scored in the second scoring area 97. Therefore, the conveyance by the conveying shuttle 100 to those areas 93, 95, 97 cannot be omitted, and the scoring of both side edges of the glass plate, the 90° rotation of the glass plate, and the scoring of both end edges of the glass plate cannot be performed in one area. This scoring system requires the respective mechanical equipment in the first scoring area 93, the glass plate rotating area, and the second scoring area 97 for scoring both side edges and both end edges of the glass plate, and it is impossible to reduce the size, energy consumption, and cost of the system, and it is also impossible to shorten the time and improve the efficiency of the scoring process.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a scoring system that can reduce the size, energy consumption, and cost of the system, and can efficiently perform the scoring process of both side edges and both end edges of the glass plate in a short time.

[0008] The premise of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems is a folding cutter wheel that forms a scribe line on a glass plate to be processed and a pressing member that presses the edge of the glass plate downward, thereby forming a scribe line on the edge of the glass plate with the folding cutter wheel, and pressing the edge of the glass plate on which the scribe line has been formed with the pressing member to fold the edge.

[0009] The features of the present invention in the aforementioned premise are that the folding system comprises: a first scribe line forming means that forms a first scribe line extending in the direction of transport of the glass plate on both edges of one side of the glass plate using a folding cutter wheel; a first folding means that presses both edges of one side of the glass plate on which the first scribe line has been formed with a pressing member to fold both edges; a rotating means that rotates the glass plate by 90° so that the center line dividing the width dimension of the glass plate in half is perpendicular to the transport direction; a second scribe line forming means that forms a second scribe line extending in the direction of transport on both edges of the other side of the glass plate rotated by 90° by the rotating means using a folding cutter wheel; and a second folding means that presses both edges of the other side of the glass plate on which the second scribe line has been formed with a pressing member to fold both edges.

[0010] As an example of the present invention, the glass breaking system includes a glass breaking support for which a glass plate is placed in a horizontal position when both edges of the glass plate are broken by a first breaking means, and a glass transport and rotation shuttle that raises the glass plate above the glass breaking support and rotates the glass plate by 90° using a rotating means. In the rotating means, the glass transport and rotation shuttle raises the glass plate above the glass breaking support and then rotates the glass plate by 90°.

[0011] Another example of the present invention is a glass breaking support stand having a plurality of first mounting plates that extend in a width direction intersecting the transport direction from one side edge extending in the transport direction toward the other side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and a plurality of second mounting plates that extend in a width direction from the other side edge extending in the transport direction toward the one side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and a glass transport and rotating shuttle having a plurality of third mounting plates that extend in one width direction from the center line of the transport direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction and are passable vertically through the gaps between adjacent first mounting plates, and a plurality of fourth mounting plates that extend in the other width direction from the center line of the transport direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction and are passable vertically through the gaps between adjacent second mounting plates, and a rotating means Then, as the third mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle pass vertically upward through the gap between the first mounting plates of the glass folding / breaking support, and the fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle pass vertically upward through the gap between the second mounting plates of the glass folding / breaking support, the glass plate placed on the glass folding / breaking support is transferred from the first and second mounting plates to the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle, causing the glass plate to rise above the glass folding / breaking support. After the glass plate is placed on the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle and rises above the glass folding / breaking support, the third and fourth mounting plates rotate 90° clockwise or counterclockwise so that they extend in the transport direction.

[0012] Another example of the present invention is a folding system comprising a first folding table located outward in the width direction from one side edge of a glass folding support and movable up and down, and a second folding table located outward in the width direction from the other side edge of the glass folding support and movable up and down, wherein the first scribe line forming means, after the glass plate is placed horizontally on the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support, forms a first scribe line extending in the direction of transport of the glass plate on both edges of one side of the glass plate using a folding cutter wheel while the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables are at the same height level.

[0013] In another example of the present invention, the first folding means forms first scribe lines on both edges of one side of the glass plate, then the first and second folding tables are lowered downward relative to the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support, and the pressing members press downward on both edges of one side of the glass plate located on the first and second folding tables, thereby folding the edges of one side of the glass plate.

[0014] As another example of the present invention, in the second scribe line forming means, a glass plate is placed horizontally on the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle, the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support and the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle are lowered, and after the upper surfaces of the third and fourth mounting plates and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables are at the same height level, the folding cutter wheel forms a second scribe line extending in the direction of transport of the glass plate on both other edges of the glass plate.

[0015] In another example of the present invention, the second folding means forms second scribe lines on both other edges of the glass plate, then the first and second folding tables descend downward relative to the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport and rotation shuttle, and the pressing members press downward on both other edges of the glass plate located on the first and second folding tables, thereby folding the other edges of the glass plate.

[0016] Another example of the present invention is a glass plate folding system comprising a glass loading platform located behind the glass folding platform in the transport direction and on which glass plates before folding are placed in a horizontal position, and a transport shuttle located behind the glass transport / rotating shuttle in the transport direction and transporting the glass plates before folding from the glass loading platform toward the glass folding platform in the transport direction, wherein the glass transport shuttle lifts the glass plates placed on the glass loading platform above the glass loading platform, then moves forward in the transport direction while holding the glass plates, and transports the glass plates before folding to the glass folding platform, and includes a first glass plate transport means.

[0017] Another example of the present invention is a glass loading support having a plurality of fifth mounting plates that extend in the width direction from one side edge extending in the transport direction toward the other side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and a plurality of sixth mounting plates that extend in the width direction from the other side edge extending in the transport direction toward the one side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and a glass transport shuttle having a plurality of seventh mounting plates that extend in one width direction from the center line of the transport direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction and are passable vertically through the gaps between adjacent fifth mounting plates, and a plurality of eighth mounting plates that extend in the other width direction from the center line of the transport direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction and are passable vertically through the gaps between adjacent sixth mounting plates, and in the first glass plate transport means, the seventh mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle are below the fifth mounting plates of the glass loading support. As the glass transport shuttle is positioned, and after the eighth mounting plate of the glass transport shuttle is positioned below the sixth mounting plate of the glass transport receiving platform, the glass plates before folding are placed horizontally on the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass transport receiving platform. After the glass plates are placed on the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass transport receiving platform, the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle pass vertically upward through the gap between the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass transport receiving platform, the glass plates placed on the glass transport receiving platform are transferred from the fifth and sixth mounting plates to the seventh and eighth mounting plates, causing the glass plates to rise above the glass transport receiving platform. After the glass plates before folding are placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle and rise above the glass folding receiving platform, the glass transport shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to transfer the glass plates to the glass folding receiving platform.

[0018] As another example of the present invention, in the first glass plate transport means, the seventh mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle pass vertically downward through the gap between the first mounting plates of the glass folding support, and the eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle pass vertically downward through the gap between the second mounting plates of the glass folding support, thereby transferring the glass plates placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle to the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support.

[0019] Another example of the present invention is a glass folding system which includes a glass discharge receiving table located in front of the glass folding receiving table in the transport direction and on which the glass plate after folding is placed, and a second glass plate transporting means which, after the other two edges of the glass plate are folded by the second folding means, has third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle rise above the glass folding receiving table, and the glass transport / rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to transport the glass plate after folding from the glass folding receiving table to the glass discharge receiving table.

[0020] As another example of the present invention, in the second glass plate transport means, after the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle on which the glass plate after folding is placed rise above the glass folding support, the third and fourth mounting plates rotate 90°, the glass transport / rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to transport the glass plate after folding to the glass discharge support, and after the third and fourth mounting plates are positioned above the glass discharge support, the third and fourth mounting plates descend to place the glass plate after folding onto the glass discharge support, or, after the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle on which the glass plate after folding is placed rise above the glass folding support, the glass transport / rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to position the third and fourth mounting plates above the glass discharge support, the third and fourth mounting plates rotate 90°, the third and fourth mounting plates descend to place the glass plate after folding onto the glass discharge support.

[0021] Another example of the present invention is a glass unloading support that has a plurality of ninth mounting plates extending in a width direction intersecting the transport direction from one side edge extending in the transport direction toward the other side edge, and arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and a plurality of tenth mounting plates extending in a width direction from the other side edge extending in the transport direction toward the one side edge, and arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and the glass plate second transport means, wherein the third mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle pass downward in the vertical direction through the gap between the ninth mounting plates of the glass unloading support, and the fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle pass downward in the vertical direction through the gap between the tenth mounting plates of the glass unloading support, and the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle are located below the ninth and tenth mounting plates of the glass unloading support, and the glass plate after folding is placed horizontally on the ninth and tenth mounting plates of the glass unloading support.

[0022] According to the glass plate folding system of the present invention, a first scribe line is formed on both edges of one side of the glass plate by a folding cutter wheel, and both edges of the glass plate on which the first scribe line has been formed are pressed by a pressing member to fold off one edge, the glass plate is rotated 90° so that the center line dividing the width dimension of the glass plate in half is perpendicular to the transport direction, a second scribe line is formed on both edges of the other side of the glass plate that has been rotated 90° by a folding cutter wheel, and both edges of the other side of the glass plate on which the second scribe line has been formed are pressed by a pressing member to fold off the other edge. As a result, the folding off of one edge of the glass plate, the 90° rotation of the glass plate, and the folding off of the other edge of the glass plate can all be performed in one area, eliminating the need for separate machinery and equipment in each area, and enabling miniaturization, energy saving, and cost reduction of the system. The folding system allows for the folding of both edges of a glass sheet without transporting it to multiple areas. This eliminates the need for transport time and enables the folding of both edges of a glass sheet to be performed quickly and efficiently.

[0023] The glass folding system uses a glass transport and rotation shuttle to lift the glass plate above the glass folding support, and then rotates the glass plate by 90°. This allows the glass plate to be rotated 90° above the glass folding support using the glass transport and rotation shuttle, and after folding both edges of one side of the glass plate, the other side of the glass plate can be folded by rotating the glass plate by 90° so that its centerline is perpendicular to the transport direction. Thus, the folding of both edges of one side of the glass plate and the other side can be completed in a single area.

[0024] In the glass folding system, the third mounting plate of the glass transport / rotating shuttle passes vertically upward through the gap between the first mounting plates of the glass folding support, and the fourth mounting plate of the glass transport / rotating shuttle passes vertically upward through the gap between the second mounting plates of the glass folding support. As a result, the glass plates placed on the glass folding support are transferred from the first and second mounting plates to the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle, allowing for a quick and smooth transfer of glass plates from the glass folding support to the glass transport / rotating shuttle. In the glass breaking system, the glass plate placed on the glass breaking support is transferred from the first and second mounting plates to the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle, causing the glass plate to rise above the glass breaking support. After the glass plate is placed on the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle and rises above the glass breaking support, the third and fourth mounting plates rotate 90° clockwise or counterclockwise so that they extend in the transport direction. This allows the glass plate, after both edges on one side have been broken, to be transferred from the glass breaking support to the glass transport / rotating shuttle. The rotation of the third and fourth mounting plates 90° clockwise or counterclockwise above the glass breaking support allows the glass plate to be rotated 90°.

[0025] In the glass folding system, after the glass plate is placed on the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support, the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables are brought to the same height level, and the folding cutter wheel forms a first scribe line extending in the direction of transport of the glass plate on both edges of one side of the glass plate. Therefore, even if a pressing force is applied from the top to the bottom of the glass plate by the folding cutter wheel, both edges of one side of the glass plate will not bend downward, and the folding cutter wheel can be used to reliably form a first scribe line on both edges of one side of the glass plate, and the first scribe line can be reliably folded along both edges of one side of the glass plate.

[0026] The folding system forms a first scribe line on both edges of one side of the glass plate. Then, the first and second folding tables descend downward relative to the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support. The pressing members press downward on both edges of one side of the glass plate located on the first and second folding tables, causing one edge of the glass plate to fold. As the first and second folding tables descend downward, the pressing members press downward on one edge of the glass plate, allowing one edge of the glass plate to bend downward, and ensuring that one edge of the glass plate is reliably folded at the first scribe line.

[0027] In the glass folding system, a glass plate is placed on the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle. The first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support stand and the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle are lowered until the upper surfaces of the third and fourth mounting plates and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables are at the same height level. Then, the folding cutter wheel forms a second scribe line extending in the direction of transport of the glass plate on both other edges of the glass plate. Therefore, even if a pressing force is applied from the top to the bottom of the glass plate by the folding cutter wheel, the other edges of the glass plate will not bend downward due to the first and second folding tables, which are at the same height level as the upper surfaces of the third and fourth mounting plates. The folding cutter wheel can be used to reliably form a second scribe line on both other edges of the glass plate, and the other edges of the glass plate can be reliably folded along the second scribe line.

[0028] The folding system forms second scribe lines on both other edges of the glass plate. Then, the first and second folding tables descend downward relative to the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle, and the pressing members press downward on both other edges of the glass plate located on the first and second folding tables, thereby folding the other edges of the glass plate. As the other edges of the glass plate located on the descending first and second folding tables are pressed downward by the pressing members, the other edges of the glass plate can be bent downward, ensuring that the other edges of the glass plate are reliably folded at the second scribe lines.

[0029] The glass folding system works as follows: The glass transport shuttle lifts the glass plate placed on the glass loading platform upwards, then moves forward in the transport direction while holding the glass plate, and transports the glass plate before folding to the glass folding platform. As a result, the glass transport shuttle sequentially transports the glass plate before folding from the glass loading platform to the glass folding platform, allowing for a continuous supply of glass plates before folding from the glass loading platform to the glass folding platform. This enables efficient folding of both edges of one and both edges of the glass plate while continuously supplying multiple glass plates before folding to the glass folding platform.

[0030] The folding and splitting system is configured such that each seventh mounting plate of the glass transport shuttle is positioned below each fifth mounting plate of the glass loading platform, and each eighth mounting plate of the glass transport shuttle is positioned below each sixth mounting plate of the glass loading platform. After the glass plates are placed on the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass loading platform, the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle pass vertically upward through the gap between the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass loading platform, and the glass plates placed on the glass loading platform are transferred from the fifth and sixth mounting plates to the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport and rotating shuttle. As the glass plate rises above the glass loading platform and the glass plate before folding rises above the glass folding platform, the glass transport shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to transfer the glass plate to the glass folding platform. As the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle pass upward in the vertical direction through the gap between the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass loading platform, the glass plate before folding, which is placed on the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass loading platform, can be transferred from the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass loading platform to the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle. The glass transport shuttle can then move forward in the transport direction to transport the glass plate to the glass folding platform and transfer the glass plate to the glass folding platform.

[0031] In the glass folding system, each seventh mounting plate of the glass transport shuttle passes vertically downward through the gap between each first mounting plate of the glass folding support, and each eighth mounting plate of the glass transport shuttle passes vertically downward through the gap between each second mounting plate of the glass folding support. As a result, the glass plates placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle are transferred from the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle to the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support. This ensures that the glass plates are reliably transferred from the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle to the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support, enabling quick and smooth transfer of glass plates from the glass transport shuttle to the glass folding support, and allowing for the folding of both edges on one side and both edges on the other side of the glass plate transferred from the glass transport shuttle.

[0032] In the glass folding system, after folding both edges of the other end of the glass plate, the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle rise above the glass folding support, and the glass transport / rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to transport the folded glass plate to the glass discharge support. Thus, the glass transport / rotating shuttle can sequentially transport the folded glass plates to the glass discharge support, and multiple folded glass plates can be transported continuously to the glass discharge support.

[0033] The folding and splitting system involves the glass transport and rotating shuttle on which the folded and split glass plate, with both other edges folded, is placed, rising above the glass folding and splitting support base. After this, the third and fourth plates rotate 90°, the glass transport and rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to transport the folded and split glass plate to the glass discharge support base. After the third and fourth plates are positioned above the glass discharge support base, the third and fourth plates descend to place the folded and split glass plate on the glass discharge support base, or the glass transport and rotating shuttle on which the folded and split glass plate, with both other edges folded, is placed... As the third and fourth mounting plates rise above the glass folding support, and the glass transport / rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction, the third and fourth mounting plates are positioned above the glass discharge support. Then the third and fourth mounting plates rotate 90°, and the third and fourth mounting plates descend to place the folded glass plate onto the glass discharge support. Thus, the folded glass plate, with both edges folded on one side and both edges on the other, can be efficiently transported to the glass discharge support at a predetermined speed by the glass transport / rotating shuttle, and the folded glass plate can be efficiently placed on the glass discharge support in a short amount of time.

[0034] In the folding and splitting system, the third mounting plate of each glass transport / rotating shuttle passes vertically downward through the gap between each ninth mounting plate of each glass output receiving base, and the fourth mounting plate of each glass transport / rotating shuttle passes vertically downward through the gap between each tenth mounting plate of the glass output receiving base. The third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle are positioned below the ninth and tenth mounting plates of the glass output receiving base, and the glass plates after folding and splitting are placed on the ninth and tenth mounting plates of the glass output receiving base. Therefore, the glass plates after folding and splitting, after both edges on one side and both edges on the other side have been folded and split, can be reliably transferred from the glass transport / rotating shuttle to the glass output receiving base, and the glass plates after folding and splitting can be efficiently placed on the glass output receiving base in a short amount of time.

[0035] Side view of a folding system as an example. Top view of the folding system. Top view showing an example of a glass plate to be folded by the folding system. Side view of the first and second folding devices. Front view of the first and second folding devices. Top view of the first and second folding devices. Enlarged side view of the first and second folding devices. Front view showing an example of a glass transport / rotating shuttle. Side view of the glass transport / rotating shuttle. Top view of the glass transport / rotating shuttle as seen from line A-A in Figure 9. Top view of the glass transport / rotating shuttle as seen from line B-B in Figure 9. Front view showing an example of the glass transport / rotating shuttle after it has moved to the first and second folding devices and the folding area. Front view showing another example of the glass transport / rotating shuttle after it has moved to the first and second folding devices and the folding area. Side view of a conventional folding system. Top view of a conventional folding system.

[0036] Referring to the attached drawings, the details of the folding and splitting system 10 according to the present invention will be described as follows. Figure 1 is a side view of the folding and splitting system 10 as an example, and Figure 2 is a top view of the folding and splitting system 10. Figure 3 is a top view showing an example of a glass plate 11 to be folded and split by the folding and splitting system 10, and Figure 4 is a side view of the first and second folding and splitting devices 26a and 26b. Figure 5 is a front view of the first and second folding and splitting devices 26a and 26b, and Figure 6 is a top view of the first and second folding and splitting devices 26a and 26b. Figure 7 is an enlarged side view of the first and second folding and splitting devices 26a and 26b. In Figure 3, the glass plate 11 is shown positioned in the loading area 18. In Figures 1 to 3, the transport direction (X-axis direction) is indicated by arrow X, the width direction (Y-axis direction) by arrow Y, and the up and down direction (Z-axis direction) by arrow Z. In Figure 3, the scribe lines K1 and K2 formed on the glass plate 11 are shown as dashed lines.

[0037] The folding system 10 utilizes first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b that form first and second crease lines K1 and K2 on the glass plate 11 (flat glass) to be processed, and first and second folding bars 63a and 63b (pressing members) that press downwards the first and second side edges 14 and 15 (both edges on one side) and the front and rear end edges 16 and 17 (both edges on the other side) of the glass plate 11 to be processed, thereby processing the first and second side edges of the glass plate 11 First and second scribe lines K1 and K2 are formed on the 14, 15 and the front and rear edge portions 16, 17 by the folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b, and the first and second side edges 14, 15 and the front and rear edge portions 16, 17 of the glass plate 11 on which the scribe lines K1 and K2 are formed are pressed by the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b to perform a folding process that folds the first and second side edges 14, 15 and the front and rear edge portions 16, 17.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the glass plate 11 to be processed in the folding system 10 (the glass plate 11 before folding) has a predetermined upper surface 12 and lower surface 13, a predetermined thickness, and its planar shape is formed into a rectangle (quadrilateral) that is long in the transport direction. The glass plate 11 has a first side edge portion 14 and a second side edge portion 15 that are spaced apart in the width direction and extend in the transport direction, and a front end edge portion 16 and a rear end edge portion 17 that are spaced apart in the transport direction and extend in the width direction.

[0039] The folding and splitting system 10 is controlled by a controller (not shown). The controller is a computer that includes a central processing unit (CPU or MPU) and memory (main memory and cache memory), operates on an independent operating system, and has a large-capacity hard disk (large-capacity storage area) built in.

[0040] The controller's large-capacity hard disk (large-capacity storage area) stores (stores) the names and part numbers of each glass plate 11 to be processed, multiple coordinate data of each glass plate 11 that differ depending on the size (area) and shape of each glass plate 11 to be processed (coordinates of the first and second side edges 14, 15 of the glass plate 11, coordinates of the front and rear edge portions 16, 17, coordinates of the first to fourth corners, coordinates of the center of the glass plate 11, etc.), and image data of the glass plate 11 (planar images (6-sided images) and stereoscopic images (3D images)), all associated with glass plate identification information (glass plate identification identifier) ​​that identifies the glass plate 11.

[0041] The controller's large-capacity hard disk stores (stores) the direction and length of the scribe lines K1 and K2 (edge ​​cutting lines) formed on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11, and the direction and length of the scribe lines K1 and K2 formed on the front and rear edge portions 16 and 17, in association with glass plate identification information (glass plate identification identifier). The glass plate identification information can be the manufacturing number or serial number of the glass plate 11, or the controller can generate a unique identifier to identify the glass plate 11, and this generated identifier can be used as the glass plate identification information.

[0042] The controller controls the positioning in the loading area 18 using the coordinate data of the glass plate 11 stored on a large-capacity hard disk, and NC controls the folding system 10 in the folding area 19 using the coordinate data of the glass plate 11 stored on the large-capacity hard disk. In NC control, the controller quantifies the starting position (XY plane coordinates), ending position (XY plane coordinates), and processing direction using coordinates, and quantifies the direction of movement, distance, and speed of the two axes, the X axis (transport direction) and the Y axis (width direction). It transmits (outputs) a signal with quantified command coordinates and axes to the folding system 10. In NC control, the desired folding shape is accurately represented by repeating the "coordinate → axis → command" process.

[0043] The breaking system 10 has a loading area 18 for loading the glass plate 11 before the breaking process, a breaking area 19 located in front (downstream side) in the conveying direction of the loading area 18 for performing the breaking process on the glass plate 11, and an unloading area 20 located in front (downstream side) in the conveying direction of the breaking area 19 for unloading the glass plate 11 after the breaking process. The breaking system 10 includes a glass conveying shuttle (not shown) that reciprocates in the forward and backward directions of the conveying direction, and a glass conveying and rotating shuttle 21 that reciprocates in the forward and backward directions of the conveying direction. The conveyance of the glass plate 11 from the loading area 18 to the breaking area 19 is performed by the glass conveying shuttle, and the conveyance of the glass plate 11 from the breaking area 19 to the unloading area 20 is performed by the glass conveying and rotating shuttle 21. The loading area 18, the breaking area 19, and the unloading area 20 are formed on a machine base 22 shaped like a rectangle long in the conveying direction.

[0044] In the loading area 18, two first and second glass loading receiving stands 23a and 23b, and two first and second positioning devices 24a and 24b are installed. Those glass loading receiving stands 23a and 23b are arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction, and the second glass loading receiving stand 23b is located in front (downstream side) in the conveying direction of the first glass loading receiving stand 23a. Those positioning devices 24a and 24b are arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction, and the second positioning device 24b is located in front (downstream side) in the conveying direction of the first positioning device 24a.

[0045] In the breaking area 19, two first and second first side edge parts 25a and 25b, and two first and second breaking devices 26a and 26b are installed. Those glass breaking receiving stands 25a and 25b are arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction, and the second glass breaking receiving stand 25a is located in front (downstream side) in the conveying direction of the first glass breaking receiving stand 25a. Those breaking devices 26a and 26b are arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction, and the second breaking device 26b is located in front (downstream side) in the conveying direction of the first breaking device 26a. In the unloading area 20, two first and second glass unloading receiving stands 27a and 27b are installed. Those unloading receiving stands 27a and 27b are arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction, and the second glass unloading receiving stand 27b is located in front (downstream side) in the conveying direction of the first glass unloading receiving stand 27a.

[0046] The first and second glass loading and receiving bases 23a and 23b include a first side edge portion 28a extending in the conveying direction, a second side edge portion 28b located on the opposite side in the width direction of the first side edge portion 28a and extending in the conveying direction, a plurality of plate-like fifth placing plates 29a extending in the width direction from the first side edge portion 28a toward the second side edge portion 28b, and a plurality of plate-like sixth placing plates 29b extending in the width direction from the second side edge portion 28b toward the first side edge portion 28a and extending in the conveying direction.

[0047] The fifth placing plates 29a are arranged at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the conveying direction parallel to each other. The fifth placing plates 29a have a base end portion installed and fixed to the first side edge portion 28a of the glass loading and receiving bases 23a and 23b, and a tip end portion located inward in the width direction from the base end portion. Hair brushes arranged at equal intervals in the width direction are installed on the fifth placing plates 29a. The hair brushes prevent the glass plate 11 from being damaged when the glass plate 11 is placed on the fifth placing plates 29a. A plurality of fifth gaps 30a arranged at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the conveying direction parallel to each other are formed between the fifth placing plates 29a. The fifth gaps 30a extend inward in the width direction from the first side edge portion 28a.

[0048] The sixth placing plates 29b are arranged at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the conveying direction parallel to each other. The sixth placing plates 29b have a base end portion installed and fixed to the second side edge portion 28b of the glass loading and receiving bases 23a and 23b, and a tip end portion located inward in the width direction from the base end portion. Hair brushes (cushions) arranged at equal intervals in the width direction are installed on the sixth placing plates 29b. The hair brushes prevent the glass plate 11 from being damaged when the glass plate 11 is placed on the sixth placing plates 29b. A sixth gap 30b with a predetermined dimension arranged at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the conveying direction parallel to each other is formed between the sixth placing plates 29b. The sixth gaps 30b extend inward in the width direction from the second side edge portion 28b.

[0049] The fifth mounting plate 29a and the sixth mounting plate 29b are arranged symmetrically to each other, facing each other in the width direction. The leading edge of the fifth mounting plate 29a and the leading edge of the sixth mounting plate 29b are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the width direction. A travel (pass) space 31a extending in the transport direction is formed between the leading edge of the fifth mounting plate 29a and the leading edge of the sixth mounting plate 29b.

[0050] The first positioning device 24a is installed on the upper part of the first glass loading platform 23a and on the first and second side edges 28a and 28b, and the second positioning device 24b is installed on the upper part of the second glass loading platform 23b and on the first and second side edges 28a and 28b. These positioning devices 24a and 24b include a frame 32 extending in the transport direction, a transport direction stopper 33 installed at the front end of the frame 32 in the transport direction, a transport direction pusher 34 installed at the rear end of the frame 32 in the transport direction, a width direction pusher 35 installed on the frame 32 of the first side edge 28a, located between the front end and rear end of the frame 32 in the transport direction, and a width direction stopper installed on the frame of the second side edge 28b, located between the front end and rear end of the frame 32 in the transport direction.

[0051] The first and second positioning devices 24a and 24b each include a moving mechanism (not shown) driven by a servo motor and a lifting mechanism (not shown) driven by an air cylinder. The transport direction pusher 34 reciprocates along the frame 32 in the forward and backward directions of the transport direction by the moving mechanism, and also moves up and down in the vertical direction of the frame 32 by the lifting mechanism. The transport direction stopper 33 moves up and down in the vertical direction of the frame 32 by the lifting mechanism. The width direction pusher 35 reciprocates inward and outward in the width direction of the frame 32 by the moving mechanism. The width direction stopper reciprocates outward in the width direction of the frame 32 by the moving mechanism.

[0052] The moving mechanism consists of a moving servo motor and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the moving servo motor. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the moving servo motor is connected to the controller via a signal line. In the moving mechanism, the ball screw converts the rotational motion of the driven moving servo motor into linear motion, causing the transport direction pusher 34 to reciprocate in the transport direction, the width direction pusher 35 to reciprocate in the width direction, and the width direction stopper to reciprocate in the width direction. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the air cylinder of the lifting mechanism is connected to the controller via a signal line. In the lifting mechanism, the transport direction pusher 34 and the transport direction stopper 33 move up and down by driving the air cylinder.

[0053] The glass transport shuttle consists of two shuttles connected together, arranged in series in the transport direction. The glass transport shuttle comprises a shuttle frame, a lifting mechanism installed on top of the shuttle frame, a cable carrier installed on the shuttle frame, and a linear guide mechanism that reciprocates the glass transport shuttle in the transport direction. The glass transport shuttle moves linearly forward and backward in the transport direction by the linear guide mechanism. The shuttle frame is molded into a long, roughly rectangular tube shape in the transport direction. The lifting mechanism consists of a lifting servo motor that serves as the drive source, a rack and pinion mechanism, and a lifting shaft that moves up and down in conjunction with the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism.

[0054] A plate support plate, long in the transport direction, is attached to the upper end of the lifting shaft. Multiple seventh mounting plates and multiple eighth mounting plates are attached to the plate support plate. A pair of first and second support members, which support the plate support plate, are attached to the front and rear ends of the shuttle frame. The control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the lifting servo motor that operates the lifting mechanism of the glass transport shuttle is connected to the controller via a signal line.

[0055] The plate support plate of the glass transport shuttle is molded into a roughly rectangular shape with a planar shape that is longer in the transport direction. The width dimension of the plate support plate is smaller than the width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31b between the tip 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the tip 39 of the second mounting plate 37b, and the width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31a between the tip 39 of the fifth mounting plate 29a and the tip 39 of the sixth mounting plate 29b. The plate support plate is able to pass through these travel (passage) spaces 31a and 31b in the transport direction.

[0056] Multiple suction pads are installed on the plate support plate to hold the glass plate 11 by suction. These suction pads are arranged at equal intervals in the transport direction. The suction pads are connected to a vacuum mechanism (air suction device) (not shown) equipped with an air vacuum pump. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the vacuum mechanism is connected to a controller via a signal line (the same applies to the vacuum mechanism described below).

[0057] The seventh and eighth mounting plates extend in one direction in the width direction from the transport direction centerline that divides the plate support plate in the width direction, and are arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the transport direction. The seventh and eighth mounting plates have a base end fixed to the plate support plate and a tip end located on one side (outward) in the width direction from the base end. Between each seventh mounting plate, a plurality of seventh gaps are formed, arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the transport direction, and between each eighth mounting plate, a plurality of eighth gaps are formed, arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the transport direction. These seventh and eighth gaps extend outward in the width direction from the transport direction centerline of the plate support plate.

[0058] The first and second glass loading and receiving tables 23a and 23b are equipped with roller brushes (conveyor type) arranged at equal intervals in the width direction. The roller brushes prevent scratches on the glass plates 11 when they are placed on the first and second glass loading and receiving tables 23a and 23b. The seventh and eighth mounting plates are equipped with bristle brushes arranged at equal intervals in the width direction. The bristle brushes prevent scratches on the glass plates 11 when they are placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates. Suction pads are installed at the front ends of the seventh and eighth mounting plates. The suction pads are connected to a vacuum mechanism (not shown) equipped with an air vacuum pump, and when the glass plates 11 are placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates, the suction pads hold the glass plates 11 to the seventh and eighth mounting plates by suction.

[0059] The seventh and eighth mounting plates are arranged symmetrically to each other, facing each other in the width direction. The gaps between the seventh and eighth plates are also arranged symmetrically to each other, facing each other in the width direction. The cable carrier is located to the side of the shuttle frame. The cable carrier supports and guides power cables, vacuum mechanisms, tubes, etc., which move in the direction of transport of the glass transport shuttle, and protects power cables, vacuum mechanisms, tubes, etc., from wear and tear during the movement of the glass transport shuttle.

[0060] The first support member is formed from a first support portion attached to the front edge of the shuttle frame and extending vertically, a second support portion attached to the lower surface of the plate support plate and extending vertically, and an LM guide. The lower end of the first support portion is fixed to the front edge of the shuttle frame, and the upper end of the second support portion is fixed to the lower surface of the plate support plate. In the first support member, the rail of the LM guide is installed on the side of the first support portion and extends vertically, and the carriage of the LM guide is installed on the second support portion, and the carriage slides vertically relative to the rail, so that the second support portion can move up and down relative to the first support portion.

[0061] The second support member is formed from a first support portion attached to the rear end edge of the shuttle frame and extending vertically, a second support portion attached to the lower surface of the plate support plate and extending vertically, and an LM guide. The lower end of the first support portion is fixed to the rear end edge of the shuttle frame 67, and the upper end of the second support portion is fixed to the lower surface of the plate support plate. In the second support member, the rail of the LM guide is installed on the side of the first support portion and extends vertically, and the carriage of the LM guide is installed on the second support portion, and the carriage slides vertically relative to the rail, so that the second support portion can move up and down relative to the first support portion.

[0062] The linear guide mechanism reciprocates the shuttle frame (glass transport shuttle) in the transport direction. The linear guide mechanism is formed from an LM guide, a guide servo motor, and a rack and pinion mechanism equipped with a trochoid cam gear (TCG). The LM guide of the linear guide mechanism has a pair of rails 81 and a plurality of carriages that extend in the transport direction. These rails are laid on a machine base, spaced apart in the width direction and facing each other, and extending parallel to each other in the transport direction. These rails 81 are installed in a series in the loading area 18, the folding and cutting area 19, and the unloading area 20. These carriages are attached to the bottom of the shuttle frame. As these carriages slide against the rails 81 in the transport direction, the shuttle frame (glass transport shuttle) can move in the transport direction.

[0063] The guide servo motor is installed at the front edge of the shuttle frame. The control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the guide servo motor is connected to the controller via a signal line. The pinion of the rack and pinion mechanism is attached to the rotating shaft of the guide servo motor. In the linear guide mechanism, the rotational motion of the driven guide servo motor is converted into linear motion by the rack and pinion mechanism, and the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism moves the shuttle frame (glass transport shuttle) forward in the transport direction from the loading area 18 towards the folding and cutting area 19, and backward in the transport direction from the folding and cutting area 19 towards the loading area 18.

[0064] The first and second glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b each have a first side edge 36a extending in the transport direction, a second side edge 36b located on the opposite side of the width direction of the first side edge 36a and extending in the transport direction, a plurality of plate-shaped first mounting plates 37a extending in the width direction from the first side edge 36a toward the second side edge 36ba, and a plurality of plate-shaped second mounting plates 37b extending in the width direction from the second side edge 36b toward the first side edge 36a.

[0065] These first mounting plates 37a are arranged parallel to each other and spaced equally apart (predetermined spacing) in the transport direction. Each first mounting plate 37a has a base end 38 fixed to the first side edge 26a of the first glass breaking support 25a, and a tip end 39 located inward in the width direction from the base end 38. Between each first mounting plate 37a, a plurality of first gaps 40a are formed, arranged parallel to each other and spaced equally apart (predetermined spacing) in the transport direction. These first gaps 40a extend inward in the width direction from the first side edge 26a.

[0066] The first mounting plates 37a are fitted with bristle brushes 41 (cushions) arranged at equal intervals in the width direction. The bristle brushes 41 prevent the glass plate 11 from being scratched when it is placed on the first mounting plates 37a. The tip portions 39 of the first mounting plates 37a are fitted with suction pads 42. The suction pads 42 are connected to a vacuum mechanism (air suction device) (not shown) equipped with an air vacuum pump. The suction pads 42 hold the glass plate 11 to the first mounting plates 37a by suction when the glass plate 11 is placed on them. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the vacuum mechanism is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0067] These second mounting plates 37b are arranged parallel to each other and spaced equally apart (predetermined spacing) in the transport direction. Each second mounting plate 37b has a base end 38 fixed to the second side edge 26b of the second glass breaking support 25b, and a tip end 39 located inward in the width direction from the base end 38. Between each second mounting plate 37b, a plurality of second gaps 40b are formed, arranged parallel to each other and spaced equally apart (predetermined spacing) in the transport direction. These second gaps 40b extend inward in the width direction from the second side edge 26b.

[0068] The second mounting plates 37b are equipped with bristle brushes 41 (cushions) arranged at equal intervals in the width direction. The bristle brushes 41 prevent the glass plate 11 from being scratched when it is placed on the second mounting plates 37b. The tip 39 of the second mounting plates 37b is equipped with suction pads 42. The suction pads 42 are connected to a vacuum mechanism (air suction device) (not shown) equipped with an air vacuum pump. The suction pads 42 hold the glass plate 11 to the second mounting plates 37b by suction when the glass plate 11 is placed on the second mounting plates 37b. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the vacuum mechanism is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0069] The first mounting plate 37a and the second mounting plate 37b are arranged symmetrically to each other, facing each other in the width direction. The first gap 40a and the second gap 40b are arranged symmetrically to each other, facing each other in the width direction. The tip 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the tip 39 of the second mounting plate 37b are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the width direction. A travel (pass) space 31b extending in the transport direction is formed between the tip 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the tip 39 of the second mounting plate 37b.

[0070] The first folding device 26a is installed on the side of the first side edge 28a of the first and second glass folding support bases 25a and 25b. The second folding device 26b is installed on the side of the second side edge 28b of the first and second glass folding support bases 25a and 25b. The first glass folding device 26a comprises a first glass folding jig 43a, a first cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45a driven by a lifting servo motor 44, a first cutter wheel moving mechanism 47a driven by a conveying direction servo motor 46, a second cutter wheel moving mechanism 49a driven by a width direction servo motor 48, a first cutter wheel correction mechanism 51a driven by a correction servo motor 50, a first glass folding bar lifting mechanism 53a driven by a lifting servo motor 52, a first glass folding table lifting mechanism 55a driven by a lifting servo motor 54, a first glass folding support lifting mechanism 57a driven by an air cylinder 56, and a first glass folding support move mechanism 59a driven by a width direction servo motor 58.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the first folding jig 43a is formed from a first folding cutter wheel 60a, a first folding cutter holder 61a, a first holder lifting shaft 62a, a first folding bar 63a (pressing member), and a first folding table 64a. The first folding cutter wheel 60a is connected to the first folding cutter holder 61a via a bearing and rotates freely along the axis of the interposed bearing. The first folding cutter holder 61a is located above the first folding cutter wheel 60a and supports the first folding cutter wheel 60a. The first holder lifting shaft 62a is located directly above the first folding cutter holder 61a and is connected to the cutter holder 61a, supporting the cutter holder 61a. The first folding bar 63a is located outward in the width direction of the first folding cutter wheel 60a and extends in the conveying direction. The first folding table 64a is located on the first side edge 28a of the first and second glass folding support bases 25a and 25b, and the first side edge 14 and first end edge 16 of the glass plate 11 are located on it when the glass plate 11 is folded.

[0072] The first cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45a reciprocates the first folding cutter wheel 60a (first folding cutter holder 61a) in the vertical direction. The first cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45a is formed from a lifting servo motor 44 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the lifting servo motor 44. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the lifting servo motor 44 that operates the first cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45a is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0073] In the first cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45a, the rotational motion of the driven lifting servo motor 44 is converted into linear motion by a ball screw, and this linear motion raises and lowers the first holder lifting shaft 62a, thereby raising and lowering the first folding cutter wheel 60a (first folding cutter holder 61a). The first cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45a applies a downward pressing force to the cutter wheel 60a by lowering the first folding cutter wheel 60a toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 when scribe lines K1 and K2 are formed on the glass plate 11.

[0074] The first cutter wheel movement mechanism 47a reciprocates the first folding cutter wheel 60a (first folding cutter holder 61a) in the transport direction. The first cutter wheel movement mechanism 47a is formed from a moving servo motor 46 and a rack and pinion mechanism equipped with a trochoidal cam gear (TCG). A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the moving servo motor 46 that operates the first cutter wheel movement mechanism 47a is connected to a controller via a signal line. The pinion of the rack and pinion mechanism is attached to the rotation axis of the moving servo motor 46.

[0075] The first cutter wheel moving mechanism 47a converts the rotational motion of the driven moving servo motor 46 into linear motion using a rack and pinion mechanism, and moves the first folding cutter wheel 60a (first folding cutter holder 61a) forward and backward in the transport direction by the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism. The first cutter wheel moving mechanism 47a moves the first folding cutter wheel 60a forward in the transport direction when scribe lines K1 and K2 are formed on the glass plate 11, and moves the first folding cutter wheel 60a backward in the transport direction after the scribe lines K1 and K2 are formed.

[0076] The second cutter wheel movement mechanism 49a reciprocates the first folding cutter wheel 60a (first folding cutter holder 61a) in the width direction. The second cutter wheel movement mechanism 49a is formed from a width direction servo motor 48 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the width direction servo motor 48. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the width direction servo motor 48 that operates the second cutter wheel movement mechanism 49a is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0077] The second cutter wheel movement mechanism 49a converts the rotational motion of the driven widthwise servo motor 48 into linear motion using a ball screw, thereby moving the first folding cutter wheel 60a and the first folding bar 63a inward and outward in the widthwise direction, moving the first folding cutter wheel 60a to the formation positions of the scribe lines K1 and K2 formed on the first side edge 14 and front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, and moving the first folding bar 63a to the pressing position on the first side edge 14 and front edge 16 of the glass plate 11 when folding the first side edge 14 and front edge 16 of the glass plate 11.

[0078] The first cutter wheel correction mechanism 51a reciprocates the first folding cutter wheel 60a in the width direction. The first cutter wheel correction mechanism 51a is formed from a correction servo motor 50 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the correction servo motor 50. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the correction servo motor 50 that operates the first cutter wheel correction mechanism 51a is connected to a controller via a signal line. The first cutter wheel correction mechanism 51a converts the rotational motion of the driven correction servo motor 50 into linear motion using the ball screw, thereby slightly moving the first folding cutter wheel 60a in the width direction and fine-tuning the position of the first folding cutter wheel 60a relative to the first side edge 14 and front edge 16 of the glass plate 11.

[0079] The first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a reciprocates the first folding bar 63a in the vertical direction. The first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a is formed from a lifting servo motor 52 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the lifting servo motor 52. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the lifting servo motor 52 that operates the first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0080] In the first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a, a ball screw converts the rotational motion of the driven lifting servo motor 52 into linear motion, and this linear motion raises and lowers the first folding bar 63a. The first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a applies a downward pressing force to the first folding bar 63a by lowering the first folding bar 63a toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 when the first side edge 14 and the front end edge 16 of the glass plate 11 are folded.

[0081] The first folding table lifting mechanism 55a reciprocates the first folding table 64a in the vertical direction. The first folding table lifting mechanism 55a is formed from a lifting servo motor 54 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the lifting servo motor 54. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the lifting servo motor 54 that operates the first folding table lifting mechanism 55a is connected to a controller via a signal line. In the first folding table lifting mechanism 55a, the rotational motion of the driven lifting servo motor 54 is converted into linear motion by the ball screw, and this linear motion causes the first folding table 64a to descend from the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 when the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11 is folded.

[0082] The first glass breaking support lifting mechanism 57a reciprocates the first glass breaking support 25a (first mounting plate 37a) in the vertical direction. The first glass breaking support lifting mechanism 57a is formed from an air cylinder 56 and a lifting shaft. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the air cylinder 56 that operates the first glass breaking support lifting mechanism 57a is connected to a controller via a signal line. In the first glass breaking support lifting mechanism 57a, the air cylinder 56 raises and lowers the lifting shaft, and the raising and lowering of the lifting shaft raises and lowers the first glass breaking support 25a (first mounting plate 37a).

[0083] The first glass breaking support mechanism 59a reciprocates the first glass breaking support 25a (first mounting plate 37a) in the width direction. The first glass breaking support mechanism 59a is formed from a width direction servo motor 58 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the width direction servo motor 58. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the width direction servo motor 58 that operates the first glass breaking support mechanism 59a is connected to a controller via a signal line. The first glass breaking support mechanism 59a converts the rotational motion of the driven moving servo motor 58 into linear motion using the ball screw, thereby moving the first glass breaking support 25a (first mounting plate 37a) inward and outward in the width direction.

[0084] The second glass folding device 26b comprises a second glass folding jig 43b, a second cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45b driven by a lifting servo motor 44, a third cutter wheel moving mechanism 47b driven by a transport direction servo motor 46, a fourth cutter wheel moving mechanism 49b driven by a width direction servo motor 48, a second cutter wheel correction mechanism 51b driven by a correction servo motor 50, a second glass folding bar lifting mechanism 53b driven by a lifting servo motor 52, a second glass folding table lifting mechanism 55b driven by a lifting servo motor 54, a second glass folding support lifting mechanism 57b driven by an air cylinder 56, and a second glass folding support move mechanism 59b driven by a width direction servo motor 58.

[0085] As shown in Figure 7, the second folding jig 43b is formed from a second folding cutter wheel 60b, a second folding cutter holder 61b, a second holder lifting shaft 62b, a second folding bar 63b (pressing member), and a second folding table 64b. The second folding cutter wheel 60b is connected to the second folding cutter holder 61b via a bearing and rotates freely along the axis of the interposed bearing. The second folding cutter holder 61b is located above the second folding cutter wheel 60b and supports the second folding cutter wheel 60b. The second holder lifting shaft 62b is located directly above the second folding cutter holder 61b and is connected to the cutter holder 61b, supporting the cutter holder 61b. The second folding bar 63b is located outward in the width direction of the second folding cutter wheel 60b and extends in the conveying direction. The second folding table 64b is located on the second side edge 28b of the first and second glass folding support bases 25a and 25b, and the second side edge 15 and rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 are located there when the glass plate 11 is folded.

[0086] The second cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45b reciprocates the second folding cutter wheel 60b (second folding cutter holder 61b) in the vertical direction. The second cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45b is formed from a lifting servo motor 44 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the lifting servo motor 44. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the lifting servo motor 44 that operates the second cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45b is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0087] In the second cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45b, the rotational motion of the driven lifting servo motor 44 is converted into linear motion by a ball screw, and this linear motion raises and lowers the second holder lifting shaft 62b, thereby raising and lowering the second folding cutter wheel 60b (second folding cutter holder 61b). The second cutter wheel lifting mechanism 45b applies a downward pressing force to the cutter wheel 60b by lowering the second folding cutter wheel 60b toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 when scribe lines K1 and K2 are formed on the glass plate 11.

[0088] The third cutter wheel movement mechanism 47b reciprocates the second folding cutter wheel 60b (second folding cutter holder 61b) in the transport direction. The third cutter wheel movement mechanism 47b is formed from a moving servo motor 46 and a rack and pinion mechanism equipped with a trochoidal cam gear (TCG). A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the moving servo motor 46 that operates the third cutter wheel movement mechanism 47b is connected to a controller via a signal line. The pinion of the rack and pinion mechanism is attached to the rotation axis of the moving servo motor 46.

[0089] The third cutter wheel movement mechanism 47b converts the rotational motion of the driven moving servo motor 46 into linear motion using a rack and pinion mechanism, and moves the second folding cutter wheel 60b (second folding cutter holder 61b) forward and backward in the transport direction by the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism. The third cutter wheel movement mechanism 47b moves the second folding cutter wheel 60b forward in the transport direction when scribe lines K1 and K2 are formed on the glass plate 11, and moves the second folding cutter wheel 60b backward in the transport direction after the scribe lines K1 and K2 are formed.

[0090] The fourth cutter wheel movement mechanism 49b reciprocates the second folding cutter wheel 60b (second folding cutter holder 61b) in the width direction. The fourth cutter wheel movement mechanism 49b is formed from a width direction servo motor 48 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the width direction servo motor 48. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the width direction servo motor 48 that operates the fourth cutter wheel movement mechanism 49b is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0091] The fourth cutter wheel movement mechanism 49b converts the rotational motion of the driven widthwise servo motor 48 into linear motion using a ball screw, thereby moving the second folding cutter wheel 60b and the second folding bar 63b inward and outward in the widthwise direction, moving the second folding cutter wheel 60b to the formation positions of the scribe lines K1 and K2 formed on the second side edge 15 and rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11, and moving the second folding bar 63b to the pressing position on the second side edge 15 and rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 when folding the second side edge 15 and rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11.

[0092] The second cutter wheel correction mechanism 51b reciprocates the second folding cutter wheel 60b in the width direction. The second cutter wheel correction mechanism 51b is formed from a correction servo motor 50 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the correction servo motor 50. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the correction servo motor 50 that operates the second cutter wheel correction mechanism 51b is connected to a controller via a signal line. The second cutter wheel correction mechanism 51b converts the rotational motion of the driven correction servo motor 50 into linear motion using the ball screw, thereby slightly moving the second folding cutter wheel 60b in the width direction and fine-tuning the position of the second folding cutter wheel 60b relative to the second side edge 15 and rear end edge 17 of the glass plate 11.

[0093] The second folding bar lifting mechanism 53b reciprocates the second folding bar 63b in the vertical direction. The second folding bar lifting mechanism 53b is formed from a lifting servo motor 52 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the lifting servo motor 52. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the lifting servo motor 52 that operates the second folding bar lifting mechanism 53b is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0094] In the second folding bar lifting mechanism 53b, a ball screw converts the rotational motion of the driven lifting servo motor 52 into linear motion, thereby raising and lowering the second folding bar 63b. The second folding bar lifting mechanism 53b applies a downward pressing force to the second folding bar 63b by lowering the second folding bar 63b toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 when the second side edge 15 and rear end edge 17 of the glass plate 11 are folded.

[0095] The second folding table lifting mechanism 55b reciprocates the second folding table 64b in the vertical direction. The second folding table lifting mechanism 55b is formed from a lifting servo motor 54 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the lifting servo motor 54. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the lifting servo motor 54 that operates the second folding table lifting mechanism 55b is connected to a controller via a signal line. In the second folding table lifting mechanism 55b, the rotational motion of the driven lifting servo motor 54 is converted into linear motion by the ball screw, thereby lowering the second folding table 64b below the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 when the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 is folded.

[0096] The second glass folding support lifting mechanism 57b reciprocates the second glass folding support 25b (second mounting plate 37b) in the vertical direction. The second glass folding support lifting mechanism 57b is formed from an air cylinder 56 and a lifting shaft. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the air cylinder 56 that operates the second glass folding support lifting mechanism 57b is connected to a controller via a signal line. In the second glass folding support lifting mechanism 57b, the air cylinder 56 raises and lowers the lifting shaft, and the raising and lowering of the lifting shaft raises and lowers the second glass folding support 25b (second mounting plate 37b).

[0097] The second glass breaking support mechanism 59b reciprocates the second glass breaking support 25b (second mounting plate 37b) in the width direction. The second glass breaking support mechanism 59b is formed from a width direction servo motor 58 and a ball screw (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of the width direction servo motor 58. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the width direction servo motor 58 that operates the second glass breaking support mechanism 59b is connected to a controller via a signal line. The second glass breaking support mechanism 59b converts the rotational motion of the driven width direction servo motor 58 into linear motion using the ball screw, thereby moving the second glass breaking support 25b (second mounting plate 37b) inward and outward in the width direction.

[0098] The first glass folding support 25a moves outward in the width direction by the first glass folding support 25a moving mechanism 59a, and the second glass folding support 25b moves outward in the width direction by the second glass folding support 25b moving mechanism 59b, causing the front end 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the front end 39 of the second mounting plate 37b to move outward in the width direction, and the width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31b between the front end 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the front end 39 of the second mounting plate 37b to expand. Conversely, the first glass folding support 25a moves inward in the width direction by the first glass folding support moving mechanism 59a, and the second glass folding support 25b moves inward in the width direction by the second glass folding support moving mechanism 59b, causing the front ends 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the front ends 39 of the second mounting plate 37b to move inward in the width direction, thereby reducing the width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31b between the front ends 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the front ends 39 of the second mounting plate 37b. The width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31b between the front ends 39 of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b is adjusted in advance, so the first and second glass folding support moving mechanisms 59a and 59b do not operate when the glass plate 11 is folded.

[0099] The first and second glass unloading support tables 27a and 27b each have a first side edge 28a extending in the transport direction, a second side edge 28b located on the opposite side of the width direction of the first side edge 28a and extending in the transport direction, a plurality of plate-shaped ninth mounting plates 65a extending in the width direction from the first side edge 28a toward the second side edge, and a plurality of plate-shaped tenth mounting plates 65b extending in the width direction from the second side edge 28b toward the first side edge 28a.

[0100] These ninth mounting plates 65a are arranged parallel to each other and spaced equally apart (predetermined spacing) in the transport direction. Each ninth mounting plate 65a has a base end 38 fixed to the first side edge 28a of the glass unloading support 27a, 27b, and a tip end 39 located inward in the width direction from the base end 38. Bristle brushes are installed on each ninth mounting plate 65a, spaced equally apart in the width direction. The bristle brushes prevent the glass plate 11 from being scratched when it is placed on the ninth mounting plate 65a. Between each ninth mounting plate 65a, a plurality of ninth gaps 66a are formed, spaced parallel to each other and spaced equally apart (predetermined spacing) in the transport direction. These ninth gaps 66a extend inward in the width direction from the first side edge 28a.

[0101] These tenth mounting plates 65b are arranged parallel to each other and spaced equally apart (predetermined spacing) in the transport direction. Each tenth mounting plate 65b has a base end 38 fixed to the second side edge 28b of the glass unloading support 27a, 27b, and a tip end 39 located inward in the width direction from the base end 38. Bristle brushes are installed on each tenth mounting plate 65b, spaced equally apart in the width direction. The bristle brushes prevent the glass plate 11 from being scratched when it is placed on the tenth mounting plate 65b. Between each tenth mounting plate 65b, ten tenth gaps 66b of a predetermined size are formed, spaced parallel to each other and spaced equally apart (predetermined spacing) in the transport direction. These tenth gaps 66b extend inward in the width direction from the second side edge 28b.

[0102] The ninth mounting plate 65a and the tenth mounting plate 65b are arranged symmetrically to each other, facing each other in the width direction. The tip 39 of the ninth mounting plate 65a and the tip 39 of the tenth mounting plate 65b are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the width direction. A travel (pass) space 31c extending in the transport direction is formed between the tip 39 of the ninth mounting plate 65a and the tip 39 of the tenth mounting plate 65b.

[0103] Figure 8 is a front view showing an example of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21, and Figure 9 is a side view of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21. Figure 10 is a top view of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 taken along the line A-A in Figure 9, and Figure 11 is a top view of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 taken along the line B-B in Figure 9.

[0104] The glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 consists of two connected glass transport and rotating shuttles 21 arranged in series in the transport direction. The glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 includes a shuttle frame 67, a lifting and rotating mechanism 68 installed on the top of the shuttle frame 67, a cable carrier 69 installed on the shuttle frame 67, and a linear guide mechanism 70 that reciprocates the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 in the transport direction. The glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 moves linearly forward and backward in the transport direction by the linear guide mechanism 70.

[0105] The shuttle frame 67 is molded into a roughly rectangular tubular shape that is long in the transport direction. The lifting and rotating mechanism 68 is formed from a lifting servo motor 71 and a rotating servo motor that serve as drive sources, a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) equipped with a travel pinion 72, a lifting and rotating shaft that moves up and down in conjunction with the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism and rotates in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and a reduction gear 73.

[0106] The lifting and rotating shaft is installed inside the shaft bracket 74 and connected to the shuttle frame 67 via the shaft bracket 74, and is located in the center of the shuttle frame 67 in the transport direction and extends vertically. A plate support plate 75, which is long in the transport direction, is attached to the upper end of the lifting and rotating shaft. Multiple third mounting plates 76a and multiple fourth mounting plates 76b are attached to the plate support plate 75. A pair of first and second support receiving members 77a and 77b, which support the plate support plate 75, are attached to the front and rear ends of the shuttle frame 67. The control unit that controls the start and stop of the lifting servo motor 71 and the rotating servo motor that operate the lifting and rotating mechanism of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 is connected to the controller via a signal line.

[0107] The rack and pinion mechanism is formed from a rack with linearly arranged trochoidal teeth and a traveling pinion 72 equipped with a curved high-performance ring and roller pins that provide rolling contact between the tooth surfaces. The traveling pinion 72 is attached to the rotating shaft of the lifting servo motor 71. In the lifting and rotating mechanism 68, the rack and pinion mechanism converts the rotational motion of the driven lifting servo motor 71 into linear motion. The linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism raises and lowers the lifting and rotating shaft, while the rotation of the rotating servo motor in clockwise and counterclockwise directions rotates the lifting and rotating shaft. When the lifting and rotating shaft moves up and down, the plate support plate 74 moves up and down, and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b attached to the plate support plate 75 move up and down. When the lifting and rotating shaft rotates, the plate support plate 75 rotates, and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b rotate.

[0108] The plate support plate 75 is molded into a roughly rectangular shape with a planar shape that is longer in the conveying direction. The width dimension of the plate support plate 75 is smaller than the width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31b between the tip 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the tip 39 of the second mounting plate 37b, the width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31a between the tip 39 of the fifth mounting plate 29a and the tip 39 of the sixth mounting plate 29b, and the width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31c between the tip 39 of the seventh mounting plate 65a and the tip 39 of the eighth mounting plate 65b. The plate support plate 75 can pass through these travel (passage) spaces 31a to 31c in the conveying direction.

[0109] Multiple suction pads 42 for adsorbing and holding the glass plate 11 are installed on the plate support plate 75. These suction pads 42 are arranged at equal intervals in the transport direction. The suction pads 42 are connected to a vacuum mechanism (air suction device) (not shown) equipped with an air vacuum pump. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the vacuum mechanism is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0110] The third mounting plates 76a extend in one direction in the width direction from the transport direction centerline that divides the plate support plate 75 in the width direction, and are arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the transport direction. Each of these third mounting plates 76a has a base end 38 fixed to the plate support plate 75 and a tip end 39 located on one side (outward) in the width direction from the base end 38. Between each of the third mounting plates 76a, a plurality of third gaps 78a are formed, arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the transport direction. These third gaps 78a extend outward in the width direction from the transport direction centerline of the plate support plate 75.

[0111] The third mounting plates 76a are equipped with bristle brushes 41 arranged at equal intervals in the width direction. The bristle brushes 41 prevent the glass plate 11 from being scratched when it is placed on the third mounting plates 76a. Suction pads 42 are installed at the tip 39 of the third mounting plates 76a. The suction pads 42 are connected to a vacuum mechanism (not shown) equipped with an air vacuum pump. The suction pads 42 hold the glass plate 11 to the third mounting plates 76a by suction when it is placed on them. A control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the vacuum mechanism is connected to a controller via a signal line.

[0112] The fourth mounting plates 76b extend from the center line in the transport direction of the plate support plate 75 in the other direction in the width direction, and are arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the transport direction. Each of these fourth mounting plates 76b has a base end 38 fixed to the plate support plate 75 and a tip end 39 located in the other direction (outward) from the base end 38 in the width direction. Between each of the fourth mounting plates 76b, a plurality of fourth gaps 78b are formed, arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals (predetermined intervals) in the transport direction. These fourth gaps 78b extend outward in the width direction from the center line in the transport direction of the plate support plate 75.

[0113] The fourth mounting plates 76b are fitted with bristle brushes 41 arranged at equal intervals in the width direction. The bristle brushes 41 prevent the glass plate 11 from being scratched when it is placed on the fourth mounting plates 76b. The tip portions 39 of the fourth mounting plates 76b are fitted with suction pads 42. The suction pads 42 are connected to a vacuum mechanism (not shown) equipped with an air vacuum pump. The suction pads 42 hold the glass plate 11 to the fourth mounting plates 76b by suction when the glass plate 11 is placed on them. The third mounting plates 76a and the fourth mounting plates 76b are arranged symmetrically to each other while facing each other in the width direction. The third gap 78a and the fourth gap 78b are arranged symmetrically to each other while facing each other in the width direction.

[0114] The cable carrier 69 is located to the side of the shuttle frame 67. The cable carrier 69 supports and guides power cables, vacuum mechanisms, tubes, etc., which move in accordance with the movement of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 in the transport direction, and protects power cables, vacuum mechanisms, tubes, etc., from wear and tear or breakage while the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 is moving.

[0115] The first support member 77a is located at the front end edge of the shuttle frame 67, and the second support member 77b is located at the rear end edge of the shuttle frame. The first support member 77a is formed from a first support portion 79a attached to the front end edge of the shuttle frame 67 and extending vertically, a second support portion 79b attached to the lower surface of the plate support plate 75 and extending vertically, and an LM guide. The lower end portion of the first support portion 79a of the first support member 77a is fixed to the front end edge of the shuttle frame 67. The upper end portion of the second support portion 79b of the first support member 77a is fixed to the lower surface of the plate support plate 75.

[0116] In the first support member 77a, the rail of the LM guide is installed on the side of the first support receiving portion 79a and extends in the vertical direction. The carriage of the LM guide is installed in the second support receiving portion 79b. In the first support member 77a, the carriage slides vertically relative to the rail, allowing the second support receiving portion 79b to move up and down relative to the first support receiving portion 79a.

[0117] The second support member 77b is formed from a first support portion 79a attached to the rear end edge of the shuttle frame 67 and extending in the vertical direction, a second support portion 79b attached to the lower surface of the plate support plate 75 and extending in the vertical direction, and an LM guide. The lower end portion of the first support portion 79a of the second support member 77b is fixed to the rear end edge of the shuttle frame 67. The upper end portion of the second support portion 79b of the second support member 77b is fixed to the lower surface of the plate support plate 75.

[0118] In the second support member 77b, the rail of the LM guide is installed on the side of the first support portion 79a and extends in the vertical direction. The carriage of the LM guide is installed in the second support portion 79b. In the second support member 77b, the carriage slides vertically relative to the rail, allowing the second support portion 79b to move up and down relative to the first support portion 79a.

[0119] The linear guide mechanism 70 reciprocates the shuttle frame 67 (glass transport / rotating shuttle 21) in the transport direction. The linear guide mechanism 70 is formed from an LM guide, a guide servo motor 80, and a rack and pinion mechanism equipped with a trochoid cam gear (TCG). The LM guide of the linear guide mechanism 70 has a pair of rails 81 and a plurality of carriages that extend in the transport direction. These rails 81 are laid on the machine base 22, spaced apart in the width direction and facing each other, extending parallel to each other in the transport direction. These rails 81 are installed in a series in the loading area 18, the folding and cutting area 19, and the unloading area 20. These carriages are attached to the bottom of the shuttle frame 67. As these carriages slide relative to the rails 81 in the transport direction, the shuttle frame 67 (glass transport / rotating shuttle 21) can move in the transport direction.

[0120] The guide servo motor 80 is installed at the front edge of the shuttle frame 67. The control unit that controls the starting and stopping of the guide servo motor 80 is connected to the controller via a signal line. The pinion of the rack and pinion mechanism is attached to the rotating shaft of the guide servo motor 80. In the linear guide mechanism 70, the rotational motion of the driven guide servo motor 80 is converted into linear motion by the rack and pinion mechanism, and the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism moves the shuttle frame 67 (glass transport / rotating shuttle 21) forward in the transport direction from the folding / splitting area 19 toward the discharge area 20, and backward in the transport direction from the discharge area 20 toward the folding / splitting area 19.

[0121] Figure 12 is a front view showing an example of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 moved to the first and second folding devices 26a, 26b and the folding processing area 19, and Figure 13 is a front view showing another example of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 moved to the first and second folding devices 26a, 26b and the folding processing area 19. In Figure 12, the third and fourth mounting plates 76a, 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 are shown positioned below the first and second mounting plates 37a, 37b of the glass folding support bases 25a, 25b. In Figure 13, the third and fourth mounting plates 76a, 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 are shown positioned above the first and second mounting plates 37a, 37b of the glass folding support bases 25a, 25b.

[0122] An example of the folding and cutting process using the folding and cutting system 10 is described below. At the start of the folding and cutting process, the glass transport shuttle is waiting in the loading area 18. The seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle waiting in the loading area 18 are lowered by the lifting mechanism, and the seventh and eighth mounting plates are positioned below the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b of the glass loading and receiving tables 23a and 23b. In addition, the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 is waiting in the folding and cutting area 19. The third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 waiting in the folding and cutting area 19 are lowered by the lifting and rotating mechanism 68, and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b are positioned below the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b of the glass loading and receiving tables 23a and 23b.

[0123] The first and second folding tables 64a and 64b are raised by the first and second lifting mechanisms 55a and 55b, so that the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b and the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the first and second glass folding support bases 25a and 25b are at the same height level. The first and second glass folding support base moving mechanisms 59a and 59b move the first and second glass folding support bases 25a and 25b in the width direction, adjusting the width dimension of the travel (passage) space 31b between the tip 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the tip 39 of the second mounting plate 37b.

[0124] Furthermore, the transport direction pushers 34 and transport direction stoppers 33 of the first and second positioning devices 24a and 24b are raised by a lifting mechanism to a standby position above the frame 32 (the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b of the glass loading receiving tables 23a and 23b), and the width direction pushers 35 and width direction stoppers of the first and second positioning devices 24a and 24b are moved by a moving mechanism to a standby position outside the width direction of the frame 32 (the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b of the glass loading receiving tables 23a and 23b).

[0125] A touch panel (output device) connected to the controller displays (outputs) various images of multiple glass plates. The user clicks (tap) (selects) a specific glass plate 11 to be processed from the various images of multiple glass plates displayed on the touch panel. Once a specific glass plate 11 is selected, the controller selects an NC control program for the folding and cutting process to be performed on that glass plate 11. The controller outputs (displays) a folding and cutting start button on the touch panel. Clicking (tapping) the folding and cutting start button starts the folding and cutting process of the glass plate 11.

[0126] Although not shown in the diagram, the glass plate 11 to be processed (before folding) selected by the touch panel is brought into the loading area 18 by a predetermined glass loading means (not shown), and the glass plate 11 is placed on the fifth and sixth mounting plates 30a and 30b of the glass loading receiving tables 25a and 25b. After the glass plate 11 before folding is placed on the fifth and sixth mounting plates 30a and 30b, a positioning means is performed in the loading area 18.

[0127] The controller transmits positioning signals (operation signals) to the moving mechanisms and lifting mechanisms of the first and second positioning devices 24a and 24b. Upon receiving a positioning signal, the control unit of the moving servo motor of the moving mechanism activates the moving servo motor, and upon receiving a positioning signal, the control unit of the lifting servo motor of the lifting mechanism activates the lifting servo motor.

[0128] When the moving servo motor and the lifting servo motor are activated, the transport direction pushers 34 and transport direction stoppers 33 of the first and second positioning devices 24a and 24b descend from their standby positions toward the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b of the glass loading receiving tables 23a and 23b, so that the transport direction pushers 34 and transport direction stoppers 33 are positioned at the starting position, and the width direction pushers 35 and width direction stoppers of the first and second positioning devices 24a and 24b move inward in the width direction, so that the width direction pushers 35 and width direction stoppers are positioned at the starting position.

[0129] After the transport direction pusher 34, transport direction stopper 33, width direction pusher 35, and width direction stopper are positioned at the positioning start point, the transport direction pusher 34 moves backward in the transport direction and contacts the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, causing the transport direction pusher 34 to move the glass plate 11 backward in the transport direction, while the width direction pusher 35 moves inward in the width direction and contacts the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11, causing the width direction pusher 35 to move the glass plate 11 in the width direction.

[0130] The rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11, which is moved backward in the transport direction by the transport direction pusher 34, comes into contact with the transport direction stopper 33, stopping the backward movement of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction, and the positioning of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction is completed (positioning means). The second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11 is moved inward in the width direction by the width direction pusher 35, coming into contact with the width direction stopper, stopping the inward movement of the glass plate 11 in the width direction, and the positioning of the glass plate 11 in the width direction is completed (positioning means). The transport direction pusher 34 and the width direction pusher 35 move almost simultaneously, so that the positioning of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction and width direction is performed simultaneously.

[0131] After the glass plate 11 has been positioned in the transport direction and width direction, the transport direction pusher 34 moves forward in the transport direction, and the width direction pusher 35 moves outward in the width direction. After the transport direction pusher 34 and the width direction pusher 35 return to the starting position, the transport direction pusher 34 and the transport direction stopper 33 rise from the starting position and return to the standby position, and the width direction pusher 35 and the width direction stopper move outward in the width direction from the starting position and return to the standby position.

[0132] After the transport direction pusher 34, transport direction stopper 33, width direction pusher 35, and width direction stopper return to their standby positions, the controller transmits a standby signal (stop signal) to the moving mechanism and lifting mechanism of the first and second positioning devices 24a and 24b, and transmits (outputs) a first transport signal to the glass transport shuttle. Upon receiving the standby signal, the control unit of the moving servo motor of the moving mechanism stops the moving servo motor, and upon receiving the standby transmission signal, the control unit of the lifting servo motor of the lifting mechanism stops the lifting servo motor.

[0133] Upon receiving the first transport signal, the control unit of the lifting servo motor of the glass transport shuttle's lifting mechanism activates the lifting servo motor. When the lifting servo motor is driven and its lifting shaft rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism extends the lifting shaft, causing the seventh and eighth mounting plates, located below the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b, to rise together with the plate support plate.

[0134] The plate support plate of the glass transport shuttle passes upward through the travel (passage) space 31a between the tip 39 of the fifth mounting plate 29a and the tip 39 of the sixth mounting plate 29b, the seventh mounting plates rising from below the fifth mounting plate 29a pass from below through the fifth gap 30a between each fifth mounting plate 29a, and the eighth mounting plates rising from below the sixth mounting plate 29b pass from below through the sixth gap 30b between each sixth mounting plate 29b, and the glass plates 11 placed on the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b of the glass loading receiving tables 23a and 23b are transferred from the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b to the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle. Furthermore, each fifth mounting plate 29a passes through the seventh gap between each seventh mounting plate, and each sixth mounting plate 29b passes through the eighth gap between each eighth mounting plate.

[0135] As the glass plate 11 is transferred from the fifth and sixth mounting plates 29a and 29b to the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle, the air vacuum pump of the vacuum mechanism of the glass transport shuttle is activated by switching the solenoid valve, and the lower surface 12 of the glass plate 11 is attracted to the suction pads of the plate support plate and the suction pads of the seventh and eighth mounting plates, and the positioned glass plate 11 is held in place by suction on the plate support plate and the seventh and eighth mounting plates.

[0136] With the glass plate 11 placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates, the lifting shaft extends further, and the glass plate 11 rises above the glass loading platforms 23a and 23b together with the seventh and eighth mounting plates. After the glass plate 11 has risen to a predetermined height above the glass loading platforms 23a and 23b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the glass transport shuttle's lifting mechanism stops the lifting servo motor 71, and the upward movement of the seventh and eighth mounting plates stops.

[0137] After the glass plate 11 rises above the glass loading and receiving tables 23a and 23b, the control unit of the guide servo motor of the linear guide mechanism of the glass transport shuttle activates the guide servo motor. When the guide servo motor is driven, the rack and pinion mechanism converts the rotational motion of the guide servo motor into linear motion, and the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism causes the glass transport shuttle to move forward in the transport direction from the loading area 18 toward the folding and cutting area 19 (first glass plate transport means). When the glass transport shuttle moves forward in the transport direction, the glass plate 11, together with the seventh and eighth mounting plates, is in a state where it has risen above the glass loading and receiving tables 23a and 23b. Simultaneously with the forward movement of the glass transport shuttle in the transport direction, the rack and pinion mechanism converts the rotational motion of the guide servo motor 80 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 into linear motion, and the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism causes the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 to move forward in the transport direction from the folding and cutting area 19 toward the discharge area 20.

[0138] When the glass transport shuttle moves to the folding / splitting area 19, the control unit of the guide servo motor of the linear guide mechanism stops the guide servo motor, and the glass transport shuttle stops in the folding / splitting area 19. Simultaneously with the movement of the glass transport shuttle, when the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves to the discharge area 20, the control unit of the guide servo motor 80 of the linear guide mechanism 70 stops the guide servo motor 80, and the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 stops in the discharge area 20. When the glass transport shuttle stops in the folding / splitting area 19, the glass plates 11 placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates are positioned directly above the glass folding / splitting support bases 25a and 25b, the seventh mounting plate is positioned directly above the first mounting plate 37a of the glass folding / splitting support bases 25a and 25b, and the eighth mounting plate is positioned directly above the second mounting plate 37b of the glass folding / splitting support bases 25a and 25b.

[0139] After the glass plate 11 is positioned directly above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor of the glass transport shuttle's lifting mechanism activates the lifting servo motor. When the lifting servo motor is driven and its lifting axis rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism shortens the lifting axis, causing the seventh and eighth mounting plates, located above the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b, to descend together with the plate support plate.

[0140] The plate support plate passes from above to below through the travel (passage) space 31b between the tip 39 of the first mounting plate 37a and the tip 39 of the second mounting plate 37b, and the seventh mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle descending from above the first mounting plates 37a pass from above to below through the first gap 40a between each of the first mounting plates 37a, and the seventh mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle descending from above the second mounting plates 37b pass from above to below through the second gap 40b between each of the second mounting plates 37b, and the glass plates 11 placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle are transferred from the seventh and eighth mounting plates to the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b. Furthermore, each first mounting plate 37a passes through the seventh gap between each seventh mounting plate, and each eighth mounting plate passes through the eighth gap between each fourth mounting plate 76b.

[0141] As the glass plate 11 is transferred to the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass folding and breaking support tables 25a and 25b, the vacuum function of the air vacuum pump of the glass transport shuttle's vacuum mechanism is stopped by switching of the solenoid valve, and the vacuum function of the air vacuum pump of the glass folding and breaking support tables 25a and 25b is started. As the vacuum function of the air vacuum pump of the glass transport shuttle is stopped and the vacuum function of the air vacuum pump of the glass folding and breaking support tables 25a and 25b is started, the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 is attracted to the suction pads 42 of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b, and the positioned glass plate 11 is held in place by suction on the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b.

[0142] In the glass folding system 10, each seventh mounting plate of the glass transport shuttle passes vertically downward through the first gap 40a between each first mounting plate 37a of the glass folding receiving tables 25a and 25b, and each eighth mounting plate passes vertically downward through the second gap 40b between each second mounting plate 37b. As a result, the glass plates 11 placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle 21 are transferred to the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass folding receiving tables 25a and 25b. Therefore, the glass plates 11 can be transferred quickly and smoothly from the glass transport shuttle 21 to the glass folding receiving tables 25a and 25b.

[0143] After the seventh mounting plate of the glass transport shuttle descends below the first mounting plate 37a of the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b, and the eighth mounting plate descends below the second mounting plate 37b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor of the lifting mechanism of the glass transport shuttle stops the lifting servo motor. The first folding cutter wheel 60a (first folding cutter holder 61a) of the first folding device 26a is located above the glass plate 11 and at a waiting point behind the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction, and the second folding cutter wheel 60b (second folding cutter holder 61b) of the second folding device 26b is located above the glass plate 11 and at a waiting point behind the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction.

[0144] Next, the control unit of the guide servo motor of the linear guide mechanism of the glass transport shuttle activates the guide servo motor. When the guide servo motor is driven, the rack and pinion mechanism converts the rotational motion of the guide servo motor into linear motion, and the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism causes the glass transport shuttle to move backward in the transport direction from the folding area 19 towards the loading area 18. Simultaneously with the backward movement of the glass transport shuttle in the transport direction, the rack and pinion mechanism converts the rotational motion of the guide servo motor 80 of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 into linear motion, and the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism causes the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 to move backward in the transport direction from the loading area 20 towards the folding area 19.

[0145] When the glass transport shuttle moves to the loading area 18, the control unit of the guide servo motor of the linear guide mechanism stops the guide servo motor, and the glass transport shuttle stops in the loading area 18. Simultaneously with the movement of the glass transport shuttle, when the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves to the folding / cutting area 19, the control unit of the guide servo motor 80 of the linear guide mechanism 70 stops the guide servo motor 80, and the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 stops in the folding / cutting area 19. With the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b lowered below the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b, the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 waits in the folding / cutting area 19.

[0146] Next, the controller transmits (outputs) a first folding signal to the first and second folding devices 25a and 25b. Upon receiving the first folding signal, the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the cutter wheel second movement mechanism 49a of the first folding device 25a activates the widthwise servo motor 48, and upon receiving the first folding signal, the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the cutter wheel fourth movement mechanism 49b of the second folding device 25b activates the widthwise servo motor 48. When the widthwise servo motors 48 of the cutter wheel second and fourth movement mechanisms 49a and 49b are driven, the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b (first and second folding cutter holders 61a and 61b) move inward in the widthwise direction, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b move to the position where the first scribe lines K1 are formed on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11.

[0147] Upon receiving the first folding signal, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 44 of the cutter wheel first lifting mechanism 45a of the first folding device 25a starts the lifting servo motor 44, and upon receiving the first folding signal, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 44 of the cutter wheel second lifting mechanism 45b of the second folding device 25b starts the lifting servo motor 44. When the lifting servo motors 44 are driven, the first holder lifting shaft 62a shortens and the first folding cutter wheel 60a (first folding cutter holder 61a) descends, and the second holder lifting shaft 62b descends and the second folding cutter wheel 60b (second folding cutter holder 61b) descends.

[0148] After the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b have descended, the control units of the lifting servo motors 44 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b stop the lifting servo motors 44, the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the first cutting mechanism 47a of the first folding device 25a starts the transport direction servo motor 46, and the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the second cutting mechanism 47b of the second folding device 25b starts the transport direction servo motor 46.

[0149] When the transport direction servo motor 46 of the first cutter wheel movement mechanism 47a is driven, the first folding cutter wheel 60a (first folding cutter holder 61a) moves forward in the transport direction from the rear edge 17 to the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11. When the transport direction servo motor 46 of the second cutter wheel movement mechanism 47b is driven, the second folding cutter wheel 60b (second folding cutter holder 61b) moves forward in the transport direction from the rear edge 17 to the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11.

[0150] The first folding cutter wheel 60a contacts the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 with a predetermined pressing force on the side of the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11, and moves forward in the transport direction from the rear edge 17 toward the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, forming a first scribe line K1 extending in the transport direction on the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11 (first scribe line forming means). The first folding cutter wheel 60a moves to the end position of the scribe line forward in the transport direction of the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11.

[0151] The second folding cutter wheel 60b contacts the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 with a predetermined pressing force on the side of the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11, and moves forward in the transport direction from the rear edge 17 toward the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, forming a first scribe line K1 extending in the transport direction on the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11 (first scribe line forming means). The second folding cutter wheel 60b moves to the end position of the scribe line forward in the transport direction of the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11. The first folding cutter wheel 60a and the second folding cutter wheel 60b operate synchronously to form the first scribe line K1. The first scribe line K1 is a folding line of a predetermined depth extending from the upper surface 12 toward the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11.

[0152] The glass cutting system 10, after the glass plate 11 is placed on the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass cutting support bases 25a and 25b, brings the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b and the upper surfaces of the first and second cutting tables 64a and 64b to the same height level, and then the first and second cutting cutter wheels 60a and 60b cut the first and second side edges 14 and 15 (both edges on one side) of the glass plate 11, extending in the direction of transport of the glass plate 11. Since a scribe line K1 is formed, even if a pressing force is applied from the upper surface 12 to the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 by the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b, the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 will not bend downward, and the first scribe line K1 can be reliably formed on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 using the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b.

[0153] After forming the first scribe lines K1 on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11, the control units of the lifting servo motors 44 of the first and second cutter wheel lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b start the lifting servo motors 44, the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the cutter wheel first moving mechanism 47a of the first folding device 26a rotates the transport direction servo motor 46 in the reverse direction, and the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the cutter wheel second moving mechanism 45b of the second folding device 26b rotates the transport direction servo motor 46 in the reverse direction.

[0154] When the lifting servo motor 44 is driven, the first and second holder lifting shafts 62a and 62b extend, causing the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b (first and second folding cutter holders 61a and 61b) to rise, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b are positioned above the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11. When the transport direction servo motors 46 of the first and second cutter wheel moving mechanisms 45a and 45b rotate in opposite directions, the first folding cutter wheel 60a moves from the end position of the scribe line in front of the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction to the rear in the transport direction, and the first folding cutter wheel 60a returns to a waiting point above the glass plate 11 and behind the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction. At the same time, the second folding cutter wheel 60b moves from the end position of the scribe line in front of the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction to the rear in the transport direction, and the second folding cutter wheel 60b returns to a waiting point above the glass plate 11 and behind the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction.

[0155] After the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b return to their standby positions, the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the second cutter wheel movement mechanism 49a of the first folding device 26a starts the widthwise servo motor 48, and the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the fourth cutter wheel movement mechanism 49b of the second folding device 26b starts the widthwise servo motor 48. When the widthwise servo motors 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel movement mechanisms 49a and 49b are driven, the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b move inward in the widthwise direction, and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b move to the pressing positions of the first side edge 14 and the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11.

[0156] Next, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 54 of the first lifting mechanism 55a of the folding table starts the lifting servo motor 54, and the control unit of the lifting servo motor 54 of the second lifting mechanism 55b of the folding table starts the lifting servo motor 54. When the lifting servo motor 54 of the first lifting mechanism 55a of the folding table is driven, the first folding table 64a descends from the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11, and the first folding table 64a is positioned below the upper surface of the first mounting plate 37a. When the lifting servo motor 54 of the second lifting mechanism 55b of the folding table is driven, the second folding table 64b descends from the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11, and the second folding table 64b is positioned below the upper surface of the second mounting plate 37b.

[0157] Furthermore, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a activates the lifting servo motor 52, and the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the second folding bar lifting mechanism 53b activates the lifting servo motor 52. When the lifting servo motor 52 of the first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a is driven, the first folding bar 63a descends toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11, and the first folding bar 63a comes into contact with the upper surface 12 of the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11, which is located outward in the width direction of the first scribe line K1 formed on the glass plate 11 and above the first folding table 64a, applying a downward pressing force to the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11. The first breaking bar 63a applies a downward pressing force to the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11, causing the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11 to bend downward and break at the first scribe line K1 (first breaking means).

[0158] When the lifting servo motor 52 of the second lifting mechanism 53b of the splitting bar is activated, the second splitting bar 63b descends toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11, and the second splitting bar 63b contacts the upper surface 12 of the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11, which is located outward in the width direction of the first scribe line K1 formed on the glass plate 11 and above the second splitting table 64b, applying a downward pressing force to the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11. As a result of the downward pressing force applied to the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11 by the second splitting bar 63b, the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11 bends downward, and the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11 is split at the first scribe line K1 (first splitting means).

[0159] The folding system 10 forms a first scribe line K1 on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 (both edges on one side) of the glass plate 11. Then, the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b descend downward relative to the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b, and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b press downward on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 located on the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b. This causes the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 to bend downward, ensuring that the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 are reliably folded at the first scribe line K1.

[0160] After the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 are broken by the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the first breaking bar lifting mechanism 53a rotates the lifting servo motor 52 in the reverse direction, and the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the second breaking bar lifting mechanism 53b rotates the lifting servo motor 52 in the reverse direction. When the lifting servo motors 52 of the first and second breaking bar lifting mechanisms 53a and 53b rotate in the reverse direction, the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b rise and move to a standby position above the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11.

[0161] Furthermore, the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the second cutter wheel movement mechanism 49a rotates the widthwise servo motor 48 in the reverse direction, and the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the fourth cutter wheel movement mechanism 49b rotates the widthwise servo motor 48 in the reverse direction. When the widthwise servo motors 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel movement mechanisms 49a and 49b rotate in the reverse direction, the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b move outward in the widthwise direction, the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b return to the scribe line formation standby position, and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b return to the pressing standby position.

[0162] After the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 have been folded, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 54 of the first lifting mechanism 55a of the folding table rotates the lifting servo motor 54 in the reverse direction, and the control unit of the lifting servo motor 54 of the second lifting mechanism 55b of the folding table rotates the lifting servo motor 54 in the reverse direction. When the lifting servo motors 54 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 55a and 55b of the folding tables rotate in the reverse direction, the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b rise, and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b become the same height level as the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 from which the first and second side edges 14 and 15 have been folded.

[0163] Next, the controller transmits a rotation signal to the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21. Upon receiving the rotation signal, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting / rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 activates the lifting servo motor 71. As the lifting servo motor 71 is driven, the lifting / rotating shaft extends, and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, located below the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b, rise together with the plate support plate 75.

[0164] As the plate support plate 75 passes upward through the travel (passage) space 31b, the third mounting plates 76a rising from below the first mounting plate 37a pass through the first gap 40a between each of the first mounting plates 37a from below upward, and the fourth mounting plates 76b rising from below the second mounting plate 37b pass through the second gap 40b between each of the second mounting plates 37b from below upward, the glass plates 11 placed on the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b are transferred from the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b to the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotation shuttle 21.

[0165] As the glass plate 11 is transferred to the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21, the vacuum function of the air vacuum pump of the vacuum mechanism of the glass folding and breaking support bases 25a and 25b is stopped by switching of the solenoid valve, and the vacuum function of the air vacuum pump of the vacuum mechanism of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 is started. As the air vacuum pumps of the glass folding and breaking support bases 25a and 25b are stopped and the air vacuum pump of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 is started, the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 is attracted to the suction pads 42 of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, and the glass plate 11 is held in place by suction on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b.

[0166] In the glass folding system 10, each third mounting plate 76a of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 passes vertically upward through the first gap 40a between each first mounting plate 37a of the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b, and each fourth mounting plate 76b of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 passes vertically upward through the second gap 40b between each second mounting plate 37b of the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b. As a result, the glass plates 11 placed on the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b are transferred from the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b to the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21, thus enabling a quick and smooth transfer of the glass plates 11 from the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b to the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21.

[0167] With the glass plate 11 placed on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, the lifting and rotating shaft extends further, and the glass plate 11 rises above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b together with the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b. After the glass plate 11 rises to a predetermined height above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 stops the lifting servo motor 71, and the upward movement of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b stops.

[0168] After the glass plate 11 rises above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b, the control unit of the rotary servo motor of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 activates the rotary servo motor. When the rotary servo motor is driven, the lifting and rotating axis rotates 90° in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, causing the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b to rotate 90° in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so that they extend in the width direction, and the glass plate 11 rotates 90° so that the center line dividing the width dimension of the glass plate 11 is perpendicular to the transport direction (rotation means).

[0169] After the glass plate 11, whose first and second side edges 14 and 15 have been broken, is rotated 90°, the control unit of the rotation servo motor of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 stops the rotation servo motor, maintaining the 90° rotated state of the glass plate 11 and maintaining the state in which the center line of the glass plate 11 is perpendicular to the transport direction. Next, the controller transmits (outputs) a second breaking signal to the first and second breaking devices 26a and 26b and the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21. Upon receiving the second breaking signal, the control unit of the air cylinder 56 of the first glass breaking support lifting mechanism 57a of the first breaking device 26a activates the air cylinder 56, and upon receiving the second breaking signal, the control unit of the air cylinder 56 of the second glass breaking support lifting mechanism 57b of the second breaking device 26b activates the air cylinder 56.

[0170] When the air cylinder 56 moves, the lifting axes of the first and second glass folding support lifting mechanisms 57a and 57b shorten, causing the first glass folding support 25a to descend so that the first mounting plate 37a is positioned below the first folding table 64a, and the second glass folding support 25b to descend so that the second mounting plate 37b is positioned below the second folding table 64b. After the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b are positioned below the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 starts the lifting servo motor 71. When the lifting servo motor 71 is driven, the lifting and rotating axis shortens, and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b descend together with the plate support plate 75.

[0171] When the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 descend and the upper surfaces of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b reach the same height level as the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 stops the lifting servo motor 71, and the descent of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b stops.

[0172] The controller transmits (outputs) a second folding signal to the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b. Upon receiving the second folding signal, the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the cutter wheel second movement mechanism 49a of the first folding device 26a activates the widthwise servo motor 48, and upon receiving the second folding signal, the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the cutter wheel fourth movement mechanism 49 of the second folding device 26b activates the widthwise servo motor 48. When the widthwise servo motors 48 of the cutter wheel second and fourth movement mechanisms 49a and 49b are driven, the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b (first and second folding cutter holders 61a and 61b) move inward in the widthwise direction, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b move to the position where the second scribe line K2 is formed on the front edge 14 and rear edge 15 of the glass plate 11.

[0173] Next, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 44 of the cutter wheel first lifting mechanism 45a of the first folding device 25a starts the lifting servo motor 44, and the control unit of the lifting servo motor 44 of the cutter wheel second lifting mechanism 45b of the second folding device 25b starts the lifting servo motor 44. When the lifting servo motors 44 are driven, the first holder lifting shaft 62a shortens and the first folding cutter wheel 60a descends, and the second holder lifting shaft 62b shortens and the second folding cutter wheel 60b descends.

[0174] After the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b have descended, the control units of the lifting servo motors 44 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 25a and 25b stop the lifting servo motors 44, the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the first cutting mechanism 47a of the first folding device 25a starts the transport direction servo motor 46, and the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the second cutting mechanism 47b of the second folding device 25b starts the transport direction servo motor 46.

[0175] When the transport direction servo motor 46 of the first cutter wheel movement mechanism 47a is driven, the first folding cutter wheel 60a moves forward in the transport direction from the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11 toward the second side edge 15, and when the transport direction servo motor 46 of the second cutter wheel movement mechanism 47b is driven, the second folding cutter wheel 60b moves forward in the transport direction from the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11 toward the second side edge 15.

[0176] The first folding cutter wheel 60a contacts the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 with a predetermined pressing force on the side of the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11, and moves forward in the transport direction from the side of the first side edge 14 to the side of the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11, forming a second scribe line K2 extending in the transport direction on the rear end edge 17 of the glass plate 11 (second scribe line forming means). The first folding cutter wheel 60a moves to the scribe line end position forward in the transport direction on the side of the second side edge 17 of the glass plate 11.

[0177] The second folding cutter wheel 60b contacts the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 with a predetermined pressing force on the side of the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11, and moves forward in the transport direction from the side of the first side edge 14 to the side of the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11, forming a second scribe line K2 extending in the transport direction on the front end edge 16 of the glass plate 11 (second scribe line forming means). The second folding cutter wheel 60a moves to the scribe line end position forward in the transport direction on the side of the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11. The first folding cutter wheel 60a and the second folding cutter wheel 60b operate synchronously to form the second scribe line K2. The second scribe line K2 is a folding line of a predetermined depth extending from the upper surface 12 to the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11.

[0178] In the glass folding system 10, the glass plate 11 is placed on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21. The first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 are lowered until the upper surfaces of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b are at the same height level. Then, the glass folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b cut the front and rear edges 16 and 17 (the other two edges) of the glass plate 11. Since a second scribe line K2 is formed extending in the transport direction of the glass plate 11, even if a pressing force is applied from the upper surface 12 to the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 by the folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b, the front and rear edges 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11 will not bend downward due to the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b, which are at the same height level as the upper surfaces of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, and the second scribe line K2 can be reliably formed on the front and rear edges 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11 using the folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b.

[0179] After forming the second scribe line K2 on the front edge 16 and rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11, the control units of the lifting servo motors 44 of the first and second cutter wheel lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b start the lifting servo motors 44, the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the cutter wheel first moving mechanism 47a of the first folding device 26a rotates the transport direction servo motor 46 in the reverse direction, and the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the cutter wheel second moving mechanism 47b of the second folding device 26b rotates the transport direction servo motor 46 in the reverse direction.

[0180] When the lifting servo motor 44 is driven, the first and second holder lifting shafts 62a and 62b extend, causing the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b to rise, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b to be positioned above the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11. When the transport direction servo motors 46 of the first and second cutter wheel moving mechanisms 47a and 47b rotate in opposite directions, the first folding cutter wheel 60a moves from the end position of the scribe line in the transport direction forward on the side of the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11 to the rear in the transport direction, returning the first folding cutter wheel 60a to a standby point above the glass plate 11 and at the rear in the transport direction on the side of the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11. At the same time, the second folding cutter wheel 60b moves from the end position of the scribe line in the transport direction forward on the side of the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11 to the rear in the transport direction, returning the second folding cutter wheel 60b to a standby point above the glass plate 11 and at the rear in the transport direction on the side of the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11.

[0181] After the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b return to their standby positions, the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the second cutter wheel movement mechanism 49a of the first folding device 26a starts the widthwise servo motor 48, and the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the fourth cutter wheel movement mechanism 49b of the second folding device 26b starts the widthwise servo motor 48. When the widthwise servo motors 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel movement mechanisms 49a and 49b are driven, the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b move inward in the widthwise direction, and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b move to the pressing position of the front edge 16 and rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11.

[0182] Next, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 54 of the first lifting mechanism 55a of the folding table starts the lifting servo motor 54, and the control unit of the lifting servo motor 54 of the second lifting mechanism 55b of the folding table starts the lifting servo motor 54. When the lifting servo motor 54 of the first lifting mechanism 55a of the folding table is driven, the first folding table 64a descends below the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11, and the first folding table 64a is positioned below the upper surface of the third mounting plate 76a. When the lifting servo motor 54 of the second lifting mechanism 55b of the folding table is driven, the second folding table 64b descends below the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11, and the second folding table 64b is positioned below the upper surface of the fourth mounting plate 76b.

[0183] Furthermore, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a activates the lifting servo motor 52, and the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the second folding bar lifting mechanism 53b activates the lifting servo motor 52. When the lifting servo motor 52 of the first folding bar lifting mechanism 53a is driven, the first folding bar 63a descends toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11, and the first folding bar 63a comes into contact with the upper surface of the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, which is located outward in the width direction of the second scribe line K2 formed on the glass plate 11 and above the first folding table 64a, applying a downward pressing force to the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11. The first splitting bar 63a applies a downward pressing force to the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, causing the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11 to bend downward and be split at the second scribe line K2 (second splitting means).

[0184] When the lifting servo motor 52 of the second lifting mechanism 53b of the splitting bar is driven, the second splitting bar 63b descends toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11, and the second splitting bar 63b comes into contact with the upper surface 12 of the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11, which is located outward in the width direction of the second scribe line K2 formed on the glass plate 11 and above the second splitting table 64b, and applies a downward pressing force to the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11. As a result of the downward pressing force applied to the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 by the second splitting bar 63b, the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 bends downward, and the rear edge 17 is split at the second scribe line K2 (second splitting means).

[0185] The folding system 10 forms a second scribe line K2 on the front and rear edges 16, 17 (the other two edges) of the glass plate. Then, the first and second folding tables 64a, 64b descend downward relative to the third and fourth mounting plates 76a, 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21. The first and second folding bars 63a, 63b press downward on the front and rear edges 16, 17 of the glass plate 11 located on the first and second folding tables 64a, 64b. This causes the front and rear edges 16, 17 of the glass plate 11 to bend downward, ensuring that the front and rear edges 16, 17 of the glass plate 11 are reliably folded at the second scribe line K2.

[0186] After the front and rear edges 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11 are broken by the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the first breaking bar lifting mechanism 53a rotates the lifting servo motor 52 in the reverse direction, and the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the second breaking bar lifting mechanism 53b rotates the lifting servo motor 52 in the reverse direction. When the lifting servo motors 52 of the first and second breaking bar lifting mechanisms 53a and 53b rotate in the reverse direction, the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b rise and move to a standby position above the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11.

[0187] Furthermore, the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the second cutter wheel movement mechanism 49a rotates the widthwise servo motor 48 in the reverse direction, and the control unit of the widthwise servo motor 48 of the fourth cutter wheel movement mechanism 49b rotates the widthwise servo motor 48 in the reverse direction. When the widthwise servo motors 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel movement mechanisms 49a and 49b rotate in the reverse direction, the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b move outward in the widthwise direction, the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b return to the scribe line formation standby position, and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b return to the pressing standby position.

[0188] After the front and rear edges 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11 are broken, the controller transmits a second transport signal to the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 and the first and second breaking devices 26a and 26b. Upon receiving the second transport signal, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting / rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 activates the lifting servo motor 71. When the lifting servo motor 71 is driven, the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b on which the glass plate 11 is placed rise together with the plate support plate 75.

[0189] Furthermore, upon receiving the second transport signal, the control unit of the air cylinder 56 of the first and second glass folding support lifting mechanisms 57a and 57b activates the air cylinder 56, extending the lifting shafts of the first and second glass folding support lifting mechanisms 57a and 57b, causing the first and second glass folding support 25a and 25b to rise. Simultaneously, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 54 of the first and second folding table lifting mechanisms 55a and 55b activates the lifting servo motor 54, causing the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b to rise. When the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the first and second glass folding support 25a and 25b and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b reach the same height level, the rising of the first and second glass folding support 25a and 25b stops, and the rising of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b also stops.

[0190] After the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b on which the glass plate 11 is placed are raised, the control unit of the rotary servo motor of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 starts the rotary servo motor. When the rotary servo motor is driven, the lifting and rotating axis rotates 90° in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thereby rotating the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b 90° in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction so that they extend in the transport direction, and the glass plate 11 rotates 90° so that its centerline extends in the transport direction (rotating means).

[0191] After the glass plate 11, whose first and second side edges 14, 15 and front and rear end edges 16, 17 have been broken, is rotated 90°, the control unit of the rotation servo motor of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 stops the rotation servo motor, maintaining the 90° rotated state of the glass plate 11 and maintaining the state in which the center line of the glass plate 11 extends in the transport direction. Next, the control unit of the guide servo motor 80 of the linear guide mechanism 70 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 starts the guide servo motor 80. When the guide servo motor 80 is driven, the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 moves forward in the transport direction from the breaking processing area 19 toward the discharge area 20 (second glass plate transport means). When the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 moves forward in the transport direction, the glass plate 11, together with the third and fourth mounting plates 76a, 76b, is in a state where it has risen above the glass breaking support bases 25a, 25b.

[0192] Furthermore, as the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves to the discharge area 20, the glass transport shuttle, with the positioned glass plates 11 before folding placed on the 7th and 8th mounting plates, moves forward in the transport direction from the loading area 18 towards the folding area 19 (first glass plate transport means). As described above, the positioned glass plates 11 are transferred from the 7th and 8th mounting plates to the 1st and 2nd mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass folding receiving tables 25a and 25b.

[0193] When the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves to the unloading area 20, the control unit of the guide servo motor 80 of the linear guide mechanism 70 stops the guide servo motor 80, and the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 stops in the unloading area 20. When the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 stops in the unloading area 20, the glass plates 11 placed on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b are positioned directly above the glass unloading support bases 27a and 27b, with the third mounting plate 76a positioned directly above the ninth mounting plate 65a of the glass unloading support bases 27a and 27b, and the fourth mounting plate 76b positioned directly above the tenth mounting plate 65b of the glass folding support bases 27a and 27b.

[0194] Another example of the rotating means and the second glass plate transport means is that upon receiving the second transport signal, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 activates the lifting servo motor 71. The lifting servo motor 71 drives the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b on which the glass plates 11 are placed, and they rise together with the plate support plate 75. Next, the control unit of the guide servo motor 80 of the linear guide mechanism 70 of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 activates the guide servo motor 80. The guide servo motor 80 drives the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 forward in the transport direction, and the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves from the folding processing area 19 to the discharge area 20 (second glass plate transport means).

[0195] After the glass plate 11 is positioned directly above the glass unloading support tables 27a and 27b, the control unit of the rotary servo motor of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 activates the rotary servo motor. The rotary servo motor drives the lifting and rotating axis to rotate 90° in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the glass plate 11 rotates 90° so that its centerline extends in the transport direction (rotation means). As the first and second glass folding support tables 25a and 25b rise, the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b also rise, and the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the first and second glass folding support tables 25a and 25b and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b become the same height level.

[0196] After the glass plate 11, which has been rotated 90° in the folding processing area 19 or the unloading area 20, is positioned directly above the glass unloading support tables 27a and 27b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 drives the lifting servo motor 71. When the lifting servo motor 71 is driven and its rotation axis rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the lifting and rotating axis 73 shortens due to the linear motion of the rack and pinion mechanism, and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, which are located above the ninth and tenth mounting plates 65a and 65b, descend together with the plate support plate 75.

[0197] The plate support plate 75 passes from above to below through the travel (passage) space 31c between the tip 38 of the ninth mounting plate 65a and the tip 39 of the tenth mounting plate 65b, the third mounting plates 76a descending from above the ninth mounting plates 65a pass from above to below through the ninth gap 66a between the ninth mounting plates 65a, and the fourth mounting plates 76b descending from above the tenth mounting plates 65b pass from above to below through the tenth gap 66b between the tenth mounting plates 65b, and the glass plates 11 placed on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 are transferred from the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b to the ninth and tenth mounting plates 65a and 65b of the glass unloading receiving tables 27a and 27b. Furthermore, each ninth mounting plate 65a passes through the third gap 78a between each third mounting plate 76a, and each tenth mounting plate 65b passes through the fourth gap 78b between each fourth mounting plate 76b. As soon as the glass plate 11 is transferred to the ninth and tenth mounting plates 65a and 65b of 27a and 27b, the vacuum function of the air vacuum pump of the vacuum mechanism of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 is stopped by switching of the solenoid valve.

[0198] After the third mounting plate 76a of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 descends below the ninth mounting plate 65a of the glass unloading receiving tables 27a and 27b, and the fourth mounting plate 76b of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 descends below the tenth mounting plate 65b of the glass unloading receiving tables 27a and 27b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting / rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 stops the lifting servo motor 71. With the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b descended below the ninth and tenth mounting plates 65a and 65b, the control unit of the guide servo motor 80 of the linear guide mechanism 70 of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 starts the guide servo motor 80. When the guide servo motor 80 is driven, the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves backward in the transport direction from the unloading area 20 towards the folding / cutting area 19. When the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves backward in the transport direction, the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b are in a lowered position. Simultaneously with the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moving to the folding / cutting area 19, the glass transport shuttle moves backward in the transport direction from the folding / cutting area 19 towards the loading area 18.

[0199] As the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 and the glass transport shuttle move backward in the transport direction, the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves to the folding / cutting area 19, and the glass transport shuttle moves to the loading area 18. The glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 that has moved to the folding / cutting area 19 waits there, and the glass transport shuttle that has moved to the loading area 18 waits there. After the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 has waited in the loading area 18, the transport of the glass plates 11 and the folding / cutting of the glass plates 11 are carried out continuously according to the procedure described above. The glass plates 11 after folding / cutting, which are placed on the ninth and tenth mounting plates 65a and 65b in the loading area 20, are loaded out of the loading area 20 by a predetermined glass loading means (not shown).

[0200] The folding system 10 forms a first scribe line K1 on the first and second side edges 14, 15 (both edges on one side) of the glass plate 11 using the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a, 60b, and presses the first and second side edges 14, 15 of the glass plate 11 on which the first scribe line K1 has been formed with the first and second folding bars 63a, 63b (pressing members) to fold the first and second side edges 14, 15, and after the first and second side edges 14, 15 of the glass plate 11 have been folded, rotates the glass plate 11 by 90° so that the center line of the glass plate 11 is perpendicular to the transport direction, and the front and rear end edges 16, 17 ( The first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b form a second scribe line K2 on both other edges, and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b press the front and rear edge portions 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11 on which the second scribe line K2 has been formed to fold them. As a result, the folding of the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11, the 90° rotation of the glass plate 11, and the folding of the front and rear edge portions 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11 can all be performed in one area, eliminating the need for separate machinery and equipment in each area, and enabling miniaturization, energy saving, and cost reduction of the system 10.

[0201] The folding system 10 can fold the first and second side edges 14, 15 (both edges on one side) and the front and rear edge portions 16, 17 (both edges on the other side) of the glass plate 11 without transporting the glass plate 11 to multiple areas. Therefore, the time required for transport can be saved, and the folding process of the first and second side edges 14, 15 and the front and rear edge portions 16, 17 of the glass plate 11 can be performed efficiently in a short amount of time.

[0202] Another example of the folding process in the folding area 19 is as follows: After the glass plate 11 before folding is positioned directly above the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b, the control unit of the rotation servo motor of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 activates the rotation servo motor, causing the lifting and rotating axis to rotate 90° in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As a result, the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b rotate 90° in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so that they extend in the width direction, and the glass plate 11 rotates 90° so that its centerline in the width direction is perpendicular to the transport direction (rotation means).

[0203] After the glass plate 11 has been rotated 90°, the control unit of the air cylinder 56 of the first and second glass folding support lifting mechanisms 57a and 57b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b activates the air cylinder 56, shortening the lifting axes of the first and second glass folding support lifting mechanisms 57a and 57b. As a result, the first glass folding support 25a descends so that the first mounting plate 37a is positioned below the first folding table 64a, and the second glass folding support 25b descends so that the second mounting plate 37b is positioned below the second folding table 64b. After the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b are positioned below the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 activates the lifting servo motor 71. The lifting servo motor 71 is driven, shortening the lifting and rotating shaft 73, and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b descend together with the plate support plate 75.

[0204] When the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 descend and their upper surfaces become level with the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 stops the lifting servo motor 71, and the descent of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b stops. The control unit of the width direction servo motor 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel moving mechanisms 49a and 49b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b starts the width direction servo motor 48, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b move inward in the width direction, moving to the position where the second scribe line K2 is formed on the front and rear edge portions 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11.

[0205] Next, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 44 of the first and second cutter wheel lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b starts the lifting servo motor 44, shortening the first and second holder lifting shafts 62a and 62b and lowering the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b. After the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b have lowered, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 44 of the first and second cutter wheel lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b stops the lifting servo motor 44, and the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the first and third cutter wheel moving mechanisms 47a and 47b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b starts the transport direction servo motor 46. When the transport direction servo motors 46 of the first and third moving mechanisms 47a and 47b are driven, the first folding cutter wheel 60a moves forward in the transport direction from the first side edge 14 to the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11, and the second folding cutter wheel 60b moves forward in the transport direction from the first side edge 14 to the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11.

[0206] The first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b contact the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 with a predetermined pressing force on the side of the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11, and move forward in the transport direction from the side of the first side edge 14 to the side of the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11, forming a second scribe line K2 extending in the transport direction on the front and rear end edges 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11 (second scribe line forming means). The first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b move to the scribe line end position forward in the transport direction on the side of the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11.

[0207] After forming the second scribe line K2 on the front and rear edges 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 44 of the first and second cutter wheel lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b starts the lifting servo motor 44, and the control unit of the transport direction servo motor 46 of the first cutter wheel first and third moving mechanisms 47a and 47b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b rotates the transport direction servo motor 46 in the opposite direction.

[0208] The lifting servo motor 44 is driven, the first and second holder lifting shafts 62a and 62b extend, the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b rise, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b are positioned above the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11. When the transport direction servo motors 46 of the first and third cutter wheel moving mechanisms 47a and 47b rotate in opposite directions, the first folding cutter wheel 60a moves from the end position of the scribe line in the transport direction forward on the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11 to the rear in the transport direction, returning the first folding cutter wheel 60a to a standby point above the glass plate 11 and at the rear in the transport direction on the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11. At the same time, the second folding cutter wheel 60b moves from the end position of the scribe line in the transport direction forward on the second side edge 15 of the glass plate 11 to the rear in the transport direction, returning the second folding cutter wheel 60b to a standby point above the glass plate 11 and at the rear in the transport direction on the first side edge 14 of the glass plate 11.

[0209] After the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b return to their standby positions, the control unit of the widthwise servo motors 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel moving mechanisms 49a and 49b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b activates the widthwise servo motors 48, causing the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b to move inward in the widthwise direction, and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b move to the pressing positions of the front edge 16 and rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11. Next, the control unit of the lifting servo motors 54 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 55a and 55b of the folding tables activates the lifting servo motors 54, causing the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b to descend below the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11, with the first folding table 64a positioned below the upper surface of the third mounting plate 76a and the second folding table 64b positioned below the upper surface of the fourth mounting plate 76b.

[0210] Furthermore, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 53a and 53b of the folding bar activates the lifting servo motor 52, causing the first folding bar 63a to descend toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11. The first folding bar 63a then contacts the upper surface 12 of the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, which is located outward in the width direction of the second scribe line K2 formed on the glass plate 11 and above the first folding table 64a. By applying a downward pressing force to the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, the front edge 16 moves toward the second scribe line K2. As the glass plate is broken (second breaking means), the second breaking bar 63b descends toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11, and the second breaking bar 63b contacts the upper surface 12 of the rear edge portion 17 of the glass plate 11, which is located outward in the width direction of the second scribe line K2 formed on the glass plate 11 and above the second breaking table 64b, and by applying a downward pressing force to the rear edge portion 17 of the glass plate 11, the rear edge portion 17 of the glass plate 11 bends downward and is broken at the second scribe line K2 (second breaking means).

[0211] After the front and rear edges 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11 are broken by the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 53a and 53b rotates the lifting servo motor 52 in the reverse direction, causing the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b to rise and move to a standby position above the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11. Furthermore, the control unit of the width direction servo motor 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel moving mechanisms 49a and 49b rotates the width direction servo motor 48 in the reverse direction, causing the first and second breaking cutter wheels 60a and 60b and the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b to move outward in the width direction, returning the first and second breaking cutter wheels 60a and 60b to the scribe line formation standby position and the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b to the pressing standby position.

[0212] Next, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 starts the lifting servo motor 71, and with the glass plate 11, whose front and rear edges 16 and 17 have been broken, placed on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, the lifting and rotating shaft extends, and the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b rise above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b together with the plate support plate 75. After the glass plate 11 has risen above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 stops the lifting servo motor 71, and the rising of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b stops.

[0213] After the glass plate 11 rises above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b, the control unit of the rotary servo motor of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 activates the rotary servo motor, causing the lifting and rotating axis to rotate 90° in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As a result, the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b rotate 90° in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so that they extend in the transport direction, and the glass plate 11 rotates 90° so that its centerline extends in the transport direction (rotating means). After the glass plate 11 has rotated 90°, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 activates the lifting servo motor 71, shortening the lifting and rotating shaft, and causing the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, located above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b, to descend together with the plate support plate 75.

[0214] As the plate support plate 75 passes through the travel space 31b from top to bottom, the third mounting plates 76a descending from above the first mounting plates 37a pass through the first gap 40a between each of the first mounting plates 37a from top to bottom, and the fourth mounting plates 76b descending from above the second mounting plates 37b pass through the second gap 40b between each of the second mounting plates 37b from top to bottom, the glass plates 11 placed on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 are transferred from the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b to the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass breaking support tables 25a and 25b. The lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 is adsorbed onto the suction pads 42 of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b, and the glass plate 11 is held in place by suction on the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b.

[0215] After the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 descend below the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 stops the lifting servo motor 71. Next, the control unit of the width direction servo motor 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel moving mechanisms 49a and 49b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b starts the width direction servo motor 48, causing the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b to move inward in the width direction, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b move to the position where the first scribe lines K1 formed on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 are formed.

[0216] The control unit of the lifting servo motor 44 of the first and second cutter wheel lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b activates the lifting servo motor 44, causing the first holder lifting shaft 62a to shorten and the first folding cutter wheel 60a to descend, and the second holder lifting shaft 62b to shorten and the second folding cutter wheel 60b to descend. After the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b have descended, the control unit of the lifting servo motors 44 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b stops the lifting servo motors 44, and the control unit of the transport direction servo motors 46 of the first and third moving mechanisms 47a and 47b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b starts the transport direction servo motors 46, causing the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b to move forward in the transport direction from the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 toward the front edge 16.

[0217] The first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b contact the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11 with a predetermined pressing force at the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11, and move forward in the transport direction from the rear edge 17 toward the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11, forming a first scribe line K1 extending in the transport direction on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 (first scribe line forming means). The first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b move to the scribe line end position forward in the transport direction of the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11.

[0218] After forming the first scribe lines K1 on the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11, the control unit of the lifting servo motors 44 of the first and second cutter wheel lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b starts the lifting servo motors 44, and the control unit of the transport direction servo motors 46 of the first and third cutter wheel moving mechanisms 47a and 47b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b rotates the transport direction servo motors 46 in the opposite direction.

[0219] Driven by the lifting servo motor 44, the first and second holder lifting shafts 62a and 62b extend, causing the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b to rise, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b to be positioned above the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11. By rotating the first and third cutter wheel moving mechanisms 47a and 47b in the opposite direction of the transport direction servo motor 46, the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b move from the scribe line end position in front of the front edge 16 of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction to the rear in the transport direction, and the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b return to a waiting point above the glass plate 11 and behind the rear edge 17 of the glass plate 11 in the transport direction.

[0220] After the first and second folding cutter wheels 60a and 60b return to their standby positions, the control unit of the widthwise servo motors 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel moving mechanisms 49a and 49b of the first and second folding devices 26a and 26b activates the widthwise servo motors 48, causing the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b to move inward in the widthwise direction, and the first and second folding bars 63a and 63b move to the pressing position of the first and second side edges 14 and second side edges 15 of the glass plate 11. The control unit of the lifting servo motors 44 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 45a and 45b of the folding tables activates the lifting servo motors 44, causing the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b to descend below the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11, and the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b to be positioned below the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b.

[0221] The control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 53a and 53b of the splitting bars activates the lifting servo motor 52, causing the first and second splitting bars 63a and 63b to descend toward the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11. The first and second splitting bars 63a and 63b contact the upper surfaces 12 of the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11, which are located outward in the width direction of the first scribe line K1 formed on the glass plate 11 and above the first and second splitting tables 64a and 64b. By applying a downward pressing force to the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11, the first and second side edges 14 and 15 are split at the first scribe line K1 (first splitting means).

[0222] After the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 are broken by the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 52 of the first and second breaking bar lifting mechanisms 53a and 53b rotates the lifting servo motor 52 in the reverse direction, causing the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b to rise and move to a standby position above the upper surface 12 of the glass plate 11. The control unit of the width direction servo motor 48 of the second and fourth cutter wheel moving mechanisms 49a and 49b rotates the width direction servo motor 48 in the reverse direction, causing the first and second breaking cutter wheels 60a and 60b and the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b to move outward in the width direction, causing the first and second breaking cutter wheels 60a and 60b to return to the scribe line formation standby position and the first and second breaking bars 63a and 63b to return to the pressing standby position.

[0223] After the folding of the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 is completed, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 54 of the first and second lifting mechanisms 55a and 55b of the folding tables rotates the lifting servo motor 54 in the opposite direction, causing the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b to rise, and the upper surfaces of the first and second folding tables 64a and 64b to be at the same height level as the lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 from which the first and second side edges 14 and 15 have been folded. The control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 activates the lifting servo motor 71, and the lifting and rotating shaft extends, causing the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, located below the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b, to rise together with the plate support plate 75.

[0224] As the plate support plate 75 passes upward through the travel (passage) space 31b, the third mounting plates 76a rising from below the first mounting plate 37a pass through the first gap 40a between each of the first mounting plates 37a from below upward, and the fourth mounting plates 76b rising from below the second mounting plate 37b pass through the second gap 40b between each of the second mounting plates 37b from below upward, the glass plates 11 placed on the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b of the glass folding support bases 25a and 25b are transferred from the first and second mounting plates 37a and 37b to the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b of the glass transport and rotation shuttle 21. The lower surface 13 of the glass plate 11 is adsorbed onto the suction pads 42 of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, and the glass plate 11 is held in place by suction on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b.

[0225] With the glass plate 11 placed on the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b, the lifting and rotating shaft extends, and the glass plate 11 rises above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b together with the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b. After the glass plate 11 has risen above the glass breaking support bases 25a and 25b, the control unit of the lifting servo motor 71 of the lifting and rotating mechanism 68 of the glass transport and rotating shuttle 21 stops the lifting servo motor 71, and the upward movement of the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b stops.

[0226] After the third and fourth mounting plates 76a and 76b on which the glass plate 11 is placed are raised, the control unit of the guide servo motor 80 of the linear guide mechanism 70 of the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 activates the guide servo motor 80, causing the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 to move forward in the transport direction from the folding / splitting area 19 towards the discharge area 20, and the glass plate 11 after folding / splitting moves from the folding / splitting area 19 to the discharge area 20 together with the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 (second glass plate transport means). The procedure after the glass transport / rotating shuttle 21 moves to the discharge area 20 is as described above.

[0227] The folding system 10 forms second scribe lines K2 on the front and rear edges 16, 17 (the other edges) of the glass plate 11 using first and second folding cutter wheels 60a, 60b, and presses the front and rear edges 16, 17 of the glass plate 11 with first and second pressing bars 63a, 63b (pressing members) to fold the front and rear edges 16, 17. After folding the front and rear edges 16, 17 of the glass plate, the glass plate 11 is rotated 90° so that its centerline is perpendicular to the transport direction, and the first scribe lines K2 are formed on the first and second side edges 14, 15 (the other edges) of the glass plate 11 using first and second folding cutter wheels 60a, 60b. By forming a brine K1 and pressing the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11, on which the first scribe line K1 has been formed, with the first and second pressing bars 63a and 63b, the first and second side edges 14 and 15 are broken off. This allows the breaking of the front and rear edge portions 16 and 17 of the glass plate 11, the rotation of the glass plate 11 by 90°, and the breaking of the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 to be performed in one area. This eliminates the need for separate machinery and equipment in each area, enabling miniaturization, energy saving, and cost reduction of the system 10, while also allowing the breaking of the front and rear edge portions 16 and 17 and the first and second side edges 14 and 15 of the glass plate 11 to be performed efficiently in a short amount of time.

[0228] 10 Folding and Cutting System 11 Glass Plate 12 Top Surface 13 Bottom Surface 14 First Side Edge 15 Second Side Edge 16 Front Edge 17 Rear Edge 18 Loading Area 19 Folding and Cutting Area 20 Unloading Area 21 Glass Transport / Rotating Shuttle 22 Machine Table 23a,b First and Second Glass Loading and Receiving Tables 24a,b First and Second Positioning Devices 25a,b First and Second Glass Folding and Cutting Receiving Tables 26a,b First and Second Folding and Cutting Devices 27a,b First and Second Glass Unloading and Receiving Tables 28a,b First and Second Side Edges 29a,b Fifth and Sixth Mounting Plates 30a,b Fifth and Sixth Gap 31a-c Traveling (Passing) Space 32 Frame 33 Transport Direction Pusher 34 Transport Direction Stopper 35 Width Direction Pusher 36a,b First and second side edges 37a,b First and second mounting plates 38 Base end 39 Tip 40a,b First and second gaps 41 Bristle brush 42 Suction pad 43a,b First and second folding jigs 44 Lifting servo motor 45a,b First and second lifting mechanisms for cutter wheels 46 Conveying direction servo motor 47a,b First and third moving mechanisms for cutter wheels 48 Width direction servo motor 49a,b Second and fourth moving mechanisms for cutter wheels 50 Correction servo motor 51a,b First corrective and second corrective mechanisms for cutter wheels 52 Lifting servo motor 53a,b First and second lifting mechanisms for folding bars 54 Lifting servo motor 55a,b First and second lifting mechanisms for folding tables 56 Air cylinder 57a,b First and second lifting mechanisms for glass folding support bases 58 Width direction servo motor 59a,b First and second glass folding support base moving mechanism 60a,b First and second folding cutter wheels 61a,b First and second folding cutter holders 62a,b First and second holder lifting shafts 63a,b First and second folding bars (pressing members) 64a,b First and second folding tables 65a,b Ninth and tenth mounting plates 66a,b 7th and 8th gaps 67 Shuttle frame 68 Lifting and rotating mechanism 69 Cable carrier 70 Linear guide mechanism 71 Lifting servo motor 72 Travel pinion 73 Reducer 74 Axle bracket 75 Plate support plate 76a,b 3rd and 4th mounting plates 77a,b 1st and 2nd support receiving members 78a,b 3rd and 4th gaps 79a,b 1st and 2nd support receiving parts 80 Guide servo motor 81 Rail 90 Glass loading platform 91 Glass plate loading area 92 Glass 1st folding / cutting platform 93 1st folding / cutting area 94 Glass rotating platform 95 Glass plate rotating area 96 Glass 2nd folding / cutting platform 97 2nd folding / cutting area 98 Glass unloading platform 99 Glass plate unloading area 100 Transport shuttle K1 1st scribe line K2 Second scribeline,

Claims

1. A folding cutter wheel for forming a scribe line on a glass plate to be processed and a pressing member for pressing the edge of the glass plate downwards are used to form a scribe line on the edge of the glass plate by the folding cutter wheel, and the edge of the glass plate on which the scribe line has been formed is pressed by the pressing member to fold the edge, The folding system is characterized by comprising: a first scribe line forming means for forming a first scribe line extending in the transport direction of the glass plate on both edges of one of the glass plates using a folding cutter wheel; a first folding means for pressing both edges of one of the glass plates on which the first scribe line has been formed with a pressing member to fold the edges; a rotating means for rotating the glass plate by 90° so that the center line dividing the width dimension of the glass plate in half is perpendicular to the transport direction; a second scribe line forming means for forming a second scribe line extending in the transport direction on both edges of the other of the glass plate that has been rotated by 90° by the rotating means using a folding cutter wheel; and a second folding means for pressing both edges of the other of the glass plate on which the second scribe line has been formed with a pressing member to fold the edges.

2. The glass breaking system according to claim 1, wherein the glass breaking system comprises a glass breaking support for which the glass plate is placed when the edges of the glass plate are broken by the first breaking means, and a glass transport and rotation shuttle that raises the glass plate above the glass breaking support and rotates the glass plate by 90° in the rotation means, wherein the rotation means rotates the glass plate by 90° after the glass transport and rotation shuttle has raised the glass plate above the glass breaking support.

3. The glass breaking support has a plurality of first mounting plates that extend in a width direction intersecting the transport direction from one side edge extending in the transport direction toward the other side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and a plurality of second mounting plates that extend in a width direction from the other side edge extending in the transport direction toward the one side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and the glass transport and rotating shuttle has a plurality of third mounting plates that extend in one width direction from the center line of the transport direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction and are passable vertically through the gaps between adjacent first mounting plates, and a plurality of fourth mounting plates that extend in the other width direction from the center line of the transport direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction and are passable vertically through the gaps between adjacent second mounting plates, and the rotating means is used for the glass transport and rotating shuttle The glass folding system according to claim 2, wherein the third mounting plates pass vertically upward through the gap between the first mounting plates of the glass folding support, and the fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle pass vertically upward through the gap between the second mounting plates of the glass folding support, thereby transferring the glass plate placed on the glass folding support from the first and second mounting plates to the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle, causing the glass plate to rise above the glass folding support, and after the glass plate is placed on the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle and rises above the glass folding support, the third and fourth mounting plates rotate 90° clockwise or counterclockwise so that they extend in the transport direction.

4. The folding system according to claim 3, wherein the folding system comprises a first folding table located outward in the width direction from one side edge of the glass folding support and movable up and down, and a second folding table located outward in the width direction from the other side edge of the glass folding support and movable up and down, and the first scribe line forming means, after the glass plate is placed on the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support, uses the folding cutter wheel to form first scribe lines extending in the transport direction of the glass plate on both edges of one side of the glass plate.

5. The glass cutting system according to claim 4, wherein, in the first cutting means, a first scribe line is formed on both edges of one side of the glass plate, the first and second cutting tables are lowered downward relative to the upper surfaces of the first and second mounting plates of the glass cutting support, and the pressing member presses downward on both edges of one side of the glass plate located on the first and second cutting tables, thereby cutting both edges of one side of the glass plate.

6. The glass cutting system according to claim 5, wherein in the second scribe line forming means, the glass plate is placed on the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle, the first and second mounting plates of the glass cutting support and the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle are lowered, and after the upper surfaces of the third and fourth mounting plates and the upper surfaces of the first and second cutting tables are at the same height level, the cutting cutter wheel forms second scribe lines extending in the transport direction of the glass plate on both other edges of the glass plate.

7. The glass cutting system according to claim 6, wherein, in the second cutting means, after forming second scribe lines on both other edges of the glass plate, the first and second cutting tables are lowered downward relative to the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport and rotation shuttle, and the pressing member presses downward on both other edges of the glass plate located on the first and second cutting tables, thereby cutting both other edges of the glass plate.

8. The glass cutting system according to claim 7, further comprising: a glass loading platform located behind the glass cutting platform in the transport direction for placing glass plates before cutting; and a transport shuttle located behind the glass transport / rotating shuttle in the transport direction for transporting the glass plates before cutting from the glass loading platform toward the glass cutting platform, wherein the glass transport shuttle lifts the glass plates placed on the glass loading platform above the glass loading platform, then moves forward in the transport direction while holding the glass plates, and transports the glass plates before cutting to the glass cutting platform.

9. The glass loading support has a plurality of fifth mounting plates that extend in the width direction from one side edge extending in the transport direction toward the other side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and a plurality of sixth mounting plates that extend in the width direction from the other side edge extending in the transport direction toward the one side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and the glass transport shuttle has a plurality of seventh mounting plates that extend in one width direction from the center line of the transport direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction and are passable vertically through the gaps between adjacent fifth mounting plates, and a plurality of eighth mounting plates that extend in the other width direction from the center line of the transport direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction and are passable vertically through the gaps between adjacent sixth mounting plates, and in the glass plate first transport means, the seventh mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle are located below the fifth mounting plates of the glass loading support, and the glass transport shuttle After the eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle are positioned below the sixth mounting plates of the glass transport receiving platform, the glass plate before folding is placed on the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass transport receiving platform, after the glass plate is placed on the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass transport receiving platform, the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle pass vertically upward through the gap between the fifth and sixth mounting plates of the glass transport receiving platform, the glass plate placed on the glass transport receiving platform is transferred from the fifth and sixth mounting plates to the seventh and eighth mounting plates and rises above the glass transport receiving platform, after the glass plate before folding is placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle and rises above the glass folding receiving platform, the glass transport shuttle moves forward in the transport direction and transfers the glass plate to the glass folding receiving platform, according to claim 8.

10. The glass plate folding system according to claim 9, wherein in the glass plate first transport means, the seventh mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle pass vertically downward through the gap between the first mounting plates of the glass folding support, and the eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle pass vertically downward through the gap between the second mounting plates of the glass folding support, thereby transferring the glass plates placed on the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle from the seventh and eighth mounting plates of the glass transport shuttle to the first and second mounting plates of the glass folding support.

11. The glass cutting system according to claim 10, further comprising a glass output receiving table located in front of the glass cutting receiving table in the transport direction for placing the glass plate after the cutting process, wherein, after the other two edges of the glass plate are cut by the second cutting means, the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle rise above the glass cutting receiving table, and the glass transport / rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to transport the glass plate after the cutting process from the glass cutting receiving table to the glass output receiving table.

12. In the second glass plate transport means, after the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle on which the glass plate after folding is placed rise above the glass folding support, the third and fourth mounting plates rotate 90°, the glass transport / rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction to transport the glass plate after folding to the glass discharge support, and after the third and fourth mounting plates are positioned above the glass discharge support, the third and fourth mounting plates descend to transport the glass plate after folding. The glass folding system according to claim 11, wherein the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport and rotating shuttle, on which the glass plate after folding is placed or which is placed on the glass plate after the folding process is raised above the glass folding support, the glass transport and rotating shuttle moves forward in the transport direction so that the third and fourth mounting plates are positioned above the glass transport support, the third and fourth mounting plates rotate 90°, the third and fourth mounting plates descend so that the glass plate after folding is placed on the glass transport support.

13. The glass unloading support has a plurality of ninth mounting plates that extend in a width direction intersecting the transport direction from one side edge extending in the transport direction toward the other side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and a plurality of tenth mounting plates that extend in a width direction from the other side edge extending in the transport direction toward the one side edge and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and in the glass plate second transport means, the third mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle are arranged at predetermined intervals in the glass unloading support The glass folding system according to claim 12, wherein the fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle pass through the gaps between the plates in the vertical direction downward, the gaps between the tenth mounting plates of the glass discharge receiving base in the vertical direction downward, the third and fourth mounting plates of the glass transport / rotating shuttle are located below the ninth and tenth mounting plates of the glass discharge receiving base, and the glass plate after folding is placed on the ninth and tenth mounting plates of the glass discharge receiving base.

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