WO2014003198A1

WO2014003198A1 - Apparatus for cutting glass plates from a continuous glass sheet

Info

Publication number: WO2014003198A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/068189
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gumpei Yokoyama; Tsuneo Nakai
Original assignee: Goldmax Asia Pacific Limited; Gy Systems Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2012-06-25
Filing date: 2013-06-25
Publication date: 2014-01-03
Also published as: TW201408609A; CN104603072A; JP2014005176A

Abstract

A glass cutting apparatus that can divide a plurality of glass plates with high precision from a glass sheet during travel without using expensive robotic equipment that requires a large operating space. The glass cutting apparatus splits a glass sheet traveling continuously in a first direction with a preformed marking line so as to produce glass plates of a predetermined size, and includes a supporting bar that extends in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and is able to support one surface of the glass sheet during travel, a clamping device configured so as to enable clamping of the glass sheet that has passed over the supporting bar, and a rotational drive device that rotates the clamping device to one surface side of the glass sheet by rotating around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar when the clamping device has clamped the glass sheet, and the marking line of the glass sheet is aligned with the supporting bar.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF INVENTION

APPARATUS FOR CUTTING GLASS PLATES FROM A CONTINUOUS GLASS SHEET

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a glass cutting apparatus that splits a continuous glass sheet and produces glass plates.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Conventionally, a glass cutting device that divides a glass sheet along marking lines formed in the glass sheet is provided as a device for producing glass plates of a

predetermined size from a glass sheet. This type of conventional glass cutting device successively divides in a direction of travel, a plurality of glass sheets that are continuously moving in one direction.

[0003] This type of glass cutting device typically has a supporting bar that extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the glass sheet and can support one surface of the glass sheet during travel, a holding device with a configuration that can hold the glass sheets, and a transporting device that transports the holding device. This type of glass cutting device splits the glass sheet along a marking line and then the transporting device transports the holding device that holds the glass sheet.

[0004] The transporting device of this type of glass cutting device may be a robot, wherein the robot has at least one arm that can tilt, and the holding device is connected to the tip end of the arm. When the robot arm is tilted and the holding device is moved to a position that can hold the glass sheet that has arrived at the downstream side of the supporting bar such that the supporting bar and a marking line on the glass sheet are aligned, the holding device that holds the glass sheet will move to the side of the glass sheet where the supporting bar is located, so as to pass through a rotation trajectory centered around the position that matches the marking line on the glass plate.

[0005] This type of glass cutting device causes a rotational moment centered on a position that matches the marking line to act on the glass sheet in conjunction with the rotational movement of the holding mechanism, and thereby divides the glass sheet along the marking line. For instance, reference is made to U.S. Patent No. 7,260,959. [0006] When a robot is used as the transporting device that transports the holding device, the holding device can be moved at the appropriate time, and the glass sheet can be divided with high precision. However, robots are expensive, and cause the cost of the equipment for the glass cutting device to dramatically increase.

[0007] Also, conventional glass cutting devices require a large amount of space to accommodate the travel range of the arm, in order to transport the holding device and glass sheet, by tilting and rotating the robot arm.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a glass cutting device that can divide a plurality of glass plates with high precision from a glass sheet during travel without using a robot that causes equipment costs to skyrocket and without requiring a large amount of space for the equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The glass cutting apparatus of the present invention splits a glass sheet traveling continuously in a first direction with a preformed marking line that extends in a direction orthogonal to the first direction, so as to produce glass plates of a predetermined size from the glass sheet. In several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus includes a supporting bar that extends in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and is able to support one side of the glass sheet during travel; a clamping device configured so as to enable clamping of the glass sheet that has passed over the supporting bar; and a rotational drive device that rotates the clamping device to one side of the glass sheet by rotating around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar in a condition where the clamping device has clamped the glass sheet, and the marking line of the glass sheet is aligned with the supporting bar.

[0010] With this configuration, the rotational drive device rotates the glass sheet that is clamped by the clamping device around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar, by rotating the clamping device that has clamped the glass sheet. When the glass sheet is rotated by the rotational drive device, a bending moment is created, with the supporting bar acting as a fulcrum on the glass sheet. Bending stress is concentrated on the marking line of the glass sheet because the bending moment acts on the glass sheet when the marking line of the glass sheet and the supporting bar are aligned, and thus the glass sheet is split along the marking line. Therefore, the glass sheet that was clamped by the clamping device is divided into one or more glass plates of a predetermined size. Also, when clamping of the glass plate by the clamping device is relieved, the glass plates can be removed and transported.

[0011] In this manner, a glass cutting apparatus with the aforementioned configuration can positively split the glass sheet into one or more glass plates of a predetermined size while having a configuration and controls that are simple compared to a glass cutting apparatus that includes a robot. In addition, the glass cutting apparatus has an operating range that is narrow in addition to the configuration and control not being complex, and therefore the equipment cost can be controlled and installation in a narrow space is possible.

[0012] According to several exemplary embodiments, the center of rotation of the clamping device is located at a position that is out of the travel path of the glass sheet. Thereby, the glass plates that are split from the glass sheet are rotated together with the clamping device around an axis at a position that is out of the travel path of the glass sheet. In this manner, the upstream end of the glass plate proximate to the marking line, is positioned to avoid the downstream end of the glass sheet that is traveling in from the upstream side, and thus interference with the downstream end of the glass sheet that is traveling in from the upstream side is avoided. Clamping of the glass plate by the clamping device can be released while avoiding interference between the split glass plate and the glass sheet traveling in from the upstream side, and the split glass plate can be removed and transported while preventing interference between the split glass plate and the traveling glass sheet.

[0013] According to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device includes a pair of clamping bodies each having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first ends are joined together in a manner in which they can rotate around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar. The clamping device that includes a pair of clamping bodies is also arranged such that the traveling glass sheet can enter therebetween traveling from the second ends of the clamping bodies toward the first ends of the clamping bodies. According to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device includes a clamping drive device that relatively rotates the pair of clamping bodies such that the second ends of the pair of clamping bodies can be separated or brought into close proximity.

Therefore, the clamping device with the aforementioned configuration can alternate between a condition where the second ends of the pair of clamping bodies are brought into close proximity such that they can clamp the glass sheet, and a condition where the second ends of the pair of clamping bodies are moved apart such that the glass plates that have been divided from the glass sheet can be released. [0014] According to several exemplary embodiments, each of the clamping bodies comprises a plurality of roller bodies spaced apart at intervals in the first direction, each of the roller bodies having a center axis that extends in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and being configured to freely rotate around the center axis, wherein the roller bodies of the pair of clamping bodies clamp the glass sheet in the condition in which the second ends of the pair of clamping bodies are brought into close proximity.

[0015] According to several exemplary embodiments, when the glass sheet is clamped by the clamping bodies, the roller bodies of one clamping body contact one side of the glass sheet, and rotate so as to track the travel of the glass sheet, while the roller bodies of the other clamping body contact the other side of the glass sheet, and rotate so as to track the travel of the glass sheet. In other words, the pair of clamping bodies clamp the glass sheet while still allowing the glass sheet to travel. Therefore, even though the traveling glass sheet is clamped by the pair of clamping bodies, the glass sheet will not be scratched or broken.

[0016] According to several exemplary embodiments, a marking line forming device to make the marking line on the glass sheet is included on the upstream side of the supporting bar in the first direction. The marking line forming device makes the marking line on the glass sheet while traveling, and the glass sheet is then continuously split at the marking line.

[0017] According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus described herein provides the excellent effects of splitting a plurality of glass plates with high precision from a glass sheet during travel without using expensive robotic equipment and without requiring a large operating space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front view of a glass cutting apparatus according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section view along line 2 - 2 of the glass cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section view of the glass cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and is a schematic longitudinal cross-section view of the installed condition next to a transport conveyor.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows diagrammatic operational views of the glass cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, where (A) shows the condition where a glass sheet has entered between a pair of clamping bodies and is clamped by the pair of clamping bodies; (B) shows the condition where the pair of clamping bodies that have clamped the glass sheet are moved in conjunction with the travel of the glass sheet while the pair of clamping bodies are rotated by a predetermined angle; (C) shows the condition where one of the clamping bodies is moved apart from the other clamping body, while the pair of clamping bodies are rotated by a predetermined angle; and (D) shows the condition where one of the clamping bodies is moved further apart from the other clamping body.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatic operational views of the glass cutting apparatus shown in FIG 1 , where (A) illustrates the condition where the glass plate on one of the clamping bodies is placed on a transport conveyor; (B) illustrates the condition where the glass plate is transported away from one of the clamping bodies by the transport conveyor; (C) illustrates the condition where one clamping body is moved toward the other clamping body; and (D) illustrates the condition where one clamping body is in proximity to the other clamping body and where the glass sheet is clamped by the pair of clamping bodies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A glass cutting apparatus according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention is described below while referring to the drawings.

[0024] According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus is placed adjacent to a molding device that molds molten glass into rectangular glass sheets. The glass cutting apparatus receives a glass sheet that is continuously fed from the molding device and successively splits the glass sheet to produce glass plates of a predetermined size.

[0025] According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus receives a glass sheet that is continuously fed from a molding device that is disposed above the glass cutting apparatus. Specifically, the glass cutting apparatus is configured to receive a glass sheet that travels along a feed path that extends in a vertical direction and is suspended from above.

[0026] In the following description, the direction of travel of the glass sheet is referred to as the "first direction", the width or direction that the glass sheet is spread on the travel path which is orthogonal to the first direction is referred to as the "second direction", and the direction of the thickness of the glass sheet on the travel path which is a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is referred to as the "third direction". Also, in the direction of travel of the glass sheet along the first direction, the supply-side of the glass sheet in the direction of travel of the glass sheet is referred to as the "upstream" or "upstream side", and the leading end of the glass sheet in the direction of travel of the glass sheet is referred to as the "downstream" or "downstream side".

[0027] The glass cutting apparatus 1 according to several exemplary embodiments is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and has a supporting bar 2 that extends in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction and supports one side SI of a glass sheet Gs during travel; a clamping device 3 configured so as to enable clamping of the glass sheet Gs that has moved in the direction of travel of the glass sheet beyond the supporting bar 2; and a rotational drive device 4 (refer to FIG. 2) that rotates the clamping device 3 to one side of the glass sheet Gs by rotating around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar 2 in a condition where the clamping device 3 has clamped the glass sheet Gs, and a preestablished marking line on the glass sheet Gs is aligned with the supporting bar 2.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass cutting apparatus 1 includes supporting rollers 5,5 that support the other side S2 of the glass sheet Gs and are provided to the upstream side 'of the supporting bar 2, and a marking line forming device 6 placed on the upstream side of the supporting bar 2 and the supporting rollers 5,5, for making a marking line that extends in a direction that is orthogonal to the first direction which is the direction of travel of glass sheet Gs. Also as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass cutting apparatus 1 has a frame 7 that supports the supporting bar 2, clamping device 3, rotational drive device 4, supporting rollers 5,5, and marking line forming device 6.

[0029] According to several exemplary embodiments, the supporting bar 2 extends in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the supporting bar 2 has a first end that faces the first side S 1 of the glass sheet Gs and extends in the third direction opposite the second end thereof. The first end of the supporting bar 2 can extend in the second direction for the entire width of the glass sheet Gs. Also, the first end of the supporting bar 2 may be formed with a taper toward the glass sheet Gs in the third direction. According to several exemplary embodiments, the supporting bar 2 may also be shaped with a radial arc cross-section as seen from the second direction, wherein a portion of the outer circumference is tangential to the first side S 1 of the glass sheet Gs.

[0030] The supporting bar 2 is provided in a manner such that it can move in the first direction while maintaining its position relative to the glass sheet Gs. To be described in further detail below, according to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus 1 has a raising and lowering drive device 8 for reciprocatingly moving the clamping device 3 in the first direction. [0031] The raising and lowering drive device 8 has a drive motor 81 with an output shaft 80 that rotates around a central axis, a male screw body 82 that is connected to the output shaft 80, and a feed screw mechanism 84 with a female screw body 83 that mates with the male screw body 82.

[0032] The drive motor 81 of the raising and lowering drive device 8 is mounted on second connecting member 73 of frame 7, as described below, so that the output shaft 80 extends in a direction that is parallel or essentially parallel to the first direction and the direction of travel of the glass sheet Gs. The feed screw mechanism 84 transfers the output of the output shaft 80 of the drive motor 81 to the male screw body 82, and the male screw body 82 rotates concentric to the output shaft 80 of the drive motor 81 and thereby moves the female screw body 83 along the direction of the axis of the male screw body 82. Consequently, the feed screw mechanism 84 moves the female screw body 83 back and forth in the first direction by the forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft 80 of the drive motor 81. According to several exemplary embodiments, the feed screw mechanism 84 uses a ball screw that screws into the female screw body 83 and the male screw body 82 with a plurality of spheres interposed therebetween in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus 1 provides a supporting frame 9 for connecting the clamping device 3 to the male screw body 82. According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus 1 also has an auxiliary frame 10 that connects the supporting bar 2 to the supporting frame 9.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the supporting frame 9 has a pair of beam parts 90,90 spaced apart at intervals in the first direction, connecting pillars 91 that connect to both of the pair of beam parts 90,90, a motor supporting part 92 that supports a motor with a speed reducer 40, as described below, for the rotational drive device 4, a device supporting part 93 that supports a drive transferring device 41 , as described below, for the rotational drive device 4 and the clamping device 3, and slider bodies 94, configured to allow movement along rails 75,75 that are attached to first legs 70,70 of the frame 7 which are described below.

[0035] According to several exemplary embodiments, the pair of beam parts 90,90 and the connecting pillars 91 are made of rectangular steel tubes. According to several exemplary embodiments, a plurality of connecting pillars 91 are spaced apart at intervals in the second direction.

[0036] According to several exemplary embodiments, four connecting pillars 91 are spaced apart at intervals in the second direction. According to several exemplary embodiments and as shown in FIG. 1, the motor supporting part 92 is fastened to a connecting pillar 91 that is toward the center of the four connecting pillars 91. Also as shown in FIG. 1, the device supporting parts 93 are fastened to the two outer connecting pillars 91. The device

supporting parts 93 have a first end and a second end that extend in the third direction. The device supporting parts 93 are configured to intersect with the connecting pillars 91 and as shown in FIG. 2, the first ends thereof face the clamping device 3 side. Also, in a

conventional manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the first ends and the second ends of the device supporting parts 93 are attached to a bearing (not shown).

[0037] According to several exemplary embodiments, slider bodies 94 are provided to correspond to both ends (4 locations) of the pair of beam parts 90,90. According to several exemplary embodiments, two rails 75,75 are spaced apart in the second direction, and the slider bodies 94 on one side of the pair of beam parts 90,90 are guided by one of the rails 75, and the slider bodies 94 on the opposite side of the pair of beam parts 90,90 are guided by the other rail 75. Therefore, the entire supporting frame 9 may be moved in the first direction when the slider bodies 94 are guided by the corresponding rails 75,75.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the female screw body 83 of the raising and lowering drive device 8 is connected to one beam part 90 on the upstream side in the first direction of the pair of beam parts 90. Therefore, the supporting frame 9 may be moved in the first direction when driven by the raising and lowering drive device 8.

[0039] According to several exemplary embodiments, an auxiliary frame 10 is connected to the supporting frame 9 specifically by being connected to one of the beam parts 90 on the upstream side in the first direction of the pair of beam parts 90,90 and the base end of the supporting bar 2 is connected to the auxiliary frame 10 so that the supporting bar 2 is oriented to extend in the second direction and so that the supporting bar 2 may be moved in the first direction when driven by the raising and lowering drive device 8. In other words, the supporting bar 2 may be moved in the first direction together with the clamping device 3 by being indirectly linked to the feed screw mechanism 84 and female screw body 83 of the raising and lowering drive device 8.

[0040] The clamping device 3 is provided in a manner such that the clamping device 3 rotates around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar 2 as described above. According to several exemplary embodiments, the axis of rotation of the clamping device 3 is provided at a position that is separated from the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs. [0041] The clamping device 3 includes a pair of clamping bodies 30,31 each having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first ends thereof are joined together in a manner such that they rotate relatively around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar 2. The clamping device 3 that includes a pair of clamping bodies 30,31 is also arranged such that the traveling glass sheet Gs can enter therebetween traveling from the second ends of the clamping bodies 30,31 toward the first ends of the clamping bodies 30,31, and a clamping drive device 32 that relatively rotates the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 such that the second ends of the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 can be moved apart from each other or into proximity with each other. According to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device 3 also has a glass receiving body 33 that prevents the split glass sheet or glass plates from falling between the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31.

[0042] Each of the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 has a plurality of roller bodies 300,310 each with a center axis that extends in the second direction and having a construction that can freely rotate around the center axis.

[0043] More specifically, one clamping body (hereinafter referred to as the first clamping body) 30 of the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 has a pair of frame plates 301,301 spaced apart in the second direction as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a plurality of roller bodies 300, spaced apart at intervals in the first direction such that the axes thereof are parallel, with both ends of each of roller bodies 300 rotatably supported axially by the pair of frame plates 301,301.

[0044] Each of the pair of frame plates 301,301 in the first clamping body 30 extends in the first direction, and has a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends of the pair of frame plates 301,301 in the first clamping body 30 is attached to first rotating shaft 302 which extends in the second direction.

[0045] In a conventional manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a plurality of bearings (not shown) are attached at intervals in the longitudinal direction to the frame plates 301 ,301 of the first clamping body 30.

[0046] Each of the plurality of roller bodies 300 of the first clamping body 30 has a shaft body 303 that extends in the second direction, and a plurality of roller parts 304 (refer to FIG. 1) that mate over the shaft body 303. Each of the plurality of roller parts 304 is formed from an elastic resin or rubber, in a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than the shaft body 303. In the first clamping body 30, both ends of each shaft body 303 of each of the plurality of roller bodies 300 are axially supported in a manner that can freely rotate by a plurality of bearings provided in the pair of frame plates 301,301 of the first clamping body 30.

[0047] The other clamping body (hereinafter referred to as the second clamping body) 31 of the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 has a pair of frame plates 311 ,311 spaced apart in the second direction as shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of roller bodies 310 spaced apart at intervals in the first direction such that the axes thereof are parallel, with both ends of each of the roller bodies 310 rotatably supported axially by the pair of frame plates 311,31 1.

[0048] Each of the pair of frame plates 31 1,31 1 in the second clamping body 31 extends in the first direction, and has a first end and a second end in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] Each of the first ends of the pair of frame plates 31 1,31 1 in the second clamping body 31 has a first shaft supporting part 314a that extends to one side in the third direction and a second shaft supporting part 314b that extends in the direction opposite to that of the first shaft supporting part 314a. In a conventional manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, each of the first shaft supporting part 314a and the second shaft supporting part 314b are mounted in bearings (not shown). Also, the first shaft supporting part 314a of the pair of frame plates 31 1,31 1 axially supports rotating shaft 302 in a manner such that the first clamping body 30 can freely rotate about the rotating shaft 302. Therefore, the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 can rotate relatively around the rotating shaft 302 which acts as a central axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar 2.

[0050] The first end of the second clamping body 31 has a motor base (number not designated) onto which is attached the motor described below for the clamping drive device 32. The second ends of the frame plates 31 1,311 of the second clamping body 31 extend in the third direction toward the opposite side as the first supporting part 314a. Also, the second ends of the pair of frame plates 31 1 ,311 in the second clamping body 31 are attached to rotating shaft 315 which extends in the second direction. In a conventional manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the rotating shaft 315 is axially supported in a manner such that it can freely rotate by the bearings (not shown) provided in the first ends of each of the pair of device supporting parts 93,93 in the supporting frame 9. Therefore, according to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device 3 can rotate around the rotating shaft 315 which acts as a central axis and which is located out of the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs. Specifically, according to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device 3 rotates around a center axis at a position that is on the first side S 1 of the glass sheet Gs that passes through the travel path R, and that is a predetermined distance away from the travel path R in the third direction, and that is a predetermined distance away from the supporting bar 2 in the first direction.

[0051] In a conventional manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a plurality of bearings (not shown) are attached at intervals in the longitudinal direction to the frame plates 311,311 of the second clamping body 31.

[0052] Each of the plurality of roller bodies 310 of the second clamping body 31 have a shaft body 312 that extends in the second direction, and a plurality of roller parts 313 that mate over the shaft body 312. Each of the plurality of roller parts 313 is formed from an elastic resin or rubber, in a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than the shaft body 312. In the second clamping body 31, both ends of each shaft body 312 of each of the plurality of roller bodies 310 is axially supported in a manner that can freely rotate by a plurality of bearings provided in the pair of frame plates 31 1, 31 1 of the second clamping body 31.

[0053] The roller bodies 300,310 of the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 are positioned to be mutually corresponding. In other words, the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 rotate relatively about the rotating shaft 302, and when the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 are brought together, the corresponding roller bodies 300,310 and thus roller parts 304,313 will be mutually facing such that a glass sheet Gs that enters between the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 can be clamped by the mutually facing roller bodies 300,310. The first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 are arranged so that when the roller bodies 300,310 are mutually facing, the gap between the roller bodies 300,310 matches the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs.

[0054] The clamping drive device 32 has a motor 320 with a speed reducer and a drive transfer device 321 that transfers the drive of the motor 320 to the rotating shaft 302 of the first clamping body 30. The drive transfer device 321 includes a drive shaft 322 that receives the output from the motor 320, a rotating body 323 that is mounted on the drive shaft 322, a rotating body 324 mounted on the rotating shaft 302 that is attached to the first clamping body 30, and an endless loop body 325 that bridges and can transfer torque between the rotating body 323 and the rotating body 324.

[0055] According to several exemplary embodiments, the motor 320 is the type where the drive shaft 322 can be inserted into a speed reducer. Also, the drive shaft 322 extends from both sides of the motor 320, and both sides of the drive shaft 322 extend in the second direction and are axially supported in a manner such that they can freely rotate by bearings mounted in the second shaft supporting part 314b of the frame plates 31 1,31 1 of the second clamping part 31. The rotating body 323 is attached to both ends of the drive shaft 322 while the rotating body 324 is attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 302 of the first clamping body 30. According to several exemplary embodiments, the endless loop body 325 is a toothed belt. In addition, a sprocket is used for the rotating body 323 and the rotating body 324. Therefore, when the drive shaft 322 receives output from the motor 320 and rotates, the rotating body 323 will rotate, and the rotation will be transferred to the endless loop body 325. Thereby, the rotating body 324 will rotate, and the rotating shaft 302 that is attached to the rotating body 324 will rotate concentrically with the first clamping body 30.

[0056] A glass receiving body 33 extends from the first clamping body 30 toward the second clamping body 31. Specifically, the glass receiving body 33 is formed so as to extend in the second direction. Furthermore, the glass receiving body 33 is connected to a first end of the frame plate 301 so as to straddle the pair of frame plates 301,301 of the first clamping body 30. Therefore, the glass receiving body 33 is configured to enable supporting the tip or leading end of the split glass sheet or glass plate.

[0057] The rotational drive device 4 has a motor 40 with a speed reducer, such as an electric motor, and a drive transferring device 41 that transfers the drive of the motor 40 to the rotating shaft 315 of the second clamping body 31. The drive transferring device 41 includes a drive shaft 42 that receives the output from the motor 40, a rotating body 43 that is mounted on the drive shaft 42, a rotating body 44 mounted on the rotating shaft 315 that is attached to the second clamping body 31, and an endless loop body 45 that bridges and can transfer torque between the rotating body 43 and the rotating body 44.

[0058] According to several exemplary embodiments, the motor 40 is a type where the drive shaft 42 can be inserted into a speed reducer. Also, the drive shaft 42 extends from both sides of the second motor 40, and both sides of the drive shaft 42 extend in the second direction and are axially supported in a manner such that they can freely rotate by bearings mounted in the second ends of the pair of device supporting parts 93. Also, the rotating body 43 is attached to the drive shaft 42 while the rotating body 44 is attached to the rotating shaft 315 of the second clamping body 31. According to several exemplary embodiments, the rotating body 43 is attached to the drive shaft 42 in two places with an interval therebetween in the second direction, and the rotating body 44 is attached to the rotating shaft 315 in two places with an interval therebetween in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the endless loop body 45 is a toothed belt. In addition, a sprocket is used for the rotating body 43 and the rotating body 44.

[0059] When the drive shaft 42 receives output from the motor 40 and rotates, the rotating body 43 will rotate, and the rotation force will be transferred to the endless loop body 45. Thereby, the rotating body 44 will rotate, and the rotating shaft 315 that is attached to the rotating body 44 will rotate concentrically with the first clamping body 31. Also, the first clamping body 30 is connected to the second clamping body 31 through the rotating shaft 302, so the first clamping body 30 will also rotate together with the second clamping body 31.

[0060] Supporting rollers 5,5 are positioned on the opposite side of the travel path R of the glass sheet from the supporting bar 2. According to several exemplary embodiments, two supporting rollers 5,5 are provided which are spaced apart in the first direction. The supporting rollers 5,5 have a shaft body 50 that extends in the second direction and a plurality of roller parts 51 that fit around the shaft body 50. These plurality of roller parts 51 are spaced apart at intervals in the second direction that extend through the center of rotation of the supporting rollers 5,5 as shown in FIG. 1. Also, the supporting rollers 5,5 are attached to the frame 7, unlike the supporting bar 2, and are provided in a manner such that they can freely rotate in a fixed position. As described above, the supporting bar 2 is able to move in the first direction, but the supporting rollers 5,5 are located at a position that is upstream of the supporting bar 2 even when the supporting bar 2 is located at the limit position of travel in the upstream side of the first direction.

[0061] The marking line forming device 6 is located in a fixed position on the upstream side in the first direction as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Also, the marking line forming device 6 includes a glass supporting device 60 that supports the first side SI of the glass sheet Gs during travel, a controlling roller 61 that supports the second side S2 of the glass sheet Gs during travel, and a marking line adding device 62 that adds a marking line onto the second side S2 of the glass sheet Gs supported by the glass supporting device 60.

[0062] The glass supporting device 60 supports the first side SI of the glass sheet Gs, similar to the supporting bar 2. According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass supporting device 60 is supported by the frame 7 and faces the entire width of the first side S 1 of the glass sheet Gs in the second direction. More specifically, the glass supporting device 60 includes a pair of pulleys 63,63 spaced apart in the first direction, and a flat belt 64 that bridges across the pair of pulleys 63,63. In addition, the pair of pulleys 63,63 are pivotally supported by the first leg parts 70,70 (described below) and extend from the frame 7 toward the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs. Furthermore, the entire first side SI of the glass sheet Gs is supported by the flat belt 64 that extends between the pair of pulleys 63,63. Thus, the glass supporting device 60 including the pair of pulleys 63,63 and the flat belt 64 maintain the glass sheet Gs in a constant or substantially constant position relative to the travel path R.

[0063] A controlling roller 61 faces the total width in the second direction of the second side S2 of the glass sheet Gs. The controlling roller 61 has a central axis that extends in the second direction, and is configured to freely rotate around the central axis. The controlling roller 61 faces the pulley 63 that is to the upstream side in the first direction of the pair of pulleys 63,63 in the glass supporting device 60.

[0064] The marking line adding device 62 includes an inclined rail 65 that is inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction, and a marking line device 66 that moves on the inclined rail 65. As shown in FIG. 2, the marking line device 66 includes a marking line chip C that contacts the second side S2 of the glass sheet Gs. The marking line device 66 has a drive mechanism that moves the marking device 66 along the inclined rail 65 corresponding to the speed of the glass sheet Gs during travel. Therefore, the marking line device 66 forms a straight marking line on the glass sheet Gs that extends in the second direction.

[0065] The frame 7 includes a pair of first leg parts 70,70 spaced apart in the second direction, a pair of second leg parts 71,71 spaced apart in the third direction relative to the first leg parts 70,70, first connecting beam parts 72,72 that connect the first leg parts 70,70 and the second leg parts 71,71, second connecting beam parts 73,73 that connect the pair of first leg parts 70,70, and third connecting beam parts 74,74 that connect the pair of second leg parts 71,71.

[0066] The raising and lowering drive device 8 and the supporting frame 9 are provided between the first leg parts 70,70 and the second leg parts 71,71. Also, rails 75,75 that guide the supporting frame 9 are attached to the surface of the first leg parts 70,70 that faces the second leg parts 71,71 (hereinafter this surface is referred to as the inner surface, and the surface on the opposite side is referred to as the outer surface), and the first clamping body 30, second clamping body 31, supporting bar 2, supporting rollers 5,5, and marking line forming device 6 are provided to the outside of the outer surface. The glass supporting device 60, the supporting rollers 5,5 and the marking line forming device 6 are attached to the outer surface of the first leg parts 70,70 on the frame 7. [0067] According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus 1 may be positioned parallel to a transport conveyor Cn as shown in FIG. 3. According to several exemplary embodiments and as shown in FIG. 3, the transport conveyor Cn is a roller conveyor with a plurality of rollers Cr arranged in a line, and is efficient such that the rollers Cr of the transport conveyor Cn are interposed between the roller bodies 300 of the first clamping body 30 when clamping of the split glass plate is released such as when the first clamping body 30 is in a tilted condition as described below.

[0068] According to several exemplary embodiments, the function of the glass cutting apparatus 1 is described herein in detail. The glass sheet Gs that is formed as a sheet by the forming device is continuously fed from a molding device (not shown) that is located upstream from the glass cutting apparatus 1. In this manner, the glass sheet Gs enters the opening between the glass supporting device 60 and the controlling roller 61. Also, the glass sheet Gs advances for a predetermined distance, and when the distance from the leading edge of the glass sheet Gs to the marking line chip C of the marking line forming device 6 is a distance that corresponds to a predetermined size for the glass plates to be formed, the marking line device 66 will travel along the inclined rail 65 at a speed that corresponds to the travel speed of the glass sheet Gs. In other words, the glass sheet Gs travels continuously, so the marking line device 66 moves along a trajectory at an angle with respect to the first direction and the second direction, and when the travel speed of the marking line device 66 corresponds to the travel speed of the glass sheet Gs, the marking line device 66 and consequently marking line chip C, will move in a direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction while tracking the glass sheet Gs.

[0069] At this time, the flat belt 64 of the glass supporting device 60 rotates to track the glass sheet Gs while supporting the first side of the glass sheet Gs. Therefore, even if the marking line chip C is in contact with and pressed against the second side of the glass sheet Gs, the glass sheet Gs will not warp, and a straight marking line that extends in the second direction will be formed on the glass sheet Gs. Once the marking line device 66 and marking line chip C reach the end of the glass sheet Gs in the second direction, the marking line device 66 returns to its original position, and when the glass sheet Gs has again advanced for a distance that corresponds to the predetermined size and the position of the marking line chip C is at a predetermined distance from the previously formed marking line, the marking line forming device 6 will again travel along the inclined rail 65 and form a marking line on the glass sheet Gs. In this manner, the marking line device 66 travels back and forth on the inclined rail 65 corresponding to the travel of the glass sheet Gs, and repeatedly forms a marking line on the glass sheet Gs.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 4 (A), the glass sheet Gs that has passed through the marking line forming device 6 passes over the supporting bar 2 and arrives at and is received by the clamping device 3. According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass sheet Gs that has passed over the supporting bar 2 enters between the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 of the clamping device 3, and is clamped by the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31. As shown in FIG. 4 (A), the glass sheet Gs enters between the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 that are in mutual proximity, and the glass sheet Gs becomes clamped by the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31, but it is also possible for the glass sheet Gs to enter between the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 when they are separated, and the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 can then be brought into mutual proximity such that the glass sheet Gs is clamped.

[0071] When the marking line is in line with the supporting bar 2, the rotational drive device 4 rotates the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) that has clamped on the glass sheet Gs around the rotating shaft 315 toward the first side S 1 of the glass sheet Gs. According to several exemplary embodiments, when the marking line is in line with the supporting bar 2, the rotational drive device 4 will operate, and the raising and lowering drive device 8 will operate, and the supporting bar 2, and clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping part 31) will move downward in the first direction synchronous with the glass sheet Gs. Therefore, the relative position between the glass sheet Gs (marking line) and the supporting bar 2, and the relative position between the glass sheet Gs and the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31) will be maintained, while at the same time, the rotational drive device 4 rotates the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) that has clamped on the glass sheet Gs around the rotating shaft 315 toward the first side S 1 side of the glass sheet Gs. The determination as to whether or not the marking line and the supporting bar 2 are in line can be determined by a sensor that determines whether or not the supporting bar 2 and the marking line are in line, or detects the position of the leading edge of the glass sheet in the direction of travel such that the marking line and the supporting bar 2 are in line.

[0072] In this manner, when the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) that has clamped on the glass sheet Gs is rotated to the first side of the glass sheet Gs, the glass sheet Gs will break along the marking line as shown in FIG. 4 (B). In other words, the rotational drive device 4 will rotate the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) that has clamped on the glass sheet Gs, and thereby the glass sheet Gs that is clamped by the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) is also rotated around the rotating shaft 315 that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar 2. Also, the first side S I of the glass sheet Gs is supported by the supporting bar 2, and therefore when the glass sheet Gs is rotated, the glass sheet Gs is subjected to a bending moment with the supporting bar 2 acting as a fulcrum. The bending moment will act on the glass sheet Gs when the marking line of the glass sheet Gs and the supporting bar 2 are in line, and therefore the glass sheet Gs will break along the marking line. Thereby, a glass plate Gp with a predetermined size that has been broken along the marking line is produced from the glass sheet Gs.

[0073] According to several exemplary embodiments, the center of rotation of the clamping device 3 is at a position out of the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs, and therefore the split glass plate Gp will rotate together with the clamping device 3 around a center of rotation that is located out of the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs that continues to travel from the upstream side. Therefore, the upstream end of the split glass plate Gp in the region of the marking line will avoid the leading or downstream end of the glass sheet Gs that is proceeding from the upstream side, and interference with the glass sheet arriving from the upstream side can be prevented.

[0074] In this condition, the glass plate Gp is clamped by the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31), such that when the clamping drive device 32 operates, the clamping of the glass plate Gp by the clamping device 3 is relieved. In other words, when the clamping drive device 32 operates, the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 are rotated relatively around the rotating shaft 302, and the second ends of the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 are separated from each other. According to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping drive device 32 rotates the rotating shaft 302 to which the first clamping body 30 is attached such that the first clamping body 30 is rotated or tilted so as to separate the second end of first clamping body 30 from the second end of the second clamping body 31 while maintaining a fixed position at the first ends thereof.

[0075] According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass sheet Gs that proceeds along the travel path R that extends in the vertical direction is divided so that when the second end of the first clamping body 30 is separated from the second end of the second clamping body 31, clamping of the glass plate Gp is relieved, and the glass plate Gp will attempt to move down from between the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31. According to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device 3 has a glass receiving body 33, and therefore the tip or leading end of the glass plate Gp is supported by the glass receiving body 33, and the glass plate Gp is prevented from dropping. Also, the split glass plate Gp is rotated or tilted together with the first clamping body 30 while riding on the first clamping body 30.

[0076] According to several exemplary embodiments, as described above, the raising and lowering drive device 8 lowers the supporting bar 2 and the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31), and therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 (C), when the clamping drive device 32 functions and the raising and lowering drive device 8 functions, the supporting bar 2 and the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping_^ body 31) are raised back to their original positions. According to several exemplary embodiments, the rotational drive device 4 also functions, and as shown in FIG. 4 (D), the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) is rotated around the rotating shaft 315 until the plurality of roller bodies 310 of the second clamping body 31 are located along the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), the first clamping body 30 tilts and the rollers Cr of the transport conveyor Cn enter between the roller bodies 300 of the first clamping body 30, and the glass plate Gp on the first clamping body 30 is supported by the rollers Cr of the transport conveyor Cn. In this condition, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), the glass plate Gp is transported to a desired position on the transport conveyor Cn by driving the transport conveyor Cn. Also, when the glass plate Gp is no longer on the first clamping body 30, the clamping drive device 32 functions, and as shown in FIG. 5 (C), the first clamping body 30 is raised. In other words, the clamping drive device 32 will bring the second ends of the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 together by rotating the first clamping body 30.

[0078] At this time, a subsequent glass sheet Gs will continuously proceed, and will pass through the marking line forming device 6, and will overlap or travel along the second clamping body 31. The clamping drive device 32 will function and the second ends of the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 will move together, and as shown in FIG. 5 (D), the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 will clamp on the subsequent glass sheet Gs, and then the marking line will be in line with the supporting bar 2.

[0079] Therefore, according to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus 1 can continuously produce glass plates Gp of a predetermined size by repeatedly performing the aforementioned steps each time the marking line is in line with the supporting bar 2.

[0080] In this manner, according to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus 1 can successively separate a plurality of glass plates Gp from a traveling glass sheet Gs without using expensive robotic equipment that requires a large operating space.

[0081] According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus 1 can positively separate a glass sheet Gs into glass plates Gp of a predetermined size while simplifying the configuration and controls as compared to a robot. Also, the glass cutting apparatus 1 does not have complicated configuration and controls, and operates within a narrow range, so equipment costs can be managed, and installation in a small space is possible.

[0082] According to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device 3 has a pair of clamping bodies 30,31 that are connected in a manner such that the first ends can rotate relatively around a center shaft that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar 2, and a clamping drive device 32 that relatively rotates the pair of clamping bodies 30,31, and therefore the glass cutting apparatus can switch between a condition of clamping the glass sheet Gs and a condition of relieving the clamping of the glass sheet Gs, while having a simple configuration.

[0083] According to several exemplary embodiments, the glass cutting apparatus 1 clamps the glass sheet Gs using the roller bodies 300,310 of a pair of clamping bodies 30,31, and therefore the glass sheet Gs can be prevented from becoming scratched or damaged even though the glass sheet Gs is clamped while traveling.

[0084] According to several exemplary embodiments, the center of rotation of the clamping device 3 (pair of clamping bodies 30,31) is set such that the center of rotation is at a position (rotating shaft 315) that is out of the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs, and therefore the upstream end, the part with the marking line, of the split glass plate Gp will be in a condition that avoids the downstream end of glass sheet Gs that is coming from the upstream side, and thus interference with the glass sheet arriving from the upstream side is avoided.

[0085] Therefore, interference between the split glass plate Gp and the traveling glass sheet Gs can be positively prevented, and removal and transport of the glass plate Gp is possible because clamping of the glass plate Gp is relieved by the clamping device 3 while interference between the split glass plate Gp and the glass sheet Gs arriving from the upstream side is positively prevented, when the second ends of the pair of clamping bodies 30, 31 are mutually separated.

[0086] Also, a marking line forming device 6 is provided on the upstream side in the first direction of the supporting bar 2 in order to form a marking line on the glass sheet Gs, and therefore after a marking line has been formed in the traveling glass sheet Gs, the glass sheet Gs can be continuously divided along the marking line.

[0087] The present invention is not restricted to the aforementioned embodiments, and appropriate changes can of course be added to the extent that the gist of the present invention is not violated.

[0088] According to several exemplary embodiments, a clamping device 3 is used that can switch between a condition where the glass sheet Gs is clamped and a condition where clamping is relieved by linking the first ends of the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 in a manner such that they can rotate relatively around a central axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar 2, and then relatively rotating the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 such that the second end parts are separated, but this is not a limitation. For example, the clamping device 3 can have a configuration that can switch between a condition where the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 are mutually separated and the glass sheet Gs is clamped, and a condition where clamping is relieved, by providing a pair of clamping bodies 30,31 that move relatively in parallel to the third direction, and having the clamping drive device 32 move the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 in parallel.

[0089] According to several exemplary embodiments, a marking line forming device 6 is provided, but this is not a limitation. For example, the marking line forming device 6 can be provided as a separate and independent device from the glass cutting apparatus 1. Also, the marking line forming device 6 is fixed in a constant position on the upstream side of the supporting bar 2 (the marking line device moves on the rails 75,75), but this is not a limitation. For example, the marking line forming device 6 can be provided on the upstream side of the support bar 2, and have a configuration that moves in the first direction together with the glass sheet Gs while the marking line device 66 moves in the second direction.

Therefore, the relative position between the glass sheet Gs and the marking line forming device 6 will be fixed (relative speed will be zero), so even if the marking line device 66 is moved in the second direction, a marking line that extends in the second direction with respect to the glass sheet Gs can be formed.

[0090] According to several exemplary embodiments, the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) is rotated with the center of rotation being an axis (rotating shaft 315) set at a position out of the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs, but this is not a limitation. For example, a configuration is possible where the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) is rotated with the center of rotation being at a position on the travel path R of the glass sheet Gs when the marking line of the glass sheet Gs is in line with the supporting bar 2, and rotating the clamping device 3 (first clamping body 30 and second clamping body 31) with the center of rotation at a matching position when the marking line of the glass sheet Gs and the supporting bar 2 are in a matching condition.

[0091] According to several exemplary embodiments, a plurality of roller bodies 300,310 are provided on the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 of the clamping device 3, but this is not a limitation. For example, the first clamping body 30 and the second clamping body 31 can be formed as plates, and the glass sheet Gs can be clamped by the opposing surfaces thereof.

[0092] According to several exemplary embodiments, a raising and lowering device 84 is provided, and the supporting bar 2 and the pair of clamping bodies 30,31 are moved in a vertical direction to match the traveling glass sheet Gs, but this is not a limitation. For example, the clamping device 3 (pair of clamping bodies 30,31) can be rotated without vertically moving the supporting bar 2 and the pair of clamping bodies 30,31.

[0093] According to several exemplary embodiments, supporting rollers 5,5 that clamp the glass sheet Gs are provided in addition to the supporting bar 2, but this is not a limitation. For example, a raising of the glass sheet Gs can also be prevented using a controlling roller 61 of the marking line forming device 6.

[0094] Furthermore, the position and configuration of the drive devices such as the rotational drive device 4 are not limited according to several exemplary embodiments. For example, a drive device such as the rotational drive device 4 can be any device that can transfer a driving force of a motor to the clamping device 3 and can be a commonly known driving force transferring mechanism, assuming that a motor 40, such as an electric motor, is provided. [0095] According to several exemplary embodiments, a glass sheet that is continuously fed along a travel path R that extends in a vertical direction is described as the subject, but this is not a limitation. For example, a glass sheet Gs that is continuously fed along a travel path R that extends in a horizontal direction can also be divided. In this case, each component can be arranged horizontally so that forming a marking line on the traveling glass sheet Gs and clamping the clamping device 3 on the glass sheet Gs is possible. Furthermore, when the glass plate Gp that is separated from the glass sheet Gs that is fed in the horizontal direction is transported to the downstream side, the angle of rotation of the clamping device 3 (pair of clamping bodies 30,31) should be appropriately set. Furthermore, for the case where a clamping device 3 that has a pair of clamping bodies 30,31 where the second end parts are connected together is used, the angle of rotation of one clamping body 30 should be appropriately set (tilt angle of the first clamping body 30 with respect to the other clamping body 31).

Claims

1. A glass cutting apparatus that splits a glass sheet traveling continuously in a first direction with a preformed marking line that extends in a direction orthogonal to the first direction, so as to produce glass plates of a predetermined size from the glass sheet, the glass cutting apparatus comprising:

a supporting bar that extends in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and supports one surface of the glass sheet during travel;

a clamping device configured to clamp the glass sheet that has passed over the supporting bar; and

a rotational drive device that rotates the clamping device to one surface side of the glass sheet by rotating around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar in a condition where the clamping device has clamped the glass sheet, and the marking line of the glass sheet is aligned with the supporting bar.

2. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the center of rotation of the clamping device is located at a position that is out of the travel path of the glass sheet.

3. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device comprises:

a pair of clamping bodies each having a first end and a second end opposite the first end thereof, wherein the first ends are joined together in a manner whereby they can rotate around an axis that extends in the same direction as the supporting bar, wherein the pair of clamping bodies are disposed such that the traveling glass sheet can enter therebetween traveling from the second ends thereof toward the first ends thereof; and

a drive device that relatively rotates the pair of clamping bodies such that the second ends of the pair of clamping bodies are separated from each other.

4. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the clamping device comprises:

5. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of the clamping bodies comprises a plurality of roller bodies spaced apart at intervals in the first direction, each of the roller bodies having a center axis that extends in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and being configured to freely rotate around the center axis, wherein the roller bodies of the pair of clamping bodies clamp the glass sheet when the second ends of the pair of clamping bodies approach each other.

6. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a marking line forming device to make the marking line on the glass sheet, on the upstream side of the supporting bar in the first direction.

7. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a marking line forming device to make the marking line on the glass sheet, on the upstream side of the supporting bar in the first direction.

8. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a marking line forming device to make the marking line on the glass sheet, on the upstream side of the supporting bar in the first direction.

9. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a marking line forming device to make the marking line on the glass sheet, on the upstream side of the supporting bar in the first direction.

10. The glass cutting apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a marking line forming device to make the marking line on the glass sheet, on the upstream side of the supporting bar in the first direction.