JP7567811B2 - Apparatus for cutting glass ribbon, method for cutting glass ribbon, and method for manufacturing glass sheet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a glass ribbon cutting device, a method for cutting a glass ribbon, and a method for manufacturing glass sheets.

Generally, glass sheets are produced by slowly cooling a glass ribbon formed by molding high-temperature molten glass, and then cutting the glass ribbon to the specified dimensions using a cutting device.

Such a cutting device includes a cutter and a breaking means. The cutter is used to create a break line on the upper surface of the glass ribbon. The breaking means is used to break the glass ribbon along the break line and includes a push-up roll and a hold-down roll.

Specifically, while the glass ribbon is held down from above by the holding roll of the breaking means, a push-up roll is pushed upward from the underside of the glass ribbon, thereby breaking the glass ribbon along the break line (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-101522 A

In general, both ends of a glass ribbon in the width direction (hereinafter referred to as "ears") tend to have a different thickness and shape than the central portion. For this reason, problems can often arise when attempting to cut a glass ribbon using a cutting device such as those described above.

For example, if the ears of the glass ribbon are thicker than the central portion, even if the push-up roll is pushed up toward the glass ribbon, the push-up roll may not be able to abut against the glass ribbon at the central portion of the glass ribbon. Conversely, if the ears of the glass ribbon are thinner than the central portion, when the push-up roll is pushed up toward the glass ribbon, the push-up roll may not be able to abut against the glass ribbon at the ears of the glass ribbon.

If the glass ribbon is cut when the push-up roll is not in proper contact with the glass ribbon, the glass ribbon may be cut at an unintended position or may not be cut at all. Furthermore, such "failure to break" the glass ribbon may lead to a decrease in yield.

However, this problem is not limited to glass ribbons that have a difference in thickness between the edge and center portions. In other words, the problem of breakage can occur in all glass ribbons that have thickness variations across the width.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a cutting device that is less likely to cause breakage even for glass ribbons that have a non-uniform thickness in the width direction. In addition, the present invention aims to provide a method for cutting a glass ribbon, and further a method for manufacturing a glass sheet, that is less likely to cause breakage even for glass ribbons that have a non-uniform thickness in the width direction.

The present invention provides an apparatus for cutting a glass ribbon, comprising:
a conveyor that conveys a glass ribbon in a first direction, the glass ribbon having a first surface on which a break line is formed and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
A cleaving means for cleaving the glass ribbon;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
A cutting device is provided in which each pressing member is configured to be movable up and down independently of the other pressing members.

The present invention also provides a glass ribbon cutting device, comprising:
a conveyor that conveys a glass ribbon in a first direction, the glass ribbon having a first surface on which a break line is formed and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
A cleaving means for cleaving the glass ribbon;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
A cutting device is provided in which each pressing member is disposed at a height that matches the unevenness of the second surface of the glass ribbon and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction.

The present invention also provides a method for cutting a glass ribbon, comprising the steps of:
(I) forming a break line on a first surface of a glass ribbon having a first and second surface;
(II) conveying the glass ribbon along a first direction to a cleaving means;
(III) cleaving the glass ribbon by the cleaving means;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
Each pressing member is configured to be movable in the up and down direction independently of each other,
A method is provided in which the glass ribbon is broken along the break line by projecting at least one of the press members toward the second surface of the glass ribbon.

Further, the present invention provides a method for producing a glass plate, comprising the steps of:
(I) forming a break line on a first surface of a glass ribbon having a first and second surface;
(II) conveying the glass ribbon along a first direction to a cleaving means;
(III) cleaving the glass ribbon by the cleaving means;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
Each pressing member is configured to be movable in the up and down direction independently of each other,
A method is provided in which at least one of the pressing members is projected toward the second surface of the glass ribbon, thereby breaking the glass ribbon along the break line.

The present invention can provide a cutting device that is less likely to break even when the glass ribbon has a non-uniform thickness in the width direction. The present invention can also provide a method for cutting a glass ribbon, and a method for manufacturing a glass sheet, that is less likely to break even when the glass ribbon has a non-uniform thickness in the width direction.

5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a plurality of pressing members included in the cutting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a plurality of pressing members included in the cutting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a plurality of pressing members included in the cutting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view showing a schematic configuration example of a cutting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the cutting device shown in FIG. 4 . 4 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of a cleaving means relative to the glass ribbon in the process of cleaving the glass ribbon. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of a cleaving means relative to the glass ribbon in the process of cleaving the glass ribbon. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of a cleaving means relative to the glass ribbon in the process of cleaving the glass ribbon. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of a cleaving means relative to the glass ribbon in the process of cleaving the glass ribbon. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of a cleaving means relative to the glass ribbon in the process of cleaving the glass ribbon. FIG.

The following describes one embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cutting a glass ribbon, comprising:
a conveyor that conveys a glass ribbon in a first direction, the glass ribbon having a first surface on which a break line is formed and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
A cleaving means for cleaving the glass ribbon;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
A cutting device is provided in which each pressing member is configured to be movable up and down independently of the other pressing members.

Also, in one embodiment of the present invention, a method of cutting a glass ribbon using such a cutting apparatus is provided.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a glass sheet using such a cutting apparatus is provided.

As mentioned above, the widthwise ends of the glass ribbon, i.e., the ears, tend to have different thicknesses and shapes compared to the central portion. For this reason, with conventional cutting devices, problems can arise in which the glass ribbon is cut at unintended positions or cannot be cut at all.

In contrast, in a cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaving means has a plurality of pressing members. Furthermore, each pressing member can move vertically independently of the others. Therefore, in a cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the height of each pressing member can be adjusted along the width direction of the glass ribbon.

In a cutting device according to an embodiment of the present invention equipped with such a cleaving means, each pressing member can be brought into contact with the glass ribbon during the cleaving process, even if the glass ribbon has a non-uniform thickness distribution along the width direction. This also makes it possible to apply stress to the glass ribbon across the entire width direction of the glass ribbon via each pressing member.

Therefore, the cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to properly cut the glass ribbon at the desired position. As a result, the cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention makes it difficult for the glass ribbon to break, and makes it possible to stably provide glass sheets of appropriate quality.

Figures 1 to 3 show a schematic example of the operation of multiple pressing members included in a cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 3 all show the pressing member viewed from a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the glass ribbon. In other words, the conveying direction of the glass ribbon is the direction penetrating the paper.

In Fig. 1, it is assumed that the glass ribbon GR has, at both ends along the width direction, ears EA1 and EA2 that are thicker than the central portion CA. Also, in Fig. 2, it is assumed that the glass ribbon GR has, at both ends along the width direction, ears EA1 and EA2 that are thinner than the central portion CA. On the other hand, in Fig. 3, it is assumed that the glass ribbon GR has a first ear EA1 that is thicker than the central portion CA and a second ear EA2 that is thinner than the central portion CA.

It should be noted that in Figures 1 to 3, the shape of the glass ribbon GR is exaggerated.

It is assumed here that the pressing members are made up of three members: a first pressing member 32a, a second pressing member 32b, and a third pressing member 32c. In each figure, the dashed lines represent the stationary positions, i.e., standby positions, of each of the pressing members 32a to 32c.

As shown in Figure 1, when the glass ribbon GR has thick ear portions EA1 and EA2, in the process of breaking the glass ribbon GR, the second pressing member 32b in the center is pushed up to a higher level compared to the first pressing member 32a and the third pressing member 32c at both ends.

In Figure 1, each arrow indicates the relative movement distance of the corresponding pressing member.

Also, as shown in Figure 2, when the glass ribbon GR has thin ear portions EA1 and EA2, in the process of breaking the glass ribbon GR, the first pressing member 32a and the third pressing member 32c at both ends are pushed up to a higher level than the second pressing member 32bc in the center.

In Figure 2, each arrow indicates the relative movement distance of the corresponding pressing member.

3, when the glass ribbon GR has a thick first ear EA1 and a thin second ear EA2, in the process of breaking the glass ribbon GR, the central second pressing member 32b is pushed up to a level higher than the first pressing member 32a corresponding to the first ear EA1 of the glass ribbon GR. Also, the second pressing member 32c corresponding to the second ear EA2 of the glass ribbon GR is pushed up to a level higher than the central second pressing member 32b.

In Figure 3, each arrow indicates the relative movement distance of the corresponding pressing member.

In this way, by appropriately adjusting the height level of each pressing member 32a to 32c in response to the widthwise thickness distribution of the glass ribbon GR, each pressing member 32a to 32c can be abutted against the underside of the glass ribbon GR.

This also allows stress to be applied to the glass ribbon GR across the entire width of the glass ribbon GR, making it possible to properly cut the glass ribbon GR.

Furthermore, the cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following additional advantages:

(i) Since multiple pressing members are present, the mode of breaking of the glass ribbon can be relatively easily controlled.

For example, the pressing member corresponding to the central portion of the glass ribbon may be protruded further than the other pressing members to increase the stress applied to the central portion of the glass ribbon. In this case, a crack may be generated starting from the central portion of the glass ribbon, and the crack may be propagated toward both ends in the width direction of the glass ribbon.

Conversely, the pressing members corresponding to both ends of the glass ribbon may be protruded further than the other pressing members to increase the stress applied to both ends of the glass ribbon. In this case, cracks can be generated starting from the ends of the glass ribbon.

(ii) The protrusion amount of each pressing member can be determined based on the predicted residual stress distribution in the glass ribbon.

For example, in areas of the glass ribbon that exhibit greater residual stress than other areas in the width direction, the stress load can be adjusted according to the residual stress distribution, such as by reducing the amount of protrusion of the pressing member.

This makes it possible to reduce the probability of cutting failure.

(Other features of the pressing member)
As mentioned above, a cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention uses multiple pressing members.

The number of pressing members is preferably 3 or more, and more preferably 4 or more. However, if the number of pressing members becomes extremely large, control of each pressing member becomes complicated. For this reason, it is preferable that the number of pressing members is 10 or less.

The dimension of the gap between the adjacent pressing members is not particularly limited. However, if this gap becomes too large, it may be difficult to flexibly respond to the thickness distribution of the glass ribbon GR. In addition, there is a possibility that the glass ribbon GR cannot be appropriately cleaved during the cleaving process.
Therefore, the dimension of the gap is preferably a maximum of 100 mm or less, and more preferably 50 mm or less.

At least one of the multiple pressing members may be movable in the width direction of the glass ribbon GR. In this case, it is possible to reliably position the pressing member at a desired position on the lower surface of the glass ribbon GR.

For example, only the pressing member in the center portion may be fixed, and the other pressing members may be movable in the width direction of the glass ribbon GR. Alternatively, all pressing members may be movable in the width direction of the glass ribbon GR.

Here, just before the glass ribbon is broken, the dimension of the area where each pressing member contacts the glass ribbon GR in the conveying direction A (first direction) (hereinafter referred to as the "width of the contact area") is, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 200 mm. It is preferable that the width of the contact area is in the range of 5 mm to 100 mm.

Furthermore, the shape of the pressing members is not particularly limited as long as each pressing member can abut against the glass ribbon GR with the width of the aforementioned contact area.

The pressing member may, for example, have a curved shape. In particular, the pressing member may have a roll shape.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various other configurations are possible.

(Cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention)
Hereinafter, a specific configuration example of the cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figures 4 and 5 show a schematic configuration example of a cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "first cutting device"). Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the first cutting device, and Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the first cutting device shown in Figure 4. Figures 4 and 5 show the first cutting device in operation.

Here, the configuration of the first cutting device will be explained using as an example a case in which cylindrical rollers are used as each pressing member included in the cutting means.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first cutting device 100 has a roller conveyor 110 and a cutting means 130. For clarity, the roller conveyor 110 is not shown in Figure 4.

The roller conveyor 110 serves to transport the glass ribbon GR in the transport direction indicated by the arrow A. The cutting means 130 serves to cut the glass ribbon GR at a predetermined position.

Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first cutting device 100 further has a cutter upstream of the breaking means 130 for processing a break line in the glass ribbon GR.

Here, in this application, when describing the desired position of the first cutting device 100, the terms "upstream" and/or "downstream" are often used, assuming the conveying direction A of the glass ribbon GR.

The roller conveyor 110 has a first roller group 112a upstream of the cutting means 130, and a second roller group 112b downstream of the cutting means 130. The first roller group 112a has a plurality of rollers 113a. The second roller group 112b has a plurality of rollers 113b. Each roller 113a is disposed at an equal height. Similarly, each roller 113b is disposed at an equal height.

The cutting means 130 has a pressure roller 132 and a pressing member 150 arranged in the vicinity of the pressure roller 132. However, the pressing member 150 may be omitted.

There are multiple pressure rollers 132. For example, in the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pressure rollers 132 include three pressure rollers 132: a first pressure roller 132a, a second pressure roller 132b, and a third pressure roller 132c. The number of pressure rollers 132 is not particularly limited, as long as there is a plurality of pressure rollers 132.

Each pressure roller 132 (first pressure roller 132a, second pressure roller 132b, and third pressure roller 132c; the same applies below) is arranged in a row along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A.

Each pressure roller 132 is configured to be able to move up and down independently of the other pressure rollers. To enable this, each pressure roller 132 may be provided with a driving means (not shown) such as a servo motor. In addition, each pressure roller 132 may be configured to be able to move up and down integrally at different heights, some or all of which are arranged to be able to move up and down.

Each pressing roller 132 is positioned below the glass ribbon GR.

On the other hand, the pressing member 150 has a first pressing member 150a and a second pressing member 150b. The first pressing member 150a is arranged on the upstream side of each pressing roller 132, and the second pressing member 150b is arranged on the downstream side of each pressing roller 132. That is, the pressing member 150 is installed so that, when viewed from above, each pressing roller 132 is arranged between the first pressing member 150a and the second pressing member 150b. However, the first pressing member 150a and the second pressing member 150b are arranged above the GR of the glass ribbon.

When cutting (cleaving) a glass ribbon using the first cutting device 100, the glass ribbon GR is first placed on the roller conveyor 110. The glass ribbon GR is transported along the transport direction A over each of the rollers 113a that constitute the first roller group 112a.

Next, using a cutter (not shown), break lines BL are cut on the upper surface of the glass ribbon GR during transportation. The break lines BL are formed at predetermined intervals along a direction parallel to the width direction of the glass ribbon GR.

In addition, the processing of the break line BL may be completed in advance before the glass ribbon GR is transported by the roller conveyor 110.

The depth of the break line BL is adjusted appropriately depending on the type of glass ribbon GR, etc. The depth of the break line BL may be, for example, in the range of 2% to 30% of the thickness of the central portion along the width direction of the glass ribbon GR.

Next, when the glass ribbon GR is transported to the position of the breaking means 130, each pressure roller 132 moves upward to the desired height level. This "protrusion" of the pressure rollers 132 breaks the glass ribbon GR along the break line BL.

In particular, when the cutting means 130 has a pressing member 150, the glass ribbon GR is pressed down when the pressure roller 132 is pushed out, and the glass ribbon GR is prevented from deviating upward. Therefore, the glass ribbon GR can be cut more reliably.

The cut glass ribbon GR then becomes a glass sheet PG and is transported further downstream by the second roller group 112b.

Next, with reference to Figures 6 to 10, we will explain in chronological order how the glass ribbon GR is continuously cut by the cutting means 130.

6 to 10 show a schematic diagram of the movement of the cutting means 130 relative to the glass ribbon GR. In reality, the movements of the pressure rollers 132a, 132b and 132c, particularly the respective lift distances, are different from each other. However, to avoid complexity, these figures show the movement of only one representative pressure roller 132.

First, as shown in Fig. 6, the glass ribbon GR is transported in the direction of arrow A by the first roller group 112a. Then, when the break line BL processed on the upper surface of the glass ribbon GR approaches above the breaking means 130, the pressing roller 132 starts to move upward as shown by arrow G.

As the pressure roller 132 moves upward, the lower surface of the glass ribbon GR is pushed up, as shown in Figure 7.

However, the first pressing member 150a and the second pressing member 150b are in their normal positions. Therefore, the first pressing member 150a is in contact with the upper surface of the glass ribbon GR and presses the lower surface of the glass ribbon GR against the roller 113a of the first roller group 112a. Similarly, the second pressing member 150b is in contact with the upper surface of the glass ribbon GR and presses the lower surface of the glass ribbon GR against the roller 113b of the second roller group 112b.

As a result, the rise of the glass ribbon GR is suppressed upstream and downstream of the cutting means 130.

8, when the pressure roller 132 rises to a predetermined height, the break line BL of the glass ribbon GR reaches its highest point. Therefore, the pressure roller 132 breaks the glass ribbon GR along the break line BL.

Through the above process, the glass plate PG can be separated from the glass ribbon GR.

Then, the second holding member 150b may be operated as follows.

First, after the pushing-up operation of the pressure roller 132 shown in Figure 8 is completed (including immediately before and after completion), the second pressing member 150b retreats from the upper surface of the glass ribbon GR, as shown by arrow H, and moves to the raised position shown in Figure 9.

As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the leading edge portion GX of the glass ribbon GR can fall toward the roller 113b of the second roller group 112b due to its own weight without colliding with the second pressing member 150b.

As shown in FIG. 10, after the leading edge GX of the glass ribbon GR passes under the second pressing member 150b, the second pressing member 150b is returned to its original stationary position abutting the upper surface of the glass ribbon GR.

The retracted position of the second holding member 150b is preferably above the glass ribbon GR, as shown in Figure 9. However, the retracted position of the second holding member 150b may be to the side of the glass ribbon GR.

On the other hand, after the glass ribbon GR has been broken, the pressure roller 132 is moved downward in the direction of the arrow G from the upper position shown in Figure 8 to return to the normal position shown in Figure 10. This makes it possible to stand by for breaking the glass ribbon GR along the next break line BL.

The same process is then repeated.

It should be noted that, as mentioned above, such operation of the pressure roller 132 is performed for each of the first to third pressure rollers 132a to 132c, and therefore the distance moved upward for each pressure roller 132 may vary.

By the method described above, the glass ribbon GR can be continuously cut to produce the glass plate PG.

(Pressing roller 132)
In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a pressure roller 132 is used as each of the pressure members included in the cutting means 130.

The configuration of the pressure roller 132 is explained in more detail below.

The pressure roller 132 may be of the self-rotating or non-self-rotating type.

Here, a "self-rotating" roller means a roller that can rotate by itself even without the presence of an external force, for example, by an internal or external rotation drive mechanism. However, even a "non-self-rotating" roller can of course rotate when subjected to an external force, for example, contact with a moving glass ribbon GR.

The diameter of the pressing roller 132 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, in the range of 10 mm to 550 mm, more preferably in the range of 30 mm to 300 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 50 mm to 200 mm. By making the diameter of the pressing roller 132 equal to or less than the upper limit value, the contact area between the pressing roller 132 and the glass ribbon can be reduced. Therefore, the stress can be concentrated on the break line BL, and the occurrence of defects such as scratches on the glass ribbon can be reduced. In addition, by making the diameter of the pressing roller 132 equal to or more than the lower limit value, the rigidity of the pressing roller 132 is increased, so that the stress can be applied uniformly and sufficiently to the glass ribbon. The diameters of the pressing rollers 132a, 132b, and 132c may be different from each other. However, from the viewpoint of ease of control, it is preferable that the diameters of the pressing rollers 132a, 132b, and 132c are the same.

The surface of the pressure roller 132 may be made of rubber or the like.

(Restraint member 150)
4 and 5, a roller is used as the pressing member 150. Such a roller is preferably of a self-rotating type.

The diameter of the roller for the pressing member 150 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, in the range of 10 mm to 200 mm, more preferably in the range of 20 mm to 150 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 20 mm to 100 mm.

Here, in the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first pressing member 150a and the second pressing member 150b are both composed of a single roller.

However, the first pressing member 150a may be composed of multiple divided rollers. In that case, the sum of the lengths of the rollers does not necessarily have to correspond to the width of the glass ribbon GR. For example, the sum of the lengths of the rollers may be a length that allows a substantially uniform stress to be applied across the entire width of the glass ribbon GR.

The same applies to the second retaining member 150b.

In the case of the pressing member 150, the surface of the roller may also be made of rubber or the like.

The above describes an example configuration of a cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

However, the above configuration is merely one example of a cutting device according to the present invention, and many modifications and variations may be envisioned by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above description, the glass ribbon is broken by processing a break line on the upper surface of the glass ribbon and protruding a pressing member from the lower surface side of the glass ribbon. However, conversely, the glass ribbon may be broken by processing a break line on the lower surface of the glass ribbon and protruding a pressing member from the upper surface side of the glass ribbon.

Various other modifications are possible to the cutting device according to the present invention.

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-233049, filed on December 24, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

32a First pressing member 32b Second pressing member 32c Third pressing member 100 First cutting device 110 Roller conveyor 112a First roller group 112b Second roller group 113a, 113b Roller 130 Breaking means 132 Pressing roller 132a First pressing roller 132b Second pressing roller 132c Third pressing roller 150 Pressing member 150a First pressing member 150b Second pressing member BL Break line CA Central portion of glass ribbon EA1 First ear portion of glass ribbon EA2 Second ear portion of glass ribbon GR Glass ribbon GX Leading edge portion of glass ribbon PG Glass plate

Claims (15)

1. An apparatus for cutting a glass ribbon, comprising:
a conveyor that conveys a glass ribbon in a first direction, the glass ribbon having a first surface on which a break line is formed and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
A cleaving means for cleaving the glass ribbon;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
A cutting device, wherein each pressing member is configured to be movable in the up and down direction independently of each other. moreover,
The cutting device according to claim 1 , further comprising a pressing member that presses down the glass ribbon from the first surface side when the glass ribbon is cut. The holding member includes a first holding member and a second holding member,
The cutting device according to claim 2 , wherein the first holding member and the second holding member are disposed to sandwich the pressing member therebetween in a top view. A cutting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting means has three or more pressing members. A cutting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the pressing members is movable along the second direction. A cutting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each pressing member has a curved surface that abuts against the second surface of the glass ribbon. A cutting device as described in claim 6, wherein each pressing member has a roll shape. A cutting device as described in claim 7, wherein each pressing member is composed of a roller having a rubber surface. 1. An apparatus for cutting a glass ribbon, comprising:
a conveyor that conveys a glass ribbon in a first direction, the glass ribbon having a first surface on which a break line is formed and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
A cleaving means for cleaving the glass ribbon;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
a cutting device, wherein each pressing member is disposed at a height that matches the unevenness of the second surface of the glass ribbon and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. moreover,
The cutting device according to claim 9 , further comprising a pressing member that presses down the glass ribbon from the first surface side when the glass ribbon is cut. A cutting device as described in claim 9 or 10, wherein the breaking means has three or more pressing members. A cutting device as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein each pressing member has a curved surface that abuts against the second surface of the glass ribbon. A cutting device as described in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein each pressing member has a roll shape. 1. A method for cutting a glass ribbon, comprising the steps of:
(I) forming a break line on a first surface of a glass ribbon having a first and second surface;
(II) conveying the glass ribbon along a first direction to a cleaving means;
(III) cleaving the glass ribbon by the cleaving means;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
Each pressing member is configured to be movable in the up and down direction independently of each other,
by projecting at least one of the press members toward the second surface of the glass ribbon, the glass ribbon is broken along the break line. A method for producing a glass sheet, comprising the steps of:
(I) forming a break line on a first surface of a glass ribbon having a first and second surface;
(II) conveying the glass ribbon along a first direction to a cleaving means;
(III) cleaving the glass ribbon by the cleaving means;
having
the breaking means has a plurality of pressing members arranged in a line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
Each pressing member is configured to be movable in the up and down direction independently of each other,
and protruding at least one of the pressing members toward the second surface of the glass ribbon, thereby breaking the glass ribbon along the break line.

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