FR3094362A1 - GRAVITY GLASS BENDING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the bending by gravity of at least one glass sheet supported on at least a first support (1) forming part of a bending assembly (3) supported by a frame (4), different shapes. of support supporting said sheet during bending, said device comprising a control system (100) for the change of support shape comprising a movement generating system and a transmission member for transmitting said movement to the bending assembly and controlling the change of shape, said control system acting on a trigger module (200) designed to allow the change from one shape to another and vice versa. (Figure 2)

Description

GLASS BENDING DEVICE BY GRAVITY

The invention relates to the bending of glass sheets by gravity on a multiplicity of supports.

Gravity bending of glass sheets is well known. This bending can be carried out on a simple support, of the frame or skeleton type, the geometry of which does not vary during the bending. However, if it is desired to obtain particular bending, in particular particularly pronounced, it is useful to carry out the bending on supports whose geometry varies during the bending. Supports of the articulated skeleton type having two lateral parts which fold during bending are thus known. Also known are bending assemblies comprising two peripheral supports for the glass sheets and completely replacing one another during bending.

The successive use of two or three gravity bending supports is also known. Generally, when moving from one support to another, the concavity of the support increases, to gradually increase the concavity of the glass sheets. These multiple supports are used in particular to prevent counter-bending (concavity opposite to that desired) which may occur in the corners of the glazing.

The modification of the shape of the support, such as for example the passage from one support to another, is a delicate step insofar as it is necessary that the glass does not jump or does not move laterally at the time of the change of shape support. However, this change in the shape of the support can be more or less abrupt, sometimes causing a lateral displacement of the sheets, and therefore a less good reproducibility of the final glazing, or even a mark on the glazing. The present invention solves this problem by allowing a smooth modification of the shape supporting the glass, in particular a smooth transition from one support to another if the change of shape involves at least two supports. The glass therefore always remains in the right position and the manufacturing batches are more homogeneous. Furthermore, the risk of marking the glass by the support(s) is reduced. The present invention applies to single-support devices in which the shape of the support varies during bending or to multi-support devices comprising two or three or even more supports. In addition, the device according to the invention can also combine a substitution of at least two supports and the variation of the shape of one of the supports.

Finally, FIG. 1 shows a bending assembly 3 comprising a first support 1 and a second support 2. This assembly is shown in a state corresponding to the first phase of bending, that is to say that the first support is in the upper position to carry the sheet of glass laid horizontally on it. The second support 2 is in the lower position, in the standby position. This second support is fixed to the frame supporting the assembly and does not move throughout bending. This figure shows a part of the system for triggering the replacement of the first support by the second support in the upper position to support the glass. This part of the system is fixedly connected to the first support and comprises a horizontal bar 5 (different from that used to control the lowering speed of the first support) which can rotate around its axis AA', a pallet 8 fixed to this bar 5 which can receive a thrust from the side outside the assembly (and therefore from the hidden side of the pallet in FIG. 1) causing the rotation of the bar 5 around its axis AA', the vertical rods 6 and 7, fixed to the bar 5 on either side of the pallet, these rods being terminated at their lower ends by rollers. Tracks 11 and 12 are fixedly connected to frame 4 and pass under rollers 9 and 10. In FIG. 1, support 1 is in the high position because rollers 9 and 10 are in the raised position so that the rods 6 and 7 are vertical and hold the bar 5 in the high position and the pallet 8 in the vertical position. Behind the rollers, stops 25 and 26 prevent the rollers from moving towards the outside of the bending assembly. A foldable brace system 24 ensures the lateral blocking of the support 1 without interfering with its vertical movement. This brace system 24 is fixed on the one hand to the frame 4 and on the other hand to the first support 1. It ensures the same lateral position to the first support whatever its height. Another equivalent spider system is opposite, mounted symmetrically on the bending assembly.

The change of support takes place following a horizontal thrust on the pallet 8 on the opposite side to that visible in FIG. 1. This thrust caused the rotation of the bar 5 around its axis AA' as well as the rotation of the rods 6 and 7 around the same axis, and the rolling of the rollers 9 and 10 on the tracks 11 and 12. As a result of this movement and the fact that the rods 6 and 7 are no longer in the vertical blocking position, the support 1 has fallen under the effect of gravity to a level lower than that of the support 2. The descent of the support 1 is ensured by a control device which regulates the descent.

To change the support again, a vertical thrust relative to the plane of the frame is exerted on a stop arranged on the support 1 to bring it up. Such a thrust is operated by a thrust device. This vertical thrust from bottom to top causes the rotation of the bar 5 around its axis AA' as well as the rotation of the rods 6 and 7 around the same axis, and the rolling of the rollers 9 and 10 on the tracks 11 and 12 in the direction stops.

The disadvantage of this system is that it requires two different thrusts: vertical and horizontal to move from one support to another, which leads to the need for two different actuators, thus complicating the system.

The present invention provides a bending device seeking to solve the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a bending device whose shape change is simpler.

As such, the present invention relates to a device for the bending by gravity of at least one sheet of glass supported on at least a first support forming part of a bending assembly supported by a frame, different forms of support supporting said sheet during bending, said device comprising a support shape change control system (100) comprising a motion generating system and a transmission member for transmitting said motion to the bending assembly and controlling the shape change, said control system acting on a trigger module designed to allow passage from one form to another and vice versa.

The present invention advantageously makes it possible to have a simplified bending device because the passage from one support to another takes place following the same movement. It is therefore understood that the movement generator system and the transmission member allow the passage from a first support to a second support and vice versa. There is therefore no need to provide two motion-generating systems, each having its own transmission device for passing from one form to another.

According to one example, said movement is vertical.

According to one example, the change of shape is effected by the vertical displacement of a support or of a support part, said trigger module comprising a horizontal bar fixed to the first support or to said support part to be moved and able to rotate around its axis, vertical rods fixed to the bar by their upper ends and terminated at their lower ends by rollers, tracks fixedly connected to the frame allowing the rollers to pass through it, the trigger module further comprising at least one block guide fixed to the frame (4).

According to one example, the guide block comprises a guide support serving for its attachment, at least one ramp support extending orthogonally to the guide support and a ramp arranged on said ramp support so that its plane is orthogonal to the plane of the ramp support.

According to one example, said guide block comprises at least two ramps, each being mounted on a ramp support.

According to one example, said guide block comprises a guide deflector in the form of a wall arranged to make it possible to direct the rollers of the rods.

According to one example, the speed of the shape change is regulated by the regulation of the speed of the movement generated by the movement generating system.

According to one example, the bending device comprises several motion-generating systems to transmit the movement to several different places of the bending assembly.

According to one example, the change of shape comprises the substitution of a first support by a second support of a different shape.

According to one example, the change in shape comprises the variation in shape of a support during bending.

The present invention also relates to a method for bending at least one sheet of glass by gravity on several supports by the device according to the invention.

According to one example, several sheets of glass are superimposed and bent simultaneously.

Other features and advantages will emerge clearly from the description given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

-fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the bending assembly according to the prior art;

-the figs. 2 and 5 are schematic representations of the bending assembly according to the invention;

-the figs. 3, 4, 6 and 7 are schematic representations of the trigger module of the bending assembly according to the invention;

-the figs. 8a to 8g are schematic representations of the trigger module in its passage from the first support to the second support of the bending assembly according to the invention,

-the figs. 9a to 9e are schematic representations of another embodiment of the trigger module in its transition from the first support to the second support of the bending assembly according to the invention, and

-the figs. 10a to 10c are schematic representations of the trigger module in its passage from the second support to the first support of the bending assembly according to the invention.

FIG. 2 represents a bending assembly 3 comprising at least a first support 1 and a second support 2. This assembly 3 is represented in a state corresponding to the first phase of bending, that is to say that the first support is in the upper position to carry at least one sheet of glass laid horizontally on it. The bending assembly can be used to bend several sheets of glass simultaneously. The second support 2 is in the lower position, in the standby position. This second support 2 is fixed to a frame 4 supporting the assembly and does not move throughout the bending. Of course, other supports are possible.

This bending assembly 3 can be caused to circulate through a furnace, in particular of the tunnel type, so as to bring the glass to its bending temperature (of the order of 600° C.) by gravity. When the glass has reached its bending temperature, it begins to bend under the effect of its own weight. After obtaining a first intermediate bending, the modification of the shape of the support (like the transition from the first to the second support) is triggered by a control system, and the glass continues its bending on the modified support (which may be the second support). The bending stops according to a final bending, by cooling of the glass. The bending assembly can be of the trolley type to move through a tunnel kiln. The trolley may have wheels, which allow the trolley to move on rails placed on the floor of the oven. In the case of a tunnel kiln, the rails are parallel to the axis of the kiln.

The control system 100 is a system external to the bending assembly 3 which acts on a trigger module 200 arranged at the level of the bending assembly 3, the whole forming a bending device.

There is shown in Figures 3 and 4 part of the trigger module 200 replacing the first support 1 by the second support 2 in the upper position to support the glass. This part of the trigger module 200 is fixedly connected to the first support 1 and comprises a horizontal bar 205 which can rotate around its axis AA'. Vertical rods 206 and 207 are fixed to the bar 205 by their upper ends and are terminated at their lower ends by rollers 209, 210. Tracks 211 and 212 are fixedly connected to the frame 4 and pass under the rollers 209 and 210. These tracks 211, 212 optionally have one of their ends provided with transverse extensions (not shown) to allow attachment to the frame 4.

In Figure 2, the support 1 is in the high position because the rollers 209 and 210 are in the raised position so that the rods 206 and 207 are vertical and hold the bar 5 in the high position. Behind the rollers, stops 225 and 226 prevent the rollers from moving in the direction of the outside of the bending assembly 3. A foldable crosspiece system ensures the lateral blocking of the support 1 without hindering its vertical movement. This brace system is fixed on the one hand to the frame 4 and on the other hand to the first support 1. It ensures the same lateral position to the first support whatever its height. Another equivalent spider system is opposite, mounted symmetrically on the bending assembly.

An alternative (not shown) to the brace system is the installation of at least one vertical guide. Each guide consists of a tube mounted on frame 4 vertically relative to the plane of said frame 4. The first support 1 comprises a guide plate extending parallel to the plane of frame 4 and provided with an opening. The guide plate and its opening are arranged so that the vertical tube can be inserted into said opening. The opening has the same shape and dimensions as the tube so that the tube fits perfectly into said opening. Alternatively, the opening is oblong with a width identical to the diameter of the tube mounted vertically to allow the insertion of said tube into the oblong opening.

The tube comprises, at its free end, an abutment element which is fixed to said tube. This stop element is in the form of a disc or a ring in order to locally increase the diameter of the tube. This increase in the diameter of the tube forms a stopper preventing the tube from coming out of the opening.

If the use of at least one vertical guide is possible, preferably two vertical guides are used and even more preferably four vertical guides are used.

There is shown in Figure 5 the same assembly as in Figure 1 but after triggering the substitution of the first support 1 by the second support 2. Consequently, the second support 2 finds itself in the upper position adapted to the glass support. In fact, this second support 2 remained fixed, but the first support 1 lowered. The triggering of the substitution was initiated by an action on the trigger module 200. This action on the trigger module results in the rolling of the rollers 209 and 210 on the tracks 211 and 212. As a consequence of this movement and the fact that the rods 206 and 207 are no longer in the vertical blocking position, the first support 1 has fallen under the effect of gravity to a level lower than that of the second support 2. The brace system 24 is folded due to the position bass of support 1.

Cleverly according to the invention, the trigger module 200 comprises a guide block 2000 fixed to the frame 4. This guide block 2000 is arranged to be associated with the tracks 211, 212. At least one guide block 2000 is provided but each track 211, 212 may include a guide block 2000.

In Figures 6 and 7, a guide block 2000 is shown. It comprises a guide support 2001, serving to fix the block 2000, on which at least one ramp 2003 is arranged. Each ramp 2003 is fixed to the guide support 2001 via a ramp support 2005. A ramp support 2005 is a metal part extending orthogonally to the guide support 2001. The ramp 2003 is arranged on the support of ramp 2005 so that its plane is orthogonal to the plane of ramp support 2005.

The ramps 2003 are positioned so that the distance between the inner face of the ramp 2003, that is to say the face facing the tracks, and the plane of the tracks 211, 212 is such that the rollers 209, 210 fixed to the rods 206, 207 can be inserted therein.

In a variant, the guide support 2001 comprises two ramps 2003, each ramp 2003 being mounted on a ramp support 2005.

In the case of two ramps 2003, the positioning of these ramps 2003 and of the ramp supports 2005 is made to have a spacing allowing a rod 206, 207 to move between the ramps 2003.

The design and arrangement of the ramps 2003 are therefore such that they allow the rollers to move on the track 211, 212, each roller 209, 210 moving between the interior surface of the ramp 2003, i.e. say its surface facing the track 211, 212, and said track. Each roller 209, 210 can also move on the outer or upper surface of the ramp 2003.

This trigger module 200 cleverly allows the use of a control system 100 using only a vertical movement such as a push to go from the first support 1 to the second support 2 and vice versa.

There is shown in Figure 3 part of the assembly in a view parallel to the axis AA '. The assembly is in the same position as that of FIG. 1, that is to say that the first support 1 is in the high position and the second support 2 is in the waiting position, the rods 206 and 207 (in dotted lines because hidden by a rod) are in the vertical position, the rollers 209 and 210 are at the start of the tracks 211 and 212. As we are in the initial bending phase, the glass sheet 14 is not or slightly bent. The bending assembly is in a bending furnace, not shown. Openings are arranged through this partition so as to be able to pass tripping control elements. These control elements comprise a support shape change control system 100 comprising a movement generating system and a transmission member for transmitting said movement to the bending assembly and controlling the shape change. The movement generator system is an actuator generating a movement such as a motor or cylinder associated with a pusher as a transmission member capable of transmitting the movement and exerting the thrust on the first support 1 to trigger its lowering. The transition from the first to the second support is regulated by said pusher which is lowered at the desired speed.

In FIGS. 8a to 8g, the operation of the trigger module 200 is used to switch from the first support 1 to the second support 2 is shown. The trigger module 200, when the lifting by the control system 100 is operated, is such that the rods 206, 207 provided with the rollers 209, 210 are raised. Optionally, a counterweight is used to allow said rods to remain vertical. When the rollers pass over the ramp 2003, the rods 206, 207 are arranged to allow said rollers 209, 210 to position themselves at least partially on the ramps 2003.

Such an arrangement consists, according to a first embodiment, in mounting the rods 206, 207 as they are, when the support 1 is in the high, vertical position. The rods are positioned so that the rollers 209, 210 are partially facing the inside face of the ramp 2003.

Thus, when the control system 100 lifts the first support 1, the bar 205 and the rods 206, 207 are lifted. The rollers then come into contact with the inner face of the ramp 2003 and, thanks to the mounting of the rods 206, 207, on an axis, they pass over the ramp, gravity causes the rotation of the rods 206 and 207 around their axis so that they are positioned vertically.

Following this, the thrust exerted on the first support 1 is reduced/released so as to cause a lowering of said first support 1 and therefore a lowering of the rollers which come into contact with the upper face of the ramps 2003.

According to a second embodiment visible in Figures 9a to 9e, the trigger module 200 comprises a guide deflector 2010. Such a guide deflector 2010 is in the form of a wall arranged to allow the rollers 209, 210 to be directed. and therefore the rod 206, 207 in a desired direction. Such a wall may, for example, be in the form of a plate, one end of which extends in a different plane and have a curved profile. The optional presence of a counterweight forcing the rod 206 to position itself vertically facilitates this movement.

In this second embodiment, the deflector 2010 is arranged to allow the return of the rod 206, 207 and the rollers 209, 210 towards the ramps. This deflector 2010 is preferably used in the case where the rods 206, 207 are, when the support 1 is in the high position, vertical.

Thus, the thrust on the first support 1 causes the elevation of the associated rods and rollers. When the wheels come into contact with the deflector, the latter bring the wheels 209, 210 in the direction of the ramps 2003 so that, when the thrust decreases and therefore the lowering of the first support 1, the wheels 209, 210 stand on the ramps.

With decreasing thrust from the control system 100, the rods lower. Their mounting in rotation on the axis 205 causes a displacement of the wheels 209, 210 of the rods 206, 207 on the ramps 2003 up to their lower end to then jump on the tracks 211, 212 until the thrust is zero and that the transition from the first support 1 to the second support 2 is made.

In figures 10a to 10c, the transition from the second support 2 to the first support 1 is explained. This change of shape is obtained by a vertical movement exerted by the control system 100. This movement is a vertical thrust on the first support 1, that is to say the same type of thrust as that allowing the transition from the first to the second medium. This upward vertical thrust causes the rise of the first support 1. This rise involves a rotation of the rods 206, 207 around their axis 205 and therefore a movement of the associated rollers on the tracks.

The configuration of the trigger module is such that the rollers move on the tracks until they fit into the space between the track and the ramp.

When the support 1 is raised to a certain height, the wheel 209, 210 is placed in its housing at the top of the track 211, 212 to block the support 1 in the high position. The thrust exerted by the control system 100 is thus released.

It is therefore understood that the control system 100 allows the change of shape from the first support to the second support and from the second support to the first support. It is therefore advantageous to understand that the transition from one support to another is done using a single actuator, a single command consisting of a movement, a vertical thrust from bottom to top.

The ramps 2003 used for the same trigger module 200 are identical.

The present invention can also be applied to a bending assembly comprising a first single support provided with at least one mobile support part, preferably two mobile support parts. Each mobile part comprises a trigger module 200. Thus, each mobile part comprises a horizontal bar 205 fixed to said support part to be moved and able to rotate about its axis, vertical rods 206, 207 fixed to the bar 205 by their upper ends and are terminated at their lower ends by rollers 209, 210, tracks 211 and 212 fixedly connected to frame 4 allowing the rollers to pass through it. The trigger module further comprising at least guide block 2000 fixed to the frame 4. The control system (100) may comprise a movement generating system and a transmission member for each mobile support part or comprise a movement generating system and a transmission member allowing the change of shape of all the mobile support parts.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the example illustrated but is susceptible to various variants and modifications which will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (12)

Device for the bending by gravity of at least one sheet of glass supported on at least a first support (1) forming part of a bending assembly (3) supported by a frame (4), different forms of support supporting said sheet during bending, said device comprising a support shape change control system (100) comprising a motion generating system and a transmission member for transmitting said motion to the bending assembly and controlling the shape change, said control system acting on a trigger module (200) designed to allow the passage from one form to another and vice versa. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said movement is vertical. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the change of shape is effected by the vertical displacement of a support or of a support part, the said trigger module comprising a horizontal bar (205) fixed to the first support (1) or to said support part to be moved and able to rotate about its axis, vertical rods (206, 207) fixed to the bar (205) by their upper ends and terminated at their lower ends by rollers (209, 210), tracks (211, 212) fixedly connected to the frame (4) allowing the rollers to pass through them, the trigger module further comprising at least one guide block (2000) fixed to the frame (4). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said guide block (2000) comprises a guide support (2001) serving for its fixing, at least one ramp support (2005) extending orthogonally to the guide support (2001) and a ramp (2003) arranged on said ramp support (2005) so that its plane is orthogonal to the plane of the ramp support (2005). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said guide block (2000) comprises at least two ramps (2003), each being mounted on a ramp support (2005). Device according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the said guide block (2000) comprises a guide deflector (2010) in the form of a wall arranged to make it possible to direct the rollers (209, 210 ) rods (206, 207). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the speed of the change of shape is regulated by the regulation of the speed of the movement generated by the movement generating system. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several motion-generating systems for transmitting the movement to several different places in the bending assembly. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the change of shape comprises the substitution of a first support (1) by a second support (2) of different shape. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the change in shape comprises the variation in shape of a support during bending. Method of bending at least one sheet of glass by gravity on several supports by the device of one of the preceding claims. Process according to the preceding claim, characterized in that several sheets of glass are superposed and bent simultaneously.