RU2622424C2 - Method and device for manufacturing glass products, which have handles - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: personal demand items.

SUBSTANCE: it includes a mould (10), which is a one-piece construction and defining a cavity (12) for forming a configuration provided for the article and the handle, and having a transverse channel (16) leaving a cavity for moulding the one and the other sides of the openings (30) to form handles. It also includes a tool (40) for forming a moveable translationally between a retracted position in which it is out of the transverse channel (16) and forming a position in which it is introduced into the transverse channel (16). Kern (48) introduced into the cavity (12) for forming a compression therein glass droplets (G) and forming the container and the handle, while the tool (40) for forming is in the moulding position and can be removed from the cavity in the recess when the tool (40) for forming is in the retracted position.

EFFECT: method for continuously and at high speed to manufacture articles with one or more handles without forming stitches.

15 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to glass products.

More specifically, it relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a glass product with a handle, as well as to the product obtained in this way.

Products related to the present invention mainly, but not limited to, are containers intended for use as tableware, that is, cups, mugs, cups, and the like. Each of these products has at least one handle, also referred to as an “eye”, designed to be gripped by a user and includes an opening to facilitate gripping.

In the glass industry, such products with a handle are traditionally made by a method called “pressing”, in which the molten glass mass, referred to as “drop”, is pressed into a mold using a core.

However, given the fact that the handle must be molded at the same time as the product or container and that it contains an opening, it is necessary to use a mold consisting of several parts that must be formed together for molding and then moved apart to remove the molded product from the mold.

Thus, the manufacture of products of this type to date has required complex shapes, such as, for example, two-part opening forms or so-called “conical” forms consisting of several parts.

In addition, obtaining complex shapes for glass products creates much more problems than for products from other materials, such as ceramics, due to the fact that the molding of the product and its cooling must occur simultaneously and are closely related. As a result, once the glass cools, it is no longer possible to shape it.

Since glass products with a handle are made using molds consisting of several parts, the product is pressed with a closed mold, and the mold is taken out with an open mold to remove the handle.

Due to this drawback, connections between different parts of the mold lead to a defect called a “seam” on the surface of the product, and especially on the handle.

This defect forms a relief line and is caused by the leakage, even insignificant, of molten glass between parts of the mold.

These embossed lines spoil the appearance, and they can be eliminated only with the help of heat and / or mechanical treatment, which is long and expensive to complete.

Of course, from US Pat. No. 1,885,303, there is known a method and apparatus for molding articles of plastic material with one or more handles or ears, in which a single mold is used.

In any case, to make the handle it is necessary to provide two rods of opposite action, located opposite each other, the ends of which converge in the direction of each other to form the handle.

These ends are in the shape of a truncated cone and thus form bulges or seams on the inside of the handle.

So, this well-known solution does not allow to eliminate the seams.

In particular, the aim of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks.

More specifically, the goal is to provide a method and device for the manufacture of glass products with a handle using an integral shape, without the constant formation of embossed lines or seams on the finished product extracted from the mold.

Also, the present invention aims to provide a method and apparatus that allows the manufacture of many types of products, in particular containers, such as cups, mugs, cups, etc.

The goal is also to provide such a method and such a device in which the glass product obtained after manufacture does not require any additional processing.

To this end, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a glass product with a handle, comprising the following steps, in which:

a) provide an integral shape bounding the molding cavity with the configuration provided for the product and the handle, and containing a transverse channel extending into the mold cavity from one and the other side of the hole for forming the handle;

b) place a drop of molten glass at the bottom of the mold;

c) introducing the molding tool into the transverse channel of the mold;

d) a drop of glass is pressed into the mold cavity for molding the product and the handle, while glass surrounds the molding tool to form the handle;

e) deriving a molding tool;

f) cool the glass to maintain the shape of the molded product; and

g) remove the molded product from the mold.

Thus, the manufacture of a glass product is carried out by means of an integral mold using a removable part, that is, a molding tool that is inserted into the mold during pressing and removed after pressing to remove the article from the mold.

The introduction of the molding tool allows you to create a hole in the center of the handle, while the recess from the mold is possible as soon as the molding tool is removed.

Thus, a product is obtained that is devoid of seams, and the handle of which has a hole or an eye in the center, the configuration of which corresponds to the configuration of the molding tool.

Thus, since the resulting product is devoid of seam, after removal from the mold is at the stage of the finished product. Therefore, there is no longer a need for additional operations to eliminate at least part of the embossed lines or seams, as in the previously known technology.

At step c), the molding tool is introduced under controlled temperature conditions.

As a result, it is necessary that this molding tool be at a suitable temperature level between the minimum temperature, which leads to too sharp cooling of the glass, and the maximum temperature, which causes the glass and mold to stick together, allowing molding and removal from the shape of the handle at the same time as the product.

According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a device for manufacturing a glass product for implementing the method described above.

Essentially, the present device comprises:

a) at least one mold, which is an integral structure and bounding the molding cavity with the configuration provided for the product and the handle, and containing a transverse channel extending from one and the other side of the molding cavity, opposite the hole for forming the handle;

a) a molding tool that moves progressively between the retracted position in which it is located outside the transverse mold channel and the molding position in which it is inserted into the transverse mold channel; and

b) the core can be inserted into the molding cavity to extrude a drop of glass into it and to mold the product and the handle, while the molding tool is in the molding position and can be removed from the cavity during excavation when the molding tool is in the retracted position .

The translational movement of the molding tool, thus, allows you to create a hole in the center of the handle when the molding tool is in the molding state, and to take out the product when the molding tool is in the retracted position.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the forming tool comprises a rod surrounded by a tube-shaped guide with a free end capable of penetrating into the mouth of the transverse channel of the mold to facilitate centering of the forming tool in the transverse channel, the forming tool having a first end capable of forming a handle hole, and a second end capable of being coupled to the drive mechanism.

A tube-shaped guide facilitates centering of the forming tool, with the first end of the forming tool forming a hole in the handle, and its second end being able to connect with the drive mechanism to move the tool translationally between the two indicated positions.

The forming tool is advantageously capable of moving between the retracted position at which the first end of the forming tool enters the tube-shaped guide and the molding position in which the first end of the forming tool extends beyond the tube-shaped guide.

Preferably, a spring is arranged between the forming tool and the tube-shaped guide to bring the forming tool into the retracted position.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a plurality of molds sequentially moved in front of the molding tool, the latter provided with a drive mechanism.

In other words, in this way, the device comprises one molding tool capable of handling a plurality of forms.

In this case, the second end of the molding tool is interconnected with the drive mechanism.

Since the molding core is common to many forms, its temperature will increase due to its repeated contact with successive forms. In this case, it is useful to provide that the molding tool has a heat sink.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a plurality of molds, each of which has a molding tool, wherein the molds are sequentially moved in front of the drive mechanism to actuate the corresponding molding tool.

Thus, each mold has its own molding tool, and this molding tool is progressively moved by a common drive mechanism.

In this second embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the molding tool is arranged to engage the abutment with the drive mechanism.

In this embodiment, unlike the previous embodiment, the molding tool typically has a heating device to maintain it at a controlled temperature.

When the device contains a plurality of shapes, these shapes are advantageously located on a rotating support such as a carousel, while the drive mechanism is located on an adjustable bearing outside the rotating support.

Thus, the molds pass sequentially in front of the drive mechanism, which translates the molding tool, be it a molding tool for each mold, or a single molding tool driven by the drive mechanism.

The device according to the present invention also comprises an exhaust device for discharging a drop of glass to the bottom of the molding cavity.

The mold or each of the molds preferably preferably contains an exhaust valve for removing the molded product from the mold.

Finally, according to another aspect, the present invention relates to a glass product obtained by the above method and / or device.

In the following description, made by way of example only, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mold with a channel passing through it, which is part of a manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a glass product with a handle, in this example a cup, which can be obtained by the mold shown in FIG. one;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the mold of FIG. 1, in a position in which the forming tool passes through the mold, with a core made in the mold passing through the mold cover;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3 after removing the core and cover to release the molded product through the exhaust valve;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a press used to make articles molded according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention from a first embodiment, wherein the forming tool is driven by a drive mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mold with a cap and a core from an embodiment where the mold has its own molding tool;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a mold passing through the axis of a molding tool;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the mold passing through the molding axis according to lines X-X in FIG. 9, in a position where the molding tool is in the retracted position; and

FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 10 in a position where the molding tool is in the extended position or in the molding position.

First of all, FIG. 1, which shows a mold 10 with an integral structure made, for example, of steel. This shape delimits the molding cavity 12 from the inside with the configuration intended for the product being manufactured, for example a cup with a handle, as shown in FIG. 2. This cavity 12 contains a narrower portion 14 provided for molding the handle.

The mold 10 also contains a transverse channel 16 extending into the cavity 12 for molding, and most often in its narrow part 14, on one and the other side of the hole for forming the handle. In this example, the channel has a generally cylindrical configuration with a rounded cross section, but other configurations of the cross section, for example oval, ellipsoidal, etc. also possible. The transverse channel 16 has a mouth 18, usually in the form of a truncated cone, the function of which will be explained later.

Form 10 of FIG. 1 is intended for the manufacture of a glass product indicated by general reference 20 in FIG. 2. In this case, we are talking about a cup with a housing 22 of a cup-shaped configuration and open upward, having a thin edge 24 and a bottom 26. The cup 20 has a handle 28 with an opening 30, for example, of a generally rounded configuration.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, mold 10 is mounted by means of an intermediate support 32 comprising a lower base 34 that can be secured to a suitable frame (not shown). The support 32 also has an upper base 36, on which the mold 10 is removably fixed. Thus, the support 32 can accommodate, with the possibility of replacement, the mold 10 adapted for the manufacture of a separate product 20. Through the support 32, an exhaust valve 38 is arranged vertically for recess from the mold of the article 20 preformed in the cavity 12 for molding, as will be described later.

Next, FIG. 3, a mold 10 is shown on its support 32 in the molding position. In this position, it is seen how the molding tool 40 in the form of a rod or rod with a cylindrical cross section is introduced into the transverse channel 16 of the mold 10 to form the handle simultaneously with the entire product 20.

The mold 10 accommodates in the upper part a cover 42, which consists of two parts, namely, the lower part 44 and the upper part 46. These two parts 44 and 46 have an annular structure, and through them passes a core 48 having an internal opening 50 containing a cooling element (not shown). The core 48, in combination with the lid 42, allows the molten glass mass or a drop of glass to be pressed, indicated by G in FIG. 3 for molding products with a handle.

The manufacture of article 20 of FIG. 2 is carried out according to the following steps.

In a first step a), an integral mold 10 is provided as described above. In the next step b), a drop of molten glass G is placed on the bottom of the mold, i.e. on the bottom of the molding cavity 12. This molten glass is melted in a furnace and falls to the bottom of the mold cavity. This drop of glass is naturally distributed at the bottom of the mold over about 1 to 5 seconds. Then, in step c), a forming tool 40 is inserted into the transverse mold channel 16 by translational movement, so that the tool passes through the narrow part 14 of the mold cavity.

In the next step d), a drop of glass G is pressed by means of a core 48, which moves vertically downward, which allows the formation of a vessel and a handle. The presence of a lid 42 prevents the molten glass from escaping beyond the upper rim of the mold 10, thereby creating the edge 24 of the article 20 as shown in FIG. 2. During pressing, the molten also enters the narrow portion 14 of the molding cavity 12 through which the molding tool 40 passes. As a result, molten glass surrounds the forming tool, forming a handle 28.

In the next step e) the forming tool 40 is removed, then in step f) the glass is cooled to maintain the shape of the molded product. To do this, the core 48 and the cover 42 are lifted (Fig. 4), which allows the molded product to be removed from the mold using an outlet valve 38, which moves vertically upward, as shown by arrow F1. In this way, the finished product 20 is obtained from the mold without a seam.

During the manufacturing process of the product, the introduction of the forming tool 40 should be carried out under controlled temperature conditions so that the glass can cool when it comes in contact with this tool, without adhering to it.

Temperature conditions vary depending on many parameters, in particular on the configuration of the product and the handle, as well as on the properties of the glass used. Typically, varieties of opal glass or sodium-calcium silicate can be used. For opal glass, the temperature of the glass droplet is usually from 1150 ° C, and the temperature of the forming tool is usually from 450 ° C.

For sodium-calcium silicate glass, the temperature of the glass droplet is usually from 1150 ° C, and the temperature of the forming tool is usually from 480 ° C. The above temperature values are given as an example only.

Next, FIG. 5, which shows a press-type device in an assembly, denoted by reference 52, for manufacturing glass products by pressing. The device 52 is a device which itself is known in that it can be adapted to accommodate forms similar to the form 10 shown in FIG. 1, 3 and 4.

The device 52 comprises a support 54 in the form of a base supporting a vertical column 56 around which an annular carousel-like support 58 is rotated in the direction of the arrow F2. The column 56 in the upper part contains a platform 60 located opposite the base 54.

The rotating support 58 in this example supports twelve removable forms 10 by means of the respective intermediate supports 32, as described previously.

In the presented example, the molds 10 have a simplified configuration, but may well have the characteristic configuration of the mold 10 of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 for the manufacture of an article 20 with a handle, such as that shown in FIG. one.

The device 52 comprises an exhaust device 62, in the form of a channel or trough, which allows a drop of molten glass G to be discharged from the melting furnace 64 (shown schematically). Then the drop is placed in the form 10, which is driven into rotation with a gradual increment simultaneously with other forms. The device 52 also includes a core 48 located on a support 66, which itself is mounted on the platform 60. The core 48 is moved in the vertical direction under the action of the ram cylinder 68, being able to move both down for pressing and down for subsequent extraction from forms.

The device 52 also includes a ventilation device 70 designed to cool the mold and core by means of air under pressure or by means of water, during the entire manufacturing cycle, to enhance heat transfer and to cool glass as quickly as possible.

When the glass is sufficiently cooled, the product is removed from the mold by means of the device 72 for removal. In this example, this device comprises a guide 74 radially mounted on the platform 60 in a position substantially diametrically opposed to the position of the exhaust device 64. The guide 74 facilitates the movement of the carriage 76 with the gripping tool 78 movable in the vertical direction. This gripping tool is provided for gripping the product 20 for removing it from the mold and moving it to the intended location.

Next, FIG. 6 and 7, which depict a mold 10, which is one of a plurality of shapes arranged on a rotary support 58, such as a carousel, similar to that shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6 and 7, only one form 10 of a plurality of forms is represented. As in the case of FIG. 5, the number of shapes may be twelve. The molds 10 are designed for sequential rotation with respect to a forming tool, such as shown in section in FIG. 3. This molding tool 40 is in the form of a molding rod or a cylindrical rod, for example, with a circular cross section. The forming tool is surrounded by a tube-shaped guide 82 with one free end 84 provided for penetrating into the mouth 18 of the transverse channel of the mold 10 to allow the forming tool 40 to be brought in and centered in the transverse channel.

The forming tool 40 comprises a first end 86 (FIGS. 6 and 7) capable of penetrating into the transverse channel 16 to form a handle hole, and a second end 88 connecting to the drive mechanism 90. The drive mechanism 90 is a power cylinder, for example, a hydraulic rod 92 which is connected to the end 88 of the forming tool 40 by the ring gear 100, which is part of the drive mechanism.

The drive mechanism 90 includes a housing 91 mounted for adjustment on the platform 93, the position of which can be adjusted relative to the other platform 94 using the handwheel 96. Thus, it is possible to adjust the position of the drive mechanism in height so that the axis of the rod 92 coincides with the axis of the transverse channel 16 of form 10, when the latter is stopped in a position opposite the drive mechanism. Angular adjustment 30 is also possible thanks to two guides 97 located on the platform 93. The same molding tool 40 is used with corresponding molds from a plurality of molds.

As seen in FIG. 6 and 7, the tube-shaped guide 82 has a ring gear 98, and the actuator stem is surrounded by another ring gear 100 opposite the ring gear 98. Several spiral springs 102 are located between these ring gears 98 and 100, which extend the ring gears, as shown in FIG. 6 and 7, so that the molding tool can move between the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 6 and 7, and the molding position, as shown in FIG. 3. In the retracted position, the end 86 of the forming tool 40 moves away from the corresponding shape, as shown in FIG. 6 and 7.

When the drive mechanism is turned on, its rod 92 extends and moves the tool until the free end 84 of the tube-shaped guide 82 enters the mouth 18 of the transverse channel 16. As the rod of the power cylinder extends, the forming tool penetrates the transverse channel, when the springs 102 are compressed. Thus, the molding tool moves between the retracted position at which its first end enters the tube-like guide and the molding position at which its first end protrudes from the tube-shaped guide, penetrating into the transverse channel.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 and 7, the drive mechanism is extended each time a mold is placed in front of it to carry out molding of an article as described above. As soon as molding is completed, the rod of the drive mechanism is retracted inward, making it possible to subsequently remove from the mold and rotate the mold on the carousel.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 and 7, the molding rod comprises a heat sink 104 (FIG. 7), which is a rod of copper or other heat-conducting material. Indeed, since the same molding tool is used with different shapes, it is heated by molten glass and requires cooling.

Next, FIG. 8 to 11, on which the molding tool 40 is rigidly connected to the mold.

There are also provided many forms, for example 12, on one rotating carousel. The forming tool is also made in the form of a cylindrical rod, for example, with a circular cross-section, surrounded by a tube-shaped guide 106, which is rigidly connected to the mold 10. A tube-shaped guide 106 (Fig. 10) is provided on the free end 108, which is tightly fixed to the mouth 18 of the transverse channel so that it is rigidly connected to the form.

The molding tool 40 in this case is made in the form of a rod in the form of a concave cylinder, inside which there are heating elements. The forming tool 40 has a first end 110 capable of forming a handle hole, and a second end 112 connected to the drive mechanism 90 (shown schematically). In this example, unlike the previous implementation method, the second end is not fixed to the rod of the drive mechanism tightly, but forms a stop with this rod for translational movement.

A coil spring 114, in the form of a coil spring, is located between the forming tool and the tube-shaped guide to bring the forming tool to the retracted position shown in FIG. 10. In this position, the forming tool enters the tube-shaped guide and protrudes slightly into the transverse shape channel 16. When the end 112 of the molding tool is driven by the drive mechanism 90, the forming tool is moved to the molding position (FIG. 11), in which the end 110 extends into the transverse channel 16 beyond the narrow portion 14 of the molding cavity 12 to form the article with a pen.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8 to 11, it is necessary to heat the molding core to bring it to a suitable temperature.

In addition, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 90 is similar to that of FIG. 6 and 7, except that at the end 92 of its rod there is a chipper for stopping with the second end of the molding tool. This second embodiment requires that each mold has its own molding core, in contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, which use the same molding core for all molds.

Thus, the present invention allows continuous and high speed production of products with one or more handles, such as cups or the like, without forming seams due to the use of an integral shape.

The production cycle usually lasts from ten seconds between a drop of molten glass and a die.

The method according to the present invention is suitable for various types of glass, especially for opal glass or sodium-calcium silicate type.

Claims (27)

1. A method of manufacturing a glass product with a handle, comprising the steps of: a) providing a mold (10) of an integral structure defining the molding cavity (12) provided for molding the article (20) and the handle (28) and containing a transverse channel (16) extending into the molding cavity from one side and the other from the hole (30) to form the handle, a movable molding tool (40), translationally moved between the retracted position in which it is located outside the transverse channel (16) and the molding position in which it is inserted into the transverse channel (16), the molding tool (40) containing a rod, surrounded by a tube-shaped guide (82; 106) with a free end (84; 108) capable of penetrating into the mouth (18) of the transverse channel (16) of the mold (10) to facilitate centering of the rod in the transverse channel, the rod having a first end (86; 110) capable of forming a hole handles, and a second end (88; 112) capable of being coupled to the drive mechanism (90), and a core (48) inserted into the cavity (12) for molding to compress a drop of glass (G) and molding a glass product (20) and a handle (28) when the molding tool (40) is in the molding position and withdrawn from molding cavities when the molding tool (40) is in the retracted position; b) placing a drop of molten glass (G) on the bottom of the mold; c) introducing the molding tool (40) into the transverse mold channel (16); d) compressing a drop of glass (G) into the molding cavity (12) using a core (48) to mold the article and the handle, wherein the glass surrounds the molding tool to form the handle; e) removing the molding tool (40); f) cooling the glass to maintain the shape of the molded product; and g) recesses from the mold of the molded product. 2. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that at step c) the introduction of the molding tool (40) is carried out under controlled temperature conditions. 3. A device for the manufacture of glass products (20) with a handle (28), containing: a) at least one mold (10), which is an integral structure defining a molding cavity (12), provided for molding a glass product (20) and a handle (28), and containing a transverse channel (16) extending from one and on the other side of the cavity (12) for molding opposite the hole (30) of the handle; b) a movable molding tool (40) translationally moved between the retracted position in which it is located outside the transverse channel (16) and the molding position in which it is inserted into the transverse channel (16), the molding tool (40) comprising a rod surrounded by a tube-shaped guide (82; 106) with a free end (84; 108) capable of penetrating into the mouth (18) of the transverse channel (16) of the mold (10) to facilitate centering of the rod in the transverse channel, the rod having a first end ( 86; 110), capable of forming a hole p uchki, and the second end (88; 112), capable of connecting to the drive mechanism (90); c) a core (48) inserted into the cavity (12) for molding to compress a drop of glass (G) and molding a glass product (20) and a handle (28), while the molding tool (40) is in position molding, and removed from the cavity during excavation when the molding tool (40) is in the retracted position. 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the forming tool (40) is capable of moving between the retracted position, in which the first end (86; 110) of the forming tool (40) enters the tube-shaped guide (82; 106), and molding position, in which the first end (86; 110) of the molding tool (40) extends beyond the tube-shaped guide (82; 106). 5. The device according to paragraphs. 3 and 4, characterized in that at least one spring (102; 114) is located between the forming tool (40) and the tube-shaped guide (82; 106) for bringing the forming tool into the retracted position. 6. The device according to p. 3, characterized in that it contains many forms (10), sequentially moved in front of the tool (40) for molding, while the latter is equipped with a drive mechanism (90). 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the second end (88) of the molding tool (40) is rigidly connected to the drive mechanism (90). 8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the molding tool (40) comprises a heat sink (104). 9. The device according to p. 3, characterized in that it contains many forms (10), each of which has a tool (40) for molding, while the forms are sequentially moved in front of the drive mechanism (90) to actuate the corresponding tool (40) for molding. 10. The device according to p. 9, characterized in that the second end (112) of the molding tool (40) is arranged to engage the stop with the drive mechanism (90). 11. The device according to p. 10, characterized in that the molding tool (40) has a heating device to maintain it at a controlled temperature. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of forms (10) are located on a rotating support (58) of the carousel type, and the drive mechanism (90) is located on an adjustable support located outside the rotating support. 13. The device according to p. 3, characterized in that it also contains a device (82) release, designed to release a drop of glass (G) to the bottom of the cavity for molding. 14. The device of claim 13, characterized in that the mold or each of the molds (10) contains an exhaust valve (38) for removing from the mold the molded product. 15. Glass product obtained by the method according to one of paragraphs. 1 and 2 and / or device according to one of paragraphs. 3-14.

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