WO2020104927A1

WO2020104927A1 - A glass plate cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2020104927A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/059914
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Giacomazzi
Original assignee: Triulzi Cesare Special Equipments S.R.L.
Priority date: 2018-11-20
Filing date: 2019-11-19
Publication date: 2020-05-28
Also published as: IT201800010455A1

Abstract

A glass sheet cleaning apparatus comprising: a support and transport assembly (2) of a glass sheet; at least a pair of washing elements (5) of the glass sheet which can operate from opposite sides of the sheet; a pair of mechanical arms (6), at the free end (7) of each of which a respective washing element (5) is stably coupled; a programmable logic unit (8) operatively coupled to the mechanical arms (6) to control the washing operation of the plate; a data entry device in the programmable logic unit (8) for entering data relating to the shaping and dimensions of the sheet to be washed. The programmable logic unit (8) being programmed to control the simultaneous action of the pair of washing elements (5) on the same portion of the glass plate and from opposite sides.

Description

A GLASS PLATE CLEANING APPARATUS

D E S C R I P T I O N

Field of application

The present invention is generally applicable to the field of glass processing machines and particularly concerns a washing apparatus for glass sheets.

State of the art

In a glass sheet production line one of the stations consists of the washing apparatus for the produced sheets. Such washing is indispensable not only for aesthetic needs, but also and above all to eliminate processing residues and make the glass usable for often delicate subsequent processing.

Flat glass sheet washing is generally not very complicated thanks to the arrangement of the glass and its shaping. In the prior art, in fact, the glass is generally arranged horizontally and on conveyor belts and the washing takes place on the upper part. Subsequently the glass is turned over and the opposite surface is washed.

Flowever, the production of curved glass sheets is increasingly common. In this case, machines have been developed with special curved brushes that act on the glass. Such machines, however, require the adjustment of the curvature of the brushes or the modification of the latter to the curvature change of the glass sheets to be washed.

Even the transport of such sheets is complicated since it is typically difficult, if not impossible, to provide supports on which entirely place one of the surfaces of the sheet. As a consequence, the glass sheet to be washed remains uplifted during washing and this requires extreme care in controlling the thrust effort produced by the brushes in order to avoid unwanted breakages.

A further problem arises in the case of glass sheets with a complex shaping, possibly mixed between curvilinear and flat or with a variable curvature radius. In such cases, evidently, it is not possible to think of brushes with specific shaping nor to transport systems with specific shaping. Also the control of the action of the glass sheet washing means becomes complex in particular with reference to the pressure they exert on the sheet itself and which must be calibrated forcefully on the points of the sheet where it can have more significant effects up to failure. As a result, it is probable to have points where the such calibrated washing action is insufficient.

The difficulties in using the brushes set out above have led, in the prior art, to the use of washing apparatuses provided with spray pressure nozzles of fluids on the sheet. In other words, in such cases the washing does not take place by contact between the brushes and the sheet, but by pressure spray of fluids.

Although this often allows adequate cleaning, it is clear that the quality of such washing is lower and the cost, in terms of apparatus and supply energy, is higher. In fact, it is typically necessary to use high spraying pressures. Moreover, in case of particularly accentuated curvatures the fluid pressure could be inadequate when it reaches the farthest points of the glass sheet.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome at least partially the drawbacks mentioned above by providing a washing apparatus for glass sheets which allows any type of sheet to be washed, whatever the shaping, without having to modify the washing elements that are used.

In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a washing apparatus which can use brushes for washing glass sheets with any shaping.

Another object of the invention is to provide a washing apparatus which can always use the same brushes for washing glass sheets whatever their shaping is.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus for glass sheets which protects these sheets from breakages. In particular, another object of the invention is to provide a washing apparatus for glass sheets which protects the sheets from breakages regardless of the pressure exerted on them by the washing elements.

Said objects, as well as others which will become clearer in the following, are achieved by a glass sheet cleaning apparatus according to the claims that follows which are to be considered as an integral part of the present patent. In particular, the cleaning apparatus comprises a support and transport assembly for a glass sheet and at least a pair of washing elements which can operate from opposite sides of the plate.

Advantageously, therefore, the glass sheet is washed on both surfaces simultaneously thereby reducing the time required for washing.

According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus also comprises at least a pair of mechanical arms at the free end of each of which a respective washing element is stably coupled.

There is also present at least one programmable logic unit operatively coupled to the mechanical arms to control the washing operation of the sheet.

Advantageously, therefore, the washing is automated by controlling the mechanical arms.

The apparatus of the invention also comprises at least one data entry device in the programmable logic unit for entering data relating to the shaping and dimensions of the sheet to be washed.

Advantageously, therefore, the programming of the logic unit allows washing to be carried out on any glass sheet and, in particular, on sheets of any shaping, while still ensuring uniform cleaning.

According to another aspect of the invention, the programmable logic unit is also programmed to control the simultaneous action of the pair of washing elements on the same portion of the glass sheet and on opposite sides.

Advantageously, consequently, the pressure exerted on the sheet by a washing element is always balanced by the equal and opposite pressure exerted on the same portion of sheet by the other washing element. Consequently, again advantageously, the washing elements can exert any pressure on the sheet without fear of breakages and at the same time ensuring an optimal and uniform cleaning of the sheet itself.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more evident in light of the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a glass sheet cleaning apparatus according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 represents a washing apparatus according to the invention in a front view;

FIG. 2 and 3 represent details of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

With reference to the mentioned figures, and in particular to fig. 1 , a glass sheet cleaning apparatus 1 is described.

The apparatus 1 of the invention can be used indifferently within a glass sheet production line or as a single device.

According to an aspect of the invention, the cleaning apparatus comprises a support and transport assembly 2 for a glass sheet. Such assembly not only supports the sheet to be washed but moves it from the inlet of the washing apparatus 1 to the outlet. In this sense the support and transport assembly 2 typically comprises motor drive means 3.

According to another aspect of the invention, the washing apparatus comprises a pair of washing elements 5 of the glass sheet. These are arranged so as to operate from opposite sides of the sheet. In this way, therefore, the advantage of washing the glass sheet simultaneously on both surfaces thereof is obtained, with a consequent decrease in the execution times of the washing with respect to known equivalent apparatuses.

Typically, the washing elements 5 consist of brushes, but this aspect should not be considered as limiting for different embodiments of the invention where the brushes can be replaced or integrated with other washing elements such as, for example, fluid pressure spraying nozzles.

Also, the number of washing elements 5 in a feature that is not to be considered as limiting for the present invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the apparatus also comprises a pair of mechanical arms 6. In particular, one of these mechanical arms 6 can also be seen in fig. 2.

At their free end 7 a respective washing element 5 is stably coupled. There is also a programmable logic unit 8 operatively coupled to the mechanical arms 6 to control its movement. In this way, advantageously, the washing of the sheet by the washing elements 3 is controlled by the programmable logic unit 8.

This allows, still advantageously, to automate the washing by controlling the mechanical arms 6 and making this operation optimized, eliminating the possible human error.

According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus 1 also comprises a data entry device, not shown in the figures, used to insert data into the programmable logic unit 8. Such data include, in particular, data relating to the shaping and dimensions of the glass sheet to be washed.

Advantageously, therefore, the programming of the logic unit 8 allows washing to be carried out on any glass sheet and, in particular, on sheets of any shaping, while still ensuring uniform cleaning. It will be sufficient to modify the programming of the logic unit 8 to adapt the control of the mechanical arms 6 to the particular shaping and dimension of the sheet to be washed.

According to a variant embodiment of the invention, moreover, this data entry device comprises a plurality of sensors which detect dimensions and shaping of the sheet and whose measurements are subsequently converted into instructions for the correct control of the mechanical arms 6. This advantageously enables the washing apparatus 1 of the invention to be adapted automatically from time to time to the sheet to be washed.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the programmable logic unit 8 is also programmed to control the simultaneous action of the pair of washing elements 5 on the same portion of the glass sheet and from opposite sides.

Advantageously, consequently, the pressure exerted on the sheet by a washing element 5 is always balanced by the equal and opposite pressure exerted on the same portion of sheet by the other washing element 5. Consequently, again advantageously, the washing elements 5 can exert any pressure on the sheet without fear of breakages and at the same time ensuring an optimal and uniform cleaning of the sheet.

According to the prior art, the transport assemblies consist of rollers at least as long as the glass sheets to be washed are large. In this sense, the sheets are arranged in abutment ensuring safety during treatment. However, it has previously been stated that the apparatus 1 of the invention acts simultaneously on both faces of the glass sheet by means of the synchronized pair of mechanical arms 6. This condition, according to the prior art, is admissible only if the sheets are arranged standing and laying down on the support and transport assembly 2.

Typically, therefore, the support and transport assembly 2 comprises, as can be seen in the detail of fig. 3, a plurality of first rollers 10 rotatable according to an axis of longitudinal development arranged substantially horizontal to the ground. Moreover, the first rollers 10 are sized to support and transport the glass sheet in the cleaning apparatus 1 according to a direction of advancement.

In order to improve the aforementioned situation, i.e. to arrange the sheets laying down and not standing, according to another aspect of the invention the first rollers 10 have a shorter length than the width of the glass sheet and are arranged according to two parallel orders 11. Moreover, these two orders 11 are spaced apart so that when the glass sheet to be washed is laid thereon, its side edges each rest on a respective order 11.

Advantageously, therefore, in the interspace between the two orders 11 of first rollers 10 one of the two mechanical arms 6 can act, thus reaching the lower surface of the glass sheet to be washed with the washing element 5.

This washing, still advantageously, takes place in any case safely not only due to the coordinated action of the two mechanical arms 6, but also due to the laid position of the glass sheet. Moreover, still advantageously, the glass sheet is washed on both sides without require any movement which could put it at risk of damage.

According to another aspect of the invention, the support and transport assembly 2 also comprises a plurality of second rollers 14 rotatable according to an axis of longitudinal development arranged substantially vertical to the ground. Also, these second rollers 14 are arranged according to two parallel orders 15 spaced apart from each other. In particular, they can be identified close to the respective two orders 11 of first rollers 10.

In this sense, when the sheet is arranged in abutment on the first rollers 10, the two orders 15 of second rollers 14 are laterally in contact with the side edges of the glass sheet to be washed. Advantageously, therefore, they not only cooperate in advancing the glass sheet, but hold it in position both during washing and during transport.

Still advantageously, the two orders 15 of second rollers 14 cooperate with the synchronization of the two arms 6 to the mechanical protection of the curvature of the glass sheet.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the first roller 16 of each order 15 of the second rollers 14 is movable in a direction transverse to the direction of advancement of the glass sheet. In other words, the first 16 of the second rollers 14 are expandable, i.e. their mutual distance is variable. In this way, advantageously, the horizontal insertion of the glass sheet to be washed is facilitated.

However, this latter aspect of the invention should not be considered as limiting. Not only, in fact, there may be no second rollers 14 movable according to the direction transverse to the direction of advancement of the glass sheet, but also the number of second rollers 14 with this feature can be anyone.

After washing the glass sheet, it is advisable to proceed with drying.

In this sense, the cleaning apparatus 1 comprises a pair of drying elements 20 which can operate from opposite sides of the sheet operatively downstream of the washing elements 5.

Furthermore, such drying elements 20 are stably coupled to the free ends 21 of an additional pair of mechanical arms 22. In other words, advantageously, also the drying elements 20 are managed as the washing elements 5. In particular, also the additional pair of mechanical arms 22 is operatively connected to the programmable logic unit 8 which controls the contemporary action thereof on the same portion of the glass sheet and on opposite sides. In this way also the drying does not subject the sheet to excessive stresses whatever the method with which it is carried out.

Typically, the drying elements 20 are constituted by conveyors of hot air under pressure, but also this aspect should not be considered as limiting for the present invention.

In light of the foregoing, it is understood that the washing apparatus of the invention achieves all the prefixed purposes.

In particular, it allows any type of sheet to be washed, whatever the shaping, without having to modify the washing elements that are used. Moreover, it allows the use of brushes for washing glass sheets with any shaping.

On closer inspection, it allows you to use the same brushes for washing glass sheets with any shaping.

The washing apparatus of the invention also allows to reduce the number of movements to which the glass sheet is subjected to be washed, thereby increasing the safety of this operation. Moreover, the apparatus of the invention protects the glass sheet from breakages whatever the pressure exerted on it by the washing elements.

The invention might be subject to many changes and variants, which are all included in the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may furthermore be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different depending on the needs, without departing from the protection scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Glass sheet cleaning apparatus comprising:

a support and transport assembly (2) of a glass sheet;

at least a pair of washing elements (5) of the glass sheet which can operate from opposite sides of the sheet;

at least one pair of mechanical arms (6), at the free end (7) of each of said mechanical arms (6) a respective one of said washing elements (5) being stably coupled;

at least a programmable logic unit (8) operatively coupled at least to said mechanical arms (6) to control the washing operation of the sheet;

at least one data entry device in said programmable logic unit (8) for entering data relating to the shaping and dimensions of the sheet to be washed, said programmable logic unit (8) being programmed to control the simultaneous action of said pair of washing elements (5) on the same portion of the glass plate and from opposite sides.

2. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said washing elements (5) each comprise at least one brush.

3. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said washing elements each comprise one or more pressure spraying nozzles of washing fluid towards the sheet.

4. Cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support and transport assembly (2) comprises a plurality of first rotatable rollers (10) according to a longitudinally development axis arranged substantially horizontal to the ground, said first rollers (10) being shaped to support and transport the glass sheet in said cleaning apparatus (1) according to a direction of advancement.

5. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said first rollers (10) are arranged according to two parallel orders (11) spaced apart from each other to identify, between said two orders (11), a gap.

6. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said support and transport assembly (2) also comprises a plurality of second rollers (14) rotatable according to an axis of longitudinal development arranged substantially vertical to the ground.

7. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said second rollers (14) are arranged according to two parallel orders (15) spaced apart from each other, each arranged close to one of the two orders (11) of first rollers (10).

8. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least the first roller (16) of each order (15) of said second rollers (14) is movable in a direction transverse to said direction of advancement of the glass sheet in said cleaning apparatus (1).

9. Cleaning apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising:

at least a pair of drying elements (20) of the glass sheet which can operate from opposite sides of the sheet operatively downstream of said washing elements (5);

- at least one additional pair of mechanical arms (22), at the free end

(21) of each of said additional mechanical arms (22) a respective one of said drying elements (20) being stably coupled.

10. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said additional pair of mechanical arms (22) is operatively connected to said programmable logic unit (8), said programmable logic unit (8) being programmed to control the simultaneous action of said drying elements (20) on the same portion of the glass plate and on opposite sides.