System for collecting glass sheets, method for shaping glass sheets by means of such a collecting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a kit for collecting glass sheets (1) that have reached a softening temperature, the kit comprising a holding support (22) comprising a lower surface (221), an upper surface (222) comprising suction holes (225), and a plurality of suction channels (227) leading to the lower surface and an inner surface (228) arranged between the lower and upper surfaces. The kit also comprises: a cover plate (23) comprising a solid area (Z_PL) and a perforated area (Z_PE) provided with a plurality of orifices (232), and means for attaching the cover plate against a support surface corresponding to the lower surface or the inner surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of forming glass sheets. More particularly, it relates to a kit for collecting glass sheets raised to a softening temperature, a collecting device assembled from such a kit, and a collecting system comprising such a collecting device. It also relates to a method for forming glass sheets, in particular with the aid of such a collecting system. The invention finds particularly advantageous application (although in no way limiting) in the forming of tempered and / or laminated glazing units intended to equip roofs or other transverse components of motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] In order to produce glass sheets having a particular shape, for example for motor vehicle glazing units, it is known to convey the glass sheets in a flat state one after another on a conveyor (e.g. a roller bed) through a heating furnace to raise them to a softening temperature. The glass sheets are then conveyed from the outlet of the furnace to an apparatus configured to shape the glass sheets thus heated.

[0003] By way of example, such a forming device may correspond to a bending station, in which a lower frame (also called a "bending frame") lifts the glass sheet, presses it against an upper mold (also called a "bending mold" or "bending die"), and thereby imparts the desired shape to it. The thus bent glass sheet is then picked up and placed back on a conveyor or collected by a dedicated shuttle for transport to a cooling station (e.g., a tempering station). Such forming by bending technology is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,872,898.

[0004] However, the shaping of glass sheets is not limited to the use of bending stations; other alternatives can be used. In particular, a technique is also known according to which, once removed from the furnace, the glass sheet is collected by a dedicated device in order to place it on a mold or on a frame supporting it along its periphery, so that it acquires the desired shape by gravity. Once again, once the shape in question has been achieved, the glass sheet is taken to a cooling station.

[0005] In any case, the techniques thus envisaged and intended for shaping the glass sheet at the furnace outlet fall within the scope of the so-called "cold" techniques, a qualifier defining a forming position outside the enclosure maintained at the temperature used to heat the glass sheet. Such cold techniques are particularly well known because, compared to hot techniques, they allow simplified control over the positioning of the shaping tools, which also have a simpler design, which ultimately contributes to reducing the costs associated with the shaping process.

[0006] On the other hand, the forming process is a race against time, since the glass sheet cools down as soon as it leaves the furnace; therefore, changes to the bending operation or its conditions are awkward and limited (especially since the glass sheet has poor ductility).

[0007] Furthermore, and generally, the reduction in the temperature of the glass sheets leaving the furnace during the forming operation and before being transferred to the cooling station proves to be problematic, as it can be the cause of various weaknesses. In particular, it can involve a low resistance to gravel impacts and / or an increased sensitivity to surface defects in the glass, such as scratches that are sometimes invisible to the naked eye and can lead to spontaneous breakage (that is, without apparent cause), even after the glass sheet has been installed in the object it is intended to equip (for example, a motor vehicle).

[0008] Finally, it will be appreciated that minimizing the temperature drop of the glass sheet leaving the furnace is a subject of particular concern. In practice, it may be considered to optimize as much as possible the transfer time between the furnace exit and the cooling station.

[0009] However, this type of optimization is only partially satisfactory in a configuration in which, on the one hand, the glass sheets are collected on a conveyor at the furnace outlet by means of a dedicated device, at least one dimension of which is greater than one of the dimensions of the glass sheets, and in which, on the other hand, this collection is carried out by suction through orifices distributed throughout said collecting device (the suction makes it possible to create a vacuum between the glass sheet and the collecting device and thus promotes the pressing of the glass sheet against said collecting device).

[0010] In fact, in such a configuration, due to the difference in size between the collecting device and the glass sheets, fresh air must be sucked in at the area of ​​the collecting device where the glass sheets are not pressed. Therefore, the air sucked in this area is not only unnecessary for collecting the glass sheets, but also does not contribute to minimizing the temperature drop at the furnace outlet, which contributes to increasing the risk of the above-mentioned weak points. Summary of the Invention

[0011] One object of the present invention is to remedy all or some of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those mentioned above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to significantly limit the reduction in temperature of the glass sheets to be collected by extraction at the furnace outlet, in an environment at ambient or moderate temperatures. In this way, the proposed solution significantly reduces the occurrence of weaknesses such as those encountered in the prior art.

[0012] As used herein, the expression "intermediate temperature" refers to a temperature above the ambient temperature. This intermediate temperature can be achieved, for example, by arranging one or more local heating points in a known manner outside the heating zone, which can provide additional heat, for example, varying between 10° C. and 200° C. relative to the ambient temperature. In any case, regardless of the circumstances involved (ambient or intermediate temperature), the temperature of the environment in which the glass sheet is located remains sufficiently lower than the temperature of the heating zone for the present invention to fall within the scope of the aforementioned cold technology.

[0013] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a kit for collecting glass sheets reaching a softening temperature, said kit comprising a so-called holding support comprising:

[0014] - a lower surface intended to be positioned facing said glass sheet,

[0015] - means for circulating an air flow through said lower surface.

[0016] Furthermore, the kit comprises a cover plate and means for attaching the cover plate to the holding support, the cover plate being configured such that, when attached to the holding support:

[0017] - leaving a portion of the circulation device free so as to delimit, at the lower surface, a suction surface having dimensions less than or equal to those of the glass sheet,

[0018] - Sealing the remainder of the circulation device so as to delimit, at a lower surface, a sealing surface complementary to said suction surface.

[0019] Such a kit according to the invention is particularly interesting since it makes it possible to assemble a collecting device according to the invention by attaching the cover plate against the retaining support by means of said attachment means.

[0020] Furthermore, due to the aforementioned arrangement, when suction of the air flow is generated through the lower surface, via the circulation device and toward the interior of the holding support, a vacuum area is advantageously generated at the suction surface of the lower surface, that is, when the device is positioned in an appropriate position above the glass sheet, a vacuum area is generated between the glass sheet and the collecting device, and in addition, the glass sheet is also held in a specific fixed position on the conveyor belt.

[0021] In this way, it is possible to "draw" (ie press and hold) the glass sheet against the support, the pressure under the glass sheet being greater than the pressure between said sheet and said holding support.

[0022] Since the suction surface is advantageously smaller than or equal to the suction surface of the glass sheet, it is understood that if the respective positions of the collecting device and the glass sheet are such that the vertical projection of the suction surface onto the glass sheet (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt) is included in the surface of the glass sheet, the suction of fresh air at the glass sheet is significantly limited. More importantly, the temperature drop of the glass sheet after reaching the softening temperature is also significantly reduced.

[0023] Therefore, the presence of the cover plate, its production and its attachment to the holding support are decisive for ensuring the suction of the glass sheet, but especially for eliminating any suction outside said suction surface (i.e. at the sealing surface), in particular in areas where a protrusion of the lower surface relative to the glass sheet occurs during the collection process.

[0024] It should also be understood that one advantage of the kit according to the present invention is that it includes multiple cover plates each having a perforated area of ​​different sizes. This arrangement provides the advantageous possibility of very easily varying the size of the suction surface on the lower surface of the holding support without having to modify the holding support itself. This results in a very high degree of modularity, very simple implementation, and lower costs.

[0025] Furthermore, the particularly optimized cost and ease of production of the cover plate ultimately leads to real substantial savings.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the collection kit may further include one or more of the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the means for attaching is configured to allow attachment of the cover plate to the lower surface.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the circulation means is a plurality of apertures opening through the lower surface, and the retaining support further comprises:

[0029] - an upper surface opposite to the lower surface and comprising a suction hole opening through said upper surface,

[0030] a plurality of so-called suction channels which open into the orifices of the lower surface and into the cavities communicating with the suction holes and which are delimited by so-called inner surfaces arranged between the lower surface and the upper surface.

[0031] Furthermore, the cover plate comprises a solid area and a perforated area with a plurality of orifices passing through said cover plate and is intended to be attached by means for attachment against a so-called bearing surface corresponding to a lower or inner surface, such that:

[0032] - each orifice of the perforated area extends one of said suction channels, the channels thus extending delimiting said suction surface,

[0033] The solid area seals the remaining suction channel that is open outside the perforated area, so that the sealed channel delimits the sealing surface.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the bearing surface is the inner surface, the lower surface and the upper surface of the retaining support are connected by side surfaces, at least one of the side surfaces comprising an opening configured to allow the cover plate to be inserted into the cavity so that the cover plate rests against the bearing surface.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the lower surface of the retaining support is flat, or substantially convex, or substantially concave.

[0036] The term "substantially" refers here to a convex or concave curvature, which makes it possible to pre-shape the glass sheet before it acquires its final shape thanks to dedicated forming means, such as frames or rings, configured to allow gravity bending.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the holding support comprises means for regulating the temperature of said holding support.

[0038] The ability to regulate the temperature of the holding support makes it possible to regulate, by causal relationship, the temperature of the ambient air situated in the vicinity of said holding support and, therefore, also the temperature of the air flow drawn in through the lower surface via said circulation means.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the temperature regulating device includes a heating device configured to raise and maintain the holding support (and ultimately the air flow drawn through the lower surface) to a temperature above a specified temperature, such as 400°C, preferably to a temperature between 600°C and 700°C.

[0040] Such heating devices therefore prove to be particularly advantageous, since they contribute to limiting the intake of fresh air at the intake surface even further.

[0041] In a particular embodiment, the heating means is an electrical resistor, for example arranged between the suction channels.

[0042] In a particular embodiment, said temperature regulating means comprise means for cooling the holding support.

[0043] The advantage of such cooling means is that they offer the possibility of finely controlling the temperature of the holding support (and therefore ultimately the air flow drawn through the lower surface).

[0044] As a non-limiting example, if the holding support is initially raised to a specified temperature (by means of a heating device according to the invention or in any other conceivable manner) and maintained at that temperature for a long period of time, the cooling device makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the holding support, for example to prevent damage thereto.

[0045] Said cooling means are for example configured to bring and maintain the holding support to a temperature substantially equal to 400°C.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the cooling device comprises a fluid circuit, for example arranged between the suction channels.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the cover plate is made of a metallic material, for example of refractory steel, preferably of type Z12-CNS-25-20 refractory stainless steel.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the means for attaching the cover plate is reversible.

[0049] Such an arrangement is advantageous because it allows the cover sheet to be removed from the holding support, for example by replacing it with another cover sheet according to the invention (that is, having a solid area and a perforated area), but having a different size and / or shape than the previously used cover sheet. This makes it possible to change the suction surface at the lower surface very quickly and easily, and thus adapt it to other glass sheet shapes. This results in considerable savings compared to replacing the entire holding support.

[0050] In a particular embodiment, the retaining support comprises abutment means protruding at the lower surface.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the dimensions of the lower surface are larger than the dimensions of the glass sheet.

[0052] More specifically, it can also be considered that, in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction of travel of the conveyor and contained in the mean plane of said conveyor, the dimensions of the lower surface are substantially the same as, and preferably equal to, the dimensions of the conveyor belt. This dimensional configuration relative to the lower surface of the conveyor belt has proven to be particularly advantageous, as it eliminates the manufacturing constraints of retaining supports specifically adapted in size to the glass sheets. Consequently, any heated glass sheet can be picked up by the collection device, and the collection device can therefore be described as "universal" with respect to glass sheets emerging from the heating zone.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the kit comprises a plurality of cover plates, which are configured such that the suction surfaces respectively delimited by said cover plates when said cover plates are attached to a holding support have different dimensions.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the retaining support includes an interface element positioned between the lower surface and the glass sheet. This support element can be in the form of a film, a peripheral band, and / or studs. In standby mode, i.e., when no glass sheet is present, its thickness can be between 1 mm and 30 mm. This interface element has a low thermal conductivity, for example, between 1.0 W / mK and 5.0 W / mK. For example, it can be based on silicone. Such an interface element can reduce heat loss from the glass during operation.

[0055] According to a second aspect, and as described above, the invention relates to a device for collecting glass sheets raised to a softening temperature, comprising a holding support and a cover plate belonging to a kit according to the invention, attached to the holding support by said attachment means.

[0056] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a system for collecting glass sheets raised to a softening temperature, said system comprising:

[0057] - a collecting device according to the invention,

[0058] - a displacement device configured to position the collecting device in a so-called suction position, wherein the collecting device is arranged in the vicinity of a glass sheet arranged in a fixed position, called a "stop", on a substantially horizontal conveyor, and wherein a vertical projection of the suction surface on the glass sheet is included in the surface of said glass sheet,

[0059] - Suction means configured to generate suction of the air flow through the lower surface via said circulation means, allowing the glass sheet to be sucked and held against the collecting device when the collecting device is arranged in the suction position and the glass sheet is arranged in the rest position.

[0060] The collecting system of course inherits the advantages described above with respect to the collecting kit and the collecting device.

[0061] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for forming at least one glass sheet, said method comprising the steps of:

[0062] - heating the glass sheet to a softening temperature in a heating zone,

[0063] - transferring the glass sheet to a collection system according to the invention by means of a substantially horizontal conveyor belt, the collection device of which is placed outside the heating zone in an environment at ambient or medium temperature, so that the glass sheet reaches a fixed position, called "stop", on said conveyor belt,

[0064] - activating the suction device in order to suck the glass sheet and hold it against the collecting device arranged at the suction position,

[0065] - stopping the suction device in order to release the glass sheet onto the forming device,

[0066] -Shaping the glass sheet.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the forming method may further include one or more of the following features, implemented individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the forming apparatus is configured to allow gravity bending of the glass sheet, the forming step comprising:

[0069] - gravity bending of the glass sheets,

[0070] - Transferring the assembly formed by the forming device and the glass sheet to a cooling device.

[0071] In a particular embodiment, the holding support comprises an abutment device protruding from a lower surface, and the method further comprises the step of activating the displacement device to move the collecting device closer to the conveyor belt before the glass sheet reaches the stop position, so that the stop position of the glass sheet corresponds to a position in which the glass sheet contacts the abutment device of the holding support. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the non-restrictive description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary embodiments thereof. In the drawings:

[0073] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 Schematically shows, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a system according to the invention, which is configured to collect glass sheets;

[0074] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Schematically shows a cross-section of a holding support associated with a collecting device according to the invention according to a particular embodiment. Figure 1 Collection system related; Figure 3 ] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the collecting device according to a specific embodiment;

[0075] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 Schematically shows the glass sheet when it is in a position where it can be collected by the holding support. Figure 2 An example of a projection of the lower surface of the holding support onto a conveyor belt transporting the glass sheet from the heating area;

[0076] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing the equipment Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a cover plate of a collection device;

[0077] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 Another specific embodiment of a collection device is schematically shown;

[0078] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 The flow chart shows the Figure 1 A specific embodiment of a method for forming a glass sheet using a collection system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Figure 1 A particular embodiment of a "collection" system 20 according to the invention is schematically shown in its environment. Said collection system 20 is configured to collect glass sheets 1 and is integrated in an INS facility configured to shape glass sheets 1 .

[0080] For the remainder of this description, the glass sheet 1, after its shaping, is used to produce a tempered glazing unit for equipping the roof of a motor vehicle (e.g., a car), which is in no way restrictive. However, it should be noted that the application of this type of glazing unit and its use constitutes only one alternative embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, and generally speaking, there is no limit to the type of glazing unit that can be produced from the glass sheet 1 to be shaped (e.g., laminated glazing unit, tempered laminated glazing unit, etc.). Similarly, there is no limit to the use of the glazing unit that can be obtained from the shaped glass sheet 1 (e.g., housing).

[0081] In this embodiment, the thickness of the glass sheet 1 is between 1.6 mm and 6 mm, for example equal to 3 mm. Furthermore, the shaping of the glass sheet 1 is configured here so that once shaped, it has a deflection between 0 and 30 mm, for example equal to 15 mm.

[0082] Of course, such glass thickness and deflection values ​​are given only by way of example and do not in any way exclude other values. In general, a person skilled in the art is aware of the limitations that can be imposed on a glass sheet in terms of thickness and deflection, depending on the desired application of the glass sheet and also on the forming technology used.

[0083] In addition to said collecting system 20 , the INS forming installation comprises a heating zone 10 , a conveyor belt 30 , means 40 for forming the glass sheets 1 and cooling means 50 .

[0084] Heating zone 10 can typically be implemented by a preferably tunnel-type furnace, through which glass sheet 1 is conveyed on a conveyor belt 30. Conveyor belt 30 is preferably horizontal and is moved by a series of linear drive rollers aligned in a plane. Glass sheet 1 is thus conveyed in a horizontal, linear path contained within this plane. Within heating zone 10, glass sheet 1 is raised to a softening temperature, preferably between 600° C. (Celsius) and 700° C.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the collection system 20 comprises, in particular, a collection device 21 according to the present invention and described in greater detail below. The collection device 21 is arranged at the outlet of the heating zone 10, for example in the immediate vicinity of the outlet of the heating zone 10. In any case, the collection device 21 is located outside the heating zone 10, in an environment at ambient or moderate temperature. In other words, the shaping of the glass sheet 1 here involves the aforementioned cold technology.

[0086] In this embodiment, the forming device 40 is designed in the form of a support frame or ring capable of supporting the glass sheet 1 along its periphery so that the sheet can be formed by gravity (also known as gravity bending).

[0087] However, nothing excludes gravity forming means 40 having a shape other than a frame or a ring. Thus, for example, a solid surface mold (that is, simply connected) can be considered, which has a shape that determines the desired shape of the glass sheet 1 under the action of gravity. Generally, any other suitable shape known to those skilled in the art for gravity forming is conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

[0088] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the forming device 40 is further configured to transport the glass sheet 1 from the collection system 20 to the cooling device 50 while suitably supporting the glass sheet 1 so as to maintain the curved shape imparted to it by gravity (typically after a period of residence on the forming device 40). To this end, the forming device 40 is equipped with a displacement device (not shown in the figures) of a known type to allow the transport in question. For example, the displacement device may include a drive motor and a moving support, such as a guide rail.

[0089] Once placed in the cooling device 50, the glass sheet 1 is hardened in a known manner under the effect of the forced cooling applied thereto. This cooling makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the glass sheet 1 sufficiently so that, when it leaves the cooling device 50, it retains the shape it has acquired thanks to the shaping device 40.

[0090] The cooling device 50 is provided, for example, to subject the glass sheet 1 to thermal tempering or thermal curing, also known as semi-tempering. The cooling of the device 50 can be carried out in a manner known per se by means of air jets. As a result of the forced cooling, the temperature of the glass sheet 1 is reduced to a temperature preferably between 400° C. and 500° C.

[0091] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with the previous one, the cooling device 50 is configured to implement controlled cooling of the glass sheet 1. For example, if air jets are used, the cooling device 50 can be equipped with a device for adjusting the blowing power of the jets, which thus enables fine control when lowering the temperature of the glass sheet 1, for example, in order to obtain specific mechanical characteristics.

[0092] The collecting device 21 belonging to the collecting system 20 will now be described in more detail. According to the invention, the collecting device 21 comprises two elements, a so-called holding support 22 and a cover plate 23.

[0093] Figure 2 Schematically shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a single holding support 22. More specifically, the holding support 22 is Figure 2 Shown in cross section.

[0094] in other words, Figure 2 The collecting device 21 is shown when the device is not equipped with a cover plate 23 .

[0095] Figure 3 A detailed view of one embodiment of the collecting device 21 is schematically shown. Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The same elements as shown in , except that there is now a cover plate 23.

[0096] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the holding support 22 is substantially in the form of a "parallelepiped block." More specifically, the holding support 22 comprises a so-called "lower" surface 221 and a so-called "upper" surface 222 opposite and substantially parallel to the lower surface 221. The lower surface 221 and the upper surface 222 are also connected to each other by side surfaces 223, 224, which are also opposite and substantially parallel to each other.

[0097] Typically, the lower surface 221 is covered with a wire mesh, for example made of stainless steel.

[0098] According to the present invention, the holding support 22 further comprises means for circulating airflow through the lower surface 221. In this embodiment, the circulation means are a plurality of through holes 231 opening through the lower surface 221.

[0099] The lower surface 221 is intended to be positioned facing the glass sheet 1 when said sheet is conveyed from the heating zone 10 to the collection system 20 by the conveyor belt 30 .

[0100] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lower surface 221 is configured so as to have at least one dimension larger than one dimension of the glass sheet 1 , thereby making it possible to define at least one region Z_D protruding from the lower surface 221 .

[0101] Figure 4 Schematically shown is a top view (that is, in the vertical direction) of an example of a vertical projection of the lower surface 221 onto the conveyor belt 30 when the glass sheet 1 is in a position where it can be collected by the holding support 22 (the "stop" position described in more detail below).

[0102] like Figure 4 As shown in the example of , there is a protruding area Z_D (the portion marked by regularly spaced black dots), which takes the form of a frame and is caused by the fact that the length and width of the upper surface 221 are greater than the glass plate 1.

[0103] It will therefore be understood that, in this configuration, if suction is applied to the glass sheet 1 via the through-holes 231, through the lower surface 221 (the purpose of the suction being to collect the glass sheet 1, that is, to press and hold it against the lower surface 221), and therefore particularly in the region of the protruding zone Z_D, if said zone Z_D is not sealed, fresh air may optionally be sucked in around the glass sheet 1, thereby causing the problems encountered in the prior art. The collection system 20, and in particular the collection device 21 according to the invention, makes it possible to avoid these drawbacks and thus limit the temperature drop of the glass sheet 1 during its collection by suction.

[0104] For the remainder of the description, and to simplify the description, the dimensions of the lower surface 221 are considered, in a non-limiting manner, to be greater than the dimensions of the glass sheet 1 along all its dimensions. In other words, the dimensions of the lower surface 221 are now considered to be such that its vertical projection on the conveyor belt 30 is such that a position such as Figure 4 The geometric construction shown in .

[0105] Of course, nothing excludes other geometric configurations, such as, for example, a configuration in which only the width or the length protrudes depending on the dimensions of its lower surface 221 .

[0106] For the remainder of this description, and in a non-limiting manner, it is also considered that the dimensions of the lower surface 221 in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction of travel of the conveyor belt 30 and contained in the mean plane of said conveyor belt 30 are substantially the same as, and preferably equal to, the dimensions of the conveyor belt 30. In the present embodiment, these arrangements mean that the length of the lower surface 221 is substantially the same as, and preferably equal to, the width of the conveyor belt 30.

[0107] As a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the lower surface 221 are 1250 x 1000 mm.

[0108] This dimensioning of the lower surface 221 relative to the conveyor belt 30 proves to be particularly advantageous, since it makes it possible to eliminate the manufacturing stress of the holding support 22, which is specifically adapted in size to the glass sheets 1. Consequently, any glass sheet 1 heated in the heating zone 10 and transferred to the collection system 20 can be picked up by the collection device 21 (the collection device 21 can therefore be described as "universal" with respect to glass sheets coming from the heating zone 10 and transferred to the conveyor belt 30).

[0109] Of course, it should be understood that such a configuration is not limited to the present invention; the most important thing is that, in order to collect the glass sheets 1, the suction at the lower surface 221 is carried out along a surface whose dimensions are less than or equal to the dimensions of the glass sheets 1 so as to limit the suction of fresh air.

[0110] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface 221 is planar. However, this merely relates to one alternative embodiment of the present invention and does not exclude the possibility of a substantially convex shape (that is, the curvature of the turning conveyor 30) or a substantially concave shape of the lower surface 221. The adjective "substantially" here refers to a convex or concave curvature that allows for pre-forming of the glass sheet 1 before it is bent by gravity to its final shape. In particular, the substantially concave shape of the lower surface 221 has the effect of keeping the glass sheet 1 flatter when it is released onto the forming device 40.

[0111] As a non-limiting example, a "substantially convex" (respectively "substantially concave") shape of the lower surface 221 represents a deflection of between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0112] The upper surface 222, for its part, comprises suction holes 225 leading to said upper surface 222. Figure 3 In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the suction hole 225 occupies a substantially central position relative to the upper surface 222. However, nothing excludes other positions as long as suction of an airflow from the lower surface 221 to the upper surface 222 can be generated through the suction hole 225 (the suctioned airflow is at Figure 3A plurality of holes opening through the upper surface 222 is not excluded.

[0113] In this embodiment, the upper surface 222 corresponds more particularly to the surface of a cover 226 equipped with the holding support 22. This cover 226 is removably attached to the holding support 22 so that once removed, the cover plate 23 can be placed in contact with the holding support 22 as described below.

[0114] The holding support 22 also comprises a plurality of so-called suction channels 227 which lead to:

[0115] - a lower surface 221 , more particularly opening into the through hole 231 ,

[0116] A so-called inner surface 228 arranged between the lower surface 221 and the upper surface 222 .

[0117] In this embodiment, the inner surface 228 is substantially parallel to the lower surface 221 and the upper surface 222. However, nothing excludes other alternative embodiments in which the inner surface 228 is inclined relative to the lower surface 221 and the upper surface 222.

[0118] The inner surface 228 helps to delimit a cavity 229 that communicates with the suction hole 225. Thus, the cavity 229 is arranged below the cover 226 and, in this embodiment, has the shape of a flat space delimited not only by the inner surface 228 but also by the cover 226 and inner sidewalls, the inner sidewalls being arranged such that the dimensions of the inner surface 228 are substantially the same as those of the cover plate 23. The cavity 229 thus delimited makes it possible to accommodate the cover plate 23, it being understood that an empty space remains between the cover plate 23 and the cover 226.

[0119] As a non-limiting example, the height of the cavity 229 (measured between the lower surface 221 and the upper surface 223 ) is comprised between 20 mm and 50 mm.

[0120] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the suction channels 227 extend in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface 221 and are distributed so as to have openings evenly distributed on the lower surface 221 and the inner surface 228. However, this does not limit the present invention; the important point is the ability to generate suction at the lower surface 221 and, when the cover plate 23 is attached to the holding support 22 in an appropriate manner, to generate suction along a surface having a size less than or equal to that of the glass plate 1.

[0121] In its general principle, the cover plate 23, when attached to the retaining support 22, is configured to:

[0122] - leaving a portion of the circulation device free (that is to say a portion of the through-hole 231 ) so as to delimit, at the lower surface 221 , a so-called suction surface S_A having dimensions less than or equal to those of the glass sheet 1 ,

[0123] - Sealing the remainder of the circulation device (that is to say the remainder of the through hole 231 ) so as to delimit, at the lower surface 221 , a so-called sealing surface S_O complementary to said suction surface S_A.

[0124] Figure 5 Schematically shows the Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a cover plate 23 associated with the collecting device 21.

[0125] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the cover plate 23 comprises a solid area Z_PL and a so-called "perforated" area Z_PE provided with a plurality of orifices 232 that pass through the cover plate 23. More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, it is in the form of a flat plate whose dimensions are substantially the same as those of the inner surface 228 and against which it is attached. The solid Z_PL and the perforated Z_PE areas form a partition of the surface of the cover plate 23.

[0126] The perforated area Z_PE is configured such that, when the cover plate 23 is fixed against the inner surface 228, each orifice 232 of said perforated area Z-PE extends (overlaps) one of said suction channels 227, whereby the suction channels 227 thus extended delimit, at the lower surface 221, a suction surface S_A having dimensions less than or equal to those of the glass plate 1 (the extent of the suction surface S_A is determined by the Figure 3 (displayed by a double-headed arrow in the ).

[0127] It can be noted that in this embodiment, as long as the suction channel 227 is substantially orthogonal to the lower surface 221 and the inner surface 228 , the size and shape of the suction surface S_A are substantially the same as the size and shape of the perforated area Z_PE.

[0128] For its part, the solid area Z_PL is designed such that, when the cover plate 23 is fixed to the inner surface 228, it seals the remaining suction channel 227 that is open outside the perforated area Z_PE, so that the sealed suction channel 227 delimits the sealing surface S_O (the extent of the sealing surface is indicated by Figure 3 (shown by the double-headed arrow in the figure).

[0129] The term "remaining suction channels 227" obviously refers to the suction channels 227 that open on the inner surface 228 but are not extended by the openings 232 of the cover plate 23. For example, such suction channels 227 that are sealed by the solid area Z_PL of the cover plate 23 are Figure 3223 , 224 corresponds to each channel arranged as close as possible to the sides 223 , 224 .

[0130] The cover plate 23 is made of, for example, a metallic material. More specifically, it can be a metallic material configured to withstand temperatures substantially equal to up to 700°C without deformation. Therefore, and preferably, the cover plate 23 is made of refractory steel, such as refractory stainless steel of the Z12-CNS-25-20 type. However, other metallic materials for the cover plate 23 are not excluded, and even non-metallic materials such as ceramics (e.g., aluminum oxide Al2O3) are contemplated.

[0131] As mentioned above, within the cavity 229, the cover plate 23 is placed against the inner surface 228. More specifically, the cover plate 23 is fixed against the inner surface 228 by attachment means (not shown).

[0132] Advantageously, the attachment means are reversible. This allows the cover plate 23 to be removed from the inner surface 228, for example by replacing it with another cover plate according to the invention, but having a different size and / or shape than the previously used cover plate 23. This makes it possible to quickly and easily modify the suction surface S_A at the lower surface 221 and thus adapt it to other glass panes. This arrangement results in significant savings compared to replacing the entire retaining support 22.

[0133] For example, the attachment means may be distributed on the inner surface 228 and the cover plate 23 so as to cooperate with each other to ensure the attachment in question (tongue and groove, tenon / mortise, snap fit, etc.).

[0134] According to another example, the inner surface 228 and the cavity 229 are configured in size and shape so that the cover plate 23 can be fitted therein without gaps. Thus, this configuration of the inner surface 228 and the cavity 229 constitutes the attachment means itself.

[0135] Of course, nothing excludes other attachment means (eg screws), optionally irreversible (eg glue).In general, there is no limit to the configuration of the means for attaching the cover plate 23 to the inner surface 28 .

[0136] It will be noted that in this embodiment, as long as the cover 26 is removably attached, the attachment of the cover plate 23 to the inner surface 228 can be performed, for example, by initially removing said cover 226 from the retaining support 22 in order to access the cavity 229. Similarly, if the means for attachment are reversible, then it is sufficient to remove the cover 226 in order to remove the cover plate 23. However, as mentioned above, it is also possible to envisage permanently attaching the cover plate 23 to the inner surface 228, in which case such attachment can occur during the manufacturing process of the retaining support 22, thereby eliminating the need to remove the cover 226.

[0137] As an alternative to, or in addition to, the cover 226 being removably connected to the retaining support 22, and as Figure 6 By way of non-limiting illustration, the side 224 may include a transverse opening 230 configured to allow the insertion of the cover 23 into the cavity 229 so that the cover 23 rests against the inner surface 228. Such a transverse opening 230 may be protected, for example, by a retractable hatch (not shown).

[0138] However, with Figure 6 As in the example of FIG, the consideration of the transverse opening 230 on the side 224 is only an alternative embodiment of the holding support 22. For example, it is also conceivable that, instead of or in addition to the transverse opening 230 on the side 224, another transverse opening is formed on the side 223.

[0139] Reference again Figure 2 or Figure 3 It can also be observed that, in the embodiment described here, the holding support 22 comprises means for regulating the temperature of said holding support 22. However, it should be noted that the presence of such temperature regulating means is optional in the sense of the present invention.

[0140] For example, the conditioning means comprise heating means configured to raise and maintain the holding support 22 (and therefore the air flow drawn in through the lower surface 221 via the through-holes 231 ) to a temperature above a specified temperature, for example 400° C., preferably to a temperature between 600° C. and 700° C. Such heating means prove to be particularly advantageous since they even further facilitate the intake of fresh air at the intake surface S_A.

[0141] More specifically, and as Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the heating device can take the form of a resistor 24 arranged between the suction channels 227, for example.

[0142] Nothing precludes the possibility of placing resistors elsewhere than between the pumping channels 227. For example, the resistors could be placed near the upper surface 222, such as within the cavity 229, with the resistors further configured to have a radiative effect directed toward the lower surface 221. In other words, in this alternative exemplary embodiment, heating does not occur within the "mass" of the holding support 22, as would be the case if the resistors were placed between the pumping channels 227.

[0143] Furthermore, the fact of considering the resistance 24 constitutes, however, only one alternative embodiment of the invention and by no means excludes the consideration of other heating means, such as, for example, inductive heating.

[0144] Alternatively or in addition to said heating means, the temperature regulating means may comprise means for cooling said holding support.

[0145] Said cooling means are for example configured to bring and maintain the support at a temperature substantially equal to 400°C.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the cooling device comprises a fluid circuit (not shown in the figures) arranged, for example, between the suction channels 227 .

[0147] The expression “fluid circuit” may indiscriminately refer only to pipes configured to allow the circulation of a fluid suitable for cooling (for example water), or to an assembly formed by said pipes and said fluid.

[0148] As a result of the aforementioned arrangement associated with the construction of the collecting device 21, when an air flow is generated from the lower surface 221 to the upper surface 222 through the suction holes 225, a negative pressure region is advantageously generated in the cavity 229, in particular in the remaining empty space between the cover plate 23 and the lid 226. Since the suction channel 227 extends from the openings in the perforated region Z_PE of the cover plate 23 and the through-holes 231 of the lower surface 221, a negative pressure region is also generated at the suction surface S_A, that is, between the glass sheet 1 and the collecting device 21, when the corresponding position of the collecting device 21 is suitable. In this way, the glass sheet 1 can be "drawn" (that is, pressed and held) against the collecting device 21, with the pressure prevailing below the glass sheet 1 being greater than the pressure prevailing between the glass sheet 1 and the retaining device 21.

[0149] In the present invention, the expression "suitable position" in relation to the collecting device 21 refers to a position where:

[0150] - when the glass sheet 1 occupies said fixed position on the conveyor belt 30, the collecting device 21 is arranged in the vicinity of the glass sheet 1, and

[0151] - the vertical projection of the suction surface S_A onto the glass plate 1 is included in the surface of said glass plate 1 (see for example Figure 4 ).

[0152] Said appropriate position of the collecting device 21 is hereinafter referred to as the suction position.

[0153] The ability to draw the glass sheet 1 against the retaining support 22 is of course dependent on different parameters, including in particular:

[0154] - suction power,

[0155] the distance separating the lower surface 221 from the glass sheet 1 when the lower surface 221 and the glass sheet 1 are respectively in the suction position and in a suitable position relative to the glass sheet 1 ,

[0156] - the ratio between the suction surface S_A and the corresponding dimensions of the glass sheet 1 .

[0157] It can therefore be understood that the "proximity of the glass sheet 1" as described above in relation to said suction position of the collecting device 21 depends on these different parameters (suction power, separation distance, size of the suction surface S_A).

[0158] As a non-limiting example, the suction power may be the power obtained by one or more blowers arranged facing the suction orifice 225, supplied with compressed air and forming a Venturi system capable of generating a vacuum with a maximum value of 368 mBars in the cavity 229. Furthermore, in this example, for a ratio between the surface dimensions of between 80% and 90%, a separation distance of between 1 mm and 15 mm can be envisaged.

[0159] Furthermore, and as already mentioned above, it is also possible to envisage collecting the glass sheets 1 when they are in position, more specifically in a specific fixed position, on the conveyor belt 30. This specific fixed position is more specifically caused by the fact that the glass sheets 1 come into contact with the abutment means during their transfer at the outlet of the heating zone 10.

[0160] For the remainder of the description, this particular fixed position of the glass sheet 1 on the conveyor belt 30 is hereinafter referred to as the “stop” position.

[0161] In this embodiment, and as Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4In a non-limiting manner, the abutment means are in the form of two lugs 25 fitted on the retaining support 22 and projecting at a lower surface 221. Such lugs are thus configured to block the advancement of the glass sheet 1 in the direction of movement on the conveyor belt 30 at its outermost edge when the sheet is transferred from the heating zone 10. It will be understood that the dimensions (vertical dimensions) of the lugs 25 depend on the distance separating the glass sheet 1 from the collecting device 21 when the device is in the suction position.

[0162] Although in the present embodiment two lugs 25 are considered as abutment means, nothing excludes a different number of lugs (one or more than two), or even a different position of the lugs. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The positions shown in are different.

[0163] In general, there are no restrictions on the configuration of the abutment device that can be considered to place the glass sheet 1 in the stop position. In addition, it is also conceivable that the abutment device is not equipped with a collection device 21, but with a conveyor belt 30. Moreover, whether the abutment device is equipped with a collection device 21 or a conveyor belt 30, it is also conceivable that they are retractable.

[0164] It is important to note that within the meaning of the present invention, collecting device 21 denotes an assembly of a holding support 22 and a cover plate 23. However, the invention also relates to a kit for collecting glass sheets comprising said holding support 22 and said cover plate 23 in the form of separate elements.

[0165] Furthermore, the present invention also covers the case where such a kit includes multiple cover plates, which are configured so that the suction surfaces bounded by them, when attached to the holding support 22, have different sizes. In other words, in this embodiment, the perforated areas of such cover plates have different sizes. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous because it makes it very easy to change the suction surface S_A on the lower surface 221 of the holding support 22 without having to modify the holding support 22 itself. This results in a very high degree of modularity, is very simple to implement, and significantly reduces costs.

[0166] In order to be able to collect the glass sheets 1 when they are arranged in the stop position, the collecting system 20 comprises, in addition to the collecting device 21, the following elements:

[0167] A displacement device 26 is configured to position the collecting device 21 in the suction position when the glass sheet 1 is arranged in the stop position. Such a displacement device 26 is of a type known per se in order to enable the movement in question. In particular, the displacement device can be configured to move the collecting device 21 closer to or further away from the conveyor belt 30. The displacement device 26 can, for example, comprise a drive motor and a movement support, such as a guide rail.

[0168] - The suction device 27 is configured to generate suction of the air flow through the lower surface 221 via the circulation device (that is, in the present embodiment via the through-holes 231), thereby allowing the glass sheet 1 to be sucked and held against the collecting device 21 when the collecting device 21 is arranged in the suction position and the glass sheet 1 is arranged in the stop position.

[0169] According to a particular embodiment, the displacement device 26 (respectively the suction device 27) is automated and therefore comprises a processor and a memory readable by the processor, for example a read-only memory. In addition, a computer program is recorded in the memory and comprises instructions which, when read by the processor, enable the displacement device 26 (respectively the suction device 27) to be controlled so that they are properly positioned (respectively so that they generate appropriate suction).

[0170] Figure 7 A specific embodiment of the forming method is shown in the form of a flow chart.

[0171] For the purpose of describing the forming method, it is assumed in a non-limiting manner that the holding device 21 is equipped with abutment means as described above (that is to say that the conveyor belt 30 is not equipped with abutment means).

[0172] like Figure 7 As shown, the forming method first comprises a step E10 of heating the glass sheet 1 to a softening temperature in a heating zone 10 .

[0173] The method further comprises a step E20 of transferring the glass sheet 1 to the collection system 20 by means of the conveyor belt 30. This transfer is carried out so that the glass sheet 1 reaches said stop position on said conveyor belt 30.

[0174] In this embodiment, the method further comprises a step E30 of activating the displacement device 26 to bring the collecting device 21 closer to the conveyor belt before the glass sheet 1 reaches the stop position, so that the stop position of the glass sheet 1 corresponds to the position where the glass sheet 1 contacts the abutment means of the holding support.

[0175] In the embodiment described here, it is also assumed that the movement of the holding means 21 carried out during step E30 allows said means to reach said suction position. However, other embodiments are conceivable in which the adjustment of the position of the holding means 21 towards the suction position is carried out after the glass sheet 1 has reached the rest position.

[0176] The method therefore comprises a step E40 of activating the suction means 27 to suck and hold the glass sheet 1 against the collecting means 21 .

[0177] Once the glass sheet 1 is sucked and held against the collecting device 22 (that is to say against the lower surface 221 ), in this embodiment, and in step E50 , the displacement device 26 is activated again to move the assembly formed by the collecting device 21 and the held glass sheet 1 away from the conveyor belt 30 .

[0178] It should be noted that such a step E50 is optional. In fact, nothing excludes an embodiment in which the displacement device equipped with the tempering device 40 is configured so as to allow said tempering device E40 to be placed under the holding support 22 without having to remove the assembly formed by the collecting device 21 and the held glass sheet 1 from the conveyor belt 30.

[0179] The method further comprises a step E60 of stopping the suction device 27 to release the glass sheet 1 onto the forming device 40 .

[0180] It should be noted that this stopping step E60 may optionally be accompanied by a blast, for example by sending a jet of compressed air directed from the holding support 22 towards the glass sheet 1. This blast advantageously makes it possible to eliminate the inertia duration (for example 1 second) during which the glass sheet 1 does not fall after the stopping of the suction device 27. In this way, the release of the glass sheet 1 on the forming device 40 is immediate.

[0181] Finally, during step E70 of the method, the glass sheet 1 is shaped.

[0182] More specifically, in this embodiment, the forming step E70 includes:

[0183] - gravity bending of the glass sheet 1,

[0184] The assembly formed by the forming device 40 and the glass sheet 1 is transferred to a cooling device 50 .

[0185] It is important to note that the forming method has been described by considering a single glass sheet 1. However, it should be understood that the description can be applied to a series of glass sheets collected from the heating area 10 and conveyed sequentially via the conveyor belt 30 to the collection system 20.

[0186] More generally, the invention has so far been described considering only the case of forming corresponding to gravity bending. However, it should be noted that this is not a limitation of the invention and nothing excludes other types of forming.

[0187] So far, the present invention has also been described by considering that the cover plate 23 is intended to be positioned in the cavity 229, against the inner surface 228. As a result, within the meaning of the present invention, the inner surface 228 can also be described as a bearing surface. However, it should be understood that other embodiments are also conceivable in which the cover plate 23 is intended to be positioned against another surface, namely against the lower surface 221. In other words, in these other modes, the bearing surface in question is no longer the inner surface 228, but rather the lower surface 221. All technical requirements described above for the case where the bearing surface is the inner surface 228 apply in a similar manner to the case where the bearing surface is the lower surface 221.

[0188] So far, it has been considered that the circulation device is a through hole 231 opening through the lower surface 221 and that the suction device 27 is external to the holding support 22. However, other configurations are still conceivable within the meaning of the invention. For example, the circulation device can take the form of a single opening through the lower surface 221. Alternatively or additionally, the suction device 27 can be integrated into the holding support 22. In general, the invention is about being able to produce a suction surface S_A having dimensions less than or equal to the dimensions of the glass sheet 1 by combining (attaching) between the holding support 22 and the cover plate 23.

[0189] Finally, it has been assumed so far that the lower surface 221 of the retaining support 22 has at least one dimension that is larger than one dimension of the glass sheet 1. However, it should be noted that these arrangements do not limit the invention. Indeed, nothing precludes other embodiments in which the dimensions of the lower surface 221 are smaller than those of the glass sheet 1. In such other embodiments, it is conceivable that, when the collecting device 21 is in the suction position and the glass sheet 1 is in the stopped position, the vertical projection of the lower surface 221 onto the conveyor belt creates a protruding area Z_D. However, for limiting the suction of fresh air during the collection of the glass sheet 1, it is essential that the vertical projection of the suction surface S_A onto the glass sheet 1 is included in the surface of the glass sheet 1 in question (the solid area Z_PL of the cover plate 23 still prevents fresh air from being sucked into the protruding area Z_D).

Claims

1. A kit for collecting glass sheets (1) that have reached a softening temperature, said kit comprising a so-called holding support (22), said holding support (22) comprising: - a lower surface (221) intended to be positioned facing said glass sheet, - circulation means for circulating an air flow through said lower surface, The kit is characterized in that it further comprises a cover plate (23) and attachment means for attaching the cover plate to the holding support, the cover plate being configured when attached to the holding support to: - leaving a portion of the circulation device free so as to delimit, on the lower surface, a so-called suction surface (S_A) having dimensions less than or equal to those of the glass sheet, - Sealing the remainder of the circulation device so as to delimit, on the lower surface, a sealing surface (S_O) complementary to the suction surface.

2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein The attachment means is configured to allow the cover plate (23) to be attached to the lower surface (221).

3. The kit according to claim 2, wherein: The circulation device is a plurality of through holes (231) opening through the lower surface (221), and the holding support (22) further comprises: - an upper surface (222) opposite said lower surface and comprising so-called suction holes (225) opening through said upper surface, a plurality of so-called suction channels (227) opening into the orifices of the lower surface and into cavities (229) communicating with the suction orifices and delimited by so-called inner surfaces (228) arranged between the lower surface and the upper surface, Said cover plate (23) comprises a solid area (Z_PL) and a perforated area (Z_PE) of a plurality of orifices (232) opening through said cover plate and is intended to be attached by said attachment means against a so-called bearing surface corresponding to said lower surface or said inner surface, such that: - each orifice of the perforated area extends one of the suction channels, the channel thus extended delimiting the suction surface (S_A), The solid area seals the remaining suction channel that opens outside the perforated area, whereby the sealed channel delimits the sealing surface (S_O).

4. The kit according to claim 3, wherein: The supporting surface is the inner surface (228), the lower surface (221) and the upper surface (222) of the retaining support (22) are connected by side surfaces (223, 224), at least one of the side surfaces includes an opening (230), and the opening (230) is configured to allow the cover plate (23) to be inserted into the cavity (229) so that the cover plate rests on the supporting surface.

5. The kit according to claim 1, wherein The lower surface (221) of the retaining support (22) is planar, or convex, or concave.

6. The kit according to claim 1, wherein The holding support (22) comprises a temperature regulating device for regulating the temperature of the holding support.

7. The kit according to claim 6, wherein: The temperature regulating device includes a heating device configured to raise and maintain the temperature of the holding support (22) above a specified temperature.

8. The kit according to claim 7, wherein The heating device comprises an electrical resistor (24).

9. A kit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein The temperature regulating device comprises a cooling device for cooling the holding support (22).

10. The kit of claim 9, wherein: The cooling device comprises a fluid circuit.

11. The kit of claim 1 , wherein: The cover plate (23) is made of metal material.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein: The cover plate (23) is made of fire-resistant steel.

13. The kit of claim 1, wherein: The means for attaching the cover plate (23) to the retaining support are reversible.

14. The kit of claim 1, wherein: The retaining support (22) comprises an abutment device (25) protruding at the lower surface (221).

15. The kit of claim 1, wherein: The size of the lower surface (221) is greater than the size of the glass plate (1).

16. The kit of claim 1, wherein: The kit comprises a plurality of cover plates configured such that, when attached to the holding support, the suction surfaces respectively delimited by the cover plates have different dimensions.

17. A device (21) for collecting glass sheets (1) that have reached a softening temperature, the device comprising a holding support (22) and a cover plate (23), the holding support (22) and the cover plate (23) belonging to a kit according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the cover plate being attached to the holding support by the attachment device.

18. A system (20) for collecting glass sheets (1) that have reached a softening temperature, the system comprising: - a collecting device (21) for collecting glass sheets (1) that have reached softening temperature according to claim 17, - a displacement device (26) configured to position the collecting device in a so-called suction position, wherein the collecting device is arranged in the vicinity of the glass sheet, which itself is arranged in a fixed position, called "stop", on a substantially horizontal conveyor belt (30), and wherein the vertical projection of the suction surface (S_A) on the glass sheet is included in the surface of the glass sheet, - Suction means (27) configured to generate suction of the air flow through the lower surface (221) via the circulation means, thereby allowing the glass sheet to be sucked and held against the collecting means when the collecting means are arranged in the suction position and the glass sheet is arranged in the fixed position.

19. A method for forming at least one glass sheet (1), said method comprising the steps of: - heating the glass sheet to a softening temperature in a heating zone (10), - transferring the glass sheet to a collection system (20) for collecting glass sheets (1) reaching softening temperature according to claim 18 by means of a substantially horizontal conveyor belt (30), the collection device (21) of the collection system being placed outside the heating zone in an environment of ambient or medium temperature, so that the glass sheet reaches a fixed position called "stop" on the conveyor belt, - activating the suction device (27) to suck and hold the glass sheet against the collecting device (21) arranged at the suction position, - stopping the suction device in order to release the glass sheet onto the forming device (40), - shaping the glass sheet.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the forming device (40) is configured to allow gravity bending of the glass sheet (1), the step of forming the glass sheet comprising: - gravity bending of the glass sheets, - transferring the assembly formed by the forming device and the glass sheet to a cooling device (50).

21. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein The holding support (22) includes an abutment device protruding from the lower surface (221), and the method further includes a step of activating the displacement device (26) to move the collecting device (21) of the conveyor belt (30) closer before the glass sheet (1) reaches the fixed position, so that the fixed position of the glass sheet corresponds to the position where the glass sheet contacts the abutment device of the holding support.

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