Articulated mold device for glass processing system

Abstract

An articulated lower mold apparatus for use with an upper mold includes a mold portion configured to bend a heated glass sheet. The mold portion has a first end, a sharp bending region proximate the first end for bending an end of the glass sheet, and a second end opposite the first end and spaced apart from the sharp bending region. The apparatus may also include a first guide member connected with the mold portion at a first location proximate the first end, and a second guide member connected with the mold portion at a second location proximate the second end and spaced apart from the sharp bend region. The mold portion and the guide member may cooperate to allow a first end of the mold portion to move from a lowered position to a raised position to move an end of the glass sheet upward.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese application 202180054487.X, which has an international application date of September 2, 2021, international application number PCT / US2021 / 048827, and invention name “Articulated mold device for glass processing system” and has entered the Chinese national phase. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an articulated mold apparatus for bending glass sheets in a glass processing system. Background Art

[0003] Examples of glass sheet mold devices in the form of a lower pressure ring are disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,452,948 and International Publication No. WO 02 / 24588 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, an articulated lower mold assembly for use with an upper mold in a glass bending system is provided. The articulated lower mold assembly includes a mold portion configured to bend a heated glass sheet. The mold portion has a first end, a sharp bend region proximate the first end for bending the end of the glass sheet, and a second end opposite the first end and spaced apart from the sharp bend region. The mold assembly may also include a first guide member connected to the mold portion at a first position proximate the first end, and a second guide member connected to the mold portion at a second position proximate the second end and spaced apart from the sharp bend region. The mold portion and the first and second guide members are configured to cooperate to allow the first end of the mold portion to move from a lowered position to a raised position to thereby move the end of the glass sheet upward and to allow the first end of the mold portion to move along a path substantially the same as the path taken by the end edge of the end of the glass sheet, while also allowing the second end of the mold portion to move substantially laterally.

[0005] A method for bending a heated glass sheet is also provided. The method may include positioning the glass sheet between a lower mold portion and an upper mold of an articulated lower mold assembly. The lower mold portion may include a first end, a sharp bend region proximate the first end for bending the end of the glass sheet, and a second end opposite the first end and spaced apart from the sharp bend region. The lower mold assembly may further include a movement facilitating assembly associated with the lower mold portion for guiding movement of the lower mold portion. The movement facilitating assembly may be connected to the lower mold portion at a first position proximate the first end and at a second position proximate the second end, the second position being laterally spaced apart from the sharp bend region. The method may further include moving the lower mold portion upward toward the upper mold to bend the end of the glass sheet between the lower mold portion and the upper mold. Furthermore, the movement facilitating assembly may be configured to guide the first end of the lower mold portion to move along a path substantially identical to a path taken by an end edge of the end of the glass sheet, and to guide the second end of the lower mold portion to move substantially laterally.

[0006] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed as limiting the claims. It is contemplated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a glass sheet processing system including a forming station having an articulated mold apparatus according to the present disclosure for bending a heated glass sheet during processing;

[0008] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 2-2, showing a forming apparatus including a first upper mold and a second upper mold and an articulated mold assembly configured as a lower mold assembly for performing three-stage forming of a hot glass sheet having a transverse curvature;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a partial view of a forming station showing a first upper mold positioned above a lower mold assembly during an operating cycle of the system;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partial view of the forming station, showing a second upper mold that cooperates with the lower mold device to press the glass sheet into shape;

[0011] Figure 5 It is a partial stereogram of the lower mold device;

[0012] Figure 6 is a partial side elevational view of the lower mold assembly showing the side mold portion in a lowered position;

[0013] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 , showing a partial side view of the side mold portion in a raised position;

[0014] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a lower mold assembly showing a portion of a movement facilitating assembly configured to be attached to a linkage assembly of a side mold portion, the side mold portion being shown in a lowered position;

[0015] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the lower mold assembly, showing another part of the linkage assembly, wherein Figure 9 The two side mold sections of the lower mold assembly are shown in a raised position;

[0016] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a lower mold assembly showing an actuator and associated linkage assembly for moving a side mold portion of the lower mold assembly;

[0017] Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the lower mold assembly showing each side mold portion in a lowered position;

[0018] Figure 12 is a side view of a lower mold assembly positioned adjacent to a second upper mold;

[0019] Figure 13 is a side view of a lower mold assembly positioned adjacent a second upper mold with each side mold portion in a raised position;

[0020] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of a three-stage forming station including an articulated die assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of a forming station including an articulated die arrangement according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an articulated mold assembly for use with an upper mold for bending a glass sheet therebetween according to the present disclosure, wherein a side mold portion of the articulated mold assembly is shown in a lowered position;

[0023] Figure 17 is with Figure 16 a similar schematic diagram showing the side mould portion of the articulated mould arrangement in a raised position;

[0024] Figure 18is a schematic diagram of a portion of an articulated mold apparatus according to the present disclosure including another example configuration of a movement facilitating assembly for guiding movement of a side mold portion of the articulated mold apparatus, wherein the side mold portion is shown in a lowered position; and

[0025] Figure 19 is with Figure 18 A similar schematic diagram shows the side mould portion of the articulated mould arrangement in a raised position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may take various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but should only be interpreted as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art. In addition, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the various features of the embodiments shown and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features shown in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly shown or described. In addition, other embodiments may be practiced without one or more specific features explained in the following description.

[0027] During the manufacture of glass sheet products, such as glass mirror panels for solar energy collection applications, vehicle windshields, rear windows, or any other suitable product, it may be necessary to mold or bend the glass sheet in conjunction with a forming or bending operation (e.g., gradually wrapping and pressing the glass sheet against a mold tool). In the present disclosure, methods and apparatus are provided for bending the glass sheet during such operations to improve glass handling (e.g., enabling tighter radius bends to be made without mold marks caused by cutouts in an articulated mold arrangement).

[0028] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a glass processing system 10 for processing glass sheets G is shown. The system 10 includes: a heating device or station for heating the glass sheets G, such as a heating furnace 12; a forming or bending station 14 for forming or bending each heated glass sheet G into a desired shape; a cooling station configured to cool each glass sheet G, such as an annealing station or a quenching station 16; and a control system 18 for controlling the operation of the heating furnace 12, the bending station 14, and the quenching station 16. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 also includes an articulated mold assembly 20 according to the present disclosure, which is provided as part of the bending station 14 for bending the glass sheet G during a forming or bending process, as explained in detail below.

[0029] The furnace 12 can have any suitable configuration for heating the glass sheet G. For example, the furnace 12 can include any suitable heating elements (not shown) positioned above and / or below a conveyor or conveyor system 22 that can be used to convey the glass sheet G through the furnace 12 in a generally horizontal orientation along a conveying plane C. As more detailed examples, the heating elements can include radiant heating elements, such as electric heaters, and / or convection heating elements, such as hot gas or hot air distributors. The conveyor system 22 can be a roller conveyor type including rollers 23, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patents 3,806,312 (McMaster); 3,934,970 (McMaster et al.); 3,947,242 (McMaster et al.); and 3,994,711 (McMaster et al.), which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] Likewise, the bending station 14 may have any suitable configuration for forming hot glass or bending each glass sheet G into a specific shape. For example, the bending station 14 may have: a conveyor or conveyor system 24 for receiving the heated glass sheet G, which may be a separate conveyor system or part of the conveyor system 22; and a glass sheet forming device or bending device 26 for forming or bending the glass sheet G. Figure 1 Furthermore, the bending station 14 has a thermally insulated housing 27 defining a heated chamber 28 (eg, heated to a temperature in the range of 610 to 725 degrees Celsius (° C.), or at least 600° C.), in which the bending apparatus 26 is at least partially located.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 , the bending apparatus 26 may be configured as a multi-stage bending apparatus for bending the glass sheet G in multiple stages (e.g., three stages). Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the bending apparatus 26 includes a first upper mold 30 that functions during the first stage of forming or bending the hot glass sheet and a second upper mold 32 that functions during the press forming stage of forming the hot glass sheet. As described above, the articulated mold assembly 20 according to the present disclosure can be provided as part of a bending station 14 for bending the glass sheet G during the forming or bending process. For example, the articulated mold assembly 20 can be used as an articulated lower mold assembly 34 (e.g., an articulated lower pressure ring assembly) of the bending apparatus 26. In addition, the lower mold assembly 34 can be configured to be moved after the first upper mold 30 has been moved from its original position in the bending station 14. Figure 2 The pick-up position shown in FIG is moved horizontally to its Figure 3 After the glass sheet G is deposited on the lower mold device 34 by the first upper mold 30, the first upper mold 30 is lowered from its position at the lower mold device 34. Figure 3 The delivery position shown in Figure 2 In addition, the lower mold device 34 moves upward and / or the second upper mold 32 moves downward, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the second upper mold 32 cooperates with the lower mold assembly 34 when the glass sheet G is pressed into shape. The lower mold assembly 34 can also be used to wrap or bend the end of the glass sheet G onto the second upper mold 32, which is explained in detail below. After forming, the second upper mold 32 moves upward together with the glass sheet G supported thereon by the vacuum suction, and is moved by the actuator 36. Figure 2 The delivery mold 35 is shown moving from the quenching station 16 to the forming station 14 to receive the glass sheet G for moving out between the lower quenching head 37a and the upper quenching head 37b of the quenching station 16 for quenching.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, the first upper mold 30 has a downwardly facing surface 38 having a downwardly convex shape. The mold surface 38 may also have straight or substantially straight elements (e.g., linear elements each having a cross-curve of 5 mm or less), which may be provided by a cylindrical or partially conical shape. The first upper mold 30 also has a frame 40 supported by elongated beams 42 (only one shown), which are moved by actuators 44 via connectors 46. These beams 42 are supported by associated rollers 48, which are mounted by actuators 50 to provide vertical movement of the beams, and therefore, the first upper mold 30, during operation of the first upper mold 30. More specifically, the first upper mold 30 can be moved downwardly to approximately half an inch (e.g., 12 to 16 mm) from the conveyor system 24 for initial pickup of the glass sheet G, and then can be moved upwardly to pass over the hot end caps 52 located at the ends of the conveyor rollers 23, thereby reducing heat flow from the interior of the bending station to the bearings at the hot ends of the rollers. The side rollers 54 also contact the beam 42 to provide a Figure 2 The pick-up position shown in Figure 3 Provides side positioning during movement between delivery positions as shown in .

[0033] Additional bending station details are disclosed in US Patent No. 9,452,948, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] The bending station 14 may also include a lifting device 56, such as a gas lift jet array, for lifting the heated glass sheet G toward the first upper mold 30. The lifting device 56 is located below the conveying plane C of the glass sheet G and includes a plurality of spaced-apart lift jet outlets or gas jet outlets 58, such as nozzles, orifices, or pumps, for supplying upward gas jets (e.g., jet streams) to lift the glass sheet G upward from the conveyor system 24 to initially shape the glass sheet and support it on the downward-facing surface 38 of the first upper mold 30, and then the first upper mold 30 is moved laterally to its delivery position with the glass sheet G supported on its downward-facing surface 38. Figure 3 The downwardly facing surface 38 of the first upper mold 30 may also have an array of vacuum holes through which a vacuum may be drawn to assist in the initial lifting of the glass sheet G, which is then supported on the downwardly facing surface 38 .

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the second upper mold 32 of the bending station 14 is positioned above the lower mold device 34 in the heating chamber 28 of the bending station housing 27 and can be moved vertically by an actuator 60 and a connecting member 62. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The upper position shown is the same as Figure 4The second upper mold 32 is vertically moved between the lower positions shown to perform press forming. The second upper mold 32 has a downwardly convex shaped downwardly facing surface 64 having a curvature in the lateral direction without any straight line elements. The second upper mold 32 also has an array of vacuum holes in its downwardly facing surface 64 for shaping the heated glass sheet G and supporting it on the second upper mold 32 during the forming cycle.

[0036] A vacuum source (not shown) is operable to provide a vacuum at the downwardly facing surfaces 38 and 64, respectively, of the first upper mold 30 and the second upper mold 32. In practice, the vacuum source may be provided by positive pressure air supplied to the first upper mold 30 and the second upper mold 32, respectively, by gas jet pumps, and the jet pumps may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,202,681 and 4,222,763 so as to be capable of drawing varying degrees of vacuum, as well as providing positive pressure air for providing release of the glass sheet during the forming operation (described more fully below).

[0037] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The lower mold assembly 34 faces upward and can be configured to provide an upwardly concave shape in the lateral direction that complements the downwardly convex shape of the downwardly facing surface 64 of the second upper mold 32. The lower mold assembly 34 is shown supported by a support structure (e.g., a frame 68) supported by an actuator 70 (e.g., a screw jack) for vertical movement. This vertical movement can be downward to allow the first upper mold 30 to move above the lower mold assembly 34, and then upward to control positioning to release the glass sheet G in a closer spaced relationship. In addition, the vertical movement of the lower mold assembly 34 can also be used in conjunction with the vertical movement of the second upper mold 32 to perform press bending.

[0038] Reference Figure 5 The lower mold device 34 has a novel design that facilitates the press bending of the glass sheet G. For example, the lower mold device 34 can be configured as an articulated mold device to provide bending of the end edge or end of the glass sheet G while reducing or eliminating defects of the glass sheet G at the bent position. Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the lower mold assembly 34 includes: a support structure or frame 71 supported by (e.g., fixedly connected to) the frame 68; an intermediate or middle mold section or portion 72 (e.g., an intermediate ring portion or segment) fixedly connected to the frame 71 for supporting a middle or central portion of the glass sheet G; a first side section or portion 74 and a second side section or portion 76 extending on opposite sides of the intermediate mold section 72, respectively; and a central glass support pad 77 extending between the side sections 74 and 76 and fixedly attached to the frame 71. The pad 77 can support a majority of the glass sheet G and keep it proximate to the downwardly facing surface 64 of the second upper mold 32 so that a vacuum drawn at the downwardly facing surface 64 can draw the central region of the glass sheet G toward the downwardly facing surface 64. In another embodiment, the lower mold assembly 34 can be provided without the pad 77.

[0039] The middle mold portion 72 can be fixedly attached to the frame 71 so that the middle mold portion 72 is fixedly attached to the frame 71 and the frame 68 (at Figure 2 71 for bending the corresponding end of the glass sheet G, and a movement facilitating assembly (e.g., linkage assembly 80). The side mold portion 78 is movably attached to the frame 71 for bending the corresponding end of the glass sheet G, and the movement facilitating assembly is configured to allow the side mold portion 78 to move from a lowered position to a raised position relative to the frame 71, the intermediate mold portion 72, and the pad 77 (if included), thereby moving the corresponding end of the glass sheet G upward and wrapping the end of the glass sheet G around the downwardly facing surface 64 of the second upper mold 32. In this regard, the pad 77 (if included) can be fixedly mounted to the frame 71 so that the pad 77 is positioned inside the side mold portion 78 of the side portion 74, 76 (e.g., within the outer boundary of the side mold portion 78) and so that the side mold portion 78 can move relative to the pad 77. In addition, each linkage assembly 80 can also allow the corresponding side mold portion 78 to move laterally.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, each side mold portion 78 has a first or outer end 81, a second or inner end 82, and mold surfaces that define a first mold area and a second mold area, e.g., an outer mold area 83 and an inner mold area 84, respectively. For example, the outer mold area 83, which may be 30 cm or less in length, is positioned adjacent to the outer end 81 of the side mold portion 78 and includes a sharp bend area positioned near or adjacent to the outer end 81 of the side mold portion 78 for bending the corresponding end of the glass sheet G. For example, the center portion of the sharp bend area may be positioned within 2 to 28 cm of the outer end edge of the side mold portion 78. The outer mold area 83, which extends inwardly to just beyond the sharp bend area, may also include a relatively flat area positioned between the sharp bend area and the outer end edge of the side mold portion 78. The inner mold area 84 extends from the outer mold area 83 to the inner end 82 of the side mold portion 78 and includes a flat area or a curved area having a larger radius of curvature than the sharp bend area. For example, example profiles of the outer mold area and the inner mold area are shown in FIG. Figures 16 to 19 Schematically shown in (and in Figure 19 ), which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0041] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the side mold portion 78 of the second side portion 76 is shown in a lowered position, and the side mold portion 78 of the first side portion 74 is shown in a raised position. Figure 6 , when each side mold portion 78 is in the lowered position, there is a gap between the inner end 82 of each side mold portion 78 and the middle mold portion 72. Figure 7 When each side mold portion 78 is in the raised position, each side mold portion 78 is positioned closer to center mold portion 72 such that the size of the gap is reduced or the gap is eliminated. For example, when side mold portions 78 are in the raised position, inner end 82 of each side mold portion 78 may be within 0.3 cm or less of center mold portion 72 (e.g., spaced apart from center mold portion 72 by a distance in the range of 0.01 to 0.3 cm).

[0042] Figure 6 The side mould portion 78 of the second side portion 76 is shown in a lowered position, Figure 7 The side mold portions 78 of the second side portion 76 are shown in a raised position. The side mold portions 78 of the first side portion 74 can be moved in a similar manner. In addition, each side mold portion 78 can have a length, measured in the lateral direction L, that is at least as long as the length of the middle mold portion 72, or at least twice as long as the length of the middle mold portion 72. In another embodiment, the lower mold arrangement 34 can be provided without a middle mold portion.

[0043] Reference Figures 6 to 9 Each linkage assembly 80 includes a first guide member or first link 85a that is pivotally connected to the corresponding side mold portion 78 at a first location proximate the outer end 81 of the side mold portion 78, such as by a pivot member or shaft 86, so that the first link 85a can be rotated about a first axis 87 extending through the first location (at Figure 8 ). The first link 85a is also pivotally connected to the first support member 88, for example by means of a pivot member or shaft 89, so that the first link 85a can also pivot about an axis 90 extending through the first support member 88. The first support member 88 can be any suitable support member, such as a bearing member or a frame member. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first support member 88 is a bearing block of a frame member attached to the frame 71. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the pivot shaft 89 is positioned inboard of the pivot shaft 86 and is in a position to pivot when the corresponding side mold portion 78 is in the lowered position (such as Figure 8 ) and extends below the pivot axis 86 when in the raised position.

[0044] In addition, each linkage assembly 80 includes a second guide member or second link 91a that is pivotally connected to the corresponding side mold portion 78 at a second location proximate the inner end 82 of the side mold portion 78 and spaced apart from the first location and the sharp bend area so that the second link 91a can be pivotally moved about a second axis 92 extending through the second location (at Figure 9 (shown in the figure). In the illustrated embodiment, the second link 91a is pivotally connected to a bracket 93 using a pivot member or shaft 94, and the bracket 93 is fixedly attached to the corresponding side mold portion 78, for example, using one or more fasteners and / or welding. The bracket 93 on the right side of the lower mold assembly 34 is broken away in many of the figures to illustrate the intermediate mold portion 72, which is positioned behind the bracket 93 and is not connected to the bracket 93. In another embodiment, the second link 91a is pivotally attached directly to the corresponding side mold portion 78. The second link 91a is also pivotally connected to a second support member 96, such as a support member or frame member, so that the second link 91a can pivot about an axis 97 extending through the second support member 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the second support member 96 is a support block attached to the frame member 98. In addition, the first and second support members 88 and 96, as well as the frame member to which the support members 88 and 96 are attached, can all be considered to be part of the frame 71. Additionally, the frame 71 and the framework 68 may be considered together as a common support structure for the lower mold assembly 34 .

[0045] For each side portion 74, 76, the side mold portion 78 and the connecting rods 85a and 91a are configured to cooperate to allow the side mold portion 78 to be moved from a position such as Figure 6 The lowered position shown is moved to a position such as Figure 7 , and guides the movement so that the side mold portion 78 moves at least a portion (e.g., an end) of the glass sheet G upward. Furthermore, for each side portion 74, 76, the side mold portion 78 and the connecting rods 85a and 91a are configured to cooperate to allow the side mold portion 78 to move laterally toward the middle mold portion 72 when the side mold portion 78 moves from the lowered position to the raised position. Thus, and as described above, any gap that may exist between the corresponding side mold portion 78 and the middle mold portion 72 when the side mold portion 78 is in the lowered position can be reduced or eliminated when the side mold portion 78 is moved to the raised position. For example, for each side portion 74, 76, the side mold portion 78 and the connecting rods 85a and 91a can form a four-bar linkage with the frame 71, and each four-bar linkage can be configured to guide the upward pivotal movement of the corresponding side mold portion 78 while also guiding the lateral movement of the side mold portion 78.

[0046] In addition, refer to Figure 6 For each side portion 74, 76 in the illustrated embodiment, the first tie rod 85a has a first effective length l1 and the second tie rod 91a has a second effective length l2 that is at least twice as long as the first effective length l1. In the illustrated embodiment, the sharp bend region is relatively short, and therefore the first effective length l1 of the first tie rod 85a is relatively short. However, the first effective length l1 and the second effective length l2 are strongly dependent on the shape of the glass being manufactured, and thus the effective lengths l1 and l2 can each be any suitable length. With any of the above configurations, when the side mold portions 78 are moved from a lowered position to a raised position, one end (e.g., the inner end) of each side mold portion 78 located adjacent to the middle mold portion 72 can move only slightly vertically while also moving laterally toward the middle mold portion 72. For example, as each side mold portion 78 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the inner ends 82 of the side mold portions 78 may move vertically a distance in the range of 0.05 cm to 3.0 cm while moving laterally inwardly a distance in the range of 0.3 cm to 15 cm.

[0047] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9, each linkage assembly 80 may include corresponding first and second guide members or links 85b, 91b, respectively, located on a side of the corresponding side mold portion 78 opposite to the side where the first and second links 85a, 91a, respectively, are located. In addition, for each linkage assembly 80, the first links 85a and 85b may be connected together by a connecting member, such as a synchronization shaft 99, so that the first links 85a and 85b move together. Similarly, for each linkage assembly 80, the second links 91a and 91b may be connected together by a connecting member, such as a synchronization shaft 100, so that the second links 91a and 91b move together. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, first links 85a and 85b on opposite sides of respective side mold portions 78 are mirror images of one another, and second links 91a and 91b on opposite sides of respective side mold portions 78 are also mirror images of one another.

[0048] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the lower mold assembly 34 also includes one or more actuators 102 mounted on the frame 68 for moving each side mold portion 78 (e.g., each outer end 81) between a lowered position and a raised position. In the embodiment shown, the lower mold assembly 34 includes an actuator 102 connected to each side mold portion 78 via a linkage assembly 104, and each actuator 102 can be Figure 1 18 is controlled by the control system 18 shown. Each linkage assembly 104 may include any suitable member or link for facilitating movement of the corresponding side mold portion 78. For example, each linkage assembly 104 may include a first member or crank 106 fixedly connected as an output shaft of the actuator 102, a second member or link 108 pivotally connected to the crank 106, a third member or crankshaft 110 pivotally connected to the second link 108, and a fourth member or link 112 pivotally connected to the crankshaft 110 and pivotally connected to the side mold portion 78. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, the second connecting rod 108 extends into the frame 68, and the crankshaft 110 is an axle having two crank arms with ends 90 degrees apart and rotatably mounted on two support members or blocks, one of which is shown as a block 113 fixed to the frame 68, as shown. Figure 10 As shown. Figure 8 and Figure 10 A fourth link 112 having U-shaped clips at both ends may be pivotally connected to a shaft or pin 114 that is fixedly connected to the side mold portion 78 via a rod that is locked into an attachment block 116 .

[0049] Each actuator 102 is operable to cause the associated linkage assembly 104 to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first configuration shown is Figure 13 between the second configuration shown so that the associated side mold portion 78 is positioned between Figure 11 and Figure 12 The lowered position shown is the same as Figure 13 The side mold portion 78 is moved between the raised positions shown so that the side mold portion 78 can bend the end of the glass sheet G, as explained in detail below. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the linkage assembly 80, including the connecting rod 85a and the mounting block 88, has been moved downwardly and inwardly from their positions, which may be necessary to create a travel path at the outer end 81 of each side mold portion 78 that may match the path of the corresponding end of the glass sheet G during operation of the lower mold assembly 34. This positional shifting has been made in these figures to more clearly illustrate the connecting rods 112 of the associated linkage assembly 104 and may not represent their actual position in use. Additionally, for clarity, the Figure 11 In FIG, only the glass plate G is shown in the form of a thin plate.

[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 11 to 13 , the operation of the system 10 will now be described in more detail. The processing of the glass sheet G in the system 10 can begin by heating the glass sheet G in the heating furnace 12 (e.g., to a temperature in the range of 575°C to 675°C, or to a temperature of at least 575°C), and then conveying the glass sheet G to the bending station 14 to begin the press forming or bending operation. The lifting device 56 can then be operated to lift the glass sheet G from the conveyor system 24 and against the downwardly facing mold surface 38 of the first upper mold 30. After the glass sheet G is supported on the first upper mold 30, the first upper mold 30 can be moved upward to pass over the roller end cap 52 and then from its position in the bending station 14. Figure 2 The pickup position shown in the figure moves horizontally to Figure 3 The delivery position is shown in FIG. 2 , in which the glass sheet G is released onto the lower mold device 34. Thus, the first upper mold 30 can be used as a transfer device for transferring the heated glass sheet G from the conveyor system 24 to the lower mold device 34. After the glass sheet G is deposited on the lower mold device 34 by the first upper mold 30, the first upper mold 30 is removed from its original position. Figure 3 The delivery position shown in Figure 2 The second upper mold 32 also moves downward and / or the lower mold device 34 moves upward, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 12As shown, the second upper mold 32 can cooperate with the lower mold device 34 when the glass sheet G is pressed into shape. When the lower mold device 34 is positioned adjacent to the second upper mold 32, the actuator 102 can be operated to move the linkage assembly 104 from Figure 12 The first configuration shown moves to Figure 13 The second configuration shown is such that each side mold portion 78 (e.g., each outer end 81) is removed from the Figure 12 The lowered position shown moves to Figure 13 The raised position shown in FIG. 1 allows the end of the glass sheet G to be bent upward and pressed against the second upper mold 32 (i.e., the end of the glass sheet G can be wrapped around the second upper mold 32). The actuators 102 can be operated simultaneously or independently so that each side mold portion 78 can move independently of the other side mold portion 78. In addition, in some applications, only one actuator 102 can be operated so that only one side mold portion 78 moves between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0051] In the above-described operating method, the side mold portions 78 are positioned in their lowered positions before the lower mold assembly 34 receives the glass sheet G from the first upper mold 30, and are moved to their raised positions after the glass sheet G is pressed between the pad 77 of the lower mold assembly 34 and the second upper mold 32 (or after the frame 71 of the lower mold assembly 34 and the second upper mold 32 have reached their final pressed positions). However, the side mold portions 78 may be moved to their raised positions at any suitable time. For example, the side mold portions 78 may be moved to their raised positions before the lower mold assembly 34 receives the glass sheet G from the first upper mold 30. Next, the side mold portions 78 may be moved to their lowered positions before the glass sheet G is pressed between the lower mold assembly 34 and the second upper mold 32, and then, while the glass sheet G is pressed between the lower mold assembly 34 and the second upper mold 32, the side mold portions 78 may be moved to their raised positions, thereby allowing the ends of the glass sheet G to wrap around the second upper mold 32.

[0052] After press forming and wrapping of the glass sheet G, as previously described, the second upper mold 32 is moved upward with the glass sheet G supported on its downwardly facing surface 64 by the vacuum drawn, and Figure 2 The delivery mold 35 is shown moving from the quenching station 16 into the bending station 14 to receive the glass sheet G to be moved out between the lower quenching head 37a and the upper quenching head 37b of the quenching station 16 for quenching.

[0053] The above-described configuration of the lower mold assembly 34 can provide a number of benefits. First, because there are no gaps or hinge cuts at or near small radius areas or sharp bend areas (e.g., complex bend areas) of the side mold portion 78 (e.g., near the outer end 81 of the side mold portion 78 shown in the figure), the glass sheet G can be bent onto the second upper mold 32 without causing distortion or irregularities in areas of high edge strain at the periphery of the glass sheet G (e.g., at bend areas near the end edges of the glass sheet G), where the forces on the side mold portion 78 may be greatest. Figure 6 For example, any gaps or hinge cuts of the lower mold assembly 34 are positioned proximate to the middle portion 72 or center plane 118 of the lower mold assembly 34 (e.g., less than 30 cm from the center plane 118) such that such gaps or hinge cuts are spaced apart from the outer ends 81 of the side mold portions 78. Near the middle portion 72 or center plane 118 of the lower mold assembly 34, the bend radius of the glass sheet G is very large and the force that the lower mold assembly 34 must apply to press the glass sheet G against the second upper mold 32 is very small. However, existing lower mold or ring configurations may include gaps or hinge cuts at or near such high edge strain areas, and thus may leave hinge cut marks at or near the edge of the bent glass sheet.

[0054] Second, the pivotable links 85, 91 or other components or devices of the linkage assembly 80 or other movement-facilitating components for directing movement of the side mold portions 78 can be arranged to provide an arcuate path of travel on the side of each side mold portion 78 farthest from the center plane 118 of the lower mold assembly 34. This arc can be substantially identical to or closely match the path of travel of a corresponding portion or end edge of the glass sheet G as the glass sheet G is gradually wrapped around the second upper mold 32 or other mold from the center to the end edge of the glass sheet G. Thus, relative movement of the end of the glass over the side mold portions 78 as the side mold portions 78 force the glass sheet G onto the second upper mold 32 can be minimized, thereby reducing the likelihood (compared to a non-articulated lower mold) that this relative movement will pull glass fragments from the edge of the glass sheet G during the high forces required to complete the wrapping of the glass sheet G onto the second upper mold 32.

[0055] Third, the above-described configuration can extend the life of the mold cloth on the second upper mold 32 or other molds (compared to a non-articulated lower mold). In this regard, in a configuration where a glass sheet is bent using a fixed-shape lower mold or pressure ring and a curved upper mold, if the curved areas on the sides of the upper mold are sufficiently sharp, the cloth-covered surface of the upper mold will contact the glass sheet at two points—for example, one near each end of the glass sheet—as the upper mold presses the flat glass sheet into the lower mold. Upon contact, gaps may exist between the glass sheet and the upper mold at those contact points. Furthermore, the length between the contact points measured on the mold surface of the upper mold is shorter than the length between the contact points measured along the glass sheet. Therefore, as pressing continues and the vacuum at the mold surface of the upper mold draws the center area of ​​the glass sheet toward the upper mold, the excess length of the glass sheet will slide outward along the surface of the mold cloth. If the bend in the upper mold is sharp enough and continues toward a 90-degree angle, the contact force between the glass sheet and the mold cloth could be so high that the glass sheet grabs onto the mold cloth instead of sliding, potentially tangling the mold cloth's fibers as it moves toward the outer ends of the lower and upper molds. Sticky coatings on the ends of the glass sheet can also exacerbate this problem. However, by using the hinged lower mold assembly disclosed herein, the gap between the glass sheet and the upper mold that exists when using a fixed-shape lower mold or ring bend can be avoided, without the problem of hinge marks. For example, with the hinged lower mold assembly described above, when the glass sheet is pressed between the hinged lower mold assembly and the upper mold, it can initially contact the center of the upper mold. Furthermore, the contact area can gradually expand outward from the center, never leaving a gap between the two contact points between the glass sheet and the upper mold. As a result, the glass can exit the cloth-covered mold surface of the upper mold from the center to the outer ends of the upper mold. No grooves are closed, and no extra glass slides on the mold cloth. Consequently, the service life of the mold cloth can be extended.

[0056] Reference Figure 14 , shows a second embodiment of a three-stage forming or bending station 14' with which an articulated mold apparatus 20' according to the present disclosure may be used. As with the glass handling system 10 described in detail above, the forming station 14' is part of a glass handling system 10' having an upstream heating furnace (not shown). In addition, the forming station 14' has many of the same components that operate as the components of the previously described embodiments, such that the same reference numerals are applied to the same components, except that the reference numerals for the components of the forming station 14' may each include a prime. In addition, much of the previous description applies to the forming station 14' and therefore will not be repeated. Additionally, further details of such a forming station may be found in U.S. Patent No. 9,809,485, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0057] exist Figure 14 In the embodiment shown, the first upper mold 30' is not movable laterally, but is movable only vertically, for example, by means of an actuator 120 and a suitable connector 122. In addition, the articulated mold assembly 20' is configured as an articulated lower mold assembly 34', which is movable laterally, for example, by means of an actuator 124 and a suitable connector 126. With the above configuration, the frame 68 mentioned above in relation to the lower mold assembly 34 can be omitted, and the lower mold assembly 34' can instead be mounted on a slidable shuttle frame connected to the actuator 124. In addition, the side mold portion 78' of the lower mold assembly 34' is movable via a suitable linkage assembly and actuator (not shown), for example, as described above in relation to the lower mold assembly 34. It should be noted that for Figure 14 The lower mold means 34', the side mold parts 78' and the middle part (not shown) are shown arranged along lines extending into and out of the paper, so that only a schematic cross-sectional view of one side mold part 78' is visible. Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of a lower mould arrangement 34' and a delivery mould 35' is shown.

[0058] exist Figure 14 In the illustrated forming station 14', a glass sheet G' heated by an upstream heating furnace (not shown) and positioned on a conveyor system 24' can be lifted from rollers or rolls 23' of the conveyor system 24' by a lifting device 56' so that the glass sheet G' can be received by a first upper mold 30'. As described above, the first upper mold 30' can also have an array of vacuum holes through which a vacuum can be drawn to assist in the initial lifting of the glass sheet G' and then support the glass sheet on the first upper mold 30'.

[0059] The first upper mold 30' can then be raised to Figure 14 The raised position shown allows the lower mold assembly 34' to be moved by the actuator 124 to a position below the first upper mold assembly 34'. The first upper mold assembly 30' can then be moved downward to release the glass sheet G' for transfer to the lower mold assembly 34'. The release of the glass sheet G' can be provided by terminating the vacuum drawn at the mold surface 38' of the first upper mold assembly 30' and terminating the upward gas jet provided by the lift jet assembly 56' and by providing positive pressure gas to the mold surface 38'. Thus, the first upper mold assembly 30' can be used as a transfer assembly for transferring the heated glass sheet G' from the conveyor system 24' to the lower mold assembly 34'. The first upper mold assembly 30' is then moved upward to its high position and is in its position above the second upper mold assembly 32'. Figure 14 When the lower mold assembly 34' and the glass sheet G' supported thereon are horizontally moved to a position below the second upper mold 32' (at Figure 14(not shown in the figure) that the glass sheet G' is positioned on the lower mold assembly 34'. During this movement, the glass sheet G' may sag due to gravity toward the shape of the middle mold portion (not shown) and the side mold portion 78' of the lower mold assembly 34', or the glass sheet G' may be supported by pads (e.g., similar to the pads 77 mentioned above) of the lower mold assembly 34'. The second upper mold 32' is then moved from its position at Figure 14 The high position shown is moved downward to its low position to cooperate with the lower mold assembly 34', thereby press-forming the glass sheet G' having a curvature in the transverse direction. When the lower mold assembly 34' is positioned adjacent to the second upper mold 32', one or both side mold portions 78' can be moved from the lower position to the raised position in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the lower mold assembly 34, so that the side mold portions 78' can press the end edges or ends of the glass sheet G' upward against or wrap around the mold surface 64' of the second upper mold 32'. Then, when the second upper mold 32' is moved upward to its Figure 14 In the raised position shown in FIG, the second upper mold 32' can draw a vacuum at its downwardly facing surface 64' to support the glass sheet G' on the surface 64'.

[0060] The glass forming operation continues by moving the lower mold assembly 34' out from under the second upper mold 32' and back under the first upper mold 30', while the delivery mold 35' is removed from its position in the quenching station 16'. Figure 14 The press-formed glass sheet G' is then moved from its position to a position below the second upper mold 32' to receive the glass sheet G'. As the vacuum at the second upper mold 32' is terminated, the glass sheet G' falls onto the delivery mold 35'. The delivery mold 35' is then moved out of the bending station 14' by its actuator 36' to be delivered or further processed, such as by quenching between the lower quench head 37a' and the upper quench head 37b' in the quenching station 16'.

[0061] Reference Figure 15 , a third embodiment of a forming or bending station 14" is shown with which an articulated mold apparatus 20" according to the present disclosure may be used. As with the glass handling system 10 described in detail above, the forming station 14" is part of a glass handling system 10" having an upstream heating furnace (not shown). In addition, the forming station 14" has many of the same components that operate as the components of the previously described embodiments, such that the same reference numerals are applied to the same components, except that the reference numerals for the components of the forming station 14" may each include a double prime. In addition, much of the preceding description applies to the forming station 14" and therefore will not be repeated. Additionally, additional details of similar forming stations may be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,661,141, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0062] exist Figure 15 In the illustrated embodiment, the forming station 14" includes a single upper mold 130, which can be moved vertically, such as by an actuator 120" and a suitable connector 122". The articulated mold assembly 20" is again configured as an articulated lower mold assembly 34", which can be moved laterally, such as by an actuator 124" and a suitable connector 126", and the lower mold assembly 34" can cooperate with the mold surface 132 of the upper mold 130 to squeeze the glass sheet into shape therebetween. The side mold portion 78" of the lower mold assembly 34" can also be moved via suitable movement facilitating components (e.g., linkage assembly and actuator, not shown) such as those described above with respect to the lower mold assembly 34.

[0063] exist Figure 15 In the forming station 14" shown, a glass sheet G" (shown in dotted lines) heated by an upstream heating furnace (not shown) and positioned on a conveyor system 24" can be lifted by a lifting device 56" from rollers or rollers 23" of the conveyor system 24" so that the glass sheet G" can be received by the upper mold 130. The upper mold 130 can also have a vacuum hole array through which a vacuum can be drawn to help initially lift the glass sheet G" and then support the glass sheet on the first upper mold 130.

[0064] Then, the upper mold 130 can be raised together with the glass sheet G" to an elevated high position so that the lower mold assembly 34" can be moved by the actuator 124" from a position in the heated area of ​​the forming station 14" (e.g., a hot station or hot box 134) to a position below the upper mold 130. Next, the upper mold 130 can be lowered so that the glass sheet G" can be press-formed between the upper mold 130 and the lower mold assembly 34". For example, the lifting assembly 56" can continue to operate and support the glass sheet G" on the upper mold 130 until the glass sheet G" contacts the lower mold assembly 34". When the lower mold assembly 34" is positioned adjacent to the upper mold 130, one or both side mold portions 78" can be moved from a lowered position to a raised position in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the lower mold assembly 34, so that the side mold portions 78" can press the ends or wings of the glass sheet G" upward against or wrap around the mold surface 132 of the upper mold 130. The upper mold 130 may continue to draw a vacuum at its downwardly facing surface 132 to support the glass sheet G" on the surface 132 as the upper mold 130 moves upward to the raised position.

[0065] The glass forming operation can be continued by moving the lower mold assembly 34" out from under the upper mold 130 and back to Figure 15 The hot box 134 is shown in the position, and the delivery mold 35" is removed from its position in the quenching station 16". Figure 15The delivery mold 35" is then moved from its position to a position below the upper mold 130 to receive the glass sheet G". Due to the termination of the vacuum at the upper mold 130, the glass sheet G" falls onto the delivery mold 35". The delivery mold 35" is then moved out of the bending station 14" by its actuator 36" for delivery or further processing of the press-formed glass sheet, for example by quenching between the lower quenching head 37a" and the lower quenching head 37b" in the quenching station 16".

[0066] It should be noted that Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional view of a delivery mold 35" is shown. In addition, the lower mold assembly 34" and the upper mold 130 have both been rotated 90° about a vertical axis from the usual orientation to illustrate the side mold portions 78" of the lower mold assembly 34" and the sharp curved areas of the upper mold 130.

[0067] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of an articulated lower mold assembly 34'' for use with an upper mold 136 to bend a glass sheet G'' therebetween in accordance with the present disclosure. The lower mold assembly 34'' can represent any of the lower mold assemblies described in detail above. Only a first side portion 74'' (e.g., a left side portion) and a middle or center mold portion 72'' of the lower mold assembly 34'' are shown. However, the lower mold assembly 34'' can include a second side portion (e.g., a right side portion, not shown) similar to the first side portion 74'', as described above with respect to other lower mold assemblies. As another alternative, a lower mold assembly 34'' can be provided without the middle portion 72''. In this case, the side portions 78'' of the first side portion and the second side portion can be positioned adjacent to each other. In addition, as described above with respect to the lower mold assembly 34, for each side portion, the lower mold assembly 34'' includes a movement facilitating assembly, such as a linkage assembly 80'', for guiding movement of the side mold portion 78'' of the corresponding side portion. Each linkage assembly 80"' may include a first guide member and a second guide member, such as a first link 85"' and a second link 91"', respectively, for guiding the side mold portion 78"' from Figure 16 Lowered position shown to Figure 17 The movement of the side mold portion 78'' to the raised position shown allows the end of the glass sheet G'' to be moved upward and wrapped around the upper mold 136. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 16As shown, each linkage assembly 80' defines a first pivot axis or pivot point 90' and a second pivot axis or pivot point 97' for the side mold portion 78'. The first pivot point 90', together with the first link 85'' on the side mold portion 78'' (shown broken away to show the end of the glass sheet G'' that contacts the side mold portion 78'') and the pivot axis or pivot point 87'', limit the upward movement of the first end or outer end 81'' of the side mold portion 78'' to an arc 142 about the first pivot point 90'', and the second pivot point 97', together with the second link 91'' on the side mold portion 78'' and the pivot axis or pivot point 92'', limit the lateral movement of the second end or inner end 82'' of the side mold portion 78'' to an arc 144 about the pivot point 97''.

[0068] As the glass sheet G''' bends onto the downwardly facing surface of the upper mold 136, the glass sheet G''' will gradually wrap outward from the center of the mold surface over the sharp bend in the mold surface, and the outer end edge 146 of the glass sheet G''' will follow the Figure 16 The curved line in the space indicated by the unwrapped, half-wrapped and fully wrapped representations 146 of the outer end edge of the glass sheet G" is swept. The curve can be approximated to within about 1 mm by an arc 147 about a fixed center point 148. For a mold portion or hinged ring having a single pivot point at the center point of the arc 147, the glass contact area on the outer end of such a ring will substantially follow the path of the outer end edge of the glass sheet as the outer end of the ring moves from a lowered position to a raised position. If, as in the presently disclosed lower mold apparatus 34"', the side mold portion 78"' is pivoted by a pivot point 90"' on a fixed support (e.g., a frame member of the frame 71 described above, or attached to such a frame ') and one pivot point 87' on the side mold portion 78' is guided along the arc 142, then if the pivot point 90' is positioned at the center point 148 of the arc 147 of the outer end edge of the glass sheet G', and the pivot point 87' on the side mold portion 78' is positioned to be aligned with the outer end edge of the glass sheet G', then the arc 142 of the side mold portion 78' will be located above the arc 147 of the outer end edge of the glass sheet G', and the glass contact area of ​​the outer end 81' of the side mold portion 78' can basically follow the path of the outer end edge of the glass sheet G' when the outer end edge of the glass sheet G' is wrapped onto the mold 136. To a lesser extent, the path of travel of the outer end 81'' of the side mold portion 78'' may be affected by the path of travel of the inner end 82'' of the side mold portion 78'', and small adjustments may need to be made to the positions of the pivot points 90'' and 87'' to compensate for this effect. Figure 16', movement of the inner end 82'" of the side mold portion 78'" is carried out by the second link 91'" along an arc 144 about the pivot point 97'". The arc 142 of the outer end 81'" of the side mold portion 78'" has a certain upward extent and a certain lateral extent, and as the outer end 81'" moves upward along the arc 142, both the outer end 81'" and the inner end 82'" of the side mold portion 78'" move laterally. The inner end 82'" of the side mold portion 78'" follows the top of the arc 144 and therefore moves in a generally lateral direction.

[0069] As a result, when the side mold portion 78'' moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the outer end 81'' of the side mold portion 78'', specifically the portion of the outer end edge of the outer end 81'' that contacts the end of the glass sheet G'', can move along a path 142 that is substantially the same as the path taken by the outer end edge of the end of the glass sheet G'', while the inner end 82'' of the side mold portion 78'' moves substantially laterally toward the middle mold portion 72'' or, if the middle mold portion 72'' is not included, toward other side mold portions (not shown). For example, when the side mold portion 78'' moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the path 142 of the portion of the outer end edge of the outer end 81'' that contacts the end of the glass sheet G'' can be within 1.0 cm, or within 0.2 cm, or within 0.05 to 0.2 cm of the path taken by the outer end edge of the end of the glass sheet G''. In addition, for example, the inner end 82'" may be moved laterally a distance in the range of 0.5 to 15 cm such that when the side mold portion 78'" is in the raised position, the inner end 82'" is in contact with or spaced apart from the middle mold portion 72'" or other side mold portions (not shown) by a distance in the range of 0.01 to 0.3 cm, or spaced apart by a distance of 0.3 cm or less. In addition, for example, the inner end 82'" may only be moved vertically a distance in the range of 0.05 to 3.0 cm. As another example, when the side mold portion 78'" moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the inner end 82'" of the side mold portion 78'" may be moved laterally a first distance and vertically a second distance, wherein the first distance may be at least four times, or at least six times, or at least eight times, the second distance.

[0070] Figure 18 and Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an articulated lower mold assembly 34"" including another example configuration of a movement facilitating assembly 149 for guiding movement of an associated side mold portion 78". Additionally, Figure 18 and Figure 19 The illustrated movement facilitating assembly 149 can be used with any of the above-described lower mold devices. The movement facilitating assembly 149 includes a first guide member 150 and a second guide member 152, each for guiding the side mold portion 78" from the mold portion 78" to the mold portion 78"; Figure 18 The lowered position shown moves to Figure 19 In the raised position shown, movement of the side mold portion 78"" is guided as described above with respect to the other lower mold arrangements. However, in this embodiment, at least one of the guide members 150, 152 is formed as a rotatable member (e.g., a roller) or a guide for receiving a rotatable member.

[0071] In the embodiment shown, the first guide member 150 is formed as a pivotable link, such as described in detail above, which is pivotally attached to the side mold portion 78" near its first or outer end 81"". However, unlike Figure 16 Compared to the pivot points 87' and 90' of the first link 85'' of the linkage assembly 80'' shown, in this embodiment, the pivot axes or pivot points 87'' and 90'' of the first guide member 150 have been moved downwardly to provide clearance for the mold 136 and shorten the connecting member or linkage to the synchronization shaft 99'', which can pass under the side mold part 78'' to coordinate the proximal and distal (inside and outside the paper) movement of the side mold part 78''. Moving the pivot points in this way may have a small effect on the path of the outer end 81'' of the side mold part 78'', so it may be necessary to adjust the positions of the pivot points 87'' and 90'' so that the path 154 of the corresponding side mold part and the path 147'' of the end edge of the glass sheet are substantially the same, for example as described above with respect to Figure 16 The lower mold assembly 34"' shown is described. For example, the positions of the lower pivot points 87"" and 90"" can be selected (for example, relative to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The pivot points 87"' and 90"' shown are adjusted laterally) to create a path 154 (e.g., an arc of glass contact points on the side mold portion 78") so that it is aligned with the pivot axis or pivot point 156 (represented by the side mold portion 78"). Figure 16 and Figure 17 The pivot point 156 may be the same or substantially the same as the arc centered at the pivot point 90"'. Additionally, the pivot point 156 may coincide with the center point 148"" of the arc 147".

[0072] In addition, Figure 18 and Figure 19In the illustrated embodiment, the second guide member 152 is formed as a rotatable member or roller 158 that is rotatably connected to the side mold portion 78" near the second end or inner end 82"" of the side mold portion 78". In addition, the roller 158 is received in a fixed guide 160 (e.g., a track or channel) formed on the support structure or intermediate mold portion 72"" of the lower mold assembly 34". As with the second link 91 described above with respect to the lower mold assembly 34, the roller 158 and the associated guide 160 are configured to guide the movement of the inner end 82"" of the side mold portion 78" so that when the side mold portion 78"" is lowered from the lower position ( Figure 18 shown) to the raised position ( Figure 19 10. The guide 160 may also have a slightly upwardly extending inclined portion (e.g., at an angle in the range of 3 to 10°) or a curved portion so that the inner end 82"" of the side mold portion 78"" can be guided slightly upward (e.g., a distance in the range of 0.05 to 3 cm) as it moves laterally inward. Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the embodiment shown, the guide 160 defines a curved path for the roller 158 so that when the side mold portion 78"" moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the inner end 82"" of the side mold portion 78"" will follow the same curved path as the roller 158. Figure 16 The illustrated arc 144 moves along the same or similar path. For example, the above configuration may be advantageous when available vertical space is limited.

[0073] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the movement facilitating assembly 149 may also include one or more side guide members, such as rollers 162, which are connected to the frame member or other support structure and can engage with the sides (e.g., vertical sides) of the side mold portion 78"" to inhibit lateral movement of the side mold portion 78"" (e.g., in the embodiment shown, in the in-and-out direction of the paper) when the side mold portion 78"" moves relative to the frame member or other support structure between the lowered position and the raised position. As another example, the movement facilitating assembly 149 may include one or more side guide members, such as rollers that are rotatably mounted on the side mold portion 78"" and can engage with the frame member or other support structure (e.g., the vertical sides of such a frame member or support structure). Such rollers can also guide the side mold portion 78"" and inhibit lateral movement.

[0074] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms according to the present disclosure. In this regard, the terms used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the features of the various implemented embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An articulated lower mold assembly for use with an upper mold in a glass bending system, the articulated lower mold assembly comprising: a mold portion configured to bend a heated glass sheet, the mold portion having a first end, a bending region proximate the first end for bending an end portion of the glass sheet, and a second end opposite the first end and spaced apart from the bending region; a first guide member connected to the mold portion at a first location proximate the first end; as well as a second guide member connected to the mold portion at a second location proximate the second end and spaced apart from the bend region; wherein the mold portion and the first and second guide members are configured to cooperate to allow the first end of the mold portion to move from a lowered position to a raised position, thereby moving the end of the glass sheet upward, while also allowing the second end of the mold portion to move laterally, and wherein the first guide member includes a first link pivotally connected to the mold portion at the first position so that the first link can pivot about a first axis extending through the first position.

2. The articulated lower mold assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second guide member comprises a second link pivotally connected to the mold portion at the second position such that the second link is pivotable about a second axis extending through the second position.

3. The articulated lower mold assembly of claim 1 further comprising a glass support pad positioned at least partially within the outer boundaries of the mold portion for supporting the glass sheet, wherein the mold portion is movable relative to the glass support pad.

4. The articulated lower mould arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second guide member comprises a roller or a guide for a roller.

5. The articulated lower mold arrangement of claim 1, wherein the second guide member comprises a roller rotatably connected to the mold portion at the second position, the roller being movable along a guide connected to the second support member.

6. An articulated lower mold assembly for use with an upper mold in a glass bending system, the articulated lower mold assembly comprising: a mold portion configured to bend a heated glass sheet, the mold portion having a first end, a bending region proximate the first end for bending an end portion of the glass sheet, and a second end opposite the first end and spaced apart from the bending region; a first guide member connected to the mold portion at a first location proximate the first end; a second guide member connected to the mold portion at a second location proximate the second end and spaced apart from the bend region; as well as a glass support pad positioned at least partially inside the mold portion for supporting the glass sheet; wherein the mold portion and the first and second guide members are configured to cooperate to allow the first end of the mold portion to move from a lowered position to a raised position, thereby moving the end of the glass sheet upward, while also allowing the second end of the mold portion to move laterally, and wherein the mold portion is movable relative to the glass support pad.

7. An articulated lower mold assembly for use with an upper mold in a glass bending system, the articulated lower mold assembly comprising: a mold portion configured to bend a heated glass sheet, the mold portion having a first end, a bending region proximate the first end for bending an end portion of the glass sheet, and a second end opposite the first end and spaced apart from the bending region; a first guide member connected to the mold portion at a first location proximate the first end; as well as a second guide member connected to the mold portion at a second location proximate the second end and spaced apart from the bend region; wherein the mold portion and the first and second guide members are configured to cooperate to allow the first end of the mold portion to move from a lowered position to a raised position, thereby moving the end of the glass sheet upward, while also allowing the second end of the mold portion to move laterally, and wherein one of the first and second guide members comprises a roller or a guide for a roller.

8. An articulated lower mold assembly for use with an upper mold assembly to bend a heated glass sheet, the articulated lower mold assembly comprising: a first side portion and a second side portion, each of the first side portion and the second side portion comprising: a side mold portion having an outer end, an inner end, and a mold surface defining an outer mold region and an inner mold region, wherein the outer mold region includes a curved region positioned proximate the outer end of the side mold portion for curving a corresponding end of the glass sheet, and the inner mold region extends from the outer mold region to the inner end of the side mold portion and includes a flat region or a curved region having a larger radius of curvature than the curved region; a first guide member connected to the side mold portion at a first position proximate the outer end; and a second guide member connected to the side mold portion at a second location proximate the inner end and laterally spaced from the bend region; and a middle mold section positioned between the side mold sections; wherein, for each side portion, the side mold portion and the first guide member and the second guide member are constructed to cooperate to allow the outer end of the side mold portion to move from a lowered position to a raised position, thereby causing the corresponding end of the glass sheet to move toward the mold surface of the upper mold, while also allowing the inner end of the side mold portion to move laterally toward the inner end of the other side mold portion, wherein each side mold portion is movable relative to the middle mold portion and the length of each side mold portion is at least as long as the length of the middle mold portion.

9. The articulated lower mold assembly according to claim 8, wherein: For each side portion, the first guide member includes a first link pivotally connected to the side mold portion at the first location such that the first link is pivotable about a first axis extending through the first location.

10. The articulated lower mold assembly according to claim 8, wherein: For each side portion, the second guide member includes a second link pivotally connected to the side mold portion at the second location such that the second link is pivotable about a second axis extending through the second location.

11. The articulated lower mold assembly according to claim 8, wherein: For each side portion, one of the first guide member and the second guide member comprises a roller or a guide for a roller.

Images