Device, system and method for shaping at least one glass sheet

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (200) for shaping at least one glass sheet (10) that has previously undergone a first shaping operation, comprising: - a support member (210) having a face, referred to as the "support face" (211), on which the at least one glass sheet is intended to rest; - means (215) for circulating an air flow at the support face; - means (221, 222) for holding the at least one glass sheet in a fixed position on the support face; - suction means (240) configured to generate, via the circulation means, a suction of an air flow so as to allow the at least one glass sheet to be shaped when it is held in the fixed position.

Description

Device, system and method for shaping at least one sheet of glass

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of glass shaping.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a device for shaping at least one glass sheet having previously undergone a first shaping, as well as a shaping system integrating on the one hand said device and on the other hand a shaping installation configured to carry out said first shaping. The invention also relates to a corresponding shaping method. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, although in no way limiting, application in the shaping of glass sheets intended to be integrated into laminated glazing, in particular laminated glazing for the automotive sector (roof, side window, windshield, rear window).

[0003] In order to produce glass sheets having a specific shape, for example automotive glazing, it is known to use a shaping installation allowing, in a first step, to convey the glass sheets in the flat state one by one on a conveyor belt (e.g.: a bed of rollers) through a heating furnace to bring them to a softening temperature. The glass sheets are then conveyed, upon leaving the furnace, to equipment configured to shape said glass sheets thus heated.

[0004] For example, such a shaping installation may correspond to a bending station in which a lower frame (also called a "pressing frame") lifts a glass sheet to press it against an upper form (also called a "bending form" or "bending mold") and thus give it the desired shape. The glass sheet thus bent is then taken over, redeposited on the conveyor belt or collected by a dedicated shuttle, to be taken to a cooling station (e.g.: tempering station). This bending shaping technique is for example described in document US 4,872,898.

[0005] The shaping of a glass sheet is not, however, limited to the use of a bending station; other alternatives can indeed be implemented. In particular, a technique is also known whereby the glass sheet, once removed from the furnace, is collected by a dedicated device to be placed on a mold supporting said glass sheet along its periphery, so that it acquires the desired shape by gravity. Here again, once the shape in question has been acquired, the glass sheet is taken to a cooling station.

[0006] As an alternative to these shaping techniques, known as "cold" (this term refers to the shaping location outside an enclosure maintained at a temperature to heat the glass sheet), "hot" shaping techniques are also known.

[0007] In any case, one of the objectives of these techniques is to provide stable and repeatable shaping of the glass sheets. In other words, it is a question of being able to provide, during the same production campaign or across several production campaigns spread over time, glass sheets all having identical shapes.

[0008] This need naturally arises from the need to meet the specifications imposed (typically by a customer) upstream of production. Just as fundamentally, this need arises from the fact that once shaped, a sheet of glass can be subjected to various treatments (laser cutting, three-dimensional printing, digital printing, etc.) configured / calibrated / programmed on the basis of an expected shape.

[0009] In practice, if it is observed that two consecutively shaped glass sheets have identical shapes, it is not uncommon to also observe variability between the shapes obtained at the beginning and end of the same campaign, or between two campaigns. For example, the variability can be of the order of plus or minus + / - 1 mm (respectively plus or minus + / - 1.5 mm) at the edges (respectively on the surface) of the glass sheets. Different factors can be at the origin of this variability, such as: the heating profile of the glass sheets, the stabilization over time of the thermal equilibrium of the furnace, the temperature of the environment external to the furnace, the settings of the elements of the shaping installation, etc.

[0010] Such variability is detrimental to the execution of the treatments implemented after shaping and mentioned above. Indeed, the more the final shape of a glass sheet deviates from the expected shape (even if the final shape respects the tolerances considered acceptable in terms of shape variability), the more this increases the risk that the treatments in question will provide a degraded result, or even, in the worst case, cannot even be implemented.

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to temporarily modify the shape of at least one sheet of glass which has undergone prior shaping, so as to give said at least one sheet an expected shape with great precision and excellent repeatability.

[0012] The solution proposed by the invention thus offers the possibility of improving control as well as facilitating the implementation of glass treatments (laser cutting, three-dimensional printing, digital printing, etc.) during the temporary modification of said at least one sheet.

[0013] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for shaping at least one sheet of glass having previously undergone a first shaping within a shaping installation.Said device is intended to be arranged in an environment at ambient temperature external to said shaping installation and comprises: - a support having a face, called the "support face", on which said at least one glass sheet is intended to rest at least at its periphery, - means for circulating an air flow at the support face, - means for holding the periphery of said at least one glass sheet in a fixed position on the support face, - suction means configured to generate, via said circulation means, a suction of an air flow so as to allow shaping of said at least one glass sheet according to a determined shape, called the "working shape", when said at least one glass sheet is held in a fixed position on the support face by means of the holding means.

[0014] The shaping device according to the invention is therefore advantageous in that it makes it possible to "reshape", precisely and with excellent repeatability, said at least one sheet of glass according to said working shape.

[0015] This objective is achieved thanks, in particular, to the combined use of means for holding in a fixed position and suction means. Indeed, these different means make it possible to guarantee great stability of said at least one sheet of glass during its reshaping, as well as controlled shaping.

[0016] The use of the device according to the invention therefore offers the possibility of carrying out subsequent treatments of the glass without fear of obtaining a degraded result, given that these treatments can be implemented from a geometry of the glass which is guaranteed to always be identical.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the shaping device may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the support is a three-dimensional mold, the circulation means are a plurality of channels arranged within the mold to open through the support face, and said support face is shaped according to said working shape.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the shaping device furthermore has blocking means configured to block, at the level of the face of the support sheet opposite that intended to rest on the support face and when the suction means are in operation, the deformation of an internal zone of said at least one glass sheet.

[0020] These arrangements are advantageous in that they provide additional assistance (compared to the suction means) so that said at least one sheet of glass conforms to the working shape of the support face.

[0021] In particular embodiments, the mold is made of a polymer material, such as a resin, of a metal, such as aluminum or a ferrous metal, or even of wood.

[0022] In particular embodiments, the support is a frame configured to support said at least one glass sheet along the periphery of said at least one glass sheet, and the circulation means is the open internal area delimited by the frame.

[0023] In particular embodiments, a strip made of elastic and / or adhesive material is fixed to the support face, said strip being arranged so as to be in contact with the periphery of said at least one sheet of glass.

[0024] These arrangements are advantageous in that they make it possible to improve the sealing between said at least one glass sheet and a support face, in particular when suction is implemented using the suction means. In other words, this gain in sealing reinforces the maintenance in a fixed position of said at least one glass sheet on the support face.

[0025] In particular embodiments, the means for holding in a fixed position comprise: - a pressing frame configured to press the periphery of said at least one sheet of glass against the support face, or - pressing elements arranged on the periphery of the support and configured to press the periphery of said at least one sheet of glass against the support face.

[0026] In particular embodiments, the working shape is the same as, or different from, the shape of the first shaping.

[0027] In particular embodiments, said at least one sheet of glass belongs to a laminated glazing unit.

[0028] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a system for shaping at least one sheet of glass, said system comprising a shaping installation configured to implement a first shaping of said at least one sheet of glass, as well as a shaping device according to the invention.

[0029] In particular embodiments, the first shaping is carried out by pressing, bending, molding or thermoforming.

[0030] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for shaping at least one sheet of glass, said method comprising steps implemented by a shaping device according to the invention after said at least one sheet of glass has undergone a first shaping within a shaping installation and after it has been placed in position so as to rest at least at its periphery on the support face of said device, said steps comprising: - holding said at least one sheet of glass in a fixed position on the support face, - activating the suction means so as to shape said at least one sheet of glass according to said working shape.

[0031] In particular embodiments, the shaping method may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0032] In particular embodiments, the first shaping of said at least one glass sheet by the shaping installation is a step belonging to said method.

[0033] In particular embodiments, the shaping method further comprises, when the suction means of the shaping device are active, a step of treating said at least one sheet of glass.

[0034] In particular embodiments, the step of treating said at least one glass sheet is any one of:- laser cutting,- wet coating deposition, for example by three-dimensional screen printing, robotic digital printing or pad printing,- surface treatment, for example reactive or atmospheric plasma,- engraving,- bonding of an object.

[0035] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment thereof without any limiting character. In the figures: schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a system for shaping a glass sheet according to the invention; represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of implementation of a shaping method according to the invention; schematically represents, in a sequential manner according to views 3A to 3D, the respective configurations of a shaping device belonging to the system and of the glass sheet during the execution of the shaping method of the. Detailed description of the invention

[0036] Schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a SYS system according to the invention. Said SYS system is configured to carry out the shaping of at least one glass sheet 10.

[0037] A "glass sheet" means a plate formed from a transparent material. For example, the transparent material may be mineral glass, such as soda-lime, aluminosilicate, or borosilicate glass. Alternatively, the transparent material may be organic glass, such as stretched polymethyl methacrylate (stretched PMMA), unstretched polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyurethane (PU).

[0038] For the remainder of the description, and in order to simplify it, the shaping of a single glass sheet 10 is considered in a non-limiting manner. These considerations are however not limiting of the invention, it being understood that the invention also applies to the serial shaping of a plurality of glass sheets (in which case, the steps described below are iterated for each of the glass sheets considered).

[0039] Alternatively, or in addition to the preceding provisions, the invention also applies to the shaping of a plurality of glass sheets when these are integrated into the same glass element, such as for example laminated glazing.

[0040] Generally speaking, the person skilled in the art is able to adapt the following technical considerations to these different application cases.

[0041] It is also considered in a non-limiting manner that the glass sheet 10 is intended, following its shaping, for the manufacture of laminated glazing to equip the windshield of a motor vehicle, such as for example a car. It is important to note, however, that considering such a type of glazing as well as such an application of the use of this glazing constitutes only a variant implementation of the invention. Also, and in general, no limitation is attached to the type of glazing that can be manufactured using the glass sheet 10 intended to be shaped (examples: tempered glazing). In the same way, no limitation is attached to the use that can be made of the glazing thus obtained from the shaped glass sheet 10 (example: housing).

[0042] In the present embodiment, the glass sheet 10 has a thickness of between 1.1 mm (millimeters) and 6 mm, for example equal to 3 mm. Furthermore, the shaping of the glass sheet 10 is here configured so that it has, once the shaping has been carried out, a deflection of between 0 and 200 mm, for example equal to 100 mm.

[0043] Of course, such values ​​of thickness and glass deflection are given here for purely illustrative purposes, and nothing precludes considering other values. Generally speaking, the person skilled in the art knows the limitations that can be imposed on a glass sheet in terms of thickness and deflection depending on the application sought for it, but also on the shaping technique used.

[0044] The shaping system SYS comprises a shaping installation 100 configured to carry out a first shaping of the glass sheet 10. This first shaping aims to give a first shape F1 to the glass sheet 10.

[0045] In the embodiment illustrated by the, said shaping installation 100 comprises a heating zone 110, a conveying device 120, a first shaping device 130, a collection device 140 as well as a cooling device 150.

[0046] The heating zone 110 can be implemented conventionally by a furnace, preferably of the tunnel type, through which the glass sheet 10 is transported by the conveying device 120. The conveying device 120 corresponds more particularly here to a series of rectilinear rollers aligned in a plane to achieve a horizontal movement of the glass sheet 10. The glass sheet 10 is thus transported along a horizontal rectilinear path included in this plane. However, considering such rollers only constitutes an alternative implementation of the invention, and nothing excludes the possibility of considering other variants, such as for example a conveyor belt.

[0047] Inside the heating zone 110, the glass sheet 10 is brought to a softening temperature which is preferably between 600°C (degrees Celsius) and 700°C.

[0048] The first shaping device 130 is arranged at the outlet of the heating zone 110, in the immediate vicinity of the outlet of the heating zone 110 (shaping according to cold technology). More particularly, in the present embodiment, the first shaping device 130 is configured in accordance with a bending station of design known per se, for example as described in the document US 4,872,898 already mentioned above. For this purpose, the first shaping device 130 comprises a pressing frame 131 capable of lifting the glass sheet 10 to press it against a bending mold 132 and thus give it the desired shape F1 (i.e. the bending mold 132 comprises a face having the shape F1 and against which the softened glass sheet 10 is pressed).

[0049] Once curved, the glass sheet 10 is taken over by the collection device 140. In the present embodiment, the collection device 140 comprises a shuttle. Said shuttle is configured to transport the glass sheet 10 from the shaping device 130 to the cooling device 150 while supporting it adequately to maintain the curved shape F1 which has been given to it. To do this, the collection device 140 is also equipped with movement means (not shown in the figures) of a type known per se. For example, said movement means may comprise a drive motor as well as a movement support, such as for example a guide rail.

[0050] Once placed in the cooling device 150, the glass sheet 10 is stiffened, frozen, under the effect of forced cooling applied to it. This cooling makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the glass sheet 10 sufficiently so that it retains, when it leaves the cooling device 150, a shape closest to the shape F1 obtained by means of the shaping device 130. It is also possible to finely control the lowering of the temperature of the glass sheet 10, for example to obtain specific mechanical characteristics. Generally speaking, any cooling method known to the person skilled in the art can be implemented, the choice of a particular method (thermal tempering, thermal hardening, use of blowing nozzles, etc.) constituting only an implementation variant.

[0051] As mentioned above, the first shaping of the sheet 10 is here obtained by combining a pressing frame 131 and a bending form 132. These arrangements are however not limiting of the invention. Thus, nothing excludes the consideration of other shaping means, such as for example a support frame (or ring) capable of supporting the glass sheet 10 along its periphery, so that it can be shaped by gravity (method also called gravity bending). According to yet another example, it is possible to envisage a solid surface mold on which the glass sheet 10 rests at its periphery and the shape of which determines that intended to be taken by the glass sheet 10 under the effect of gravity.

[0052] Generally speaking, within the meaning of the present invention, no limitation is attached to the manner in which the first shaping of the glass sheet 10 is carried out (pressing, bending, molding, thermoforming, etc.).

[0053] As discussed previously, there is variability in the first shape acquired by a glass sheet at the outlet of the shaping installation 100. More particularly, once completely cooled and returned to room temperature, the glass sheet 10 may have a shape F1' which differs substantially (at its edges and / or its surface) from the desired shape F1, but also from that of another glass sheet shaped in the same shaping installation 100 but at a distinct time (within the same production campaign, or during distinct production campaigns). This variability is detrimental to the implementation of subsequent glass treatments for which it is preferable to operate from an invariant shape.

[0054] To remedy this problem, the SYS shaping system differs from the state of the art in that it integrates, in addition to the shaping installation 100, a second shaping device 200 configured to carry out a second shaping of the glass sheet 10.

[0055] This second shaping aims to give a second determined shape F2 to the glass sheet 10, also called the “working shape”. For the remainder of the description, it is considered in a non-limiting manner that the working shape F2 is identical to the shape F1 of the first shaping (i.e. F2 = F1). In other words, in the context of the present embodiment, it is considered that the working shape F2 intended to be obtained using the second shaping device 200 is identical to that of the bending mold 132.

[0056] However, nothing precludes considering other embodiments in which the working shape F2 is different from the shape F1 of the first shaping. It is nevertheless understood that, in these other embodiments, the working shape F2 corresponds to an accessible shape (by deformation) of the glass sheet 10, i.e. a shape that can be printed on the glass sheet 10 without the latter being damaged.

[0057] It should also be noted that the second shaping (i.e. according to the working form F2) carried out by the second shaping device 200 is intended to be temporary, i.e. carried out for a determined period. This period is more particularly defined with regard to the duration necessary for the implementation of a subsequent treatment of the glass, as described in more detail later.

[0058] Said second shaping device 200 is arranged in an environment external to the shaping installation 100. By “external”, we refer here to the fact that said second shaping device 200 is a separate element from the shaping installation 100. In other words, the arrangement of the second shaping device 200 within the system SYS is such that said device 200 is used once all the steps of the first shaping are completed (i.e. in the present embodiment, these are the steps of heating, shaping, collecting, cooling).

[0059] In addition, said second shaping device 200 is arranged in an environment at room temperature. By "room temperature", for example, we refer more particularly to a temperature located outside the plastic deformation range of the glass sheet 10. Thus, the temporary performance of the second shaping does not require any heating of the glass sheet 10 (which does not exclude the possibility that the device 200 may possibly be equipped with local heating means in order to locally modify the surface of the glass sheet 10 to, for example, satisfy given production constraints).

[0060] The second shaping device 200 comprises a support 210. More particularly, in the embodiment described here with reference to the, the support 210 is a three-dimensional mold.

[0061] By "three-dimensional" we refer here to a mold whose walls define a volume in space, as opposed to a shape where one of the dimensions (length, width, depth) is negligible compared to the other two, such as a frame, a ring, etc., whether this shape is flat or not (when this shape is not flat, it is a two-dimensional shape immersed in a three-dimensional space).

[0062] Said mold 210 has a first main face, called “support face” 211, shaped according to said working form F2. (i.e. the shape of the support face 211 is identical to that of the working form F2).

[0063] It is therefore understood that if the first shape F1 and the working shape F2 are identical, as is the case in the embodiment described here, and that in addition the glass sheet 10 has acquired the shape F1' at the end of the first shaping, then said glass sheet 10 does not completely match the support face 211 when it is initially placed thereon, but rests there only at its periphery. The objective of the second shaping device 200 is therefore to "reshape" the glass sheet 10 so that it temporarily rests against the support face in order to match its shape F2.

[0064] As illustrated by the, the mold 210 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, and also comprises a second main face 212 opposite said support face 211, as well as lateral faces 213, 214 configured to join said support face 211 and said second main face 212.

[0065] It is of course understood that the fact that the mold 210 has a substantially parallelepiped shape constitutes only a variant implementation of the invention. Nothing excludes the possibility of considering other shapes provided that the mold 210 comprises at least the support face 211 capable of temporarily “reshaping” the glass sheet 10.

[0066] Furthermore, the size of the mold 210 is also not a limiting factor of the invention. Preferably, the size of the mold 210 is such that the contour of the support face 211 is substantially the same as that of the glass sheet 10 (i.e. the periphery of the glass sheet 10 is superimposed on the edge of the support face 211). However, nothing precludes considering a mold 210 having a support face 211 larger or smaller than the glass sheet 10 (the case of a smaller support face 211 can in particular be considered in the case of a second shaping along only a portion of the glass sheet 10, for example to carry out a treatment on this reshaped portion only).

[0067] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the bending mold 132 is arranged so that its curved face has a concavity oriented downwards (i.e. oriented towards the conveying device 120). The mold 210, for its part, is arranged so that the support face 211 has a concavity opposite to that of the curved face of the bending mold 132, in other words a concavity oriented upwards. These arrangements, however, only correspond to a variant implementation of the invention, and nothing precludes the possibility of these concavities being oriented in an identical manner.

[0068] Furthermore, no limitation is attached to the material used to produce the mold 210. Since the second shaping device 200 is arranged in an environment at room temperature, the choice of material can therefore be made independently of any specific constraint of resistance to high temperatures. For example, said material can be a polymer, such as for example a resin, a metal, such as for example aluminum or a ferrous metal, or even wood. Preferably, the choice of material can be made taking into account one or more of the following criteria: - ability to retain its dimensional characteristics over time, - ability not to scratch the glass or any thin layer deposited on the surface of the glass, - ability to guarantee good sealing, so as to be able to carry out vacuum suction.

[0069] The second shaping device 200 also comprises means for circulating an air flow at the level of the support face 211.

[0070] In the embodiment described here, the circulation means are a plurality of channels 215 arranged within the mold 210 to open through the support face 211 (in other words, the channels 215 allow air to circulate through the support face 211). More particularly, and as illustrated by the, the channels 215 pass through the mold 210 from one side to the other so as to also open through the second main face 212. Said channels 215 are furthermore substantially parallel to each other, but nothing excludes the possibility that all or part of said channels are not parallel to each other since each of them opens through the faces 211, 212.

[0071] In addition, the second shaping device 200 comprises means for holding the periphery of the glass sheet 10 in a fixed position on the support face 211. In view of the technical considerations already described above, it is understood that said holding in a fixed position is intended to be effective when the second temporary shaping of the glass sheet 10 takes place.

[0072] In the present embodiment, said holding means comprise pressing elements arranged on the periphery of the mold 210 and configured to press the periphery of the glass sheet 10 against the support face 211.

[0073] More particularly, and as illustrated by the in no way limiting, said pressing elements are arms 221, 222 in the shape of an “L”. A first branch of the arm 221 (respectively of the arm 222) comprises an end mounted movable in rotation at the level of the side wall 213 (respectively at the level of the side wall 214). Each of the arms 221, 222 can thus pivot between two positions: - a first position called “opening” (and as shown in the), in which access to the support face 211 is left free in order to deposit the glass sheet 10 there, - a second position called “locking”, in which the second branch of the arm 221, 222 is able to press the periphery of the glass sheet 10 against the support face 211.

[0074] It is important to note that the implementation of pressing elements in the form of two L-shaped arms constitutes only one variant of implementation of the invention. Thus, and on the one hand, nothing excludes considering a different number of pressing elements, preferably distributed so as to achieve uniform pressing around the glass sheet 10. On the other hand, nothing excludes considering pressing elements arranged at the periphery of the mold 210 which differ from L-shaped arms, such as for example any element capable of achieving a vice-like grip of the glass sheet 10 at its edge when it rests on the support face 211.

[0075] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the use of pressing elements arranged on the periphery of the mold 210. Thus, alternatively, the invention also covers other embodiments according to which the means for holding in a fixed position comprise a pressing frame (not illustrated in the figures) configured to press the periphery of the glass sheet 10 against the support face 211.

[0076] Generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the nature of the holding means since these are configured to guarantee the holding in fixed position of the periphery of the glass sheet 10 on the support face 211 when the second temporary shaping of the glass sheet 10 takes place.

[0077] As illustrated by the, the second shaping device 200 further comprises a strip 230 made of elastic material, for example foam, rubber or any other compressible polymer material, which is fixed to the support face 211. Said strip 230 is arranged so as to be in contact with the periphery of the glass sheet 10.

[0078] Said strip 230 can be produced in one or more sections. When it is produced in several sections, these are preferably distributed uniformly on the support face 211, so as to guarantee an equitably distributed contact with the periphery of the glass sheet 10.

[0079] The use of such a strip 230 made of elastic material, although optional within the meaning of the present invention, proves advantageous in that it makes it possible to improve the sealing between the glass sheet 10 and the support face 211, in particular when suction is implemented through the channels 215, as described in more detail below. In other words, this gain in sealing reinforces the maintenance in fixed position of the glass sheet 10 on the support face 211 when the second temporary shaping of the glass sheet 10 takes place.

[0080] Furthermore, nothing precludes considering alternative embodiments, such as for example a strip of adhesive material which also guarantees a gain in sealing. Nothing precludes considering a combination of the previous examples so as to use a strip of adhesive plastic material.

[0081] The second shaping device 200 also comprises suction means 240 configured to generate, via said circulation channels 215, a suction of an air flow so as to allow (temporary) shaping of the glass sheet 10 according to the working shape F2, when said glass sheet 10 is held in a fixed position on the support face 211 by means of the arms 221, 222 (i.e. when the arms 221, 222 are in the locking position).

[0082] In other words, said suction means 240 make it possible to create sufficient suction so that the glass sheet 10, initially in contact with the support face 211 only at its periphery, comes to press against said support face 211 in order to adopt the shape F2.

[0083] By way of non-limiting example, said suction means 240 may comprise a vacuum pump. Generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the nature of said suction means 240 as long as they are capable of reshaping the glass sheet 10 according to the working shape F2.

[0084] In the present embodiment, and as illustrated by the, the suction means 240 are external to the mold 210, and in contact with the second main face 212.

[0085] However, nothing precludes considering, according to other embodiments, that the suction means are integrated into the mold 210. In this case, the circulation channels 215 can open only through the support face 211.

[0086] In the embodiment of the, the second shaping device 200 further comprises blocking means 250 configured to block, at the level of the face of the glass sheet 10 opposite that intended to rest on the support face 211 and when the suction means 240 are in operation, the deformation of an internal zone of the glass sheet 10.

[0087] By "internal zone", we mean a zone located on the surface of the glass sheet 10 at a distance from the periphery of the latter. This may, for example, be the entire complementary zone (in terms of surface area) to a peripheral zone of the glass sheet 10, said peripheral zone corresponding to a frame of determined width counted from the edges of the sheet (in which case the locking means 250 are circumscribed by said peripheral zone). For example, said width may correspond to the distance over which the means for holding in a fixed position exert pressure on the glass sheet 10 to keep it fixed on the support face 211. In a more specific example, this width may be between 5 mm and 20 mm from the periphery of the glass sheet 10.Alternatively, said internal zone may be strictly included in said complementary zone (example: zone located on the surface at the center of the glass sheet 10).

[0088] In the embodiment described here, said locking means 250 comprise a plate 251, for example made of an elastic material so as to be able to fit the surface of the glass sheet 10 as the latter deforms in order to adopt the working shape F2 (the plate 251 therefore plays a role of counterform). More specifically, the size of the plate 251 is such that it closes the space left free on the surface of the glass sheet 10 (on the side opposite the support face 211) between the arms 221, 222 when the latter are in the locking position. In other words, the internal zone concerned here corresponds to this space left free, and, once the holding arms 221, 222 are in the locking position and the plate 251 is in place, the entire space located around the glass sheet 10 is sealed.

[0089] In addition to the plate 251, the locking means 250 also comprise, in this embodiment, a robotic arm 252 connected to said plate 251 and configured to position the plate 251 at the internal zone of the glass sheet 10.

[0090] Alternatively, the positioning of the plate 251 on the glass sheet 10 can be carried out manually, for example by one or more qualified operators.

[0091] It should be noted that the plate 251 may also be configured appropriately to allow the implementation of specific treatment(s) of the glass. For example, in the case of a treatment corresponding to a wet coating deposition, for example by three-dimensional screen printing, robotic digital printing or pad printing (i.e. the deposition is implemented when the glass sheet 10 is temporarily reshaped according to the working form F2), the plate 251 may comprise openings for said deposition to be carried out. Such openings are for example made in the manner of a “stencil” in order to be able to carry out a deposition according to the desired patterns in expected locations on the glass sheet 10. Generally speaking, the person skilled in the art knows how to configure such a plate 251 so that it does not hinder the implementation of a glass treatment.

[0092] Furthermore, the fact of considering a plate to block the deformation of the glass sheet 10 when the suction means 240 are activated does not constitute a limitation of the invention. Thus, nothing excludes the consideration of other exemplary embodiments, such as for example a frame or ring type element. It is then understood that in this case, the internal zone only represents a portion of the zone complementary to the peripheral zone of the glass sheet 10.

[0093] The use of such blocking means 250, although optional within the meaning of the present invention, proves advantageous in that it makes it possible to improve the airtightness around the glass sheet 10. This improved tightness makes it possible to avoid the appearance of local deformations at the level of the targeted internal zone during the second shaping, for example deformations in the immediate vicinity of the periphery of the glass sheet 10 when the suction means 240 act essentially at the center of the glass sheet 10.

[0094] It should also be noted that, as a supplement and also optional, the locking means 250 can play a role in pressing the glass sheet 10 against the support face 211 at the level of said internal zone. The pressure force exerted by the locking means 250 is then adapted according to the power of the suction means 240.

[0095] La represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of implementation of a shaping method according to the invention. More particularly, in the mode of la, it is considered that the shaping concerns the second shaping carried out by the second shaping device 200 belonging to the shaping system SYS of la.

[0096] Also, it is assumed that, prior to the execution of the shaping process, the glass sheet 10 underwent a first shaping within the shaping installation 100, with the objective of conforming the glass sheet 10 according to the shape F1.

[0097] Conventionally, this first shaping comprises heating, shaping, collecting and cooling steps respectively implemented by the heating zone 110, the first shaping device 130, the collecting device 140 and the cooling device 150 (it being understood that the conveying device 120 is also used to transport the glass sheet 10). At the end of this first shaping, and once the glass sheet 10 has returned to room temperature, it has, as assumed above, a shape F1' which differs from the shape F1.

[0098] In the present embodiment, it is further assumed that, once the first shaping has been carried out and prior to the execution of the shaping method, the glass sheet 10 has been placed in position so as to rest at its periphery on the support face 211 of the second shaping device 200.

[0099] This positioning on the support face 211 can be carried out manually, for example by one or more qualified operators, or in an automated manner, for example by means of a robotic arm equipped with gripping means. Nothing precludes such a robotic arm equipped with gripping means from also being used in connection with the plate 251 in order to provide it with a pressing force as described above (in which case the gripping means can also be used to grip the plate 251).

[0100] Furthermore, in order to ensure precise positioning of the glass sheet 10, any suitable means of reference placement, such as for example one or more shimming pads / stops, may be used.

[0101] The steps executed during the shaping method will now be described, in accordance with the implementation mode of the. In addition to the, the diagrammatically represents, in a sequential manner, the respective configurations of the second shaping device 200 and the glass sheet 10 during the execution of the shaping method. For this purpose, the includes a first view 3A representing the second shaping device 200 and the glass sheet 10 when the shaping method begins.

[0102] As illustrated by the, the shaping method comprises a step E10 of holding the glass sheet 10 in a fixed position on the support face 211. Said step E10 is implemented by the holding arms 221, 222, and consists of pivoting the latter so that they pass from the open position to the locking position, as illustrated in a view 3B of the. The rotations of the holding arms 221, 222 are for example carried out simultaneously, or one after the other.

[0103] The glass sheet 10 being held in a fixed position, the shaping method also comprises a step E20 of positioning the plate 251 in contact with the internal zone of the glass sheet 10. This positioning is carried out by the robotic arm 252, as illustrated by a view 3C of the. Once the plate 251 is in place, the space located all around the glass sheet 10 is therefore sealed, which therefore makes it easier to place it under vacuum.

[0104] As illustrated by the, the shaping method then comprises a step E30 of activating the suction means 240 so as to shape the glass sheet 10 according to the working shape F2. The suction effect is symbolized by means of arrows pointing downwards (i.e. from the support face 211 towards the second main face 212 of the mold 210) on a 3D view of the.

[0105] While step E30 is being executed, the shaping method also comprises, in this embodiment, a step E40 of pressing the plate 251 against the glass sheet 10 and at its internal zone. In this way, in addition to being sucked, the glass sheet 10 is also pressed against the support face 211. This step E40 is implemented using the robotic arm 252, the pressing effect also being symbolized by means of a dotted arrow pointing downwards in the 3D view. It should however be noted that, as already mentioned above, the suction means 240 can be dimensioned so that pressing the glass sheet 10 by the plate 251 is not necessary. In other words, the step E40 described here is optional.

[0106] It should be noted that all or part of steps E10 to E40 of the shaping method may be automated. For this purpose, the second shaping device 200 may comprise a processor and a memory, for example a read-only memory, readable by said processor. Furthermore, a computer program may be recorded in said memory and comprise instructions which, when read by the processor, make it possible to control the arms 221, 222, the suction means 240 and the robotic arm 252, so as to enable the execution of steps E10 to E40.

[0107] The shaping method has been described so far by considering the first shaping carried out by the shaping installation 100, as well as the positioning of the glass sheet 10 on the support face 211, do not constitute steps of said method. These provisions are however not limiting of the invention, and nothing excludes the consideration of other modes of implementation in which said first shaping and / or said positioning form steps executed during the shaping method.

[0108] Furthermore, the shaping method is not necessarily limited to the sole shaping of the glass sheet 10. Thus, the invention also covers other embodiments in which the shaping method comprises, when the suction means 240 are active (and possibly when the blocking means 250 have been put in position if necessary), an additional step of treating the glass sheet 10. As mentioned previously, the duration of this additional treatment step determines from when the suction means 240 can be deactivated and the arms 221, 222 returned to the open position.

[0109] No limitation is attached to the nature of said processing. For example, it may be any of:- laser cutting,- wet coating deposition, for example by three-dimensional screen printing, robotic digital printing or pad printing,- surface treatment, for example reactive or atmospheric plasma,- engraving,- bonding of an object.

[0110] Generally speaking, the person skilled in the art knows how to implement such processing, particularly in terms of material resources, so these aspects are not described further here.

[0111] Finally, the invention has also been described up to now by considering that the support 210 of the second shaping device 200 is a three-dimensional mold. Such arrangements are however not limiting of the invention, and other alternatives can be envisaged. For example, the support can be a (substantially) two-dimensional shape, such as for example a frame (planar or not) configured to support the glass sheet along its periphery (the periphery of the glass sheet rests on one of the faces of the frame, this face forming said support face). In this case, the air circulation means are the open internal zone delimited by the frame (i.e. the internal hole delimited by the frame). The suction means can therefore be adapted to reshape (according to the working shape) the glass sheet by sucking it through said open internal zone.

[0112] Nothing also excludes the possibility of considering configurations in which the frame is formed of a border as well as one or more material elements arranged inside this border while being integral with it (example: rectangular frame provided with material elements playing the role of diagonals). These material elements are preferably configured to play a role of stop for the glass sheet 10 when the latter is reshaped. It is understood that in this case, the internal zone of the frame refers to the spaces left free by said material elements inside said border.Finally, nothing excludes the possibility that the material elements are not integral with the frame (example: one or more contact points of the stud type, for example at least one contact point centered relative to the glass sheet 10) but subject to another surface correctly positioned with respect to the direction in which the glass sheet 10 is reshaped.

Claims

Device (200) for shaping at least one glass sheet (10) having previously undergone a first shaping within a shaping installation (100), said device being intended to be arranged in an environment at ambient temperature external to said shaping installation and comprising: - a support (210) having a face, called the "support face" (211), on which said at least one glass sheet is intended to rest at least at its periphery, - means (215) for circulating an air flow at the support face, - means (221, 222) for holding the periphery of said at least one glass sheet in a fixed position on the support face, - suction means (240) configured to generate, via said circulation means, a suction of an air flow so as to allow shaping of said at least one glass sheet according to a determined shape, called the "working shape",when said at least one sheet of glass is held in a fixed position on the support face by means of the holding means., Device (200) according to claim 1, in which the support (210) is a three-dimensional mold, the circulation means (215) are a plurality of channels arranged within the mold to open through the support face (211), and said support face is shaped according to said working shape. Device (200) according to claim 2, said device further comprising blocking means (250) configured to block, at the face of the glass sheet opposite that intended to rest on the support face (211) and when the suction means (240) are in operation, the deformation of an internal zone of said at least one glass sheet (10). Device (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, in which the mold (210) is made of a polymer material, such as for example a resin, of a metal, such as for example aluminum or a ferrous metal, or even of wood. Device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the support is a frame configured to support said at least one glass sheet (10) along the periphery of said at least one glass sheet, and the circulation means is the open internal area delimited by the frame. Device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which a strip (230) made of elastic and / or adhesive material is fixed on the support face (211), said strip being arranged so as to be in contact with the periphery of said at least one glass sheet (10). Device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the means for holding in a fixed position comprise:- a pressing frame configured to press the periphery of said at least one glass sheet against the support face, or- pressing elements (221, 222) arranged on the periphery of the support (210) and configured to press the periphery of said at least one glass sheet (10) against the support face (211). Device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the working shape is identical to, or different from, the shape of the first shaping. Device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the device (200) is capable of shaping a plurality of glass sheets integrated into a laminated glazing to which said at least one glass sheet (10) belongs. System (SYS) for shaping at least one glass sheet (10), said system comprising a shaping installation (100) configured to implement a first shaping of said at least one glass sheet, as well as a shaping device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. System (SYS) according to claim 10, in which the first shaping is carried out by pressing, bending, molding or thermoforming. Method for shaping at least one glass sheet (10), said method comprising steps implemented by a shaping device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 after said at least one glass sheet has undergone a first shaping within a shaping installation (100) and after it has been positioned so as to rest at least at its periphery on the support face (211) of said device, said steps comprising: - holding (E10) in a fixed position of said at least one glass sheet on the support face, - activating (E30) the suction means so as to shape said at least one glass sheet according to said working shape. Method according to claim 12, wherein the first shaping of said at least one glass sheet (10) by the shaping installation (100) is a step belonging to said method. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, said method further comprising, when the suction means (240) of the shaping device (200) are active, a step of treating said at least one sheet of glass. Method according to claim 14, wherein the step of treating said at least one glass sheet is any one of:- laser cutting,- wet coating deposition, for example by three-dimensional screen printing, robotic digital printing or pad printing,- surface treatment, for example reactive or atmospheric plasma- etching,- bonding of an object.

Images