System for transferring at least one glass sheet, facility for shaping at least one glass sheet comprising such a system and associated shaping method

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (140, 240, 340) for transferring at least one glass sheet (10) from a shaping device (130, 230, 330) to a cooling device (150, 250, 350), the shaping device comprising a shaping mould held in a fixed position. The transfer system comprises: - a collecting frame (141, 241, 341); - a movement shuttle (142, 242, 342) configured to move the collecting frame between the shaping device and the cooling device; - reversible lifting means (143, 243, 343) configured to lift the collecting frame in the direction of the shaping mould to a collecting position.

Description

System for transferring at least one sheet of glass, installation for shaping at least one sheet of glass comprising such a system and associated shaping method

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

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a system for transferring at least one sheet of glass from a device for shaping said at least one sheet of glass to a device for cooling said at least one sheet of glass. The invention also relates to a shaping installation incorporating such a transfer system as well as a corresponding shaping method. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, although in no way limiting, application in the shaping of sheets of glass intended to be integrated into laminated or tempered glazing, in particular large laminated glazing (e.g.: glazing with a surface area greater than 1 m² or even 1.5 m²), such as for example panoramic fixed roofs of the "canopy" type for equipping motor vehicles.

[0003] In order to produce glass sheets having a specific shape, for example automotive glazing, it is known to use a shaping installation. The diagram shows, in its environment, an example of an embodiment of an INS_OLD shaping installation as known from the state of the art.

[0004] As illustrated by the, the INS_OLD installation comprises a conveying device 12 corresponding more particularly here to a series of rectilinear rollers aligned in a plane to carry out a horizontal movement of a glass sheet 1. The conveying is carried out initially through a heating zone 11 conventionally comprising an oven, preferably of the tunnel type, so as to bring the sheet 1 to a softening temperature. The sheet 1 is then conveyed, upon leaving the oven, to a device 13 configured to shape the sheet 1 thus heated.

[0005] Conventionally, the shaping device 13 corresponds to a bending station in which a lower frame 13_1 (also called a “pressing frame”) lifts the glass sheet 1 to press it against an upper mold 13_2 (also called a “bending mold”) and thus give it the desired shape.

[0006] In more detail, the kinematics of the pressing frame 13_1 and the shaping mold 13_2 are in particular as follows: - when the sheet 1 is positioned appropriately in the area occupied by the shaping device 13 (i.e. the sheet 1 is waiting on the rollers, below the mold 13_2), the mold 13_2 is lowered to come close to the sheet 1, - the pressing frame 13_1 is raised towards the mold 13_2, in order to press the sheet 1 against the latter, - the pressing frame 13_2 is lowered, the sheet 1 being held against the mold 13_2 by means of a suitable suction system (e.g.: vacuum pump making it possible to create suction through the surface of the mold 13_2), - the mold 13_2 is raised so as to be able to allow a transfer system 14 to pass through it, capable of transferring the sheet 1 from the shaping device 13 to a cooling device 15 (example: quenching station).

[0007] The transfer system 14 more particularly comprises: - a collection frame 14_1 configured to collect the glass sheet 1 after it has been shaped and while it is still held against the shaping mold 13_2. To do this, the suction system is deactivated, so that the sheet 1 can be dropped onto the collection frame 13_1, - a displacement shuttle 14_2 configured to move the collection frame 14_1 between the shaping device 13 and the cooling device 15 (the movement being symbolized on the by dotted arrows substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of conveyance of the glass). To do this, the collection frame 14_1 is arranged integral with the shuttle 14_2 at one end thereof, as shown for illustrative purposes on the.

[0008] It should be noted that the kinematics of the mold 13_2 does not only comprise the components described above, since, when the shuttle 14_2 enters the shaping device 13 so that the collection frame 14_1 is correctly positioned below the mold 13_2, said mold 13_2 is lowered again in order to allow the sheet 1 to be released as close as possible to said collection frame 14_1. Finally, once the sheet 1 has been released, the mold 13_2 is raised again in order to allow the shuttle 14_2 (and therefore a fortiori also the collection frame 14_1) to exit the shaping device 13 to transfer the sheet 1 to the cooling device 15.

[0009] As is clear from the above, the kinematics of the elements forming the shaping device 13 is complex, and requires multiple movements. These aspects are problematic when it comes to shaping large glass sheets (i.e. those with a surface area greater than 1 m² or even 1.5 m²). Indeed, as this size increases, the weight of the glass sheets also increases. The elements necessary for shaping must therefore be sized accordingly. In particular, the shaping mold 13_2, which has the most complex kinematics, then becomes a very heavy element to move, which becomes a limiting factor if it is desired to maintain shaping rates similar to those obtained for smaller glass sheets.

[0010] To try to overcome these difficulties, it has been considered to use means to assist in moving the shaping mold 13_2. Such means include, for example, a motor and / or counterweights and / or jacks, etc. The fact remains that the implementation of such means to assist in moving complicates the production of the shaping installation, which increases its cost and also increases the risk of breakdowns.

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome 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 shape glass sheets in a more efficient, less complex and less expensive manner than the solutions of the state of the art, in particular in the case of large glass sheets.

[0012] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a system for transferring at least one sheet of glass from a device for shaping said at least one sheet of glass to a device for cooling said at least one sheet of glass, the shaping device comprising a pressing frame and a shaping mold held in a fixed position. The transfer system comprises: - a collection frame configured to collect said at least one sheet of glass after it has been shaped, - a movement shuttle configured to move the collection frame between the shaping device and the cooling device, - reversible lifting means configured to lift the collection frame towards the shaping mold to a collection position suitable for collecting said at least one sheet of glass.

[0013] It is noted that by "lifting the collection frame towards the shaping mold" is meant here a movement of the collection frame in a vertical direction, i.e. in a direction orthogonal to the plane in which said at least one glass sheet is initially conveyed from a heating zone towards the shaping device.

[0014] Considering such lifting means advantageously compensates for the fact that the shaping mold is held in a fixed position.

[0015] Furthermore, lifting the collection frame is a less complex and less expensive operation than moving a part as massive as the shaping mold, particularly in the case of large glass sheets. Indeed, the weight of a collection frame is generally much less than that of the shaping mold, typically five to ten times less.

[0016] In particular embodiments, the transfer system may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the lifting means comprise means configured to carry out a relative movement of the collection frame with respect to the movement shuttle towards said mold.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the means configured to carry out said relative movement are integral with the movement shuttle.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the means configured to carry out said relative movement are arranged in a fixed manner in an area occupied by the shaping device.

[0020] In particular embodiments, the means configured to carry out said relative movement are integral with a support structure of the pressing frame.

[0021] In particular embodiments, the means configured to carry out said relative movement comprise one or more cylinders, for example one or more electric, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.

[0022] In particular embodiments, the lifting means comprise means configured to lift the movement shuttle towards said mold, the collection frame being integral with the movement shuttle during its lifting.

[0023] In particular embodiments, the means configured to lift the moving shuttle comprise a motorized arm.

[0024] In particular embodiments, the collection frame comprises heating means configured to regulate the cooling of said at least one sheet of glass when the latter is positioned in the cooling device.

[0025] In particular embodiments, the surface area of ​​said at least one glass sheet is greater than 1 m², preferably greater than 1.5 m 2 .

[0026] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an installation for shaping at least one sheet of glass, said installation comprising:- a heating zone for said at least one sheet of glass,- a device for shaping said at least one sheet of glass, the shaping device comprising a pressing frame and a shaping mold held in a fixed position,- a device for conveying said at least one sheet of glass through said heating zone and to the shaping device,- a device for cooling said at least one shaped sheet of glass,- a transfer system according to the invention.

[0027] In particular embodiments, the pressing frame and / or the shaping mold comprise(s) heating means.

[0028] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for shaping at least one sheet of glass implemented by a shaping installation according to the invention, said method comprising, after shaping said at least one sheet of glass by the shaping device, a step of transferring said at least one sheet of glass from the shaping device to the cooling device, said transfer step being implemented by the transfer system.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing glazing, for example laminated glazing or toughened glazing, said manufacturing method comprising steps of:- shaping at least one sheet of glass in accordance with a shaping method according to the invention,- using said at least one shaped sheet of glass to manufacture said glazing.

[0030] 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, an exemplary embodiment of a shaping installation as known from the state of the art; schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a shaping installation according to the invention; represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of implementation of a shaping method according to the invention, as executed by the shaping installation of the; schematically represents, in a sequential manner, the configuration of a transfer system belonging to the installation of the during the execution of the shaping method of the;schematically represents, in its environment, another particular embodiment of a shaping installation according to the invention; represents, in the form of a flowchart, another particular mode of implementation of a shaping method according to the invention, as executed by the shaping installation of the; schematically represents, in a sequential manner, the configuration of a transfer system belonging to the installation of the during the execution of the shaping method of the; schematically represents, in its environment, yet another particular embodiment of a shaping installation according to the invention; represents, in the form of a flowchart, yet another particular mode of implementation of a shaping method according to the invention, as executed by the shaping installation of the;schematically represents, in a sequential manner, the configuration of a transfer system belonging to the installation of the during the execution of the shaping process of the; represents, in the form of a flowchart, the main stages of a process for manufacturing glazing according to the invention.; Detailed description of the invention

[0031] The diagrammatic representation, in its environment, of a particular embodiment of a shaping installation INS_1 according to the invention. Said installation INS_1 is configured to shape at least one glass sheet 10.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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 roof of a motor vehicle, such as for example a car. This is more particularly a “canopy” type glazing, so that the glass sheet 10 is considered to be large (i.e. the surface area of ​​the glass sheet 10 is greater than 1 m 2 , or even 1.5 m 2 .

[0035] 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). Finally, the invention of course also applies to any type of glass sheet whose surface area is less than 1 m².

[0036] 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 500 mm, for example equal to 250 mm.

[0037] Of course, such values ​​of thickness and deflection of glass 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.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated by the, said shaping installation INS_1 comprises a heating zone 110, a conveying device 120, a shaping device 130, a transfer system 140 as well as a cooling device 150.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The shaping device 130 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outlet of the heating zone 110. More particularly, the shaping device 130 is configured in accordance with a bending station. 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 shaping mold 132 and thus give it the desired shape (i.e. the shaping mold 132 comprises a face having the shape in question and against which the softened glass sheet 10 is pressed).

[0042] According to a more particular embodiment, the pressing frame 131 and / or the shaping mold comprises heating means (not shown in the figures). Such heating means are advantageously configured to regulate the temperature of the glass sheet 10 after it leaves the heating zone 110, so that the shaping can be carried out at a determined temperature.

[0043] It is important to note that unlike a shaping device conventionally used in the prior art (see for example the), the shaping mold 132 is, in the context of the present invention, held in a fixed position. In other words, no up / down movement of the shaping mold 132 (relative to the conveying device 120) is envisaged here. It results from these provisions that the gap between the shaping mold 132 and the conveying device 120 is sufficient to allow a movement shuttle 142 belonging to the transfer system 140 to position appropriately (i.e. below the shaping mold 132) a collection frame 141 also belonging to said transfer system 140. By way of non-limiting example, the gap between the shaping mold 132 and the conveying device 120 is between 100 mm and 250 mm, for example substantially equal to 140 mm.The aspects related to the configuration of the transfer system 140 are, for their part, described in more detail later.

[0044] Once curved, the glass sheet 10 is taken over by the transfer system 140 to be transferred from the shaping device 130 to the cooling device 150. Within 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 as close as possible to the shape obtained using the shaping device 130.

[0045] It is furthermore possible to finely control the lowering of the temperature of the glass sheet 10, for example to obtain specific mechanical characteristics. To do this, the collection frame 141 comprises, for example, heating means (not shown in the figures) configured to regulate the cooling of the glass sheet 10 when the latter is positioned in the cooling device 150. 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, means for heating the collection frame 141, etc.) constituting only a variant implementation of the invention.

[0046] As already mentioned above, the shaping installation INS_1 comprises the transfer system 140, the latter comprising in particular: - the collection frame 141 configured to collect the glass sheet 10 after it has been shaped by the shaping device 130 (and when the sheet 10 is held against the shaping mold 132 by means of appropriate suction means, the collection being carried out by dropping the glass sheet 10 onto the collection frame 141), - the movement shuttle 142 configured to move the collection frame 141 between the shaping device 130 and the cooling device 150 (the movement being symbolized by dotted arrows on the). For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the collection frame 141 is arranged at the end of the movement shuttle 142 closest to the shaping device 130, and is integral with this end in the movement of the shuttle 142.

[0047] No limitation is attached to the means used to move the movement shuttle 142 between the shaping device 130 and the cooling device 150. For example, the transfer system 140 may comprise a drive motor as well as a movement support, such as for example a guide rail. These aspects being well known, they are not described further here.

[0048] In addition to the fact that the shaping mold 132 is held in a fixed position, the shaping installation INS_1 also differs from the prior art in that the transfer system 140 comprises lifting means 143 configured to lift the collection frame 141 towards the shaping mold 132 to a collection position suitable for collecting the glass sheet 10.

[0049] By "lifting the collection frame 141", reference is therefore made here to a movement of the collection frame 141 in a vertical direction, that is to say in a direction orthogonal to the plane in which the conveying device 120 is contained (it being understood that the movement shuttle 142 extends parallel to this plane).

[0050] The collection position is conventionally located at a determined distance from the shaping mold 132. Advantageously, this distance is sufficiently small to allow safe dropping of the glass sheet 10 (i.e. minimizing the risks of damage to the glass sheet 10) onto the collection frame 141. By way of non-limiting example, said distance is between 5 mm and 20 mm, for example substantially equal to 10 mm.

[0051] It should be noted that the lifting of the collection frame 141 is of course a reversible operation since, once the collection position has been reached as close as possible to the shaping mold 132, the collection frame 141 must be lowered so that it can be removed from the shaping device 130 and transported to the cooling device 150 by the moving shuttle 142.

[0052] Considering such lifting means 143 advantageously makes it possible to compensate for the fact that the shaping mold 132 is held in a fixed position. In addition, lifting the collection frame 141 is a less complex and less expensive operation than that of setting in motion a part as massive as the shaping mold 132, in particular in the case of large glass sheets. Indeed, the weight of a collection frame 141 is generally much lower than that of the shaping mold 132, typically five to ten times lower.

[0053] The lifting means 143 implemented in the present embodiment will now be described in more detail. Thus, the lifting means 143 more particularly comprise means configured to effect a relative movement of the collection frame 141 with respect to the displacement shuttle 142 in the direction of said shaping mold 132. In other words, the lifting means 143 make it possible to impart a vertical movement to the collection frame 131 so that the latter moves away from the displacement shuttle 142 and thus approaches the shaping mold 132.

[0054] In the embodiment of the, the means configured to carry out said relative movement are integral with the movement shuttle 142 and comprise two jacks 143_1, 143_2. Said jacks are fixed to the movement shuttle 142 and arranged so as to be able to lift the collection frame 141 at two opposite points on the periphery of the latter.

[0055] Although two cylinders 143_1, 143_2 are envisaged here, it should be noted that the number of cylinders does not constitute a limitation of the invention. Thus, nothing excludes the possibility of considering a single cylinder or more than two cylinders. Furthermore, no limitation is attached to the nature of the energy converted to produce the mechanical energy necessary for the translational movement of a cylinder. For this purpose, the cylinder(s) may be electric, hydraulic or pneumatic.

[0056] Furthermore, nothing precludes the consideration of lifting means other than jacks, such as, for example, a combination of motors (for example, two motors) with suitable sets of racks. Generally speaking, any lifting means known to the person skilled in the art can be used.

[0057] La represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of implementation of a shaping method according to the invention, as executed by the shaping installation INS_1 of the.

[0058] As illustrated by the, the shaping method firstly comprises a step E10 of heating the glass sheet 10. Said step E10 is implemented by the heating zone 110.

[0059] Once heated to the desired temperature, the shaping method comprises a step E20 of conveying the glass sheet 10 from the heating zone 110 to the shaping device 130. Said step E20 is implemented by the conveying device 120.

[0060] Subsequently, during a step E30 of the shaping method, the glass sheet 10 is supported by the pressing frame 131 to be pressed against the shaping mold 132 (it being understood that the shaping mold 132 is held in a fixed position).

[0061] Once the shaping has been carried out, the pressing frame 131 is lowered during a step E40 of the shaping method, so as to return to its initial position, the glass sheet 10 being held against the shaping mold 132 by suction.

[0062] In addition to the, the diagram schematically represents, in a sequential manner, the configuration of the transfer system 140 during steps of the shaping method executed after step E40.

[0063] For this purpose, the view comprises a first view 4A representing the transfer system 140 at the end of said step E40. As can be seen in view 4A, the transfer system 140 is located at a distance from the shaping device 130, the movement shuttle 142 (and therefore a fortiori the collection frame 141) not having yet been set in motion.

[0064] Therefore, the shaping method comprises a step E50 of transferring the glass sheet 10 from the shaping device 130 to the cooling device 150, said transfer step being implemented by the transfer system 140.

[0065] More particularly, said step E50 comprises a sub-step E50_1 of moving the collection frame 141 within the shaping device 130, so that said collection frame 141 is located below the shaping mold 132, as illustrated by view 4B of the. Said sub-step E50_1 is implemented by the moving shuttle 142.

[0066] It is important to note that at the end of this sub-step E50_1, the collection frame 141 is not yet arranged in the collection position since the lifting means 143 have not been activated. In other words, and relative to the movement shuttle 142, the position of the collection frame 141 at the end of the sub-step E50_1 is the same as that at the end of the step E40.

[0067] Once positioned below the shaping mold 142, step E50 of the shaping method also comprises a sub-step E50_2 of lifting the collection frame 141 towards said shaping mold 142, so as to reach the collection position, and as illustrated by view 4C of the. Said sub-step E50_2 is implemented by the jacks 143_1, 143_2 fixed to the displacement shuttle 242.

[0068] The glass sheet 10 is then collected by the collection frame 141 during a sub-step E50_3 of step E50, and as illustrated by the 4D view of the. To do this, the suction of the glass sheet 10 at the shaping mold 142 is deactivated, so that the glass sheet 10 is dropped onto the collection frame 141.

[0069] Subsequently, the collection frame 141 is lowered during a sub-step E50_4 of step E50, so as to return to the position occupied at the end of step E50_1, and as illustrated by view 4E of the. Said sub-step E50_4 is also implemented by the jacks 143_1, 143_2.

[0070] Therefore, said step E50 comprises a sub-step E50_5 of moving the collection frame 141 within the cooling device 150, as illustrated by view 4F of the. Said sub-step E50_5 is implemented by the moving shuttle 142.

[0071] The shaping method comprises a step E60 of cooling the glass sheet 10. Said step E60 is implemented by the cooling device 150.

[0072] It should be noted that all or part of steps E10 to E60 of the shaping method may be automated. For this purpose, the shaping installation INS_1 may comprise a processor as well as a memory, for example a read-only memory, readable by said processor. In addition, a computer program may be recorded in said memory and comprise instructions which, when read by the processor, make it possible to control / activate / regulate the various elements integrated into said installation INS_1 (heating zone 110, conveying device 120, shaping device 130, transfer system 140, cooling device 150), so as to allow the execution of steps E10 to E60.

[0073] It should also be noted that the positioning of the collection frame 141, whether during sub-step E50_1 or during sub-step E50_2, can be carried out according to any known method of placement by reference, such as for example by using one or more wedging pads / indexing stops.

[0074] The invention has been described so far by considering that the means configured to carry out the relative movement of the collection frame 141 with respect to the movement shuttle 142 are integral with the latter. These provisions are however not limiting of the invention, and nothing excludes the consideration of other embodiments as described now.

[0075] Schematically represents, in its environment, another particular embodiment of an INS_2 shaping installation according to the invention.

[0076] As illustrated by the, the shaping installation INS_2 comprises a heating zone 210, a conveying device 220, a shaping device 230 (comprising a pressing frame 231 and a shaping mold 232), a transfer system 240 as well as a cooling device 250.

[0077] The heating zone 210, the conveying device 220, the shaping device 230, and the cooling device 250 have the characteristics described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 for respectively the heating zone 110, the conveying device 120, the shaping device 130 and the cooling device 150.

[0078] In the embodiment of the, the transfer system 240 comprises a collection frame 241, a displacement shuttle 242, as well as lifting means 243 comprising means configured to carry out a relative movement of the collection frame 241 with respect to the displacement shuttle 242 in the direction of the shaping mold 232. That being said, the transfer system 240 differs from the transfer system 140 of the in that the means configured to carry out said relative movement are arranged here in a fixed manner in an area occupied by the shaping device 230.

[0079] More particularly, and as illustrated in no way limiting by the, the means configured to carry out said relative movement are integral with a support structure (not shown in the figures) of the pressing frame 231 and comprise two jacks 243_1, 243_2 arranged under the conveying device 220. The arrangement of the two jacks 243_1, 243_2 allows them to lift the collection frame 241 at two opposite points on the periphery of the latter, passing through the conveying device 220.

[0080] Following considerations similar to those described above for the, the number of cylinders does not constitute a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, they may be electric, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.

[0081] Furthermore, and as illustrated in the, wedging pads 244_1, 244_2 are fixed to the collection frame 241 at the surface located opposite the conveyor device 220. These wedging pads 244_1, 244_2 make it easier to reference the 243_1, 243_2 with the collection frame 241 when the latter must be lifted. It is important, however, to note that the use of such wedging pads 244_1, 244_2 is optional within the meaning of the present invention.

[0082] It should be noted that the fact of considering that the means configured to carry out said relative movement are integral with the support structure (not shown in the figures) of the pressing frame 231 constitutes only a variant implementation of the invention. Indeed, nothing excludes considering, according to other examples not detailed here, another location of these means within the zone occupied by the shaping device 230.

[0083] La represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of implementation of a shaping method according to the invention, as executed by the shaping installation INS_2 of the.

[0084] The method comprises steps F10 to F60, step F50 comprising sub-steps F50_1 to F50_5. These steps are similar to steps E10 to E60 described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, except that with respect to sub-steps F50_2 and F50_4, the collection frame 241 is respectively raised and lowered by the jacks 243_1, 243_2 fixed to the support structure of the pressing frame 231.

[0085] In addition to the, the diagrammatically represents, in a sequential manner, the configuration of the transfer system 240 during steps of the shaping method executed after step F40. The sequencing is more particularly illustrated by views 7A to 7F in the manner illustrated by views 4A to 4E of the.

[0086] Schematically represents, in its environment, another particular embodiment of an INS_3 shaping installation according to the invention.

[0087] As illustrated by the, the shaping installation INS_3 comprises a heating zone 310, a conveying device 320, a shaping device 330 (comprising a pressing frame 331 and a shaping mold 332), a transfer system 340 as well as a cooling device 350.

[0088] The heating zone 310, the conveying device 320, the shaping device 330, and the cooling device 350 have the characteristics described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 for respectively the heating zone 110, the conveying device 120, the shaping device 130 and the cooling device 150.

[0089] In the embodiment, the transfer system 340 comprises a collection frame 341, a displacement shuttle 342, as well as lifting means 343. Said lifting means 343 comprise means configured to carry out a lifting of the displacement shuttle 342 in the direction of the shaping mold 332, the collection frame 341 being integral with the displacement shuttle 342 in its lifting.

[0090] In other words, in the embodiment described here with reference to the, there is no longer any relative movement of the collection frame 341 with respect to the displacement shuttle 342, as was the case for the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 5. On the contrary, the collection frame 341 being integral with the displacement shuttle 342, it is the assembly formed by these two elements which is lifted to be moved in the direction of the shaping mold 332.

[0091] More particularly, and as illustrated in no way limiting by the, the means configured to carry out said relative movement comprise a motorized arm 343, for example a motorized telescopic arm.

[0092] La represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of implementation of a shaping method according to the invention, as executed by the shaping installation INS_3 of the.

[0093] The method comprises steps G10 to G60, step G50 comprising sub-steps G50_1 to G50_5. These steps are similar to steps E10 to E60 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, except that with regard to sub-steps G50_2 and G50_4, the moving shuttle 342 (and therefore a fortiori the assembly formed by said shuttle 342 and the collecting frame 341) is respectively raised and lowered by the motorized arm 343.

[0094] In addition to the, the diagrammatically represents, in a sequential manner, the configuration of the transfer system 340 during steps of the shaping method executed after step G40. The sequencing is more particularly illustrated by views 10A to 10F in the manner illustrated by views 4A to 4E of the.

[0095] The invention has been described so far by considering that the movement of the collection frame to move closer to and away from the shaping mold is carried out either via a relative movement with respect to the movement shuttle (said shuttle therefore not carrying out any vertical movement), or via a vertical movement of the movement shuttle so as to drive the collection frame with it. These provisions are however not limiting of the invention, and nothing excludes the possibility of considering still other embodiments in which the modes of figures 2 to 10 are combined according to any technically operative solution.

[0096] Thus, by way of non-limiting example, it is possible to envisage an entry of the shuttle into the shaping device following a horizontal movement (i.e. in a direction parallel to that in which the glass sheets are conveyed). Once the collection frame is positioned opposite the shaping mold, at the conveying device, said collection frame can be lifted a first time by the shuttle moving towards the shaping mold, so as to reach an intermediate position located between the initial position at the conveying device and the collection position. Subsequently, from this intermediate position, the collection frame is lifted a second time to reach the collection position, this new lifting movement being carried out using one or more jacks as described above (i.e.jacks attached to the moving shuttle or to a support structure of the pressing frame).

[0097] According to yet another example, it is possible to envisage combining during the same time window a horizontal and vertical movement of the shuttle, optionally and additionally using a relative movement of the collection frame with respect to the shuttle. These arrangements are advantageous in that they make it possible to reduce the transfer time of a glass sheet between the shaping device and the cooling device, given that the time required for collecting the glass sheet is reduced (the collection frame travels a shorter distance to reach the collection position).

[0098] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a glazing unit, for example a laminated glazing unit or a tempered glazing unit. The main steps of said manufacturing method are illustrated in the. As can be seen, the manufacturing method comprises a step H10 of shaping at least one glass sheet. This step H10 is carried out according to any one of the embodiments described above for the shaping method. Then, once said at least one glass sheet has been shaped, the manufacturing method comprises a step H20 of using said at least one shaped glass sheet to manufacture said glazing unit.

Claims

Transfer system (140, 240, 340) of at least one glass sheet (10) from a shaping device (130, 230, 330) of said at least one glass sheet to a cooling device (150, 250, 350) of said at least one glass sheet, the shaping device comprising a pressing frame (131, 231, 331) and a shaping mold (132, 232, 332) held in a fixed position, the transfer system comprising: - a collection frame (141, 241, 341) configured to collect said at least one glass sheet after it has been shaped, - a moving shuttle (142, 242, 342) configured to move the collection frame between the shaping device and the cooling device, - reversible lifting means (143, 243, 343) configured to lift the collection frame towards the shaping mold to a collection position suitable for collecting said at least one glass sheet. System (140, 240) according to claim 1, wherein the lifting means (143, 243) comprise means configured to effect a relative movement of the collection frame (141, 241) with respect to the displacement shuttle (142, 242) towards said mold (132, 232). System (140) according to claim 2, wherein the means (143) configured to carry out said relative movement are integral with the movement shuttle (142). System (240) according to claim 2, wherein the means (243) configured to carry out said relative movement are arranged in a fixed manner in an area occupied by the shaping device (230). System (240) according to claim 4, wherein the means (243) configured to carry out said relative movement are integral with a support structure of the pressing frame (231). System (140, 240) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the means configured to carry out said relative movement comprise one or more cylinders (143_1, 143_2, 243_1, 243_2), for example one or more electric, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. System (340) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the lifting means (343) comprise means configured to carry out a lifting of the displacement shuttle (342) towards said mold (332), the collection frame (341) being integral with the displacement shuttle in its lifting. System (340) according to claim 7, wherein the means configured to carry out a lifting of the movement shuttle (342) comprise a motorized arm (343). System (140, 240, 340) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the collection frame (141, 241, 341) comprises heating means configured to regulate the cooling of said at least one glass sheet (10) when the latter is positioned in the cooling device (150, 250, 350). System (140, 240, 340) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the surface area of ​​said at least one glass sheet (10) is greater than 1 m 2 , preferably greater than 1.5 m 2 . An installation (INS_1, INS_2, INS_3) for shaping at least one glass sheet (10), said installation comprising:- a heating zone (110, 210, 310) for said at least one glass sheet,- a shaping device (130, 230, 330) for said at least one glass sheet, the shaping device comprising a pressing frame (131, 231, 331) and a shaping mold (132, 232, 332) held in a fixed position,- a conveying device (120, 220, 320) for said at least one glass sheet through said heating zone and to the shaping device,- a cooling device (150, 250, 350) for said at least one shaped glass sheet,- a transfer system (140, 240, 340) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Installation according to claim 11, in which the pressing frame (131, 231, 331) and / or the shaping mold (132, 232, 332) comprises heating means. Method for shaping at least one glass sheet (10) implemented by a shaping installation (INS_1, INS_2, INS_3) according to any one of claims 11 to 12, said method comprising, after shaping said at least one glass sheet by the shaping device (130, 230, 330), a step of transferring (E50, F50, G50) said at least one glass sheet from the shaping device to the cooling device (150, 250, 350), said transfer step being implemented by the transfer system (140, 240, 340). Method for manufacturing glazing, for example laminated glazing or toughened glazing, said manufacturing method comprising steps of:- shaping at least one sheet of glass in accordance with a shaping method according to claim 13,- using said at least one shaped sheet of glass to manufacture said glazing.

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