glazing handling system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing handling system (1) comprising a support structure (10) carrying a support base (20), characterized in that the support base comprises movement means (22) for enabling the glazing to be moved by rotation when it is lying flat, said movement means having a resisting force whose value allows the rotation of the movement means when a translational force greater in magnitude than the resisting force is applied to the glazing, said resisting force being further sufficiently high to maintain the glazing sufficiently stable on the movement means when the only stress applied to the glazing is its own weight. Fig 8

Description

Title of the invention: Glazing handling system

[0001] The present invention relates to systems for handling glazing, in particular glazing intended for the transport sector: automobiles, buses, trucks, or glazing intended for buildings. Prior art

[0002] In many fields, the glazing used is handled on numerous occasions, such as during assembly, installation, replacement, or maintenance. Thus, the glazing is handled before being placed in its receiving structure or after being removed from its receiving structure for replacement or maintenance (repair).

[0003] On these occasions, the glass panes are carried by an operator and placed on a docking station or handling system. The glass panes in question are panes used in the transport or building sector, and these panes have significant dimensions and therefore significant weight.

[0004] A known handling system consists of a table composed of two rectangular bridge arch-shaped metal profiles hinged along an axis passing through the midpoint of their vertical supports. Viewed from the side, these hinged supports form an "X" in the deployed position. The deployed position is maintained by a chain stretched between the two horizontal sections or above the hinge of the lateral supports. The upper part of the table, composed of two parallel bars, is designed to receive the glazing or glass panel. The upper part is systematically covered with soft foam sleeves that prevent scratching or breaking the windshield in the event of accidental contact with the table's metal structure. These sleeves also provide good grip on the windshield, which allows the glazing to be held in a stable position during the various preparation operations (cleaning, application of the adhesive bead, etc.).

[0005] However, automotive and building glazing tends to have a large radius of curvature. Such a radius of curvature requires precise positioning of the glazing on the handling system; otherwise, the glazing may roll or tilt during maintenance operations such as applying adhesive or a sealant. This tilting makes the operation uncomfortable. Furthermore, incorrect orientation of the glazing on the two parallel bars of the upper section or improper centering can lead to such tilting.

[0006] The disadvantage of these handling tables is that they are not ergonomic. Indeed, installing the glass panel or glazing requires the operator to lift the glazing into place, centering it as much as possible while avoiding to damage the glazing by scratches or breakage.

[0007] However, the presence of the foam sleeves, designed to prevent scratches, prevents the glazing from sliding, so the operator must manipulate it to center it. This manipulation consists of moving forward with the glazing to position it as centered as possible, or placing the glazing at the edge of the table and then making small rotational movements to bring it closer to the center. This operation can be repeated if the glazing requires processing on each of its faces.

[0008] It is known to exist of tables in which the sleeves are replaced by four suction cups supporting the glass. However, the suction cups present significant friction, which necessitates the use of a method requiring the operator to project themselves or perform small rotational movements.

[0009] These difficulties are also present during the turning process. With parallel bars as the upper part, significant friction prevents the glass sheet from sliding along its edge, thus requiring the operator to carry the glazing. With the four suction cup-type support points, carrying the glazing is mandatory.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a glazing handling system which allows for simpler and less restrictive installation and reversal of the glazing for the operator. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention seeks to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a glazing handling system that allows for easy placement, centering and reversal.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a glazing handling system 1 comprising a support structure carrying a support base, characterized in that the support base includes means for moving the glazing by rotation when it is lying flat. These means of movement have a resisting force sufficient to allow rotation of the means of movement when a translational force greater in magnitude than the resisting force is applied to the glazing. Furthermore, said resisting force is sufficiently high to maintain the glazing in a sufficiently stable manner on the means of movement when the only constraint applied to the glazing is its own weight.

[0013] According to an example, the means of transport exhibit an adjustable resistive effort.

[0014] According to one example, the means of transport are equipped with at least one stopping system to block said means of transport.

[0015] According to one example, the resisting force of the means of locomotion comes from a couple of materials rubbing against each other.

[0016] According to one example, the resisting force of the means of movement originates from a viscous friction system mechanically connected to the means of movement

[0017] According to one example, the means of movement comprise at least one roller, at least one wheel or at least one ball or a combination thereof to obtain stable support for the glazing

[0018] According to one example, the means of movement include two rollers.

[0019] According to one example, the means of locomotion include four wheels, of preferably arranged at the four corners of a parallelepiped.

[0020] According to one example, the support base further includes sliding means.

[0021] According to one example, the sliding means comprise at least one plate or at minus one rail.

[0022] According to one example, the sliding means are arranged between the means of movement and such that the plane passing through the vertices of the means of movement overhangs the plane passing through the vertices of the sliding means.

[0023] According to one example, it further comprises support means in the form of at least one support bar, said support bar extending from the support base.

[0024] According to one example, the bar extends substantially horizontally.

[0025] According to one example, the bar is linear or curved.

[0026] According to one example, the support base is mounted to move in translation relative to the support structure by means of translation elements.

[0027] According to one example, the support structure includes a frame made of tubes or profiles.

[0028] According to one example, the means of movement and the means of sliding are mounted on plates, said plates being fixed directly or indirectly to the support base.

[0029] According to one example, each plate carries a rail and two wheels, the rail being arranged between the two wheels, essentially along the same line.

[0030] The invention further relates to a method of operating the handling system during a maintenance operation on at least one side of a glazing according to the invention, said method comprising the following steps: - Obtain the glass to be treated and the handling system; - Place the glazing on the means of movement on the surface opposite the surface to be treated; - Move the glazing to give it the desired position by applying to said glazing a translational force greater in intensity than the resisting force of the means of movement; - Perform the said maintenance operation on the face of the glazing.

[0031] According to one example, the maintenance operation on a pane of glass is also carried out on the other side of the pane, said process then comprising a turning step consisting of:

[0032] - to equip oneself with the glazing,

[0033] - lift the glazing of the handling system and then turn it over;

[0034] - place the glazing on the means of movement on the surface opposite to the surface to to treat,

[0035] said process further comprising the following steps: - Move the glazing to the desired position by applying a translational force greater in intensity than the resisting force of the means of movement - Perform the said maintenance operation on the face of the glazing.

[0036] According to one example, said manipulation system comprises sliding means, said reversing step consisting of:

[0037] - Move the glazing in translation using the means of movement and continue by sliding the glazing on the sliding means in order to be able to grasp the glazing;

[0038] - Lift the glazing of the handling system and turn it over;

[0039] - Place the glazing on its edge on the sliding means;

[0040] - Slide the glazing on the sliding means until the opposite surface the surface to be treated should be placed on the means of transport.

[0041] According to one example, the means of movement are equipped with a stopping system, said stopping system being disengaged to allow the glazing to be moved to the desired position and then engaged once the glazing has reached that position. Description of the figures

[0042] Other features and advantages will become clear from the description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0043] - [Fig. 1] represents a side view of the glazing handling system according the invention;

[0044] - Figure 2 shows a view of the glazing handling system equipped with rolls;

[0045] - [Fig.3] represents a view of the glazing handling system equipped with wheels;

[0046] - Figure 4 shows a view of the glazing handling system equipped with a roller and a wheel;

[0047] - Figure 5 shows a view of the glazing handling system equipped with sliding means in the form of a plate;

[0048] - Figure 6 shows a view of the glazing handling system equipped with sliding means in the form of a rail;

[0049] - Figures 7 and 8 show a view of the support means of the handling system glazing installation according to the invention and a view of their operation;

[0050] - Figures 9 to 12 represent views of different support structures of the glazing handling system according to the invention. Detailed description

[0051] Figure 1 represents a glazing handling system 1 according to the invention. This glazing handling system allows an operator to work on glazing 100 such as that used in the transport sector or in the building sector. This glazing may be flat or curved.

[0052] The glazing handling system includes a support structure 10 carrying a support base 20.

[0053] In a first embodiment, the support base 20 includes movement means 22. The movement means are used to support the glazing and to allow the glazing to be moved when it is laid flat.

[0054] In a first embodiment, the displacement means 22 comprise two rollers 220 mounted parallel as seen in figures 1 and 2. These two rollers are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0055] In a second embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the means of movement 22 comprise wheels 222. The means of movement comprise at least three wheels arranged to form a triangle. This arrangement allows the glazing to be supported.

[0056] In a variant of this second embodiment, the means of movement 22 are balls. This variant advantageously allows for freer movement, not limited to a single direction.

[0057] Of course, it is possible to combine the embodiments with means of movement comprising a roller 220 and at least one wheel 222 as seen in [Fig.4]. It is then understood that at least two support points are necessary, three in the case of the exclusive presence of wheels.

[0058] The means of movement 22 are ingenious in that they exhibit a resisting force during their rotation. The level of resisting force physically originates from a coefficient of rotational friction, which is defined as representing the friction that exists between said rotating means of movement and the support on which they are mounted. It is then understood that the coefficient of rotational friction in question is that present between the wheel or roller and the shaft that carries this wheel or roller (or between the shaft that carries it and the support plates in the case where the axle of the wheel or roller is also driven in rotation). This The coefficient of rotational friction is also that which is present between the ball and its support.

[0059] The resisting force results from a compromise. First, it must be low enough to allow the means of movement to rotate. Second, it must be high enough to keep the glazing sufficiently stable on the means of movement so that the operator can perform the preparation operations on the glazing (cleaning, fixing a perimeter seal, applying adhesive, etc.). This resisting force is then constant or adjustable.

[0060] This resisting effort of the means of movement during the phases of movement comes from a pair of materials rubbing against each other, the adjustment of the resisting effort being done by the pressure applied between these materials.

[0061] Alternatively, the resisting force on the means of movement during the movement phases comes from a viscous friction system mechanically connected to the means of movement

[0062] Alternatively, this resisting force is obtained by mechanical action on a pad that brakes the means of movement. The resisting force is then adjusted by applying more or less pressure to the pad on the means of movement. This allows for an adjustable resisting force, enabling different compromises between the thrust force exerted on the glazing during and outside of the glazing movement phases.

[0063] The means of movement are activated indirectly by the operator who simply pushes or pulls the glazing. For the rotation of the means of movement to be effective, it is necessary that the surface of these means of movement have good contact with the surface of the glass (the coefficient of friction between the surface of the means of movement and the glass is then high) such that the translational movement of the glazing causes the rotation of the wheels, rollers, or balls forming the means of movement. The translational movement of the glazing is obtained by applying a translational force to said glazing.

[0064] It is important that the translational movement of the glazing be achieved by rolling without slipping on the means of movement. Indeed, such slippage could cause scratches on the surface of the glazing if, for example, the surface of the means of movement were contaminated by hard dust such as mineral particles. It is therefore important to be able to adapt the nature of the external coating of the means of movement to the pushing or pulling force exerted on the glazing by the operator in order to always have sufficient grip of the external surface of the means of movement on the surface of the glass.

[0065] The good grip of the means of transport is the result of a surface friction coefficient. This friction coefficient is that which is present between the The surface area of ​​the moving parts (wheels, balls, rollers, etc.) and the surface of the glazing are considered. This coefficient of surface friction can have an impact. Indeed, if this coefficient of surface friction is too low, the glazing may slide on the moving parts without causing them to rotate. This is especially likely if the resistance force is high. This lack of rotation can also occur if, conversely, the coefficient of surface friction is too low. A high coefficient of surface friction, which ensures good adhesion of the glazing surface, is achieved using a rubber or elastomer-type material.

[0066] The surface friction coefficient is chosen according to the requirements. For example, in the case of a friction coefficient provided by a tread, the tread is interchangeable.

[0067] In one embodiment, the means of movement 22 comprise at least one stopping system. This stopping system is such that a mechanical brake allows the rotation of the rollers or wheels to be completely blocked. This then allows said means of movement to act as simple runners. This stopping system may thus be fitted to at least one of the wheels or balls or at least one of the rollers. The stopping system may also be fitted to all of the means of movement 22.

[0068] The glazing handling system according to the invention operates as follows. The operator, carrying the glazing or glass panel by hand or using suction cup gripping systems, places the glazing or glass panel flat on the support base. The secure grip between the surface of the means of movement and the surface of the glass then allows the glazing to be moved in at least one direction by applying a translational force, provided that this translational force is greater than the resistance force or the coefficient of rotational friction of the means of movement. This allows the operator to place the glazing on the support base in such a cantilevered position, thus reducing strain on their back. Once the glazing is in place, the operator can slide it to center it. The coefficient of rotational friction ensures that, once the glazing is in position, it does not move easily..

[0069] The operator can then begin operations on the visible face of the glazing. The resistance of the means of movement allows the glazing to withstand forces and impacts from the operator during the operations performed on the glazing without moving. It is therefore understood that the resistance has a value such that the momentary application of a translational force below a certain threshold, for example 10 Newtons (equivalent to the weight of a 1 kg mass), does not cause significant displacement of the glazing, whereas the application of a translational force above this threshold, i.e., 10 Newtons in our example, does cause displacement of the glazing.

[0070] This illustrates the advantage of being able to adjust the rotational friction coefficient in order to immobilize the glazing during various types of maintenance operations without having to activate the locking system. Thus, in the case of maintenance operations requiring significant forces to be applied to the glazing, the rotational friction coefficient will be set to a high threshold, typically 50 or 100 Newtons.

[0071] Adjusting the resistance force also allows adaptation to the glazing. Indeed, depending on the dimensions of the glazing, it can be more or less heavy. However, heavy glazing exerts more stress on the means of movement and therefore becomes less easily moved. By adjusting the resistance force, this additional stress is compensated for.

[0072] If the glazing requires operations on its other side, the operator must turn the glazing over. The operator then takes the glazing, turns it over, and places it on the means of transport.

[0073] In one embodiment, the stop system is present; it is then engaged or disengaged as needed. It is understood that the stop system is disengaged to allow the glazing to be moved into the desired position and then engaged once the glazing is in position. The operator can then begin operations on the visible face of the glazing.

[0074] In a second embodiment, the support base 20 further includes sliding means 24.

[0075] In a first embodiment visible in [Fig.5], the sliding means comprise a plate 240. This plate is flat or curved.

[0076] In a second embodiment visible in figure 6, the sliding means comprise at least one rail 242. This rail is straight or curved.

[0077] The sliding means 24 are positioned relative to the displacement means 22 so that the sliding means 24 are positioned in the space between the displacement means.

[0078] It is then understood that the wheels 222 or rollers 220 frame the plate or the rails.

[0079] Preferably, the rollers 220 are associated with sliding means in the form of a plate 240 and the wheels 222 are associated with sliding means in the form of a rail 242, but these associations are not limiting and sliding means in the form of a plate can be associated with wheels. Similarly, it is possible to have sliding means in the form of a plate associated with a roller and a wheel.

[0080] The means of movement, such as rollers, wheels, or balls, are positioned relative to the sliding means, plate or rails, so as to be elevated. It is then understood that when the glazing is placed on the means of movement, it does not come into contact with the sliding means. Thus, the plane passing through the The apex of the means of movement is higher than the plane passing through the apex of the means of sliding, therefore a gap exists between these planes.

[0081] The presence of sliding means improves the handling of the glazing, particularly when said glazing requires operations on its other side. The operating method for using the handling system is thus as follows.

[0082] The installation of the glazing consists of: - Place the glazing on its edge on the sliding means; - Slide the glass panel along the sliding mechanism until the surface opposite the surface to be treated, either placed on the means of transport; - Move the glazing to give it the desired position by applying to the glazing a translational force greater in intensity than the resisting force of the means of movement; - Perform the maintenance operation on the visible side of the glazing.

[0083] If the glazing needs to be turned over, the following steps are carried out: - Move the glazing in translation using the means of movement and continue by sliding the glazing on the sliding means in order to be able to take hold of the glazing; - Lift the glazing of the handling system and turn it over; - Place the glazing on its edge on the sliding means; - Slide the glazing onto the sliding means until the surface opposite the surface to be treated, either placed on the means of transport - Move the glazing to give it the desired position by applying to the glazing a translational force greater in intensity than the resisting force of the means of movement; - Perform the said maintenance operation on the visible side of the glazing.

[0084] Once the maintenance is completed, the following steps are carried out:

[0085] Move the glazing in translation

[0086] Preferably, the gap between the top of the movement means 22 and the sliding means 24 is such that when the glazing slides on said sliding means, contact with the movement means causes the glazing to transition smoothly and seamlessly from the sliding means to said movement means so that the positioning of the glazing continues. If the gap is too large, the movement means act as a stop, preventing the glazing from sliding further. The same is true if the movement means are too high relative to the sliding means. In a variant of the embodiment shown in [Fig. 7], the handling system includes support means 30 in the form of at least one support bar 32. This support bar extends from the support structure or from the support base. This support bar is used to allow the The glazing rests on the bar on its edge. Preferably, the handling system includes bars arranged in pairs. This provides two points of support for the glazing.

[0087] The support bar(s) 32 extend substantially horizontally, i.e., horizontally or at an angle so as to be slightly raised. This ensures that the glazing is held in place. The bars may be straight or curved, smooth or notched. They are preferably coated with a material that provides good grip on the edge of the glazing in order to minimize the risk of slippage and the glazing falling.

[0088] Preferably, the handling system comprises two pairs of support bars 32, the pairs being arranged on opposite sides, preferably on either side of the means of movement.

[0089] This variant optionally includes buffer means 34. These buffer means 34 are arranged to cooperate with the support bars 32. These buffer means comprise washers made of a flexible material, such as rubber, that has good grip on the glass surface. When the glazing is placed on its edge on the bars, these buffer means allow the glazing to rest on the buffer means. This prevents damage to the glazing.

[0090] These bars are then used during the operation of the handling system in multiple phases. For example, these bars can be used before placing the glass pane on the handling system so that the operator can potentially catch their breath or pick up the glass pane with a better grip, as seen in [Fig. 8]. In another example, the bars are used when turning the glass pane over.

[0091] The support structure can take different forms.

[0092] In a first form, the support structure 10 consists of a base plate 12 supported by at least one foot 14 as seen in [Fig. 9]. This foot takes the form of a peripheral wall. On the base plate, the means of movement and the means of guidance (if present) are arranged.

[0093] In a variant of this first form, the vertical peripheral wall is replaced by four feet arranged at the corner of the base plate as shown in [Fig. 10]. Each foot is in the form of a vertical post. This variant frees up space under the base plate.

[0094] In another variant of this first form, the feet are arranged as a pair. The feet of this pair are arranged on opposite sides. Each foot is in the form of a central pillar fixed at one end to the base plate and comprising at its other end support points on which the manipulation system rests. Each foot preferably comprises two points support.

[0095] In an alternative, each foot comprises an H-shaped structure. This structure thus has two points fixed to the base plate and two points serving as support points.

[0096] In a second form, the support structure 10 is in the form of a frame 16 carrying the support base 20 as seen in [Fig. 11]. The frame is composed of tubes 161, metal profiles for example in the form of two H-shaped trusses connected by at least one central beam.

[0097] The upper part of the H-shaped trusses is adapted to support the base, i.e., the means of movement and the sliding means, if present. These sliding means and means of movement are supported by at least one plate, fixed to the H-shaped trusses.

[0098] In the case of means of locomotion comprising wheels, two plates are used for their mounting. In the case where the means of locomotion comprise four wheels, two plates are used, each plate carrying two wheels. The wheels of each plate are placed essentially on the same line. Each plate is mounted on an H-frame as shown in [Fig. 12]. If sliding means are provided, such as rails, these rails are supported by the plates. These plates can be fixed to the support base, but the plates can also be fixed to the support structure and thus form the support base. In this case, the plates are also capable of supporting the support means 30.

[0099] In a variant of the second form, the support structure is designed to be foldable. In this variant, the central beam is designed to fold. The beam then includes a hinge and locking means. When the locking means are unlocked, the central beam can fold. This folding of the central beam allows the two H-trusses to move closer together.

[0100] In one embodiment, the support base is movable relative to the support structure. The support base is mounted on translational elements such as jacks, i.e., mechanical or electromechanical elements allowing the translation of two elements relative to each other. This height adjustment allows the height of the support base to be adapted to the operator's height in order to reduce the effort required. In this embodiment of the height adjustment, the support means 30 can be arranged not on the support structure but on the support base. This allows the height of the support means to be adjusted simultaneously to ensure that the support means 30 are always at an ergonomic height.

[0101] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible to various variants and modifications which will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0102] Indeed, it is conceivable that sliding means in the form of rails or plates can be used to directly support means of transport in the form of wheels.

Claims

Claims

1. A glazing handling system (1) comprising a support structure (10) carrying a support base (20), characterized in that the support base comprises movement means (22) to allow, by rotation, the movement of the glazing when the latter is laid flat, said movement means have a resistive force whose value allows the rotation of the movement means when a translation force is applied to the glazing greater in intensity than the resistive force, said resistive force being furthermore sufficiently high to hold the glazing sufficiently stable on the movement means when the only stress applied to the glazing is its own weight.

2. System according to the preceding claim, in which the displacement means (22) have an adjustable rotational resistance force.

3. Glass handling system 1 according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the movement means (22) are provided with at least one stopping system for blocking said movement means.

4. Glass handling system 1 according to claim 1, 2 or 3 characterized in that the resistive force of the displacement means comes from a pair of materials rubbing against each other.

5. Glass handling system 1 according to claim 1, 2 or 3 characterized in that the resistive force of the displacement means comes from a viscous friction system mechanically connected to the displacement means

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the displacement means comprise at least one roller, at least one wheel or at least one ball or a combination of these to obtain stable support for the glazing.

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the displacement means comprise two rollers (220).

8. System according to claim 2, wherein the moving means comprise four wheels (222), preferably arranged at the four corners of a parallelepiped.

9. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support base further comprises sliding means (24).

10. System according to the preceding claim, in which the sliding means (24) comprise at least one plate or at least one rail.

11. System according to the preceding claim, in which the sliding means (24) are arranged between the displacement means (22) and so that the plane passing through the vertices of the displacement means overhangs the plane passing through the vertices of the sliding means.

12. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it further comprises support means (30) in the form of at least one support bar (32), said support bar extending from the support structure or from the support base.

13. System according to the preceding claim, in which the bar extends substantially horizontally.

14. System according to the preceding claim, in which the bar is linear or curved.

15. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support base (20) is mounted to move in translation relative to the support structure by means of translation elements.

16. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support structure (10) comprises a frame made of tube or profiles.

17. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the displacement means and the sliding means are mounted on plates, said plates being fixed directly or indirectly to the support structure.

18. System according to claims 8, 10 and 17, in which each plate carries a rail and two wheels, the rail being arranged between the two wheels, on the same line.

19. Method of operating the handling system during a maintenance operation of at least one face of a glazing according to one of the preceding claims, said method comprising the following steps: - Providing the glazing to be treated and providing the handling system; - Placing the glazing on the movement means on the surface opposite the surface to be treated; - Moving the glazing to give it the desired position by applying to said glazing a translation force greater in intensity than the resistive force of the movement means; - Carrying out said maintenance operation on the face su- visible upper part of the glazing.

20. Operating method according to the preceding claim, in which the maintenance operation of a glazing is also carried out on the other face of the glazing, said method then comprising a turning step consisting of: - providing the glazing, - lifting the glazing from the handling system then turning it over; - Placing the glazing on the movement means on the surface opposite the surface to be treated, said method further comprising the following steps: - Moving the glazing to give it the desired position by applying to said glazing a translation force greater in intensity than the resistive force of the movement means; - Carrying out said maintenance operation on the upper face of the glazing.

21. Method according to the preceding claim, in which said handling system comprises sliding means, said turning step consisting of: - Moving the glazing in translation using the moving means and continuing by sliding the glazing on the sliding means in order to be able to pick up the glazing; - Lifting the glazing from the handling system and turning it over; - Placing the glazing on its edge on the sliding means; - Sliding the glazing on the sliding means until the surface opposite the surface to be treated is placed on the moving means.

22. Method according to one of claims 19 to 21 in which the movement means are provided with a stopping system, said stopping system being disengaged to allow the glazing to be moved to the desired position and then engaged once the position of the glazing has been found.

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