A system for transferring at least one sheet of glass, a glass forming installation comprising such a system, and an associated forming method

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for transferring at least one sheet of glass, a glass forming installation comprising such a system, and an associated forming method. The invention concerns a system for transferring at least one sheet of glass (10) from a forming device (130, 230, 330) to a cooling device (150, 250, 350), the forming device comprising a forming mold held in a fixed position. The transfer system comprises: - a collection frame (141, 241, 341), - a transport shuttle (142, 242, 342) configured to move the collection frame between the forming device and the cooling device, - reversible lifting means (143, 243, 343) configured to lift the collection frame towards the forming mold to a collection position. Figure for the summary: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: 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. Prior art

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

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a transfer system of at least one The invention relates to a glass sheet being transferred from a shaping device to a cooling device for at least one glass sheet. The invention also relates to a shaping installation incorporating such a transfer system and a corresponding shaping process. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, though not limiting, application in the shaping of glass sheets intended for integration into laminated or tempered glazing, especially large laminated glazing (e.g., glazing with a surface area greater than 1 m² or even 1.5 m²), such as fixed panoramic "canopy" type roofs for equipping motor vehicles.

[0003] In order to produce glass sheets with a specific shape, for example automotive glazing, it is known to use a forming installation. Figure 1 schematically represents, in its environment, an example of an embodiment of an INS_OLD forming installation as known from the prior art.

[0004] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the INS_OLD installation includes a conveying device 12, corresponding more specifically here to a series of straight rollers aligned in a plane to achieve horizontal movement of a sheet of glass 1. The conveying is initially carried out through a heating zone 11 conventionally comprising a furnace, preferably of the tunnel type, so as to bring the sheet 1 to a softening temperature. The sheet 1 is then conveyed, immediately after exiting the furnace, to a device 13 configured to shape the heated sheet 1.

[0005] Conventionally, the shaping device 13 corresponds to a bending station in which a lower frame 13_1 (also called "pressing frame") lifts the sheet of glass 1 to press it against an upper mold 13_2 (also called "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 notably as follows: - when sheet 1 is appropriately positioned in the area occupied by the forming device 13 (i.e., sheet 1 is waiting on the rollers, below the mold 13_2), the mold 13_2 is lowered to come close to sheet 1, - The pressing frame 13_1 is mounted 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 (example: vacuum pump allowing to create suction through the surface of the mold 13_2), - the mold 13_2 is raised so as to allow passage of a transfer system 14 capable of transferring the sheet 1 from the shaping device 13 to a cooling device 15 (example: quenching station).

[0007] The transfer system 14 comprises more specifically: - 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 transport 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 [Fig.1] by dashed arrows substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of glass conveying). To do this, the collection frame 14_1 is arranged fixed to the shuttle 14_2 at one end thereof, as shown for illustrative purposes on [Fig.1].

[0008] It should be noted that the kinematics of the mold 13_2 do not only include the components described above, since, when the shuttle 14_2 enters the forming device 13 so that the collection frame 14_1 is correctly positioned below the mold 13_2, said mold 13_2 is lowered again 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 to allow the shuttle 14_2 (and therefore also the collection frame 14_1) to exit the forming device 13 in order to transfer the sheet 1 to the cooling device 15.

[0009] As can be seen from the above, the kinematics of the elements forming the shaping device 13 are complex and require multiple movements. These aspects are problematic when it comes to shaping large sheets of glass (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 required for shaping must therefore be dimensioned accordingly. As a consequence, the shaping mold 13_2, which has the most complex kinematics, becomes a very heavy element to move, which becomes a limiting factor if we want to maintain shaping rates similar to those obtained for smaller sheets of glass.

[0010] To try to overcome these difficulties, it was considered to use means to assist the movement of the forming mold 13_2. Such means include, for example, a motor and / or counterweights and / or cylinders, etc. Nevertheless, the implementation of such means of assistance complicates the construction of the forming installation, which increases its cost and also increases the risk of breakdowns. Description of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to shape sheets of glass in a more efficient, less complex and less costly way than the solutions of the prior art, in particular in the case of large sheets of glass.

[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 transport 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", reference is made here to a movement of the collection frame in a vertical direction, that is to say in a direction orthogonal to the plane in which said at least one sheet of glass 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] Moreover, lifting the collection frame is a less This is a complex and less expensive process than moving a component as massive as the forming mold, especially in the case of large glass sheets. Indeed, the weight of a collection frame is generally much less than that of the forming mold, typically five to ten times less.

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

[0017] In particular embodiments, the lifting means comprise means configured to achieve a relative movement of the collection frame with respect to the displacement shuttle in the direction of said mold.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the means configured to carry out said relative movement are fixed to the displacement 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 achieve said relative movement are integral with a support structure of the pressing frame.

[0021] In particular embodiments, the means configured to achieve 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 displacement shuttle towards said mold, the collection frame being integral with the displacement shuttle in its lifting.

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

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

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

[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 of 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 conveying device for said at least one sheet of glass through said heating zone and up to the shaping device, - a cooling device for 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 includes 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 tempered glazing, said manufacturing method comprising the steps of: - shaping at least one sheet of glass according to a shaping process according to the invention, - use of said at least one sheet of glass shaped to manufacture said glazing. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an example of an embodiment without being limiting in any way. In the figures: [Fig.l] schematically represents, in its environment, an example of the realization of a shaping installation as known from the state of the art; [Fig.2] schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a shaping installation according to the invention; [Fig.3] represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular method of implementing a shaping process according to the invention, as executed by the shaping installation of [Fig.2]; [Fig.4] schematically represents, in sequence, the configuration of a transfer system belonging to the installation of [Fig.2] during the execution of the shaping process of [Fig.3]; [Fig.5] schematically represents, in its environment, another particular embodiment of a shaping installation according to the invention; [Fig.6] represents, in the form of a flowchart, another particular mode of implementation of a shaping process according to the invention, as carried out by the shaping installation of [Fig.5]; [Fig.7] schematically represents, in sequence, the configuration of a transfer system belonging to the installation of [Fig.5] during the execution of the shaping process of [Fig.6]; [Fig.8] schematically represents, in its environment, yet another particular embodiment of a shaping installation according to the invention; [Fig.9] represents, in the form of a flowchart, yet another particular mode of implementation of a shaping process according to the invention, as executed by the shaping installation of [Fig.8]; [Fig. 10] schematically represents, in sequence, the configuration of a transfer system belonging to the installation of [Fig.8] during the execution of the shaping process of [Fig.9]; [Fig. 11] represents, in the form of a flowchart, the main steps of a manufacturing process for glazing according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] Figure 2 schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a shaping installation INS_1 according to the invention. Said INS_1 installation is configured to shape at least one sheet of glass 10.

[0032] The term “glass sheet” means a plate formed from a transparent material. For example, the transparent material may be mineral glass, such as soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or borosilicate glass. Alternatively, the transparent material may be organic glass, such as drawn polymethyl methacrylate (drawn PMMA), undrawn polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyurethane (PU).

[0033] For the remainder of the description, and in order to simplify it, we consider in no way limitingly the shaping of a single sheet of glass 10. 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 sheets of glass (in which case, the steps described below are iterated for each of the sheets of glass considered).

[0034] It is also considered, without limitation, that the glass sheet 10 is intended, after its shaping, for the manufacture of laminated glazing to equip the roof of a motor vehicle, such as a car. This is more specifically 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 m2, or even 1.5 m2).

[0035] It is important to note, however, that considering such a type of glazing in this way that such an application of the use of this glazing constitutes only one variant implementation of the invention. Also, and generally speaking, there are no limitations on the type of glazing that can be manufactured using the glass sheet 10 intended to be shaped (examples: tempered glass). Similarly, there are no limitations on the use that can be made of the glazing thus obtained from the shaped glass sheet 10 (example: residential use). Finally, the invention also applies, of course, to any type of glass sheet with a surface area of ​​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. Moreover, the shaping of the glass sheet 10 is configured here so that, once shaped, it has a deflection of between 0 and 500 mm, for example equal to 250 mm.

[0037] Of course, such values ​​for glass thickness and deflection are given here for illustrative purposes only, and nothing precludes the possibility of considering other values. Generally speaking, those skilled in the art are aware of the limitations that can be imposed on a sheet of glass in terms of thickness and deflection depending on its intended application, as well as the shaping technique used.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated by [Fig.2], said shaping installation INS_1 comprises a heating zone 110, a conveying device 120, a shaping device 130, a transfer system 140 and a cooling device 150.

[0039] The heating zone 110 can be conventionally implemented using 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 specifically here to a series of straight 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 straight path contained within this plane. However, considering such rollers is only one variant of the invention, and nothing precludes 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 located in the immediate vicinity of the outlet of the heating zone 110. More specifically, the shaping device 130 is configured according to a crowning station. For this purpose, the The first shaping device 130 includes 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 has 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 includes heating means (not shown in the figures). Such heating means are advantageously configured to regulate the temperature of the glass sheet 10 after it exits the heating zone 110, so that the shaping can be carried out at a predetermined temperature.

[0043] It is important to note that, unlike a forming device conventionally used in the prior art (see, for example, [Fig. 1]), the forming mold 132 is, in the context of the present invention, held in a fixed position. In other words, no up / down movement of the forming mold 132 (relative to the conveying device 120) is envisaged here. It follows from these provisions that the gap between the shaping mold 132 and the conveying device 120 is sufficient to allow a travel shuttle 142 belonging to the transfer system 140 to appropriately position (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.Aspects related to the configuration of the 140 transfer system are described in more detail later.

[0044] Once curved, the glass sheet 10 is taken up 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 rigidified, fixed, by the effect of forced cooling applied to it. This cooling reduces the temperature of the glass sheet 10 sufficiently so that, when it leaves the cooling device 150, it retains a shape as close as possible to the shape obtained by the shaping device 130.

[0045] It is also possible to precisely control the lowering of the temperature of the glass sheet 10, for example, to obtain specific mechanical characteristics. To this end, the collection frame 141 includes, for example, heating means (not shown in the figures) configured to regulate the cooling of the glass sheet 10 when it is positioned in the cooling device 150. Generally speaking, any cooling method known to those skilled in the art can be implemented; the choice of a particular method (thermal quenching, thermal hardening, use of blow nozzles, means of heating the collection frame 141, etc.) constituting only one variant of implementation of the invention.

[0046] As already mentioned above, the INS_1 formatting installation includes the 140 transfer system, 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 suitable suction means, collection is effected by dropping the glass sheet 10 onto the collection frame 141), - the transport shuttle 142 configured to move the collection frame 141 between the shaping device 130 and the cooling device 150 (the movement being symbolized by dashed arrows in [Fig. 2]). For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the collection frame 141 is positioned at the end of the transport shuttle 142 closest to the shaping device 130, and is fixed to this end during the movement of the shuttle 142.

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

[0048] Besides 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 includes 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 displacement 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 small enough to allow safe release of the glass sheet 10 (i.e. minimizing the risk 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 lifting the collection frame 141 is of course a reversible operation since, once the collection position is reached closest 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 displacement shuttle 142.

[0052] Considering such lifting means 143 advantageously compensates for the fact that the forming mold 132 is held in a fixed position. Moreover, lifting the collection frame 141 is a less complex and less costly operation than moving a component as massive as the forming mold 132, particularly in the case of large glass sheets. Indeed, the weight of a collection frame 141 is generally much less than that of the forming mold 132, typically five to ten times less.

[0053] We will now describe in more detail the lifting means 143 implemented in this embodiment. The lifting means 143 herein comprise, more specifically, means configured to effect a relative movement of the collection frame 141 with respect to the transport shuttle 142 in the direction of the shaping mold 132. In other words, the lifting means 143 enable a vertical movement to be imparted to the collection frame 131 so that it moves away from the transport shuttle 142 and thus towards the shaping mold 132.

[0054] In the mode of [Fig.2], the means configured to achieve said relative movement are fixed to the displacement shuttle 142 and comprise two cylinders 143_1, 143_2. Said cylinders are fixed to the displacement 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 considered here, it should be noted that the number of cylinders does not constitute a limitation of the invention. Thus, nothing precludes the use of a single cylinder or more than two cylinders. Furthermore, there is no limitation on 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 use of lifting means other than jacks, such as a combination of motors (for example, two motors) with suitable rack and pinion systems. Generally speaking, any lifting means known to a person skilled in the art can be used.

[0057] [Fig.3] represents, in flowchart form, a particular method of implementing a shaping process according to the invention, as carried out by the INS_1 shaping installation of [Fig.2].

[0058] As illustrated by [Fig. 3], the shaping process initially comprises a step E10 of heating the glass sheet 10. This step E10 is put into work by heating zone 110.

[0059] Once heated to the desired temperature, the shaping process includes 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 process, the glass sheet 10 is taken up 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 process, 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 [Fig.3], [Fig.4] schematically represents, in sequence, the configuration of the transfer system 140 during shaping process steps carried out after step E40.

[0063] To this end, [Fig.4] includes 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 displacement shuttle 142 (and therefore a fortiori the collection frame 141) not having yet been set in motion.

[0064] Therefore, the shaping process includes 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 specifically, said step E50 includes a substep E50_l of moving the collection frame 141 within the forming device 130, so that said collection frame 141 is located below the forming mold 132, as illustrated by view 4B of [Fig. 4]. Said substep E50_l is implemented by the displacement shuttle 142.

[0066] It is important to note that at the end of this substep E50_l, the collection frame 141 is not yet arranged in the collection position because the lifting means 143 have not been activated. In other words, and with respect to the displacement shuttle 142, the position of the collection frame 141 at the end of substep E50_l is the same as that at the end of step E40.

[0067] Once positioned below the forming mold 142, step E50 of the forming process also includes a substep E50_2 of lifting the collection frame 141 towards said forming mold 142, so as to reach the collection position, and as illustrated by view 4C of [Fig.4]. Said sub-step E50_2 is implemented by the cylinders 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 substep E50_3 of step E50, as illustrated by the 4D view in [Fig. 4]. 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 [Fig. 4]. Said sub-step E50_4 is also implemented by the cylinders 143_1, 143_2.

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

[0071] The shaping process includes 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 forming process can be automated. To this end, the forming unit INS_1 may include a processor and memory, for example read-only memory, which is readable by said processor. In addition, a computer program may be stored in said memory and include instructions which, when read by the processor, allow the various elements integrated into said unit INS_1 (heating zone 110, conveying device 120, forming device 130, transfer system 140, cooling device 150) to be controlled / activated / regulated, 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 substep E50_1 or during substep E50_2, can be carried out according to any known method of placement by reference, such as using one or more shims / indexing stops.

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

[0075] Fig. 5 schematically represents, in its environment, another particular embodiment of an INS_2 shaping installation according to the invention.

[0076] As illustrated by [Fig.5], the forming installation INS_2 comprises a heating zone 210, a conveying device 220, a forming device 230 (comprising a pressing frame 231 and a forming mold 232), a transfer system 240 and 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 Figures 2 to 4 for the heating zone 110, the conveying device 120, the shaping device 130, and the cooling device 150, respectively.

[0078] In the mode of [Fig.5], the transfer system 240 comprises a collection frame 241, a displacement shuttle 242, and lifting means 243 including means configured to achieve a relative movement of the collection frame 241 with respect to the displacement shuttle 242 in the direction of the forming mold 232. That being said, the transfer system 240 differs from the transfer system 140 of [Fig.2] in that the means configured to achieve said relative movement are arranged here in a fixed manner in an area occupied by the forming device 230.

[0079] More particularly, and as illustrated by [Fig.5] without limitation, the means configured to achieve said relative movement are attached to a support structure (not shown in the figures) of the pressing frame 231 and comprise two cylinders 243_1, 243_2 arranged under the conveying device 220. The arrangement of the two cylinders 243_1, 243_2 enables them to lift the collection frame 241 at two opposite points on its periphery, passing through the conveying device 220.

[0080] Following considerations similar to those described above for [Fig. 2], 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 [Fig. 5], leveling blocks 244_1, 244_2 are fixed to the collection frame 241 at the surface opposite the conveying device 220. These leveling blocks 244_1, 244_2 facilitate the alignment of 243_1, 243_2 with the collection frame 241 when the latter needs to be lifted. It is important to note, however, that the use of such leveling blocks 244_1, 244_2 is optional within the meaning of the present invention.

[0082] It should be noted that considering the means configured to perform said relative movement as integral with the support structure (not shown in the figures) of the pressing frame 231 constitutes only one variant implementation of the invention. Indeed, nothing precludes considering, according to other examples not detailed here, another location for these means within the area occupied by the forming device 230.

[0083] Fig. 6 represents, in flowchart form, a particular method of implementing a shaping process according to the invention, as carried out by the INS_2 shaping installation of Fig. 5.

[0084] The process of [Fig.6] comprises steps F10 to F60, step F50 comprising substeps 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 regard to substeps F50_2 and F50_4, the collection frame 241 is respectively raised and lowered by the cylinders 243_1, 243_2 fixed to the support structure of the pressing frame 231.

[0085] In addition to [Fig. 6], [Fig. 7] schematically represents, in sequence, the configuration of the transfer system 240 during shaping process steps executed after step F40. The sequencing is more particularly illustrated by views 7A to 7F in the same way as is illustrated by views 4A to 4E of [Fig. 4].

[0086] Fig. 8 schematically represents, in its environment, another particular embodiment of an INS_3 shaping installation according to the invention.

[0087] As illustrated by [Fig.8], the forming installation INS_3 comprises a heating zone 310, a conveying device 320, a forming device 330 (comprising a pressing frame 331 and a forming mold 332), a transfer system 340 and 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 Figures 2 to 4 for the heating zone 110, the conveying device 120, the shaping device 130, and the cooling device 150, respectively.

[0089] In the mode of [Fig.8], the transfer system 340 comprises a collection frame 341, a displacement shuttle 342, and lifting means 343. Said lifting means 343 comprise means configured to lift the displacement shuttle 342 towards the shaping mold 332, the collection frame 341 being fixed to the displacement shuttle 342 in its lifting.

[0090] In other words, in the embodiment described here with reference to [Fig.8], 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 Figures 2 and 5. On the contrary, the collection frame 341 being fixed to the displacement shuttle 342, it is the assembly formed by these two elements that is lifted to be moved in the direction of the shaping mold 332.

[0091] More particularly, and as illustrated by [Fig.8] without limitation, the means configured to achieve said relative movement comprise a motorized arm 343, for example a motorized telescopic arm.

[0092] Fig.9 represents, in flowchart form, a particular method of implementing a shaping process according to the invention, as carried out by the INS_3 shaping installation of Fig.8.

[0093] The process of [Fig.9] comprises steps G10 to G60, step G50 comprising substeps G50_1 to G50_5. These steps are similar to steps E10 to E60 described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, except that with regard to substeps G50_2 and G50_4, the displacement shuttle 342 (and therefore a fortiori the assembly formed by said shuttle 342 and the collection frame 341) is respectively raised and lowered by the motorized arm 343.

[0094] In addition to [Fig. 9], [Fig. 10] schematically represents, in sequence, the configuration of the transfer system 340 during shaping process steps carried out after step G40. The sequencing is more particularly illustrated by views 10A to 10F in the same way as is illustrated by views 4A to 4E of [Fig. 4].

[0095] The invention has been described so far by considering that the movement of the collection frame towards and away from the forming mold is achieved either via a relative movement with respect to the transport shuttle (the shuttle thus making no vertical movement), or via a vertical movement of the transport shuttle so as to carry the collection frame with it. These provisions are not, however, limiting to the invention, and nothing precludes considering other embodiments in which the modes of Figures 2 to 10 are combined according to any technically feasible solution.

[0096] Thus, by way of non-limiting example, it is possible to consider the shuttle entering the shaping device with 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 once by the shuttle in the direction of the shaping mold, so as to reach an intermediate position 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 second lifting movement being carried out by means of one or more cylinders as described above (i.e.cylinders fixed to the travel shuttle or to a support structure of the pressing frame).

[0097] According to yet another example, it is possible to combine, within 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 allow the transfer time of a sheet of glass between the shaping device and the cooling device to be reduced, since the time required to collect the sheet of glass 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 glazing, for example, laminated or tempered glazing. The main steps of said manufacturing method are illustrated in [Fig. 11]. As can be seen, the manufacturing method includes a step H10 of shaping at least one sheet of glass. 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 sheet of glass has been shaped, the manufacturing method includes a step H20 of using said at least one shaped sheet of glass to manufacture said glazing.

Claims

Claims

1. 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.

2. 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).

3. System (140) according to claim 2, wherein the means (143) configured to carry out said relative movement are integral with the movement shuttle (142).

4. System (240) according to claim 2, wherein the means (243) configured to carry out said relative movement are arranged fixedly in an area occupied by the shaping device (230).

5. 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).

6. 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.

7. System (340) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lifting means (343) comprises 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.

8. System (340) according to claim 7, wherein the means configured to perform a lifting of the displacement shuttle (342) comprises a motorized arm (343).

9. 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).

10. 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 m2, preferably greater than 1.5 m2.

11. Shaping installation (INS_1, INS_2, INS_3) for 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 system for transfer (140, 240, 340) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Installation according to claim 11, in which the pressing frame (131, 231, 331) and / or the shaping mold (132, 232, 332) comprises heating means.

13. 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).

14. A method of manufacturing glazing, for example laminated glazing or toughened glazing, said manufacturing method comprising steps of: - shaping at least one glass sheet in accordance with a shaping method according to claim 13, - use of said at least one shaped sheet of glass to manufacture said glazing.

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