Support frame intended to be integrated into a frame for cooling glass sheets

Abstract

The invention relates to a support frame (222) intended to be integrated into a frame for cooling glass sheets (10), including a track (222_1) configured to receive a glass sheet as well as a support member (222_2) attached to the track, referred to as "track support", the support frame further including a deflector (222_7) attached to the track support and extending towards the inner space delimited by the support frame.

Description

Support frame intended to be integrated into a glass sheet cooling frame

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of glazing production.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a support frame for integration into a glass sheet cooling frame, and to a device configured for confining a glass sheet during its cooling within a glass sheet cooling device. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, though not limiting, application in the cooling of glass sheets that have been shaped for use in automobiles and whose thickness is relatively small, for example, less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0003] To produce glass sheets with a specific shape, such as automotive glazing, a forming plant is known to be used. The diagram schematically represents, within its environment, an example of an implementation of an INS_OLD forming plant as known from the prior art.

[0004] As illustrated in Figure 1, the INS_OLD installation includes a conveying device 12, specifically a series of straight rollers aligned in a plane to move a sheet of glass 1 horizontally. The conveying initially takes place through a heating zone 11, typically containing a furnace, preferably of the tunnel type, 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] Once the glass sheet 1 has been shaped, a transfer system 14 transfers the sheet 1 from the shaping device 13 to a cooling device 15. For example, the cooling device 15 is configured to perform thermal tempering using one or more tempering chambers (this is therefore a sudden and rapid cooling obtained with a high blow pressure from the tempering chamber(s)).

[0007] The transfer system 14 includes, more specifically, a collection frame 14_1 configured to collect the glass sheet 1 after it has been shaped by the shaping mold 13_2. As is known per se, the collection frame 14_1 comprises an external frame, also called the "transport frame," and a cooling frame (not shown in the figure) positioned within the internal space defined by the transport frame. The cooling frame itself is formed by: - ​​a first frame, called the "support frame," with a general shape substantially identical to that of the transport frame and connected to it by connecting elements, and - a second frame, called the "support frame," positioned within the internal space defined by the support frame and connected to it by other connecting elements.The support frame forms the part of the cooling frame on which a sheet of glass is intended to rest after being shaped by the shaping mold 13_2.

[0008] The transfer system 14 further includes a displacement shuttle 14_2 configured to move the collection frame 14_1 between the shaping device 13 and the cooling device 15 (the displacement being symbolized on the diagram by dashed arrows substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of conveying the glass).

[0009] This method of shaping glass sheets proves particularly well-suited for producing strong glass, especially high-strength "tempered" glass (achieved through thermal tempering), which is generally thicker than 3 mm. However, it has limitations when shaping thinner glass sheets.

[0010] Indeed, the thinner a sheet of glass becomes, the more rapidly it cools (after being heated for shaping), particularly at its edges. This is especially true when the glass sheet is transferred between the shaping device 13 and the cooling device 15, but also, of course, within the cooling device 15 itself. This accelerated cooling is the source of unwanted stresses on the surface and throughout the glass, resulting in its weakening.

[0011] Since manufacturers have been progressively reducing the thickness of glass sheets for several years, they have sought to address the aforementioned problems. Thus, an initial adaptation of the process described above was implemented for the production of so-called "toughened" glass, which is thinner than tempered glass. The heat treatments applied to toughened glass are similar to thermal tempering, except that the cooling is carried out more slowly, notably by reducing the blowing pressure in the tempering chambers.

[0012] While these modifications are useful for toughened glass, they remain insufficient for manufacturing even thinner glass sheets. This is particularly true for glass sheets less than 3 mm thick, intended for assembling laminated glass units, which represent a significant portion of current production.

[0013] Furthermore, the aforementioned modifications only concern the treatments implemented within the cooling system. In other words, and regardless of the thickness of the glass sheet in question, they do not limit the cooling it undergoes during collection and transfer, and therefore remain inadequate with regard to the problem of glass embrittlement.

[0014] 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 allows to collect, transfer and cool sheets of glass, in particular thin sheets of glass, more efficiently than the solutions of the prior art, minimizing the stresses suffered by the glass as it cools, and thus greatly limiting the risk of embrittlement.

[0015] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a support frame intended to be integrated into a glass sheet cooling frame, comprising a track configured to receive a glass sheet and a support fixed to said track, called "track support", said support frame further comprising a deflector fixed to the track support and extending towards the interior space delimited by the support frame.

[0016] Thus, the deflector is a designed means of blocking (deflecting) airflow in the vicinity of the runway, particularly at the runway's periphery facing inward toward the cooling frame (and therefore toward the support frame). Such airflow can contribute to uncontrolled cooling of the glass sheet, especially at its edges, which the deflector advantageously minimizes.

[0017] Another advantage of using such a deflector is its ability to contain the heat radiation emitted by the hot glass deposited on the track. This containment of heat radiation contributes significantly to better control of the glass sheet's cooling process.

[0018] In other words, the deflector, by locally blocking air movements and also locally confining heat radiation, minimizes the stresses experienced by the glass sheet, particularly at its periphery, as it cools down (i.e., as soon as it has been shaped), and thus greatly limits the risk of embrittlement.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the support frame may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0020] In particular embodiments, the deflector extends into the interior space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 20 mm and 300 mm, more particularly between 50 mm and 150 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 80 mm.

[0021] In particular embodiments, the deflector comprises a fabric, for example a woven metallic fabric or a metallic felt-type fabric or a fiberglass fabric.

[0022] In particular embodiments, the deflector includes a mesh, for example a 1 mm by 1 mm mesh, onto which said fabric is fixed.

[0023] In particular embodiments, at least one leg is fixed to the track support and extends into the inner space delimited by the support frame, the deflector being arranged in contact with said leg so as to be supported by it.

[0024] In particular embodiments, the track includes a portion configured to receive the glass sheet flat.

[0025] Having a flat support for the glass sheet on the track, thanks to said portion, advantageously increases the span of the edge of the glass sheet, and thus limits the stresses (especially surface pressure) at the level of this edge when the sheet is placed on the support frame.

[0026] In particular embodiments, said portion extends, from an end of track 222_1 facing the interior space delimited by the support frame, over a distance between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example equal to 20 mm.

[0027] In particular embodiments: - the track extends towards the inner space delimited by the support frame over a distance between 30 mm and 70 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 50 mm, and - the track support extends towards the inner space delimited by the support frame over a distance between 20 mm and 30 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 25 mm.

[0028] In particular embodiments, said support frame includes a coating surrounding the track as well as the track support, and configured to limit heat exchange between the glass sheet and the track.

[0029] In particular embodiments, said support frame comprising means for heating the track.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a glass sheet cooling frame comprising a support frame according to the invention.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a containment device intended to be integrated into a glass sheet cooling device, said cooling device being configured to accommodate a cooling frame and comprising a blower box configured to blow air onto the upper surface of a glass sheet resting on said cooling frame. Said containment device is shaped as a bell delimiting an internal space and configured to be in contact at its edge with the cooling frame such that: - contact is made on both sides of the glass sheet resting on the cooling frame, and - the blower box is arranged within said internal space delimited by the containment device.

[0032] The containment device, when in contact with the cooling frame, effectively confines the area above the glass sheet, isolating it from its immediate environment. This prevents unwanted air currents from disturbing the upper surface of the glass sheet when the cooling process begins. The result is a uniform temperature across the top of the glass sheet, without interrupting the cooling process. This significantly minimizes the stresses experienced by the glass during cooling, thus greatly reducing the risk of embrittlement.

[0033] In particular embodiments, the edge is provided with airtight means configured to make contact with the glass sheet resting on the cooling frame, such as for example a seal made of braided ceramic.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a glass sheet cooling device configured to accommodate a cooling frame and comprising a blower box configured to blow air onto the upper surface of a glass sheet resting on said cooling frame. The cooling device includes a containment device according to the invention, as well as means for moving the containment device to bring it into contact with the cooling frame.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method of cooling at least one sheet of glass implemented using a cooling frame according to the invention and / or a cooling device according to the invention.

[0036] In particular modes of implementation, the thickness of said at least sheet of glass is less than 3 mm, for example less than 2.6 mm, preferably less than 2.1 mm.

[0037] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to the use of a sheet of glass obtained by a cooling process according to the invention in a dwelling or means of road, air, sea or rail transport, preferably as window glazing in motor vehicles, in particular as a windscreen, rear window, side window or roof window.

[0038] According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a glass sheet forming installation, said installation comprising: - a glass sheet heating zone, - a glass sheet forming device, - a glass sheet conveying device through said heating zone and to the forming device, - a glass sheet cooling device, - a glass sheet transfer system from the forming device to the cooling device. Furthermore, said cooling device conforms to the invention and / or the transfer system comprises a cooling frame conforming to the invention.

[0039] 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:

[0040] schematically represents, in its environment, an example of the realization of a shaping installation as known from the state of the art;

[0041] schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a shaping installation according to the invention;

[0042] represents, in top view, an example of the realization of a collection frame belonging to the shaping installation, said collection frame comprising a cooling frame according to the invention;

[0043] is an enlarged, three-quarter view representation of a portion of the collection frame of the;

[0044] schematically represents, according to a cross-sectional view, a portion of a support frame integrated into the cooling frame;

[0045] is an enlarged representation of a portion of the support frame of the;

[0046] schematically represents a particular embodiment of a cooling device belonging to the shaping installation of the;

[0047] represents, in the form of a flowchart, the main steps of a cooling process for at least one sheet of glass according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0048] The diagram schematically represents, within its environment, a particular embodiment of an INS_NEW shaping installation according to the invention. The said INS_NEW installation is configured to shape at least one sheet of glass 10.

[0049] The term "glass sheet" refers to a plate formed from a transparent material. For example, the transparent material could be mineral glass, such as soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or borosilicate glass. Alternatively, the transparent material could be organic glass, such as drawn polymethyl methacrylate (drawn PMMA), undrawn polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyurethane (PU).

[0050] 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).

[0051] It is also considered, without limitation, that the glass sheet 10 is intended, after its shaping, for the manufacture of laminated glass for use in a motor vehicle, such as a car. More specifically, this refers to a car windshield, but of course, nothing precludes the possibility of using it for a rear window, a side window, or even a roof window.

[0052] It is important to note, however, that considering such a type of glazing and such an application of its use constitutes only one variant implementation of the invention. Furthermore, and generally speaking, there are no limitations on the type of glazing that can be manufactured using the glass sheet 10 intended for shaping (examples: tempered or semi-tempered glazing, depending on the cooling applied, as detailed below). Similarly, there are no limitations on the use that can be made of the glazing thus obtained from the shaped glass sheet 10. This use can, for example, be in a dwelling or in any type of means of transport (road, air, sea, or rail).

[0053] In the present embodiment, the glass sheet 10 has a thickness of less than 3 mm, for example, less than 2.6 mm, preferably less than 2.1 mm. When this thickness is less than 3 mm, it can be described as thin, for which the present invention is particularly well suited, unlike the prior art. Nevertheless, the thickness of the glass sheet 10 does not in itself constitute a limitation of the invention, and nothing precludes considering a glass sheet with a thickness greater than 3 mm, for example, equal to or substantially equal to 6 mm.

[0054] The shape given to the glass sheet 10 is of any type known in itself. For example, the shaping of the glass sheet 10 can be such that it has a deflection between 0 and 500 mm, for example, 250 mm. Of course, such deflection values ​​are given here for illustrative purposes only, and other values ​​are perfectly possible. Generally speaking, those skilled in the art are aware of the limitations that can be imposed on a glass sheet in terms of deflection depending on its intended application, as well as the shaping technique used.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated by the figure, said forming installation INS_NEW includes a heating zone Z_HEAT, a conveying device D_CONV, a forming device D_FORM, a transfer system SYS_T and a cooling device D_COLD.

[0056] The heating zone Z_HEAT can be conventionally implemented using a furnace, preferably of the tunnel type, through which the glass sheet 10 is transported by the conveyor device D_CONV. The conveyor device D_CONV here corresponds more specifically to a series of straight rollers aligned in a plane to achieve 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 a conveyor belt.

[0057] Inside the heating zone Z_HEAT, the glass sheet 10 is brought to a softening temperature which is preferably between 600°C (degrees Celsius) and 700°C.

[0058] The D_FORM shaping device is located in the immediate vicinity of the Z_HEAT heating zone outlet. More specifically, the D_FORM shaping device is configured as a bending station. To this end, the D_FORM shaping device includes a pressing frame 110 capable of lifting the glass sheet 10 and pressing it against a shaping mold 120, thus giving it the desired shape (i.e., the shaping mold 120 has a face with the shape in question against which the softened glass sheet 10 is pressed).

[0059] In a more specific embodiment, the pressing frame 110 and / or the shaping mold 120 include heating means (not shown in the figures). These heating means are advantageously configured to regulate the temperature of the glass sheet 10 after it exits the heating zone Z_HEAT, so that shaping can be carried out at a predetermined temperature.

[0060] Once curved, the glass sheet 10 is taken by the SYS_T transfer system to be transferred from the shaping device D_FORM to the cooling device D_COLD. Within the cooling device D_COLD, the glass sheet 10 undergoes cooling (i.e., the glass sheet 10 is rigidified, fixed, by the effect of forced cooling). This cooling reduces the temperature of the glass sheet 10 sufficiently so that, upon leaving the cooling device D_COLD, it retains a shape as close as possible to the shape obtained by the shaping device D_FORM.

[0061] It should be noted that there are no limitations on the type of cooling applied to the glass sheet. As is known, the cooling applied can depend, in particular, on the thickness of the glass sheet 10, it being understood that the greater this thickness, the more the glass sheet 10 is able to undergo significant forced cooling, such as partial thermal tempering or even thermal tempering. The "force" of the cooling is typically representative of the blowing pressure exerted in chambers equipped with nozzles and fitting the D_COLD cooling device.

[0062] For example, for thicknesses greater than 3 mm, tempering can be considered using a blow pressure between 0.1 bar and 0.4 bar. For thicknesses of the same order, partial tempering can be considered using a lower blow pressure, for example between 0.03 bar and 0.1 bar. For thicknesses less than 3 mm, for example between 1.6 mm and 2.1 mm, and particularly in the case of laminated glass, cooling can be considered with a blow pressure lower than that of tempering, or even partial tempering, for example between 0.01 bar and 0.05 bar (preferably less than 0.03 bar).

[0063] As already mentioned above, the INS_NEW shaping installation includes the SYS_T transfer system, the latter comprising in particular: - a collection frame 200 configured to collect the glass sheet 10 after it has been shaped by the shaping device D_FORM (and when the sheet 10 is held against the shaping mold 120 by means of appropriate suction means, the collection is effected by dropping the glass sheet 10 onto the collection frame 200), - a displacement shuttle 400 configured to move the collection frame 200 between the shaping device D_FORM and the cooling device D_COLD (the displacement being symbolized by dashed arrows on the).For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the collection frame 200 is disposed at the end of the displacement shuttle 400 closest to the shaping device D_FORM and is fixed to this end in the movement of the shuttle 400.

[0064] There are no limitations on the means used to move the 400 transport shuttle between the forming device D_FORM and the cooling device D_COLD. For example, the transfer system SYS_T may include a drive motor and a transport support, such as a guide rail. These aspects are well known and are not described further here.

[0065] Larepresents, in top view, an example of an embodiment of the collection frame 200 according to the invention.

[0066] This is an enlarged representation, three-quarter view, of a portion of the 200 collection frame of the.

[0067] In the following description, the longitudinal, transverse and vertical orientations are adopted without limitation with reference respectively to the letters, X, Y and Z of the trihedron (X, Y, Z) represented on figures 3 and 4. It follows from these considerations that the collection frame 200 is seen in the following the vertical direction Z, this direction Z being normal to the average plane extending in the directions X, Y and in which the collection frame 200 is included (by "average plane", we classically refer to a plane having a thickness adequate to contain said collection frame 200, and therefore a fortiori the elements composing the latter and which are described below).

[0068] As is known per se, and as illustrated by figures 3 and 4 in no way limitingly, the collection frame 200 comprises an external frame, also called "transport frame" 210, as well as a cooling frame 220 positioned in the internal space delimited by the transport frame 210.

[0069] The cooling frame 220 is itself formed by: - ​​a first frame, called the "support frame" 221, of a general shape substantially identical to that of the transport frame 210 (in this example it is rectangular) and connected to the latter by connecting elements 221_L, and - by a second frame, called the "support frame" 222, positioned in the internal space delimited by the support frame 221 and connected to the latter by other connecting elements 222_L. The support frame 222 is the part of the cooling frame 220 on which the glass sheet 10 is intended to rest after its shaping by the shaping mold 120.

[0070] It therefore appears from this configuration that the support frame 221 occupies, in the (X, Y) plane, an intermediate position between the transport frame 210 and the support frame 222. Moreover, the fixing elements connecting the support frame 221 to the transport frame 210 (respectively the support frame 222 to the support frame 221) are of a type known in itself, so as to maintain said support frame 221 (respectively said support frame 222) in a fixed position vis-à-vis said transport frame 210 (respectively said support frame 221).

[0071] For example, in the figure, three fastening elements 221_L connecting the support frame 221 to the transport frame 210 are arranged on either side of the support frame 221 in the direction of the X-axis (therefore, there are six fastening elements 221_L). Furthermore, thirty-two fastening elements 222_L connecting the support frame 222 to the support frame 221 are distributed substantially uniformly around the support frame 222. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited by the number of fastening elements 221_L (respectively, fastening elements 222_L) that can be used, nor even by their distribution along the edge of the support frame 221 (respectively, the support frame 222).

[0072] The support frame 222 has a shape similar to that of the glass sheet 10 it is intended to receive, therefore in this case a windshield. For this purpose, and as illustrated in the figure, the support frame 222 has, in top view (i.e. along the Z direction), four edges: - a front edge 222_X1 and a rear edge 222_X2, opposite each other and both extending essentially in the Y direction, - an upper edge 222_Y1 and a lower edge 222_Y2, opposite each other and both extending essentially in the X direction.

[0073] Lare represents schematically, according to a cutting plane normal to the average plane in which the cooling frame 220 is included (i.e. according to a plane normal to the (X, Y) plane), a portion of the support frame 222.

[0074] As illustrated by the figure, the support frame 222 has a track 222_1 configured to receive the glass sheet 10. Said track 222_1 therefore corresponds to the effective part of the support frame 222 on which the glass sheet 10 rests when it is taken up by the collection frame 200.

[0075] More specifically, in this embodiment, the track 222_1 includes a portion 222_1_P configured to receive the glass sheet 10 flat. In other words, the glass sheet 10 rests flat on this single portion 222_1_P of the track 222_1. The realization of such a flat support for the edge of the glass sheet 10 depends on several parameters, including the inclination of the track 222_1 (more precisely its relative inclination with respect to the edge of the glass sheet 10), but also the dimensions of the track 222_1.

[0076] By way of non-limiting example, the track can extend towards the interior space delimited by the support frame 222 (i.e., extend radially) over a distance of between 30 mm and 70 mm, for example over a distance equal to or substantially equal to 50 mm. The portion 222_1_P on which the glass sheet 10 rests flat can, for example, extend (radially), from an end 222_1_E1 of the track 222_1 facing the interior space delimited by the support frame 222, over a distance of between 5 mm and 30 mm, more specifically over a distance equal to or substantially equal to 20 mm.

[0077] However, nothing prevents us from considering other values ​​for the distance over which track 222_1 extends and / or the distance over which portion 222_1_P extends.

[0078] Having a flat support for the glass sheet 10 on the track 222_1, thanks to said portion 222_1_P, advantageously increases the bearing surface of the edge of the glass sheet 10, and thus limits the stresses (particularly surface pressure) at this edge when the sheet 10 is placed on the support frame. It is important to note, however, that such arrangements are not limiting to the invention, and nothing precludes, for example, considering that the contact between the edge of the glass sheet 10 and the track 222_1 is made at a given angle, for example, an angle approximately equal to 10°.

[0079] In addition to track 222_1, the support frame 222 also includes a track support 222_2 attached to track 222_1. More specifically, in this embodiment, the track support 222_2 is attached to track 222_1 at an end 222_1_E2 of track 222_1 facing outwards from the support frame 222 (i.e., facing the support frame 221, it being understood that the expression "facing outwards" also means "opposite"). This end 222_1_E2 is therefore opposite the end 222_1_E1 mentioned above. This attachment is achieved here by means of a screw 222_3 and a nut 222_4. However, any known fastening method may be used.

[0080] In this embodiment, the track support 222_2 extends into the inner space defined by the support frame 222 over a distance shorter than that over which the track 222_1 extends. For example, the track support 222_2 can extend into the inner space defined by the support frame 222 over a distance between 20 mm and 30 mm, for example, over a distance equal to or approximately equal to 25 mm. However, other values ​​are possible.

[0081] Furthermore, there is no limitation attached to the gap between track 222_1 and the support of track 222_2. For example, this gap can be between 20 mm and 60 mm, more specifically be equal to 22 mm.

[0082] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 1, the support frame 222 also includes, in this embodiment, heating means 222_5 for the track 222_1. The presence of such heating means 222_5 is optional, as they are configured to heat (and ultimately regulate the temperature of) the track 222_1, so as to reduce temperature differences between the shaped glass sheet 10 and said track 222_1. These heating means 222_5 include, for example, electrical resistors arranged below the track 222_1, at the end 222_1_E1 opposite to the end where the track support 222_2 is attached.

[0083] Additionally, in this embodiment, the support frame 222 also includes a coating 222_6 surrounding the track 222_1 and the track support 222_2, configured to limit heat exchange between the shaped glass sheet 10 and the track 222_1. The presence of such a coating 222_6 is optional and allows the glass sheet 10, by limiting said heat exchange, to locally reduce heat loss at its edges during transfer. These functionalities are achieved in particular through the use of suitable materials for the production of said coating 222_6, such as woven stainless steel fabric or stainless steel felt. Furthermore, there are no limitations on how said coating 222_6 is fixed to the support frame 222.For example, this could involve welding onto the appropriate surfaces of the support frame 222, fastening using Velcro previously attached to the surface of the track 222_1, manual fastening (for example, using a wire), etc. It should be noted that the use of such a coating 222_6 has the additional advantage of creating a "soft" surface (i.e., suitable for limiting damage, particularly by scratching, to the surface of the glass sheet 10 when it is placed on said coating 222_6).

[0084] According to the invention, the support frame 222 also includes a deflector 222_7. Said deflector 222_7 is fixed to the track support 222_2 and extends (radially) towards the interior space delimited by the support frame 222.

[0085] In the present embodiment, and as illustrated by the following, by way of no limitation, the deflector extends from an end 222_2_E1 of the track support 222_2 facing the interior space delimited by the support frame 222. Said distance over which the deflector extends is for example between 20 mm and 300 mm, more particularly between 50 mm and 150 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 80 mm.

[0086] However, nothing excludes considering other values ​​of said distance which can be adapted according to the shape and size of the glass sheet 10. As such, the invention also covers embodiments in which the deflector occupies the entire interior space delimited by the support frame 222.

[0087] The said deflector 222_7 constitutes a means configured to block (deflect) air movements in the vicinity of runway 222_1, particularly at the periphery of runway 222_1 facing inwards of the cooling frame 220.

[0088] The air movements in question refer in particular to vertical convection currents, obtained by the chimney effect, which can occur during the transfer phase of the shaped glass sheet 10, but also within the cooling device D_COLD itself. Such air movements can contribute to uncontrolled cooling of the glass sheet 10, particularly at its edges, which the deflector 222_7 advantageously minimizes.

[0089] Another advantageous effect resulting from the use of such a deflector 222_7 lies in its ability to confine the heat radiation emitted by the hot glass deposited on the track 222_1. Such confinement of heat radiation contributes advantageously to better control of the cooling of the glass sheet 10.

[0090] In other words, the deflector 222_7, because it locally blocks air movements but also locally confines heat radiation, minimizes the stresses experienced by the glass sheet 10, particularly at its periphery, as it cools down (i.e., as soon as it has been shaped), and thus greatly limits the risk of embrittlement.

[0091] This is an enlarged representation of a portion of the support frame 222 illustrating an example of the realization of said deflector 222_7.

[0092] In this example, the deflector 222_7 includes a fabric. This could be, for example, a woven metallic fabric, a metallic felt-type fabric, or a fiberglass fabric. In addition to this fabric, the deflector 222_7 also includes a mesh, for example, a 1 mm x 1 mm mesh, to which the fabric is attached.

[0093] It should be noted that the association of a mesh with the fabric is optional, as these aspects may depend, in particular, on the rigidity of the fabric used. Since the mesh is by definition "porous" (due to its mesh structure), it helps to regulate the temperature of the deflector 222_7. This prevents the deflector 22_7 from absorbing heat during the mass production of glazing and radiating that heat onto the glass.

[0094] Furthermore, if a wire mesh is used, the fabric can be attached to said wire mesh using any means known to a person skilled in the art, depending in particular on the nature of the fabric used (attachment by welding, gluing, stapling, etc.).

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the deflector 222_7 is attached to the track support 222_2 by means of a plurality of tabs 222_8. Each tab 222_8 is attached to said track support 222_2 and extends towards the inner space delimited by the support frame 222. The deflector 222_7 is arranged in contact with said tabs 222_8 so as to be supported by them.

[0096] In this example (and although only one leg 222_8 is shown for readability), the legs 222_8 are evenly distributed along the entire length of the track support 222_2, it being understood that the deflector 222_7 itself is arranged around the entire periphery of the track support 222_2. Furthermore, each leg 222_8 has a first end 222_8_E1 facing the interior space delimited by the support frame 222 and extending (substantially) in the Z direction. In this way, said end 222_8_E1 forms a stop against which the deflector 222_7 bears. Each leg 222_8 also has a second end 222_8_E2, opposite the first end 222_8_E1, and shaped into a U so that the track support 222_2 is embedded inside said U.

[0097] These provisions are not, however, limiting to the invention, and nothing precludes considering other embodiments in which the tabs 222_8 are not uniformly distributed around the track support 222_2 and / or have differently shaped ends. The deflector 222_7 may also be made in several pieces, or in a single piece arranged only on a portion of the periphery of the track support 222_2 (in which case, depending on the size of said portion, it may be possible to have only one tab 222_8).

[0098] Furthermore, the use of tabs 222_8 to attach the deflector 222_7 to the track support 222_2 does not constitute a limitation of the invention. Generally, any known fastening method can be used (welding, gluing, etc.).

[0099] In the embodiment described here, the INS_NEW shaping installation, in addition to integrating (via the SYS_T transfer system) the cooling frame 220 described above, also proves advantageous with regard to the problem of controlling the cooling of the glass sheet 10 in that the cooling device D_COLD includes a device configured to create a containment zone around the glass sheet 10 when it is introduced into it, called "containment device 300".

[0100] Lare represents schematically a particular embodiment of the D_COLD cooling device integrating said containment device 300.

[0101] As illustrated by the diagram, the cooling device comprises two blowing boxes, namely an upper blowing box 310 and a lower blowing box 320.

[0102] The upper blowing box 310 (respectively lower 320) is arranged above (respectively below), i.e. along the Z direction, the support frame 222. In this way, said upper blowing box 310 (respectively lower 320) is configured to blow air at the level of the upper surface of the glass sheet 10 resting on said cooling frame (more precisely resting on the support frame 222).

[0103] It should be noted that the presence of the lower blower box 302 is optional. This lower blower box 302 provides a cooling means that, if necessary, accelerates the cooling of the glass sheet 10 in a more uniform manner.

[0104] To create the containment zone around the glass sheet 10, the containment device 300 is shaped like a bell. The term "bell" here refers to a shape comprising a base 301 and side walls 302, so as to delimit an interior space 303 between said side walls 302. There are no limitations on the shape of said base 301, which may, for example, be a rectangular, square, circular plate, etc.

[0105] The edge of the containment device 300 is defined as the meeting of the ends of the side walls 302, said ends being opposite the junction between the side walls 302 and the base 301.

[0106] The containment device 300, in addition to being bell-shaped, is also configured to be in contact at its edge with the cooling frame 220 so that: - the contact is made on both sides of the glass sheet 10 resting on the cooling frame 220, and - the upper blowing box 310 is arranged in said interior space 303 delimited by the containment device 300.

[0107] The 300 containment device, for example, is made of steel. However, there are no limitations on the type of material(s) used to manufacture the 300 containment device, provided that the material(s) can withstand (without deformation) temperatures of at least between 300°C and 400°C.

[0108] To bring the edge of the containment device 300 into contact with the cooling frame 220, the cooling device D_COLD includes suitable means of movement (not shown in the figures). For example, these means of movement may include a robotic arm equipped with gripping means for grasping and moving the containment device 300.

[0109] The containment device 300, when in contact with the cooling frame 220, effectively confines the area above the glass sheet 10, isolating it from its immediate environment. This prevents unwanted air movements from disturbing the upper surface of the glass sheet 10 when the cooling system is activated. The result is a uniform temperature across the upper part of the glass sheet 10, without interrupting the cooling process. This significantly reduces the stress on the glass during cooling and thus greatly limits the risk of embrittlement.

[0110] In a more specific embodiment (not shown in the figures), the edge of the containment device 300 can be fitted with airtight means configured to make contact with the glass sheet 10 resting on the cooling frame 220. In other words, in this example, the contact between said edge and the cooling frame 220 is achieved indirectly via said airtight means. The use of these means allows for even more effective containment.

[0111] For illustrative purposes, said air sealing means may take the form of a seal made of braided ceramic and fixed to the edge of the containment device 300.

[0112] The invention also relates to a method for cooling at least one sheet of glass. This method is implemented using a cooling frame 220 meeting the technical characteristics described above and / or a cooling device D_COLD meeting the technical characteristics described above. Steps of this cooling method are illustrated in the figure, according to a particular embodiment.

[0113] The cooling process begins after a sheet of glass 10 has been shaped by the shaping mold 120, and assuming that the collection frame 200 has already been positioned below said shaping mold 120 by means of the shuttle 400. Therefore, as can be seen in the figure, the cooling process includes a step H10 of receiving the sheet of glass 10 by the collection frame 200, the latter comprising in particular the transport frame 210 as well as the cooling frame 220 according to the invention (i.e., the cooling frame 220 comprising the support frame 222 according to the invention). This reception of the sheet of glass 10 follows its release from the shaping mold 120, after the suction means equipping it have been deactivated.

[0114] The process then includes a step H20 of transferring the glass sheet 10 from the shaping device D_FORM to the cooling device D_COLD. This transfer is carried out using the SYS_T transfer system (more specifically through an appropriate movement of the shuttle 400).

[0115] Finally, once the collection frame 200 is placed within the cooling device D_COLD according to the invention (i.e. the cooling device D_COLD comprising the containment device 300 according to the invention), a cooling step H30 of the glass sheet 10 is implemented.

[0116] It should be noted that, if the support frame 222 is equipped with heating means 222_5, these can be advantageously used during all or part of the said steps H10, H20, H30 of the cooling process, in order to contribute to the regulation of the temperature of the glass sheet 10, and in particular its edges.

[0117] Finally, while the cooling process has been described above as comprising the aforementioned steps H10 to H30, nothing precludes considering other implementation variations in which step H10, or steps H10 and H20, are not included in said process.

[0118] Finally, the invention has been described thus far assuming that the cooling frame 220, incorporating the support frame 222 equipped with the deflector 222_7, and the cooling device D_COLD, incorporating the containment device 300, are both used in the INS_NEW forming installation. However, these provisions are not limiting to the invention, and nothing precludes the possibility that the INS_NEW forming installation may comprise only one or the other of these elements. Indeed, both the cooling frame 220, thus configured, and the cooling device D_COLD, thus configured, each constitute a technical solution to the problem of minimizing the stresses experienced by the glass during its cooling.

Claims

Support frame (222) intended to be integrated into a glass sheet cooling frame (10), comprising a track (222_1) configured to receive a glass sheet and a support (222_2) fixed to said track, referred to as "track support", said support frame further comprising a deflector (222_7) fixed to the track support and extending towards the interior space delimited by the support frame. Support frame (222) according to claim 1, in which the deflector (222_7) extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame over a distance between 20 mm and 300 mm, more particularly between 50 mm and 150 mm, for example equal to 80 mm. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the deflector (222_7) comprises a fabric, for example a woven metallic fabric or a metallic felt-type fabric or a fiberglass fabric. Support frame (222) according to claim 3, in which the deflector (222_7) comprises a mesh, for example a 1 mm by 1 mm mesh, to which said fabric is fixed. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one tab (222_8) is fixed to the track support (222_2) and extends into the interior space delimited by the support frame, the deflector (222_7) being arranged in contact with said tab so as to be supported by it. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the track (222_1) has a portion (222_1_P) configured to receive the glass sheet (10) flat. Support frame (222) according to claim 6, in which said portion (222_1_P) extends, from an end of the track facing the interior space delimited by the support frame, over a distance between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example equal to 20 mm. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - the track (222_1) extends towards the inner space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 30 mm and 70 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 50 mm, and - the track support (222_2) extends towards the inner space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 20 mm and 30 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 25 mm. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said support frame comprising a coating (222_6) surrounding the track (222_1) as well as the track support (222_2), and configured to limit heat exchange between the glass sheet (10) and the track. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said support frame comprising means for heating (222_5) the track (222_1). Glass sheet cooling frame (220) comprising a support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Containment device (300) intended to be integrated into a cooling device (D_COLD) for glass sheets (10), said cooling device being configured to accommodate a cooling frame (220) and comprising a blowing box (310) configured to blow air at the level of the upper surface of a glass sheet resting on said cooling frame, said containment device being shaped as a bell delimiting an interior space (303) and configured to be in contact at its edge with the cooling frame so that:- the contact is made on both sides of the glass sheet resting on the cooling frame, and- the blowing box is arranged in said interior space delimited by the containment device. Containment device (300) according to claim 12, wherein the edge is provided with air-sealing means configured to make contact with the glass sheet resting on the cooling frame, such as for example a seal made of braided ceramic. Glass sheet cooling device (D_COLD) (10) configured to accommodate a cooling frame (220) and comprising a blowing box (301) configured to blow air at the upper surface of a glass sheet resting on said cooling frame, said cooling device comprising a containment device (300) according to any one of claims 12 to 13 and means for moving the containment device to bring it into contact with the cooling frame. Method of cooling at least one sheet of glass (10) implemented using a cooling frame (220) according to claim 11 and / or a cooling device (D_COLD) according to claim 14. A method according to claim 15, wherein the thickness of said at least glass sheet (10) is less than 3 mm, for example less than 2.6 mm, preferably less than 2.1 mm. Use of a sheet of glass obtained by the process according to claim 15 or claim 16 in a dwelling or means of road, air, sea or rail transport, preferably as window glazing in motor vehicles, in particular as windscreen, rear window, side window or roof window. Glass sheet forming installation (INS_NEW) (10), said installation comprising: - a glass sheet heating zone (Z_HEAT), - a glass sheet forming device (D_FORM), - a glass sheet conveying device (D_CONV) through said heating zone and to the forming device, - a glass sheet cooling device (D_COLD), - a glass sheet transfer system (SYS_T) from the forming device to the cooling device, said cooling device being in accordance with claim 14 and / or the transfer system comprising a cooling frame (220) in accordance with claim 11.

Images