CA2091162A1 - Method of and apparatus for bending glass sheets - Google Patents
Method of and apparatus for bending glass sheetsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2091162A1 CA2091162A1 CA002091162A CA2091162A CA2091162A1 CA 2091162 A1 CA2091162 A1 CA 2091162A1 CA 002091162 A CA002091162 A CA 002091162A CA 2091162 A CA2091162 A CA 2091162A CA 2091162 A1 CA2091162 A1 CA 2091162A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- glass sheet
- base plate
- bending
- generally horizontal
- bent glass
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
- C03B23/00—Re-forming shaped glass
- C03B23/02—Re-forming glass sheets
- C03B23/023—Re-forming glass sheets by bending
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
- C03B23/00—Re-forming shaped glass
- C03B23/02—Re-forming glass sheets
- C03B23/023—Re-forming glass sheets by bending
- C03B23/03—Re-forming glass sheets by bending by press-bending between shaping moulds
- C03B23/0302—Re-forming glass sheets by bending by press-bending between shaping moulds between opposing full-face shaping moulds
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
- C03B23/00—Re-forming shaped glass
- C03B23/02—Re-forming glass sheets
- C03B23/023—Re-forming glass sheets by bending
- C03B23/03—Re-forming glass sheets by bending by press-bending between shaping moulds
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
- C03B2225/00—Transporting hot glass sheets during their manufacture
- C03B2225/02—Means for positioning, aligning or orientating the sheets during their travel, e.g. stops
Abstract
An improved support structure (32) for an upper press member (29) that broadens the bending capabilities of a conventional press bending apparatus. The support structure (32) is carried on the upper platen frame (33) of the bending apparatus and is adapted for providing reciprocating movement between the upper press member (29) and the upper platen frame (33). The support structure (32) comprises a base plate (76) which is attached to the platen frame (33) and a subplate (77) which is adapted for supporting the upper press member (29). Fluid activated cylinders (79) are mounted on the base plate (76) with the free end of their piston rods (80) affixed in a supporting manner to the subplate (77) whereby actuation of the cylinders (79) will provide relative movement between the subplate (77) and base plate (76) and therefor the upper press member (29) and the platen frame (33).
Description
~._093/02016 2 U 9 1 1 6 2 pCT/US9210S88l TITLE
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR BENDING GLASS SHEETS
BACKGROUN~ OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the production of curved glass sheets, and more particularly to an improved method of and apparatus for bending glass sheets to a relatively deep curvature.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Curvèd or bent.glass sheets are commonly employed as glazing closures for automobiles and the like. The configuration of the glazing closure, that is, the size, shape and curvature, is dictated by the opening in which the unit is to be installed and the overall design of the automotive vehicle. As will be readily apparent, with the many different designs and body styles of automotive vehicles in production at any one time, it is necessary to produce many different styles of glazing closures. The curvature, or bend, of the glazing closures can vary from a simple, shallow curvature to.a relatively deep, :compound curvature.
. -. It has recently been.proposed to use glass to form the.satellite dishes employed in the telecommunication industry for receiving and focussing broadcast microwave .:
radiation.. The:dish.can be produced from a:sheet of:clear ::or colored glass-.that is provided with an appropriate:.~
metal:oxide coating which.reflects-microwave:radiation.
.~The;glass.cheet:may be bent to the necessary~dish form.o~n a conventional~press~bending.apparatus;utilized to produce ~;
the automotive glazing~closures and may.jbe.either.tempered or annealedj^as desired. -.:.~ ;-.;., ; --~ :.~-.-1 ?...~
.~ ' .
W093/02016 ~ PCT/US92/05881 2~3~b ~
In a preferred method of producing the automotive glazing closures and satellite dishes in the large quantities xequired for efficient production, flat sheets of glass are typically heated to their softening temperature in a suitable heat treating furnace. The softened sheets are thereafter pressed to the desired curvature between complemental shaping surfaces. The curved or bent sheets are then either rapidly chilled so as to develop a desired degree of temper or are gradually cooled in a controlled manner within the annealing range of glass. These operations are generally carried out in successive steps while the sheets of glass are being substantially continuously advanced by conveyor along a horizontal path including, in succession, a heating area, a bending area, and a tempering or annealing area wherein the residual heat in the sheet following bending can be utilized for the final heat treating or tempering operation.
The aforementioned complemental shaping surfaces are formed on opposed press members, each mounted on a ..:supporting platen. The press members and their respective platens are normally located one above and one below the horizontal path of movement of the advancing glass sheets to receive the sheets therebetween, and are relatively movable toward:!and away from each other for pressing the :.-sheets to.the desired shape. A hydraulic cylinder.is generally employed for raising?the lower:platen and press member~upwardly to engage-and-lift a heated glass sheet.
..:.from~the.conveyor.system, out of.the horizontal path, and :~press it against~the shaping surface:of.the.opposed-or .upper press member.- The lower platen.is?then-lowered.to deposit the bent sheet upon the conveyor system for~
~: .
.. . . : ' . . ~
.
, WO93/02016 ~ 2 pCT/US92/oS88l advancement into and through an ad;acent tempering or annealing section. The conveyer system is typically comprised of a plurality of longitudinally spaced rolls which provide suitable support for the heat softened glass sheet as it is conveyed through the bending area.
Alternatively, the upper press member may be of the vacuum-type to support the sheet after bending as the lower press member is retracted and a carrier ring is moved into position to receive the sheet and advance it into the appropriate cooling section.
As heretofore mentioned, the upper and lower press members are mounted on their respective platens and are relatively movable toward and away from each other to bend the sheets to the desired shape. A hydraulic cylinder is generally employed for.raising and lowering the lower platen during the pressing cycle, while a screw jack system or the like, is utilized for adjusting the elevation of the upper platen and associated press member relative to the lower press.member. The upper press member generally is set at a predetermined elevation for the.particular part,being.run and the lower,press~.member is activated to lift the sheet from the;conveyor and press it against.the sta~ionary upper press member. The elevation at,which.the upper.press member.is set ,is .. . . . ... . . . ... .. . . .. .
determined by several factors including the stroke of ,the .hydraulic,cylinder,of the lower platen and the curvature . and thickness.of.the.glass sheet being.run. ,To properly , " , ,.,, . . ., , ..~ ., . j . . . ..; . . . ..
.position the,.upper.press member,,the lower press member ,. . . . . . . . . ~ . . ..~ , ... .
.first is raised to an,elevation above,,the,,supporting,~............... ...
surface of,the conveyor.. The jack system associated with , . . . .. ~
..~the upper.platen is,then manipulated.to,position the shaping surface of the upper press member at a distance -from the lower shaping surface representative of the ~' thickness of glass sheet to be bent.
While the above-described apparatus has been successful for bending glass sheets to satisfy most present day requirements, the trend to aerodynamic styling in the automotive industry has resulted in glazing closures with more pronounced curvatures and complex shapes. The relatively deep curvatures of some of these closures are becoming increasingly more difficult and, in lo some instances, impossible to form on conventional bending apparatus.
On conventicnal apparatus, the glass sheets are generally formed to a concave curvature as viewed in elevation, and the degree of curvature has a determining effect as to the elevation or vertical position at which the sheets are pressed. The deeper the curvature of the sheet, the farther the lower press member is required to travel to lift the sheet from the conveyor to a position thereabove for pressing against the upper press member.
Since the upper press member is fixed at this elevation, ,.~,, , ., . ,,, .,, .,~ . .. . . . . .
it muæt not be in a position to interfere with the glass sheets entering and leaving the press area. Dué to the . .
stroke limitation of the lower hydraulic cylinder and structural obstructions on the lower press member, it'is , . . . . .. . . . . . ..
oftentimes imp'ossible when bending deeply curved sheets to , ... " .. . . ~ ... . . . . .
establish the fixed position~of'the upper-press membér at an élëvation that does~not'interfere with~thè'travèl of the glass sheet.' The problém is further complicatèd when employing'a shuttie~carriër systèm for'rémoving the curved sheet after bending. In this instance, à vacuum'male mold ' is used to support'the sheét after bending, and sufficiént .
~91~62 space must be provided between the conveyor and the supported sheet to permit entry of the carrier ring.
Of course, it is conceivable to utilize the existing upper screw jack system for maneuvering the platen frame in a reciprocating manner to alternately move the upper press member from a position that permits unobstructed conveyance of the glass sheet to the preselected position for pres~ing the glass sheet. While the system is capable of functioning properly in this manner on a production basis, the maneuvering of the entire platen frame assembly with the press member during each bending cycle would substantially reduce the speed of the operation, adversely affecting productivity.
While these problems are evident when bending automotive glazing closures having relatively deep curvatures as discussed above, they also are encountered when bending other deeply curved glass products such as architectural glazing and the heretofore mentioned glass satellite dish.
. . ; SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ..~
The present invention overcomes the above-noted shortcomings of the prior art by.providing an improved .
method and apparatus for press bending glass,sheets,,to a relatively deep curvature in a continuous and efficient manner. The apparatus of the~.invention,comprises-a,novel support structure for supporting~the upper press-.member on the platen frame of a conventional press bending apparatus that permits vertical Ireciprocation of the.press member ,relative to the platen frame..-"~The novel support structure ,-includes a base plate for attachment to.the platen frame in a conventional manner and a subplate that is mounted on ~ a ~ 6 '~ 6 the base plate in a manner to permit reciprocation of the subplate relative to the base plate. The subplate is adapted for carrying any of a variety of press members in typical fashion.
S Thus, when the curvature or complex shape of a particular part dictates the pressing of the sheet at an elevation wherein the fixed position of the upper press member would interfere with the conveyance of the glass sheet, the present invention provides apparatus to quickly and easily move the upper press member into and out of the pressing elevation in a timely and efficient manner. The novel apparatus of the invention also may be utilized to increase efficiency on more conventional parts by decreasing the press cycle time by maintaining the upward travel of the lower press member at a minimum. To that end, the elevation at which the sheet is to be press bent is set at a short distance above the conveying surface.' The upper press member can either be lowered to this position and the lower press member raised to press the sheet thereagainst, or the lower press member and the sheet elevated to this position-and-the upper press member lowered into'pressing engagement therewith. For that matter, the two press members may be operated~
simultaneously to converge'~and bend the sheet at this elevation. In any instance the'upper'press-member is '' reciprocated''into'and out of the press bending'~elevation ' by'means of the novel:'app'aratus-of the invention.''~
~ 'BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ''. -''";In the'drawings,' wherein like numerals refer to:likeparts throughout'~ A '. '. ,;'/...;~
,, ' ' ~ ' ' W093/02016 PCT/US92/OS~1 ~ , " 7 2~1162 Fig. l is a perspective view of an automobile glazing closure having a relatively deep bend and produced in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of a press bending apparatus incorporating the novel features of the present invention:
Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of Fig. 2:
Fig. 4 is a plan view taken substantially along line 4-4 of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along 5-5 of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a satellite dish produced in accordance to the invention;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternate form of a press bending apparatus incorporating the novel features of the present .--invention; and Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of fig. 5 with the carrier ring~in position for receiving the bent sheet.
. -~DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT--Referring now in detail to the drawings, there is illustrated,in-Fig;~l~a~glazing closure lO bent-to the -desired configuration in accordance with-the method1and '~
apparatus of:the:invention,and which is-'intendéd for usë~
as a,backlight in an automotive,vehicle.~-The glazing~~-~closure,-or-backlight:lO;is comprised^of a single'glass sheet:having a deeply curved:central~portion ll-and~:-'''- ;
opposite end potions 12. While the method and apparatus :, . - ~ - , -, . : . - ~ . .. ...
2~911~ 8 of the invention will be described in connection with the production of a single glass sheet for a backlight, it should be understood that the principles of the invention are equally applicable in the production of other automobile glazing closures such as conventional laminated windshields, for example, having multiple layered sheets of glass.
With reference now to Fig. 2. there is illustrated the novel glass sheet bending apparatus of the invention comprehensively designated ld, embodied in a conventional horizontal press bending apparatus, identified generally at 15. The apparatus lS more particularly includes a continuous conveyor system 16 for supporting and conveying glass sheets 8 along a generally horizontal path through a heating furnace 17 for heating the sheets to their softening point or bending temperature, a press bending station 18 embodying the novel bending apparatus 1~
whereat the sheets are bent to the desired shape, and thereafter to subsequent stations (not shown)..where the heated bent sheets are appropriately cooled so as to be tempered or annealed for subsequent:fabricating-steps.
The glass sheets 8 are conventionally heated in a controlled manner while being carried sequentially through the furnace 17 on aligned conveyor rolls 19 forming part of the conveyor system 1~. The sheets,-heated to their proper bending temperature,iexit:-the-furnace:through.an..
opening 20 in.the rear.end wall-21 and are-transferred.~
onto a second series of..conveyor rolls 22,-.also forming a part of the conveyor system-16.-=The rolls 22-support and . 30 convey~the glass sheets,.8 horiæontally into and-within the bending station 18 before and after bending, and then~
W093/020~6 PCT/US92/05881 9 2~91:1~2 advance the bent sheets to the next processing step (not shown) typically tempering or annealing of the sheets.
The press bending station 18 more particularly, comprises a skeletal framework 25, generally in rectangular parallelpiped form, including upstanding corner posts 26 interconnected at their top and bottom by longitudinal beams 27 and transverse beams 28 to form a rigid box-like structure. The rolls 22 of the bending station are drivingly mounted upon the framework in a conventional manner (not shown). Mounted within the framework 25 for reciprocating relative movement toward "`' and away from each other are the upper and lower press members 29 and 30 which are provided with opposed complemental shaping surfaces conforming to the curvature to which the sheets are to be bent.
The upper or male press member 29 comprises a substantially solid shaping element 31 and is mounted upon the novel support structure of the invention, generally , designated 32. The support structure 32, as will be hereinafter more fully described, is in turn carried upon a platen frame 33.~ The platen frame~is,prefera~ly, ,~ ....
constructed to be vertically adjustable in order.to.:
accommodate glass parts bent to varying degrees of curvature between the opposed press members. Accordingly, the platen frame 33 is operatively attached at each of its corners within the framework 25 to the lower ends~of..screw jack rods.3~ of associated screw jacks,35 carried.on,a framework comprised by the beams 27 and 28 atop the -. .. .
framework 25. Also carried atop the.framework is a .......
motorized drive unit 36 adapted to drive.the screw jacks.
35 in unison for rètracting or extending the rods.3~ to .
W O 93/02016 PC~r/US92/OS881 (' correspondi~ ~lr~ ~ or lower the platen ~rame 33 and the shaping element 31 carried thereby.
The lower or female press member 30 is mounted for vertical reciprocal movement and is carried upon a platen frame 3~ similar in construction to the platen frame 33.
In order to insure that the platen frames move freely up and down along a precise vertical path within the framework 25, they are provided at each of their corners with stabilizing roller guide means 39. The guide means 39 include brackets 40 affixed to the corners of the platen frames 33 and 38. Each bracket carries a plurality of rollers ~1 suitably mounted to rollingly engage track plates 42 affixed to adjacent angularly disposed faces of the associated corner posts 26. The pla~en frames are thus held firmly against lateral movement while being able to move freely up and down along a vertical path.
The lower press member 30 is of conventional outline or ring-type construction, and normally resides in a rest position below the rolls 22 of the bending station '8.
The press member 30 is mountsd for vertical reciprocal movement'to lift a''shèét 8 from the rolls 22 and press `it against-the upper press member 29, and then return the bent sheet to the rolls 22 for advancement out of the .
bending station 18 for further processing.
More particularly, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the lower press member 30 comprises a base member ~ secured .. . ' ;. ... . . . .~ . . . ,. . ~ . . . . . . . . . .
to the platen frame 38'and'a shaping rail 45 affixed in spaced relation to the base member by'méans of a series of ~ ,.. . . .... .-- , . .. .,. .~ . . .. .. . .
mounting posts ~6. 'The''shaping rail'conforms in outline to the glass sheets to be bent, and is'provided on its uppér face"with an upwardly directed shaping'surfacè 47 ~to impart the desired curvature to the sheet. The particular , ~ , : : . ' : - . ': ~
1 6 ~
outline of the shaping rail ~5, as well as the specific curvature of the shaping surface 47, of course, are dictated by the predetermined finished shape of the glass sheet being bent and can vary as desired. ,A spaced pair of vertically reciprocal stop means 48 is conventionally provided on the base member 4~ between adjacent ones of the rolls 22 for precisely positioning incoming glass sheets 8 relative to the upper and lower press members 29 and 30, respectively.
The base member ~4 is carried by the lower platen frame 3a and is movable therewith. A fluid actuated cylinder So is mounted beneath the platen frame 38 and carried by the beams 27. The cylinder includes a piston rod 51 affixed at its distal end to the platen frame 38 for reciprocally moving the lower or female press member 30 between its retracted position, whereat the shaping rail ~5 is below the conveyor rolls 22, and its raised position whereat the shaping rail lifts a heated sheet 8 from the conveyor rolls and presses it against the male press member 29 between the.complementary.shaping.surfaces of the male element 31 and the:shaping,rail ~5,-:.to bend it to a predetermined curvature.--Upon-completion of bending, the piston rod'51 is retracted.to lower.the platen frame 38, thereby retracting the shaping:rail 45 beneath the `:
conveyor rolls 22 .and depositing the bent sheet,thereon.;.:-for advancement out'of..the,bending.station.~
~ The conveyors..rolls 22.employed.in the,bending.area-are.preferably of .the contoured type comprising~:an inner --hollow, stationary core-member~.and an-outer, flexible;,c~, load carrying sleeve rotatable thereabout;' Such contoured conveyor rolls~arei.disclosed.and-described-~in U.S. Patent No.-'.~j905;794.which~is.:incorporatedi.herein by reference.--.
W O 93/02016 ~ O ~ 1 1 6 .~ PC~r/US92/05881 The construction of the roll per se does not constitute part of the present invention, and reference may be had to the patent for details of the construction of a preferred form of core member and rotatable sleeve.
Contoured rolls of increasing curvature may be employed leading'into the press bending area to preform the glass sheets prior to bending between the opposed shaping s~rfaces. Likewise, such contoured rolls may be advantageously employed in conveying the bent sheets from the press bending apparatus into an adjacent processing station.
As best shown in Fig. 3, the contoured conveyor rolls 22 include a core member 52 as of stainless steel tubing and an outer, flexible, load carrying sleeve 53 surrounding and freely rotatable about the inner core member.. At one end of the contoured rolls the stationary core member 52 extends beyond the end of the ro~atable sleeve 53 and is secured aga~nst rotation by suitable mounting means 54 upon a side rail 55 of the structural framework.. At its other or driving end, the core member 52 telescopingly receives a stub-shaft--(not shown) which is fixed to .the core member and concentrically journalled within a rotatable collar-57. ,The collar.57 is journalled for rotation in a bearing 58 carried.on a,:side rail 59 of the structural.framework..:.The.end of,the outer sleeve 53 .
is attached to,;the.rotatable collar 57,.by a.coupling ,.-member 60,,,fixedly secured on the collar... A pinion 61, adapted;to;be:.driven by,.a suitable endless drive.chain ..
(not.shown)'-, is.rigidly,secured,on the collar.~57. Driving :of the pinion 61 by the drive chain thus,rotates the ,..,. ,-collar 57.about,.the stationary stub shaft~affixed.to.the core member 52-and,3~in:~.turn,~,.rotates the:.coupling member.
. ~ .
- . .................................. ..
-. . ::~,. . .. . -~W 0 93/02016 PC~r~US92/05881 ~; ;
13 2~91.~2 1~
60 so as to cause the outer sleeve 53 to rotate about the core member.
The series of rolls which are dlsposed in the press area are configured so as to permit unhindered operation S of the lower or female press member 30. To that end, the rolls 22 include a generally concave central portion 63 which engages the lower surface of the sheet, and opposite generally U-shaped end portions 64 which pass beneath the lower shaping rail ~5 while in its lowered position.
The upper male press member 29 of the invention is of the so-called solid or continuous type. To that end, the male shaping element 31 includes a continuous glass shaping surface identified qenerally at 66, having a configuration c~mplementary to that of the lower female press member 30. The shaping element 31 is formed of any suitable refractory material capable of withstanding the elevated temperatures to which it is subjected. Angle brackets 67 affixed to the upper edge of the shaping element 31 as by fasteners 68, are provided for mounting the shaping element to the support structure 32 of the invention, as wiil:'be'heréinafter more-fully~:described.
~ To provide a resilient non-abrasive surface for contact-with the'heat'softened glass.sheet and to provide insulation, the shaping'surface~66 is covered with,a sheet 69 of heat-resistant cloth,'such as-woven or knit fibërglass or the like.'" The cloth ~heet-69-is.stretched ' tautly over thë shaping surface 66.and held.in place.by any'suitabie méans such as the'`mounting brackets~70 'affixed as by'wêldin'g, to the lower end~of the angle brackets 67.~
'' The^uppèr mold mëmb'er"is commonly adapted to provide ''positivë'and~negativë'-air~pressureato assist.in the ;:z ., ~ .. ~ ... . ~
: : :
' ~'.?
20'~1~6'~ 14 shaping and handling of the glass sheets. The negative air pressure, or vacuum, for example may be employed on the shaping surface of the upper mold to assist in the shaping of the glass sheet as the sheet is being pressed between the opposed shaping surfaces. After bending, the sheet is retained by vacuum against the upper shaping surface as the lover mold member is retracted and a carrier ring is brought into position to receive the sheet and convey it out of the press area. The vacuum is discontinued and a slight positive pressure is generally initiated to release the sheet from the upper shaping surface and deposit it on the carrier ring. .
To that end, the shaping element 31 is formed with a chamber 72 that serves as a manifold for the positive and negative air pressure. A conduit 73 is appropriately and selectively connected to a source of air under pressure or vacuum (not shown) and in communication with the chamber 72. The shaping element is provided'with suitable air passages on the shaping surface 66 that communicate with Z0 the chamber 72. The air passages may.be in the form of drillëd~holes.~'such as at 74,:or the shaping element 31 may :
be formed of a suitable porous-refractory material that :would permit a uniform flow~of-air along the shaping :''sùrface without~the:need.for drilled~passageways.
In a conventional press bending apparatus, the, shaping`elements of..the upper.-and.lower!pres members~are mounted'on base'plates~that.:.-are carried by.~.the respective upper:and lower platen.frames. The upp,er platen frame, as heretofore described,..is provided with a r jack system which permits vertical displacement of the platen frame and~
'-associated~press member.-:to properly position the upper shapingrelement;relative.-~to~the.lower.shaping element as - -. .. , : :.
.
- :, ` 15 2 ~
determined by the part to be produced. The elevation at which the upper press member is positioned is determined primarily by the curvature and thickness of the part.
This displacement system for adjusting the elevation of the upper shaping element performs admirably and is suitable for most present day requirements. However, the trend toward aerodynamic styling has resulted in some automobile windows having an exaggerated curvature which is difficult if not impossible to produce efficiently on the conventional bending apparatus.
In accordance to the present invention a novel support structure 32 for carrying the upper shaping element is provided which enhances the versatility of the conventional press bending apparatus. The support structure includes means that permit rapid and controlled reciprocation of the upper press member into and out of the pressing elevation in the bending cycle.
The novel support structure 32 comprises a base plate 76 adapted for attachment to the upper platen frame 33, in a conventional manner as will be hereinafter more fully described, and a subplate 77 for carrying the shaping --element 31. The shaping element is secured to the subplate by means of fasteners 78 through appropriate apertures (not shown) provided in the angle brackets -67 and subplate 77.
The:subplate 77;is mounted for reciprocation on the base plate 76. To;.that end, a plurality of linear actuators, such as fluid cylinders 79, for-example, are suitably mounted on the base plate 76 with the associated piston rods 80 extending through appropriate openings 82 provided~-in the base-plate. The-piston~rods~are ~connected at their free ends to the subplate 77.; -Guideposts~83, .
, , ~' . .
W093/020l6 PCT~US92/05881 209~ ~ ~2 connected at their lower ends to the ~our corners of the subplate 77, respectively, extend upwardly through suitable bushings 8~ mounted on the base plate 76 for sliding movement therethrough to properly guide the subplate in its vertical reciprocating movement.
The base plate 7C is detachably secured to the platen frame 33 in a conventional manner which permits easy removal for maintenance and changeover from one part to another. The platen frame 33 includes a mounting platform 85 having a plurality of actuating cylinders 86 attached thereto that are adapted for supporting the base plate 76.
To that end, as best shown in Fig. 5, the free end of each respective piston rod 88 is provided with an enlarged head 89 that is captured by the opposed upper walls 90 of an associated C-shaped mounting bracket 91 affixed to the base plate 76. Thus, as can be readily appreciated, retracting the piston rods 88 with the heads 89 captured by the associated brackets 91, will urge the base plate upwardly into intimate engagement~with the platform 85 securely attaching the press member 29 to the platen frame 33. :Conversely,'the'''piston rods-88 are extended to ~
relieve the upward force exerted by the heads 89'against the upper walls 90 of'the brackets 9i','3to permit :
disengagemént therefrom and-easy removal';of'the press -member. -`
'-' In a typ'ical press~'bending'operation~ i the sheet is heated'in''a furnace' to'*he bending~temperature and - ~-théreafter''lcarried on~ho'rizontally 'aligned conveyor rolls into position' for~bending;between the upper'and lower~
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR BENDING GLASS SHEETS
BACKGROUN~ OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the production of curved glass sheets, and more particularly to an improved method of and apparatus for bending glass sheets to a relatively deep curvature.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Curvèd or bent.glass sheets are commonly employed as glazing closures for automobiles and the like. The configuration of the glazing closure, that is, the size, shape and curvature, is dictated by the opening in which the unit is to be installed and the overall design of the automotive vehicle. As will be readily apparent, with the many different designs and body styles of automotive vehicles in production at any one time, it is necessary to produce many different styles of glazing closures. The curvature, or bend, of the glazing closures can vary from a simple, shallow curvature to.a relatively deep, :compound curvature.
. -. It has recently been.proposed to use glass to form the.satellite dishes employed in the telecommunication industry for receiving and focussing broadcast microwave .:
radiation.. The:dish.can be produced from a:sheet of:clear ::or colored glass-.that is provided with an appropriate:.~
metal:oxide coating which.reflects-microwave:radiation.
.~The;glass.cheet:may be bent to the necessary~dish form.o~n a conventional~press~bending.apparatus;utilized to produce ~;
the automotive glazing~closures and may.jbe.either.tempered or annealedj^as desired. -.:.~ ;-.;., ; --~ :.~-.-1 ?...~
.~ ' .
W093/02016 ~ PCT/US92/05881 2~3~b ~
In a preferred method of producing the automotive glazing closures and satellite dishes in the large quantities xequired for efficient production, flat sheets of glass are typically heated to their softening temperature in a suitable heat treating furnace. The softened sheets are thereafter pressed to the desired curvature between complemental shaping surfaces. The curved or bent sheets are then either rapidly chilled so as to develop a desired degree of temper or are gradually cooled in a controlled manner within the annealing range of glass. These operations are generally carried out in successive steps while the sheets of glass are being substantially continuously advanced by conveyor along a horizontal path including, in succession, a heating area, a bending area, and a tempering or annealing area wherein the residual heat in the sheet following bending can be utilized for the final heat treating or tempering operation.
The aforementioned complemental shaping surfaces are formed on opposed press members, each mounted on a ..:supporting platen. The press members and their respective platens are normally located one above and one below the horizontal path of movement of the advancing glass sheets to receive the sheets therebetween, and are relatively movable toward:!and away from each other for pressing the :.-sheets to.the desired shape. A hydraulic cylinder.is generally employed for raising?the lower:platen and press member~upwardly to engage-and-lift a heated glass sheet.
..:.from~the.conveyor.system, out of.the horizontal path, and :~press it against~the shaping surface:of.the.opposed-or .upper press member.- The lower platen.is?then-lowered.to deposit the bent sheet upon the conveyor system for~
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, WO93/02016 ~ 2 pCT/US92/oS88l advancement into and through an ad;acent tempering or annealing section. The conveyer system is typically comprised of a plurality of longitudinally spaced rolls which provide suitable support for the heat softened glass sheet as it is conveyed through the bending area.
Alternatively, the upper press member may be of the vacuum-type to support the sheet after bending as the lower press member is retracted and a carrier ring is moved into position to receive the sheet and advance it into the appropriate cooling section.
As heretofore mentioned, the upper and lower press members are mounted on their respective platens and are relatively movable toward and away from each other to bend the sheets to the desired shape. A hydraulic cylinder is generally employed for.raising and lowering the lower platen during the pressing cycle, while a screw jack system or the like, is utilized for adjusting the elevation of the upper platen and associated press member relative to the lower press.member. The upper press member generally is set at a predetermined elevation for the.particular part,being.run and the lower,press~.member is activated to lift the sheet from the;conveyor and press it against.the sta~ionary upper press member. The elevation at,which.the upper.press member.is set ,is .. . . . ... . . . ... .. . . .. .
determined by several factors including the stroke of ,the .hydraulic,cylinder,of the lower platen and the curvature . and thickness.of.the.glass sheet being.run. ,To properly , " , ,.,, . . ., , ..~ ., . j . . . ..; . . . ..
.position the,.upper.press member,,the lower press member ,. . . . . . . . . ~ . . ..~ , ... .
.first is raised to an,elevation above,,the,,supporting,~............... ...
surface of,the conveyor.. The jack system associated with , . . . .. ~
..~the upper.platen is,then manipulated.to,position the shaping surface of the upper press member at a distance -from the lower shaping surface representative of the ~' thickness of glass sheet to be bent.
While the above-described apparatus has been successful for bending glass sheets to satisfy most present day requirements, the trend to aerodynamic styling in the automotive industry has resulted in glazing closures with more pronounced curvatures and complex shapes. The relatively deep curvatures of some of these closures are becoming increasingly more difficult and, in lo some instances, impossible to form on conventional bending apparatus.
On conventicnal apparatus, the glass sheets are generally formed to a concave curvature as viewed in elevation, and the degree of curvature has a determining effect as to the elevation or vertical position at which the sheets are pressed. The deeper the curvature of the sheet, the farther the lower press member is required to travel to lift the sheet from the conveyor to a position thereabove for pressing against the upper press member.
Since the upper press member is fixed at this elevation, ,.~,, , ., . ,,, .,, .,~ . .. . . . . .
it muæt not be in a position to interfere with the glass sheets entering and leaving the press area. Dué to the . .
stroke limitation of the lower hydraulic cylinder and structural obstructions on the lower press member, it'is , . . . . .. . . . . . ..
oftentimes imp'ossible when bending deeply curved sheets to , ... " .. . . ~ ... . . . . .
establish the fixed position~of'the upper-press membér at an élëvation that does~not'interfere with~thè'travèl of the glass sheet.' The problém is further complicatèd when employing'a shuttie~carriër systèm for'rémoving the curved sheet after bending. In this instance, à vacuum'male mold ' is used to support'the sheét after bending, and sufficiént .
~91~62 space must be provided between the conveyor and the supported sheet to permit entry of the carrier ring.
Of course, it is conceivable to utilize the existing upper screw jack system for maneuvering the platen frame in a reciprocating manner to alternately move the upper press member from a position that permits unobstructed conveyance of the glass sheet to the preselected position for pres~ing the glass sheet. While the system is capable of functioning properly in this manner on a production basis, the maneuvering of the entire platen frame assembly with the press member during each bending cycle would substantially reduce the speed of the operation, adversely affecting productivity.
While these problems are evident when bending automotive glazing closures having relatively deep curvatures as discussed above, they also are encountered when bending other deeply curved glass products such as architectural glazing and the heretofore mentioned glass satellite dish.
. . ; SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ..~
The present invention overcomes the above-noted shortcomings of the prior art by.providing an improved .
method and apparatus for press bending glass,sheets,,to a relatively deep curvature in a continuous and efficient manner. The apparatus of the~.invention,comprises-a,novel support structure for supporting~the upper press-.member on the platen frame of a conventional press bending apparatus that permits vertical Ireciprocation of the.press member ,relative to the platen frame..-"~The novel support structure ,-includes a base plate for attachment to.the platen frame in a conventional manner and a subplate that is mounted on ~ a ~ 6 '~ 6 the base plate in a manner to permit reciprocation of the subplate relative to the base plate. The subplate is adapted for carrying any of a variety of press members in typical fashion.
S Thus, when the curvature or complex shape of a particular part dictates the pressing of the sheet at an elevation wherein the fixed position of the upper press member would interfere with the conveyance of the glass sheet, the present invention provides apparatus to quickly and easily move the upper press member into and out of the pressing elevation in a timely and efficient manner. The novel apparatus of the invention also may be utilized to increase efficiency on more conventional parts by decreasing the press cycle time by maintaining the upward travel of the lower press member at a minimum. To that end, the elevation at which the sheet is to be press bent is set at a short distance above the conveying surface.' The upper press member can either be lowered to this position and the lower press member raised to press the sheet thereagainst, or the lower press member and the sheet elevated to this position-and-the upper press member lowered into'pressing engagement therewith. For that matter, the two press members may be operated~
simultaneously to converge'~and bend the sheet at this elevation. In any instance the'upper'press-member is '' reciprocated''into'and out of the press bending'~elevation ' by'means of the novel:'app'aratus-of the invention.''~
~ 'BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ''. -''";In the'drawings,' wherein like numerals refer to:likeparts throughout'~ A '. '. ,;'/...;~
,, ' ' ~ ' ' W093/02016 PCT/US92/OS~1 ~ , " 7 2~1162 Fig. l is a perspective view of an automobile glazing closure having a relatively deep bend and produced in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of a press bending apparatus incorporating the novel features of the present invention:
Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of Fig. 2:
Fig. 4 is a plan view taken substantially along line 4-4 of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along 5-5 of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a satellite dish produced in accordance to the invention;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternate form of a press bending apparatus incorporating the novel features of the present .--invention; and Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of fig. 5 with the carrier ring~in position for receiving the bent sheet.
. -~DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT--Referring now in detail to the drawings, there is illustrated,in-Fig;~l~a~glazing closure lO bent-to the -desired configuration in accordance with-the method1and '~
apparatus of:the:invention,and which is-'intendéd for usë~
as a,backlight in an automotive,vehicle.~-The glazing~~-~closure,-or-backlight:lO;is comprised^of a single'glass sheet:having a deeply curved:central~portion ll-and~:-'''- ;
opposite end potions 12. While the method and apparatus :, . - ~ - , -, . : . - ~ . .. ...
2~911~ 8 of the invention will be described in connection with the production of a single glass sheet for a backlight, it should be understood that the principles of the invention are equally applicable in the production of other automobile glazing closures such as conventional laminated windshields, for example, having multiple layered sheets of glass.
With reference now to Fig. 2. there is illustrated the novel glass sheet bending apparatus of the invention comprehensively designated ld, embodied in a conventional horizontal press bending apparatus, identified generally at 15. The apparatus lS more particularly includes a continuous conveyor system 16 for supporting and conveying glass sheets 8 along a generally horizontal path through a heating furnace 17 for heating the sheets to their softening point or bending temperature, a press bending station 18 embodying the novel bending apparatus 1~
whereat the sheets are bent to the desired shape, and thereafter to subsequent stations (not shown)..where the heated bent sheets are appropriately cooled so as to be tempered or annealed for subsequent:fabricating-steps.
The glass sheets 8 are conventionally heated in a controlled manner while being carried sequentially through the furnace 17 on aligned conveyor rolls 19 forming part of the conveyor system 1~. The sheets,-heated to their proper bending temperature,iexit:-the-furnace:through.an..
opening 20 in.the rear.end wall-21 and are-transferred.~
onto a second series of..conveyor rolls 22,-.also forming a part of the conveyor system-16.-=The rolls 22-support and . 30 convey~the glass sheets,.8 horiæontally into and-within the bending station 18 before and after bending, and then~
W093/020~6 PCT/US92/05881 9 2~91:1~2 advance the bent sheets to the next processing step (not shown) typically tempering or annealing of the sheets.
The press bending station 18 more particularly, comprises a skeletal framework 25, generally in rectangular parallelpiped form, including upstanding corner posts 26 interconnected at their top and bottom by longitudinal beams 27 and transverse beams 28 to form a rigid box-like structure. The rolls 22 of the bending station are drivingly mounted upon the framework in a conventional manner (not shown). Mounted within the framework 25 for reciprocating relative movement toward "`' and away from each other are the upper and lower press members 29 and 30 which are provided with opposed complemental shaping surfaces conforming to the curvature to which the sheets are to be bent.
The upper or male press member 29 comprises a substantially solid shaping element 31 and is mounted upon the novel support structure of the invention, generally , designated 32. The support structure 32, as will be hereinafter more fully described, is in turn carried upon a platen frame 33.~ The platen frame~is,prefera~ly, ,~ ....
constructed to be vertically adjustable in order.to.:
accommodate glass parts bent to varying degrees of curvature between the opposed press members. Accordingly, the platen frame 33 is operatively attached at each of its corners within the framework 25 to the lower ends~of..screw jack rods.3~ of associated screw jacks,35 carried.on,a framework comprised by the beams 27 and 28 atop the -. .. .
framework 25. Also carried atop the.framework is a .......
motorized drive unit 36 adapted to drive.the screw jacks.
35 in unison for rètracting or extending the rods.3~ to .
W O 93/02016 PC~r/US92/OS881 (' correspondi~ ~lr~ ~ or lower the platen ~rame 33 and the shaping element 31 carried thereby.
The lower or female press member 30 is mounted for vertical reciprocal movement and is carried upon a platen frame 3~ similar in construction to the platen frame 33.
In order to insure that the platen frames move freely up and down along a precise vertical path within the framework 25, they are provided at each of their corners with stabilizing roller guide means 39. The guide means 39 include brackets 40 affixed to the corners of the platen frames 33 and 38. Each bracket carries a plurality of rollers ~1 suitably mounted to rollingly engage track plates 42 affixed to adjacent angularly disposed faces of the associated corner posts 26. The pla~en frames are thus held firmly against lateral movement while being able to move freely up and down along a vertical path.
The lower press member 30 is of conventional outline or ring-type construction, and normally resides in a rest position below the rolls 22 of the bending station '8.
The press member 30 is mountsd for vertical reciprocal movement'to lift a''shèét 8 from the rolls 22 and press `it against-the upper press member 29, and then return the bent sheet to the rolls 22 for advancement out of the .
bending station 18 for further processing.
More particularly, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the lower press member 30 comprises a base member ~ secured .. . ' ;. ... . . . .~ . . . ,. . ~ . . . . . . . . . .
to the platen frame 38'and'a shaping rail 45 affixed in spaced relation to the base member by'méans of a series of ~ ,.. . . .... .-- , . .. .,. .~ . . .. .. . .
mounting posts ~6. 'The''shaping rail'conforms in outline to the glass sheets to be bent, and is'provided on its uppér face"with an upwardly directed shaping'surfacè 47 ~to impart the desired curvature to the sheet. The particular , ~ , : : . ' : - . ': ~
1 6 ~
outline of the shaping rail ~5, as well as the specific curvature of the shaping surface 47, of course, are dictated by the predetermined finished shape of the glass sheet being bent and can vary as desired. ,A spaced pair of vertically reciprocal stop means 48 is conventionally provided on the base member 4~ between adjacent ones of the rolls 22 for precisely positioning incoming glass sheets 8 relative to the upper and lower press members 29 and 30, respectively.
The base member ~4 is carried by the lower platen frame 3a and is movable therewith. A fluid actuated cylinder So is mounted beneath the platen frame 38 and carried by the beams 27. The cylinder includes a piston rod 51 affixed at its distal end to the platen frame 38 for reciprocally moving the lower or female press member 30 between its retracted position, whereat the shaping rail ~5 is below the conveyor rolls 22, and its raised position whereat the shaping rail lifts a heated sheet 8 from the conveyor rolls and presses it against the male press member 29 between the.complementary.shaping.surfaces of the male element 31 and the:shaping,rail ~5,-:.to bend it to a predetermined curvature.--Upon-completion of bending, the piston rod'51 is retracted.to lower.the platen frame 38, thereby retracting the shaping:rail 45 beneath the `:
conveyor rolls 22 .and depositing the bent sheet,thereon.;.:-for advancement out'of..the,bending.station.~
~ The conveyors..rolls 22.employed.in the,bending.area-are.preferably of .the contoured type comprising~:an inner --hollow, stationary core-member~.and an-outer, flexible;,c~, load carrying sleeve rotatable thereabout;' Such contoured conveyor rolls~arei.disclosed.and-described-~in U.S. Patent No.-'.~j905;794.which~is.:incorporatedi.herein by reference.--.
W O 93/02016 ~ O ~ 1 1 6 .~ PC~r/US92/05881 The construction of the roll per se does not constitute part of the present invention, and reference may be had to the patent for details of the construction of a preferred form of core member and rotatable sleeve.
Contoured rolls of increasing curvature may be employed leading'into the press bending area to preform the glass sheets prior to bending between the opposed shaping s~rfaces. Likewise, such contoured rolls may be advantageously employed in conveying the bent sheets from the press bending apparatus into an adjacent processing station.
As best shown in Fig. 3, the contoured conveyor rolls 22 include a core member 52 as of stainless steel tubing and an outer, flexible, load carrying sleeve 53 surrounding and freely rotatable about the inner core member.. At one end of the contoured rolls the stationary core member 52 extends beyond the end of the ro~atable sleeve 53 and is secured aga~nst rotation by suitable mounting means 54 upon a side rail 55 of the structural framework.. At its other or driving end, the core member 52 telescopingly receives a stub-shaft--(not shown) which is fixed to .the core member and concentrically journalled within a rotatable collar-57. ,The collar.57 is journalled for rotation in a bearing 58 carried.on a,:side rail 59 of the structural.framework..:.The.end of,the outer sleeve 53 .
is attached to,;the.rotatable collar 57,.by a.coupling ,.-member 60,,,fixedly secured on the collar... A pinion 61, adapted;to;be:.driven by,.a suitable endless drive.chain ..
(not.shown)'-, is.rigidly,secured,on the collar.~57. Driving :of the pinion 61 by the drive chain thus,rotates the ,..,. ,-collar 57.about,.the stationary stub shaft~affixed.to.the core member 52-and,3~in:~.turn,~,.rotates the:.coupling member.
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-. . ::~,. . .. . -~W 0 93/02016 PC~r~US92/05881 ~; ;
13 2~91.~2 1~
60 so as to cause the outer sleeve 53 to rotate about the core member.
The series of rolls which are dlsposed in the press area are configured so as to permit unhindered operation S of the lower or female press member 30. To that end, the rolls 22 include a generally concave central portion 63 which engages the lower surface of the sheet, and opposite generally U-shaped end portions 64 which pass beneath the lower shaping rail ~5 while in its lowered position.
The upper male press member 29 of the invention is of the so-called solid or continuous type. To that end, the male shaping element 31 includes a continuous glass shaping surface identified qenerally at 66, having a configuration c~mplementary to that of the lower female press member 30. The shaping element 31 is formed of any suitable refractory material capable of withstanding the elevated temperatures to which it is subjected. Angle brackets 67 affixed to the upper edge of the shaping element 31 as by fasteners 68, are provided for mounting the shaping element to the support structure 32 of the invention, as wiil:'be'heréinafter more-fully~:described.
~ To provide a resilient non-abrasive surface for contact-with the'heat'softened glass.sheet and to provide insulation, the shaping'surface~66 is covered with,a sheet 69 of heat-resistant cloth,'such as-woven or knit fibërglass or the like.'" The cloth ~heet-69-is.stretched ' tautly over thë shaping surface 66.and held.in place.by any'suitabie méans such as the'`mounting brackets~70 'affixed as by'wêldin'g, to the lower end~of the angle brackets 67.~
'' The^uppèr mold mëmb'er"is commonly adapted to provide ''positivë'and~negativë'-air~pressureato assist.in the ;:z ., ~ .. ~ ... . ~
: : :
' ~'.?
20'~1~6'~ 14 shaping and handling of the glass sheets. The negative air pressure, or vacuum, for example may be employed on the shaping surface of the upper mold to assist in the shaping of the glass sheet as the sheet is being pressed between the opposed shaping surfaces. After bending, the sheet is retained by vacuum against the upper shaping surface as the lover mold member is retracted and a carrier ring is brought into position to receive the sheet and convey it out of the press area. The vacuum is discontinued and a slight positive pressure is generally initiated to release the sheet from the upper shaping surface and deposit it on the carrier ring. .
To that end, the shaping element 31 is formed with a chamber 72 that serves as a manifold for the positive and negative air pressure. A conduit 73 is appropriately and selectively connected to a source of air under pressure or vacuum (not shown) and in communication with the chamber 72. The shaping element is provided'with suitable air passages on the shaping surface 66 that communicate with Z0 the chamber 72. The air passages may.be in the form of drillëd~holes.~'such as at 74,:or the shaping element 31 may :
be formed of a suitable porous-refractory material that :would permit a uniform flow~of-air along the shaping :''sùrface without~the:need.for drilled~passageways.
In a conventional press bending apparatus, the, shaping`elements of..the upper.-and.lower!pres members~are mounted'on base'plates~that.:.-are carried by.~.the respective upper:and lower platen.frames. The upp,er platen frame, as heretofore described,..is provided with a r jack system which permits vertical displacement of the platen frame and~
'-associated~press member.-:to properly position the upper shapingrelement;relative.-~to~the.lower.shaping element as - -. .. , : :.
.
- :, ` 15 2 ~
determined by the part to be produced. The elevation at which the upper press member is positioned is determined primarily by the curvature and thickness of the part.
This displacement system for adjusting the elevation of the upper shaping element performs admirably and is suitable for most present day requirements. However, the trend toward aerodynamic styling has resulted in some automobile windows having an exaggerated curvature which is difficult if not impossible to produce efficiently on the conventional bending apparatus.
In accordance to the present invention a novel support structure 32 for carrying the upper shaping element is provided which enhances the versatility of the conventional press bending apparatus. The support structure includes means that permit rapid and controlled reciprocation of the upper press member into and out of the pressing elevation in the bending cycle.
The novel support structure 32 comprises a base plate 76 adapted for attachment to the upper platen frame 33, in a conventional manner as will be hereinafter more fully described, and a subplate 77 for carrying the shaping --element 31. The shaping element is secured to the subplate by means of fasteners 78 through appropriate apertures (not shown) provided in the angle brackets -67 and subplate 77.
The:subplate 77;is mounted for reciprocation on the base plate 76. To;.that end, a plurality of linear actuators, such as fluid cylinders 79, for-example, are suitably mounted on the base plate 76 with the associated piston rods 80 extending through appropriate openings 82 provided~-in the base-plate. The-piston~rods~are ~connected at their free ends to the subplate 77.; -Guideposts~83, .
, , ~' . .
W093/020l6 PCT~US92/05881 209~ ~ ~2 connected at their lower ends to the ~our corners of the subplate 77, respectively, extend upwardly through suitable bushings 8~ mounted on the base plate 76 for sliding movement therethrough to properly guide the subplate in its vertical reciprocating movement.
The base plate 7C is detachably secured to the platen frame 33 in a conventional manner which permits easy removal for maintenance and changeover from one part to another. The platen frame 33 includes a mounting platform 85 having a plurality of actuating cylinders 86 attached thereto that are adapted for supporting the base plate 76.
To that end, as best shown in Fig. 5, the free end of each respective piston rod 88 is provided with an enlarged head 89 that is captured by the opposed upper walls 90 of an associated C-shaped mounting bracket 91 affixed to the base plate 76. Thus, as can be readily appreciated, retracting the piston rods 88 with the heads 89 captured by the associated brackets 91, will urge the base plate upwardly into intimate engagement~with the platform 85 securely attaching the press member 29 to the platen frame 33. :Conversely,'the'''piston rods-88 are extended to ~
relieve the upward force exerted by the heads 89'against the upper walls 90 of'the brackets 9i','3to permit :
disengagemént therefrom and-easy removal';of'the press -member. -`
'-' In a typ'ical press~'bending'operation~ i the sheet is heated'in''a furnace' to'*he bending~temperature and - ~-théreafter''lcarried on~ho'rizontally 'aligned conveyor rolls into position' for~bending;between the upper'and lower~
3~ press' me'mb'ers. The~`'l'ower press member is then raised to '`liftlthè sheet~'off'th'e-'rolls and'into-pressing-engagement with~the uppér'p'ress''member:bending'the sheet to the' -~
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. ~ .. .. .. ,' - .' ' ~ . . . .
~093/02016 PCT/US92/05881 17 ~911~2 desired curvature. The upper press member, generally, is stationary as the sheet is lifted into engagement with its shaping surface and at an elevation that does not interfere with the sheet as it is conveyed into and out of the press area. The elevation at which the upper press member is set is primarily determined by the curvature and thickness of the part being produced. The deeper the curvature, the greater the distance the lower press member must travel to lift the sheet off the conveyor rolls.
Since this travel is limited by the maximum stroke of the cylinder employed and by structural obstructions that may exist on the press member, it is not always possible when bending deeply curved parts to set the stationary position of the upper press member at an elevation high enough to insure that it will not interfere with conveyance of the glass sheet. As previously mentioned, while the conventional jack system associated with the upper press member can be employed to cycle the press member into and out of position for pressing, it is relatively slow and will have an adverse effect on the rate of production.
'Reviewing-'briefly operation,of the invention hereinabove described, glass sheets ~ are carried through the furnace 17 by the conveyor 16 where the temperature is gradually raised to the softening polnt of the glass. The heated sheets are received from the furnace upon contoured rolls whereupon they-.tend to sag into.conformity with"the rolls as they are advanced into position.for press,bending bètween-theiupper.and-lower press members 29 and 30.
Prior to~the sheet entering the press area,.,the piston rods 80 "of 'fluid actuators 79 ,are retracted to raise the upper'press member~29;into the,elevate~d;rest,.position as shown in solid lines in Fig.,3, to allow.for the WO93/02016 ~ PCT/US92/05~1 unobstructed conveyance of the sheet into the press area.
Of course, at this time the lower press member 30 is in the lowered position, with the shaping rail 45 below the supporting sur~ace of the rolls.
When the leading edge of the sheet engages the stop means ~8 the sheet is properly positioned, at which time a suitable timing mechanism (not shown) is activated to extend the piston rods 80 to lower the upper press member 31 into the press bending position shown in phantom in Fig. 3. At the same time the cylinder 50 raises the lower press member 30 to lift the sheet from the conveyor for press bending between the shaping sur~aces ~7 and 66.
The elevation at which the sheet is press bent between the shaping surfaces is determined by the stroke of the lower cylinder S0 and is conveniently set to substantially correspond to the maximum extension of the piston rod 51. The upper press member 29 is then set to this elevation by appropriate adjustment.of the screw jacks 35 in a manner to properly position the shaping surface at the bending elevation upon full extension of the piston rods 80.' It will-be~appreciated that.the press bending sequence bf operation can be varied without departing from the'scope of the invention.: The upper . ' ' press member 29 may be lowered to the-press bending elevation and stationary when the lower press member 30 is.
raised to press'thë-sheet thereagainst. Converselyj-the '' iower p'ress member may'be~raised to elevate the sheet.to the' proper bending';position and stationary,as the.upper press member is lowered to press bend-the sheet.~
'Likewise, the two-'press members may converge to - .
simultaneously m^ee~'''at-'-the-press bending elevation.to press the sheet'therebetween.~'-.. . ,:.;.,. -,:,. ~ -,.
W O 93t02016 P(~r/US92/OS881 lg ~9~ 2 After the sheet ~ is precisely curved between the shaping surfaces ~7 and 6~, the lower press member 30 is retracted and the sheet is deposited on the contoured rolls for advancement into a further processing station.
While the sheet has by this time generally cooled sufficiently to retain its shape, the contoured rolls provide support to assure that further sagging does not occur upon immediate removal of the support of the shaping rail ~5.
It will thus be apparent that the reciprocating action provided by the novel support structure 32 of the invention when utilized in conjunction with the screw jack system of a conventional bending apparatus, is capable of press bending glass sheets having various degrees of curvature without adversely affecting the normal rate of production. Moreover, in many instances the support structure can be utilized to increase the production rate when bending glass sheets having more shallow curvatures.
To that end, the elevation above the conveyor rolls at which the sheet.is bent is reduced to the minimum distance allowable to :adequately clear the-rolls instead of the el~vation-as determined by the maximum,stroke of the lower cylinder. Thus, the travel of the lower press member.is reduced which ultimately results in a decrease in the .
press.cycle time.
Referring-now.to.:Fig.-,6-there:is shown a . . .... ..
com~unication satellite.,dish or parabolic reflector 93 produced in accordance~to.the present.,invention on a press bending apparatus utilizing a.shuttle~carrier ring~for;.............. ~, -transporting the curved sheet out of,.the bending area~ ~
after it is shaped to~the~,desired curvature. The .-.;,-,...
:~satellite dish..93-~is3bowel-shaped in the form of a ,-,;."
.
WO93/02016 PCT/US92/OS88!
20~ 20 ~ :.
paraboloid of revolution and includes a deeply curved or displaced central portion 9~ and an upper circumferential edge portion or rim 95. The central portion 9~ is .
provided with a plurality of suitable apertures 96 for mounting the dish and attaching associated equipment thereto.
The press members utilized to produce the satellite dish 93 are similar in construction to the press members utilized to produce the backlight lo and comprise a so-called solid upper male press member 98 and a continuousring-type lower female press member 99. The upper and lower press members 98 and 99 are provided with opposed complemental shaping surfaces and are mounted for reciprocating movement toward and away from each other within the framework 25 on the respective upper and lower platen frames 33 and 38. . .
The upper press member 98 is carried upon the novel .
support structure 32 of the invention and comprises a substantially solid shaping element loO having a continuous glass shaping surface 10' in the form of a .
paraboloid~of~revolution.'~' The 'shaping element-lOo.is ~.
formed of a suitable~refractory material with the shaping surface 101 covered with a sheet 102-of heat-resistant :
cloth, such as woven or knitted fiberglass or the.like. A
chamber 103 is formed in the shaping element lOO and -serves as a manifold:for:maintaining,positive--and.:negative air pressure'supplied through the conduit 73.on-the.,..~
support-`structure 32,':as previously described.. Air... ;
passages-104 that communicate-with the chamber 103:~are?~
provided in the shaping surface 101.--Thus, a vacuum may .., be applied at-;the-shaping'surface 101 tor,assist in the .
shaping of the heat softened~glass.shéet:and thereafter~to ..
., - :
W O 93/02016 PC~r/US92/05881 21 2 09.1.~ ~ ~
support the curved sheet thereagainst as the lower press member 99 is retracted. The curved glass sheet may be returned to the conveyor rolls after the sheet has cooled sufficiently to set its curvature or a shuttle carrier ring, as will be hereinafter more fully described, may be introduced to receive the curved sheet from the upper press member and transport it into an adjacent processing station.
The lower press member 99 comprises a base plate 106 that is secured to the platen frame 38 and a continuous shaping rail 107 affixed in spaced relation to the base plate by means of a series of mounting posts 108. The shaping rail includes an upwardly directed shaping surface 109 complemental to the upper shaping surface lol of the shaping element loo.' The heat softened glass sheet is supported in a generally horizontal plane on the conveyor rolls 22 as it exits the furnace and is position~d for bending between the opposed press members 98 and 99. To that end, at least the rolls that extend through the lower press member 99 are of the contoured:type-'and-include a''horizontally~-extending central-portion 111 and opposite-generally'U- -shaped portions:112''`which pass beneath the lower shaping rail-:107 while'in its~lowered position. - '' -' i '''As.best-shown in Figs. 7 and-8, a'shuttle mechanism indicated.generally at 113,-incIuding-a carrier-ring-114 and:a-carrier-ring transport apparatus~115, is'provided --for transporting the/'curved-glass sheets'~from the bending station 18-~to~`~an-unloading''station''117 whereat the":curved sheet'is removed fr'om the':'c'arriér ring'''il4'and placed'on a take-away roller'conveyor~'section-'118.~ Su'ch~:shuttle '-mechanism~and~unloading~station-is -disclo'sed--and-described .-:,, . ~ .
.
W093tO2016 PCTtUS92/OS881 2~ 22 in U.S. Patent No. 4,883,526, which is incorporated herein by reference. The construction and operation of the same per se does not constitute part of the present invention, and reference may be had to the patent for details of the construction and operation of a preferred form of the shuttle mechanism and unloading station.
The carrier ring 114 is connected to a framework 119 which is carried by a pair of cantilevered longitudinally extending support arms 120, affixed at their one end to respective guide plates 122 (only one of which is shown).
The guide plates include bearings 123 which engage horizontal rails 124 disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel, thereby allowing horizontal movement of the cantilevered support arms 120 and carrier ring 114 in the direction of movement of the glass sheets through the facility. A suitable drive unit (not-shown) is inter- , ' connected with the guide plates 122 for transporting the carrier ring 11~ in a controlled reciprocating manner between the bending and unloading stations 18 and 117.
- The unloading station 117 includes an elevator 126 located below the conveyor,rolls of the take-,away roll section 118, and comprises cross supports 127, ,which,are generally shaped to conform to the curvature of the bent glass sheet. A suitable lift mechanism such,as a fluid actuator 128, is provided to elevate the-cross supports 127 to lift the bent sheet from the carrier,-,ring ll~ when the;,carrier ring,is properly positioned at the unloading station. While the bent sheet is-in the elevated---- s -~position, opposed support members~129 affixed,to,the,free-end of the piston rod of respective actuating cylinders~130, are extended to occupy positions below~the undersurface of the glass sheet.- As the cross~members 127 . . . . .
W093/02nl6 PCT/US92/OS881 ~`` 209~1~2 are lowered the bent sheet is deposited on the extended support members 129 as shown in phantom lines in Fig. 7, and the carrier ring 11~ is shifted to a rest position outside of the unloading station. Once the carrier ring is clear of the supported sheet, the cross members 127 are elevated to lift the glass sheet from the support members 129 at which time the support members are retracted and the cross members 127 lowered to deposit the sheet on the take-away roll section 118 whereupon it is advanced to the next processing station.
Reviewing briefly operation of the invention, the heated glass sheets B are advanced upon the conveyor rolls 22 into position for press bending between the upper and lower press members 98 and 99. When properly positioned, the sheet is lifted from the conveyor rolls 22 by the shaping rail 107 to a stationary pressing location above the rolls 22 at which time the fluid actuators 79 are activated to lower the shaping element lOo from its rest position into engagement with the glass sheet for press bending between the shaping surfaces 101 and 109. A
vacuum-is;initiated on-the shaping~surface lOl to support the curved sheet thereagainst as the shaping element loo is raised to a holding position at an elevation to allow entry of the carrier ring 11~. At the same time the shaping rail 107 is retracted to its rest position below the conveyor rolls 22. The carrier ring 114 is moved into position beneath the shaping element 100 and the shaping element is lowered to position the curved sheet 8 approximate the support surface of the carrier ring 114, as indicated in phantom lines in Fig. 8. The vacuum on the shaping surface 101 is abortad, depositing the sheet onto the carrier ring 11~. The shaping element 100 then .
WO93/02016 2 ~ 24 PCT/US92/05881 is retracted to the upper rest position and the carrier ring 11~ and the supported curved sheet are transported to the unloading station 117 whereat the sheet is transferred to the take-away roll section 118 as heretofore described.
W~ile the aforementioned sequence of operation describes the upper shaping element 100 as being lowered into pressing engagement with glass sheet on the stationary lower shaping rail 107, it is anticipated that the upper shaping element lO0 can, as well, be lowered to the press bending elevation and held stationary as the lower shaping rail 107 is raised to lift the sheet from rolls for press bending between the shaping surfaces lO1 and lO9. It also is anticipated that the upper shaping element 100 and lower shaping rail 107 may arrive simultaneously at the press bending elevation for press bending the sheet.
It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as illustrative embodiments of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts, as well as Yarious procedural changes, may~be~resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention.
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~093/02016 PCT/US92/05881 17 ~911~2 desired curvature. The upper press member, generally, is stationary as the sheet is lifted into engagement with its shaping surface and at an elevation that does not interfere with the sheet as it is conveyed into and out of the press area. The elevation at which the upper press member is set is primarily determined by the curvature and thickness of the part being produced. The deeper the curvature, the greater the distance the lower press member must travel to lift the sheet off the conveyor rolls.
Since this travel is limited by the maximum stroke of the cylinder employed and by structural obstructions that may exist on the press member, it is not always possible when bending deeply curved parts to set the stationary position of the upper press member at an elevation high enough to insure that it will not interfere with conveyance of the glass sheet. As previously mentioned, while the conventional jack system associated with the upper press member can be employed to cycle the press member into and out of position for pressing, it is relatively slow and will have an adverse effect on the rate of production.
'Reviewing-'briefly operation,of the invention hereinabove described, glass sheets ~ are carried through the furnace 17 by the conveyor 16 where the temperature is gradually raised to the softening polnt of the glass. The heated sheets are received from the furnace upon contoured rolls whereupon they-.tend to sag into.conformity with"the rolls as they are advanced into position.for press,bending bètween-theiupper.and-lower press members 29 and 30.
Prior to~the sheet entering the press area,.,the piston rods 80 "of 'fluid actuators 79 ,are retracted to raise the upper'press member~29;into the,elevate~d;rest,.position as shown in solid lines in Fig.,3, to allow.for the WO93/02016 ~ PCT/US92/05~1 unobstructed conveyance of the sheet into the press area.
Of course, at this time the lower press member 30 is in the lowered position, with the shaping rail 45 below the supporting sur~ace of the rolls.
When the leading edge of the sheet engages the stop means ~8 the sheet is properly positioned, at which time a suitable timing mechanism (not shown) is activated to extend the piston rods 80 to lower the upper press member 31 into the press bending position shown in phantom in Fig. 3. At the same time the cylinder 50 raises the lower press member 30 to lift the sheet from the conveyor for press bending between the shaping sur~aces ~7 and 66.
The elevation at which the sheet is press bent between the shaping surfaces is determined by the stroke of the lower cylinder S0 and is conveniently set to substantially correspond to the maximum extension of the piston rod 51. The upper press member 29 is then set to this elevation by appropriate adjustment.of the screw jacks 35 in a manner to properly position the shaping surface at the bending elevation upon full extension of the piston rods 80.' It will-be~appreciated that.the press bending sequence bf operation can be varied without departing from the'scope of the invention.: The upper . ' ' press member 29 may be lowered to the-press bending elevation and stationary when the lower press member 30 is.
raised to press'thë-sheet thereagainst. Converselyj-the '' iower p'ress member may'be~raised to elevate the sheet.to the' proper bending';position and stationary,as the.upper press member is lowered to press bend-the sheet.~
'Likewise, the two-'press members may converge to - .
simultaneously m^ee~'''at-'-the-press bending elevation.to press the sheet'therebetween.~'-.. . ,:.;.,. -,:,. ~ -,.
W O 93t02016 P(~r/US92/OS881 lg ~9~ 2 After the sheet ~ is precisely curved between the shaping surfaces ~7 and 6~, the lower press member 30 is retracted and the sheet is deposited on the contoured rolls for advancement into a further processing station.
While the sheet has by this time generally cooled sufficiently to retain its shape, the contoured rolls provide support to assure that further sagging does not occur upon immediate removal of the support of the shaping rail ~5.
It will thus be apparent that the reciprocating action provided by the novel support structure 32 of the invention when utilized in conjunction with the screw jack system of a conventional bending apparatus, is capable of press bending glass sheets having various degrees of curvature without adversely affecting the normal rate of production. Moreover, in many instances the support structure can be utilized to increase the production rate when bending glass sheets having more shallow curvatures.
To that end, the elevation above the conveyor rolls at which the sheet.is bent is reduced to the minimum distance allowable to :adequately clear the-rolls instead of the el~vation-as determined by the maximum,stroke of the lower cylinder. Thus, the travel of the lower press member.is reduced which ultimately results in a decrease in the .
press.cycle time.
Referring-now.to.:Fig.-,6-there:is shown a . . .... ..
com~unication satellite.,dish or parabolic reflector 93 produced in accordance~to.the present.,invention on a press bending apparatus utilizing a.shuttle~carrier ring~for;.............. ~, -transporting the curved sheet out of,.the bending area~ ~
after it is shaped to~the~,desired curvature. The .-.;,-,...
:~satellite dish..93-~is3bowel-shaped in the form of a ,-,;."
.
WO93/02016 PCT/US92/OS88!
20~ 20 ~ :.
paraboloid of revolution and includes a deeply curved or displaced central portion 9~ and an upper circumferential edge portion or rim 95. The central portion 9~ is .
provided with a plurality of suitable apertures 96 for mounting the dish and attaching associated equipment thereto.
The press members utilized to produce the satellite dish 93 are similar in construction to the press members utilized to produce the backlight lo and comprise a so-called solid upper male press member 98 and a continuousring-type lower female press member 99. The upper and lower press members 98 and 99 are provided with opposed complemental shaping surfaces and are mounted for reciprocating movement toward and away from each other within the framework 25 on the respective upper and lower platen frames 33 and 38. . .
The upper press member 98 is carried upon the novel .
support structure 32 of the invention and comprises a substantially solid shaping element loO having a continuous glass shaping surface 10' in the form of a .
paraboloid~of~revolution.'~' The 'shaping element-lOo.is ~.
formed of a suitable~refractory material with the shaping surface 101 covered with a sheet 102-of heat-resistant :
cloth, such as woven or knitted fiberglass or the.like. A
chamber 103 is formed in the shaping element lOO and -serves as a manifold:for:maintaining,positive--and.:negative air pressure'supplied through the conduit 73.on-the.,..~
support-`structure 32,':as previously described.. Air... ;
passages-104 that communicate-with the chamber 103:~are?~
provided in the shaping surface 101.--Thus, a vacuum may .., be applied at-;the-shaping'surface 101 tor,assist in the .
shaping of the heat softened~glass.shéet:and thereafter~to ..
., - :
W O 93/02016 PC~r/US92/05881 21 2 09.1.~ ~ ~
support the curved sheet thereagainst as the lower press member 99 is retracted. The curved glass sheet may be returned to the conveyor rolls after the sheet has cooled sufficiently to set its curvature or a shuttle carrier ring, as will be hereinafter more fully described, may be introduced to receive the curved sheet from the upper press member and transport it into an adjacent processing station.
The lower press member 99 comprises a base plate 106 that is secured to the platen frame 38 and a continuous shaping rail 107 affixed in spaced relation to the base plate by means of a series of mounting posts 108. The shaping rail includes an upwardly directed shaping surface 109 complemental to the upper shaping surface lol of the shaping element loo.' The heat softened glass sheet is supported in a generally horizontal plane on the conveyor rolls 22 as it exits the furnace and is position~d for bending between the opposed press members 98 and 99. To that end, at least the rolls that extend through the lower press member 99 are of the contoured:type-'and-include a''horizontally~-extending central-portion 111 and opposite-generally'U- -shaped portions:112''`which pass beneath the lower shaping rail-:107 while'in its~lowered position. - '' -' i '''As.best-shown in Figs. 7 and-8, a'shuttle mechanism indicated.generally at 113,-incIuding-a carrier-ring-114 and:a-carrier-ring transport apparatus~115, is'provided --for transporting the/'curved-glass sheets'~from the bending station 18-~to~`~an-unloading''station''117 whereat the":curved sheet'is removed fr'om the':'c'arriér ring'''il4'and placed'on a take-away roller'conveyor~'section-'118.~ Su'ch~:shuttle '-mechanism~and~unloading~station-is -disclo'sed--and-described .-:,, . ~ .
.
W093tO2016 PCTtUS92/OS881 2~ 22 in U.S. Patent No. 4,883,526, which is incorporated herein by reference. The construction and operation of the same per se does not constitute part of the present invention, and reference may be had to the patent for details of the construction and operation of a preferred form of the shuttle mechanism and unloading station.
The carrier ring 114 is connected to a framework 119 which is carried by a pair of cantilevered longitudinally extending support arms 120, affixed at their one end to respective guide plates 122 (only one of which is shown).
The guide plates include bearings 123 which engage horizontal rails 124 disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel, thereby allowing horizontal movement of the cantilevered support arms 120 and carrier ring 114 in the direction of movement of the glass sheets through the facility. A suitable drive unit (not-shown) is inter- , ' connected with the guide plates 122 for transporting the carrier ring 11~ in a controlled reciprocating manner between the bending and unloading stations 18 and 117.
- The unloading station 117 includes an elevator 126 located below the conveyor,rolls of the take-,away roll section 118, and comprises cross supports 127, ,which,are generally shaped to conform to the curvature of the bent glass sheet. A suitable lift mechanism such,as a fluid actuator 128, is provided to elevate the-cross supports 127 to lift the bent sheet from the carrier,-,ring ll~ when the;,carrier ring,is properly positioned at the unloading station. While the bent sheet is-in the elevated---- s -~position, opposed support members~129 affixed,to,the,free-end of the piston rod of respective actuating cylinders~130, are extended to occupy positions below~the undersurface of the glass sheet.- As the cross~members 127 . . . . .
W093/02nl6 PCT/US92/OS881 ~`` 209~1~2 are lowered the bent sheet is deposited on the extended support members 129 as shown in phantom lines in Fig. 7, and the carrier ring 11~ is shifted to a rest position outside of the unloading station. Once the carrier ring is clear of the supported sheet, the cross members 127 are elevated to lift the glass sheet from the support members 129 at which time the support members are retracted and the cross members 127 lowered to deposit the sheet on the take-away roll section 118 whereupon it is advanced to the next processing station.
Reviewing briefly operation of the invention, the heated glass sheets B are advanced upon the conveyor rolls 22 into position for press bending between the upper and lower press members 98 and 99. When properly positioned, the sheet is lifted from the conveyor rolls 22 by the shaping rail 107 to a stationary pressing location above the rolls 22 at which time the fluid actuators 79 are activated to lower the shaping element lOo from its rest position into engagement with the glass sheet for press bending between the shaping surfaces 101 and 109. A
vacuum-is;initiated on-the shaping~surface lOl to support the curved sheet thereagainst as the shaping element loo is raised to a holding position at an elevation to allow entry of the carrier ring 11~. At the same time the shaping rail 107 is retracted to its rest position below the conveyor rolls 22. The carrier ring 114 is moved into position beneath the shaping element 100 and the shaping element is lowered to position the curved sheet 8 approximate the support surface of the carrier ring 114, as indicated in phantom lines in Fig. 8. The vacuum on the shaping surface 101 is abortad, depositing the sheet onto the carrier ring 11~. The shaping element 100 then .
WO93/02016 2 ~ 24 PCT/US92/05881 is retracted to the upper rest position and the carrier ring 11~ and the supported curved sheet are transported to the unloading station 117 whereat the sheet is transferred to the take-away roll section 118 as heretofore described.
W~ile the aforementioned sequence of operation describes the upper shaping element 100 as being lowered into pressing engagement with glass sheet on the stationary lower shaping rail 107, it is anticipated that the upper shaping element lO0 can, as well, be lowered to the press bending elevation and held stationary as the lower shaping rail 107 is raised to lift the sheet from rolls for press bending between the shaping surfaces lO1 and lO9. It also is anticipated that the upper shaping element 100 and lower shaping rail 107 may arrive simultaneously at the press bending elevation for press bending the sheet.
It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as illustrative embodiments of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts, as well as Yarious procedural changes, may~be~resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention.
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Claims (27)
1. A method of bending a glass sheet to a desired curvature comprising, heating said glass sheet to substantially the softening temperature thereof;
positioning said heated glass sheet in a generally horizontal plane between and in spaced relation to a pair of upper and lower press members having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper press member being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal plane and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
elevating said lower press member to engage and lift said heated glass sheet above the generally horizontal plane;
lowering said upper press member relative to said base plate into-pressing engagement with said heated glass sheet to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature-between the complemental shaping surfaces;
raising said upper press member relative to said base plate; and lowering said lower press member to return the bent glass sheet to the generally horizontal plane.
positioning said heated glass sheet in a generally horizontal plane between and in spaced relation to a pair of upper and lower press members having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper press member being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal plane and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
elevating said lower press member to engage and lift said heated glass sheet above the generally horizontal plane;
lowering said upper press member relative to said base plate into-pressing engagement with said heated glass sheet to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature-between the complemental shaping surfaces;
raising said upper press member relative to said base plate; and lowering said lower press member to return the bent glass sheet to the generally horizontal plane.
2. A method of bending a glass sheet to a desired curvature comprising, heating said glass sheet to substantially the softening temperature thereof;
positioning said heated glass sheet in a generally horizontal plane between and in spaced relation to a pair of upper and lower press members having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper press member being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal plane and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
lowering said upper press member relative to said base plate to a predetermined location above the generally horizontal plane;
elevating said lower press member to engage and lift said heated glass sheet into pressing engagement with said upper press member to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
lowering said lower press member to return the bent glass sheet to the generally horizontal plane;
and raising said upper press member relative to said base plate.
positioning said heated glass sheet in a generally horizontal plane between and in spaced relation to a pair of upper and lower press members having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper press member being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal plane and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
lowering said upper press member relative to said base plate to a predetermined location above the generally horizontal plane;
elevating said lower press member to engage and lift said heated glass sheet into pressing engagement with said upper press member to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
lowering said lower press member to return the bent glass sheet to the generally horizontal plane;
and raising said upper press member relative to said base plate.
3. A method of bending a glass sheet to a desired curvature comprising, heating said glass sheet to substantially the softening temperature thereof;
conveying said heated glass sheet in a generally horizontal path between and in spaced relation to an upper vacuum mold and a lower mold having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper vacuum mold being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal path and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
elevating said lower mold to engage and lift said heated glass sheet above the generally horizontal path;
lowering said upper vacuum mold relative to said base plate into pressing engagement with said heated glass sheet to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
retaining the bent glass sheet against the shaping surface of said upper vacuum mold;
retracting said lower mold below said generally horizontal path;
positioning a carrier ring into a receiving position below said bent glass sheet;
releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring; and advancing said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet out of said receiving position.
conveying said heated glass sheet in a generally horizontal path between and in spaced relation to an upper vacuum mold and a lower mold having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper vacuum mold being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal path and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
elevating said lower mold to engage and lift said heated glass sheet above the generally horizontal path;
lowering said upper vacuum mold relative to said base plate into pressing engagement with said heated glass sheet to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
retaining the bent glass sheet against the shaping surface of said upper vacuum mold;
retracting said lower mold below said generally horizontal path;
positioning a carrier ring into a receiving position below said bent glass sheet;
releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring; and advancing said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet out of said receiving position.
4. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 3, including lowering said upper vacuum mold and said bent glass sheet relative to said base plate to position said bent glass sheet proximate said carrier ring prior to releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring.
5. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 4, wherein after releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring said upper vacuum mold is raised relative to said base plate to clear said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet prior to advancing said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet out of said receiving position.
6. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 3, including raising said upper vacuum mold and said bent glass sheet relative to said base plate to a holding position prior to positioning said carrier ring into said receiving position.
7. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 6, including lowering said upper vacuum mold and said bent glass sheet relative to said base plate to position said bent glass sheet proximate said carrier ring prior to releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring.
8. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 7, wherein after releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring said upper vacuum mold is raised relative to said base plate to clear said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet prior to advancing said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet out of said receiving position.
9. A method of bending a glass sheet to a desired curvature comprising, heating said glass sheet to substantially the softening temperature thereof;
conveying said heated glass sheet in a generally horizontal path between and in spaced relation to an upper vacuum mold and a lower mold having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper vacuum mold being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal path and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
lowering said upper vacuum mold relative to said base plate to a predetermined location above said generally horizontal path:
elevating said lower mold to engage and lift said heated glass sheet into pressing engagement with said upper vacuum mold to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
retaining the bent glass sheet against the shaping surface of said upper vacuum mold;
retracting said lower mold below the generally horizontal path;
positioning a carrier ring into a receiving position below said bent glass sheet;
releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring; and advancing said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet out of said receiving position.
conveying said heated glass sheet in a generally horizontal path between and in spaced relation to an upper vacuum mold and a lower mold having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper vacuum mold being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal path and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
lowering said upper vacuum mold relative to said base plate to a predetermined location above said generally horizontal path:
elevating said lower mold to engage and lift said heated glass sheet into pressing engagement with said upper vacuum mold to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
retaining the bent glass sheet against the shaping surface of said upper vacuum mold;
retracting said lower mold below the generally horizontal path;
positioning a carrier ring into a receiving position below said bent glass sheet;
releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring; and advancing said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet out of said receiving position.
10. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 9, including lowering said upper vacuum mold and said bent glass sheet relative to said base plate to position said bent glass sheet proximate said carrier ring prior to releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring.
11. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 10, wherein after releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring said upper vacuum mold is raised relative to said base plate to clear said carrier ring and said bent glass-sheet prior to advancing said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet out of said receiving position.
12. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 9, including raising said upper vacuum mold and said bent glass sheet relative to said base plate to a holding position prior to positioning said carrier ring into said receiving position.
13. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 12, including lowering said upper vacuum mold and said bent glass sheet relative to said base plate to position said bent glass sheet proximate said carrier ring prior to releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring.
14. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 13, wherein after releasing said bent glass sheet onto said carrier ring said upper vacuum mold is raised relative to said base plate to clear said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet prior to advancing said carrier ring and said bent glass sheet out of said receiving position.
15. A method of bending a glass sheet to a desired curvature comprising, heating said glass sheet to substantially the softening temperature thereof:
conveying said heated glass sheet on a series of conveyor rolls in a generally horizontal path between and in spaced relation to an upper vacuum mold and a lower mold having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper vacuum mold being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal path and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
elevating said lower mold to engage and lift said heated glass sheet above the generally horizontal path;
lowering said upper vacuum mold relative to said base plate into pressing engagement with said heated glass sheet to bend said heated sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
retaining the bent glass sheet against the shaping surface of said upper vacuum mold;
retracting said lower mold below the generally horizontal path;
releasing said bent glass sheet onto the generally horizontal path; and advancing said bent glass sheet along the generally horizontal path.
conveying said heated glass sheet on a series of conveyor rolls in a generally horizontal path between and in spaced relation to an upper vacuum mold and a lower mold having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper vacuum mold being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal path and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
elevating said lower mold to engage and lift said heated glass sheet above the generally horizontal path;
lowering said upper vacuum mold relative to said base plate into pressing engagement with said heated glass sheet to bend said heated sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
retaining the bent glass sheet against the shaping surface of said upper vacuum mold;
retracting said lower mold below the generally horizontal path;
releasing said bent glass sheet onto the generally horizontal path; and advancing said bent glass sheet along the generally horizontal path.
16. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 15, including lowering said upper vacuum mold and said bent glass sheet relative to said base plate to position said bent glass sheet proximate the generally horizontal path prior to releasing said bent glass sheet onto the generally horizontal path.
17. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 16, wherein after releasing said bent glass sheet said upper vacuum mold is raised relative to said base plate to clear said bent glass sheet prior to advancing said bent glass sheet along the generally horizontally path.
18. A method of bending a glass sheet to a desired curvature comprising, heating said glass sheet to substantially the softening temperature thereof;
conveying said heated glass sheet on a series of conveyor rolls in a generally horizontal path between and in spaced relation to an upper vacuum mold and a lower mold having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper vacuum mold being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal path and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
lowering said upper vacuum mold relative to said base plate to a predetermined location above said generally horizontal path;
elevating said lower mold to engage and lift said heated glass sheet into pressing engagement with said upper vacuum mold to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
retaining the bent glass sheet against the shaping surface of said upper vacuum mold;
retracting said lower mold below the generally horizontal path;
releasing said bent glass sheet onto the generally horizontal path; and advancing said bent glass sheet along the generally horizontal path.
conveying said heated glass sheet on a series of conveyor rolls in a generally horizontal path between and in spaced relation to an upper vacuum mold and a lower mold having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, said upper vacuum mold being carried on a support structure including a base plate secured to an upper platen frame adapted for vertical movement toward and away from the generally horizontal path and being adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the base plate;
lowering said upper vacuum mold relative to said base plate to a predetermined location above said generally horizontal path;
elevating said lower mold to engage and lift said heated glass sheet into pressing engagement with said upper vacuum mold to bend said heated glass sheet to the desired curvature between the complemental shaping surfaces;
retaining the bent glass sheet against the shaping surface of said upper vacuum mold;
retracting said lower mold below the generally horizontal path;
releasing said bent glass sheet onto the generally horizontal path; and advancing said bent glass sheet along the generally horizontal path.
19. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 18, including lowering said upper vacuum mold and said bent glass sheet relative to said base plate to position said bent glass sheet proximate the generally horizontal path prior to releasing said bent glass sheet onto the generally horizontal path.
20. A method of bending a glass sheet as claimed in claim 19, wherein after releasing said bent glass sheet said upper vacuum mold is raised relative to said base plate to clear said bent glass sheet prior to advancing said bent glass sheet along the generally horizontal path.
21. An apparatus for press bending a heat softened glass sheet to a desired curvature comprising, a framework, a conveyor for supporting a heat softened glass sheet in a generally horizontal plane within said framework, upper and lower platen frames disposed on opposite sides of said conveyor and adapted for reciprocating movement toward and away from one another, upper and lower mold members having opposed complemental shaping surfaces corresponding to the desired curvature, and means for supporting said upper and lower mold members on said respective upper and lower platen frames, said means for supporting said upper mold member including a base plate adapted for attachment to said upper platen frame and means for mounting said upper mold member on said base plate for reciprocating movement relative thereto, said mounting means including means for moving said upper mold member relative to said base plate to effect the press bending of the heat softened glass sheet between the opposed complemental shaping surfaces.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said means for moving comprises a fluid actuator operably interconnecting said base plate and said upper mold member.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein said means for mounting includes means for guiding the movement of said upper mold member relative to said base plate.
24. An apparatus for supporting a mold member for bending a glass sheet comprising, a base plate, a subplate adapted for carrying the mold member and means for mounting said subplate on said base plate for reciprocating movement relative thereto, said means for mounting including means for moving said subplate and the mold member relative to said base plate to effect bending of the glass sheet.
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein said means for moving comprises a fluid actuator operably interconnecting said base plate and said subplate.
26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein said means for mounting includes means for guiding the movement of said subplate and the mold member relative to said base plate.
27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the mold member is a vacuum mold including a vacuum chamber, and said subplate is connected to a vacuum source in communication with said vacuum chamber.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US732,780 | 1991-07-19 | ||
| US07/732,780 US5143535A (en) | 1991-07-19 | 1991-07-19 | Method of and apparatus for bending glass sheets |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2091162A1 true CA2091162A1 (en) | 1993-01-20 |
Family
ID=24944928
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002091162A Abandoned CA2091162A1 (en) | 1991-07-19 | 1992-07-13 | Method of and apparatus for bending glass sheets |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5143535A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0549772A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH06501912A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR930702236A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU653253B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2091162A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI931201A0 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9204197A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993002016A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA924818B (en) |
Families Citing this family (25)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP3185934B2 (en) * | 1991-09-04 | 2001-07-11 | 日本板硝子株式会社 | Sheet glass bending method |
| DE19536546A1 (en) * | 1994-03-29 | 1997-04-03 | Fresenius Ag | Heat-sterilisable pouch with non-adhering inner surfaces for medicinal use |
| DE4412746A1 (en) * | 1994-04-15 | 1995-10-19 | Flachglas Ag | Process for operating a press bending station for bending glass panes |
| US5656055A (en) * | 1995-05-24 | 1997-08-12 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Sheet shaping press |
| US5743931A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1998-04-28 | Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. | Glass sheet conveying and bending apparatus |
| US6036469A (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2000-03-14 | Heise Industries, Inc. | Quick change system for interchanging molds on extrusion blow molding machines |
| US6505483B1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2003-01-14 | Surface Combustion, Inc. | Glass transportation system |
| US6513348B2 (en) | 2001-06-19 | 2003-02-04 | Glasstech, Inc. | Quench station and method for quenching formed glass sheets |
| US6543255B2 (en) | 2001-06-19 | 2003-04-08 | Glasstech, Inc. | Press bending station and method for job switching |
| US6578383B2 (en) | 2001-06-19 | 2003-06-17 | Glasstech, Inc. | Apparatus and method for roll bending heated glass sheets |
| FR2852951B1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2007-02-16 | Saint Gobain | METHOD FOR BOMBING GLASS SHEETS BY PRESSING AND SUCTION |
| US7975509B2 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2011-07-12 | Pilkington North America, Inc. | Glass bending process |
| KR100800952B1 (en) * | 2007-10-22 | 2008-02-04 | 이길수 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing reflection mirror |
| CN102105998A (en) * | 2008-05-12 | 2011-06-22 | 亚利桑那大学董事会 | Solar concentrator apparatus with large, multiple, co-axial dish reflectors |
| US20110265515A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2011-11-03 | Alberto Hernandez Delsol | Method and system for bending glass sheets with complex curvatures |
| CN101987526A (en) * | 2010-08-09 | 2011-03-23 | 无锡吉兴汽车声学部件科技有限公司 | Hot-press laminating mechanism for overlapping front edge of sun shield of automobile |
| US10050583B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2018-08-14 | Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of University Of Arizona | Solar generator with large reflector dishes and concentrator photovoltaic cells in flat arrays |
| WO2015061323A1 (en) | 2013-10-22 | 2015-04-30 | The Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University Of Arizona | Octohedral frame and tripod for rotating equipment |
| WO2016115502A1 (en) | 2015-01-16 | 2016-07-21 | The Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University Of Arizona | Micro-scale concentrated photovoltaic module |
| WO2016141041A1 (en) | 2015-03-02 | 2016-09-09 | The Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University Of Arizona | Glass forming mold of adjustable shape |
| WO2016200988A1 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2016-12-15 | The Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University Of Arizona | Tandem photovoltaic module with diffractive spectral separation |
| WO2017024038A1 (en) | 2015-08-03 | 2017-02-09 | The Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University Of Arizona | Solar concentrator for a tower-mounted central receiver |
| TWI752922B (en) * | 2015-11-02 | 2022-01-21 | 美商玻璃技術股份有限公司 | Vacuum mold shuttle system for a glass sheet forming system |
| TWI753864B (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2022-02-01 | 美商玻璃技術股份有限公司 | Mold shuttle positioning system for a glass sheet forming system |
| CN109809677B (en) * | 2019-04-04 | 2024-01-23 | 嘉峪关市天宝热弯玻璃工艺有限责任公司 | Processing device and processing method for U-shaped bent toughened glass |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3488178A (en) * | 1966-04-18 | 1970-01-06 | Libbey Owens Ford Co | Apparatus for reshaping and cooling glass sheets |
| US3573022A (en) * | 1968-03-11 | 1971-03-30 | Ppg Industries Inc | Method and apparatus for shaping glass sheets |
| US4221580A (en) * | 1978-10-25 | 1980-09-09 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Glass sheet vacuum molding apparatus with uniform release means |
| US4746348A (en) * | 1986-12-29 | 1988-05-24 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Horizontal press bending apparatus and method |
| US4767437A (en) * | 1987-03-25 | 1988-08-30 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Horizontal press bending using a splitting vacuum/pressure pickup |
| US4872898A (en) * | 1989-02-17 | 1989-10-10 | Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. | Centering and leveling of mobile press bending apparatus |
| US4883526A (en) * | 1989-03-30 | 1989-11-28 | Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. | Method and apparatus for shaping and conveying glass sheets |
-
1991
- 1991-07-19 US US07/732,780 patent/US5143535A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1992
- 1992-05-04 US US07/878,434 patent/US5292356A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-06-29 ZA ZA924818A patent/ZA924818B/en unknown
- 1992-07-13 JP JP5502907A patent/JPH06501912A/en active Pending
- 1992-07-13 KR KR1019930700820A patent/KR930702236A/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-07-13 EP EP19920915847 patent/EP0549772A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1992-07-13 AU AU23439/92A patent/AU653253B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-07-13 WO PCT/US1992/005881 patent/WO1993002016A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1992-07-13 CA CA002091162A patent/CA2091162A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-07-16 MX MX9204197A patent/MX9204197A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1993
- 1993-03-18 FI FI931201A patent/FI931201A0/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU653253B2 (en) | 1994-09-22 |
| KR930702236A (en) | 1993-09-08 |
| JPH06501912A (en) | 1994-03-03 |
| FI931201A (en) | 1993-03-18 |
| EP0549772A1 (en) | 1993-07-07 |
| ZA924818B (en) | 1993-03-31 |
| AU2343992A (en) | 1993-02-23 |
| FI931201A0 (en) | 1993-03-18 |
| MX9204197A (en) | 1993-07-01 |
| US5292356A (en) | 1994-03-08 |
| EP0549772A4 (en) | 1993-12-22 |
| US5143535A (en) | 1992-09-01 |
| WO1993002016A1 (en) | 1993-02-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |