Apparatus for curving and tempering or heat toughening thin glass sheets

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for curving and tempering or heat toughening thin glass sheets, with thickness less than 4 mm and with camber over 60 mm, regardless of the type of curve described by their profile (cylindrical, parabolic, etc.). A continuous feed system is provided for curving rings, such system including a horizontal carrousel which permits individual curving rings to pass under a forming station every 3 seconds. Rolls are provided in the curve forming station designed to pass across the curving ring or forming mould, regardless of the camber of the latter, even if it exceeds 60 mm, as the rolls are not secured to the rings. The carrousel includes the combination of two racks or horizontal chain conveyors with two pairs of roller conveyors. Means are provided for the rapid lowering and subsequent unloading of the glass sheet, so that during its heating in a furnace and after an unloading phase, the glass sheet is located at a higher level with respect to the path it follows in the curve forming and in quenching stations.