A panel splicing device and method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of panel splicing technology and discloses a panel splicing device. The device includes a support component, a reference platform, several receiving components, a vision inspection mechanism, a first limiting component, a second limiting component, a third limiting component, a fourth limiting component, and a dispensing and curing mechanism. This invention, through the vision inspection mechanism, multiple limiting components, and several receiving components, can perform multiple positioning operations on two panels, thereby improving the splicing accuracy of the two panels and thus contributing to improving the flatness of the product formed after splicing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of panel splicing technology, and in particular to a panel splicing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of display technology, the application range of display panels is becoming increasingly wide, and certain niche markets also have a certain demand for large-size display panels.

[0003] In the existing technology, due to considerations of production costs, display panel manufacturers generally do not customize dedicated production equipment for large-size display panels that occupy a small market share. Instead, using small-size display panels to splice together to produce large-size display panels is a feasible solution.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a panel splicing device to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a panel splicing device and method to enable the fabrication of large-size display panels by splicing small-size display panels.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a panel splicing device for splicing two panels into one unit, comprising:

[0008] Load-bearing components;

[0009] A reference platform is disposed on the support member, and the reference platform is configured to support two panels and arrange the two panels in a horizontally laid-out manner;

[0010] The air blowing component has a plurality of air vents evenly distributed on the reference platform, and the plurality of air vents are all connected to the air blowing component;

[0011] Several receiving components are slidably disposed on the bearing component in a vertical direction. Each of the several receiving components can penetrate the reference platform upward and extend out of the upper surface of the reference platform. The tops of the several receiving components are combined to form a receiving surface.

[0012] A visual inspection mechanism is configured to detect the position of the panel;

[0013] The first limiting member is fixedly mounted on the bearing member along one side of the reference platform;

[0014] The second limiting member is provided along one side of the reference platform away from the first limiting member, and the second limiting member can move closer to or further away from the reference platform.

[0015] The third and fourth limiting members are respectively disposed on the bearing member along the other two sides of the reference platform. Both the third and fourth limiting members can approach or move away from the reference platform.

[0016] The adhesive dispensing and curing mechanism is configured to apply adhesive to a predetermined area at the junction of the two panels and cure the adhesive to bond the two panels together.

[0017] Preferably, the panel splicing device further includes a vacuum generator, and the plurality of vent holes are all connected to the vacuum generator.

[0018] Preferably, each of the receiving components is provided with a omnidirectional ball on its top.

[0019] Preferably, the second limiting member is provided with a plurality of guide wheels evenly spaced along its length.

[0020] Preferably, a buffer is attached to the side of the first limiting member closest to the reference platform.

[0021] Preferably, the dispensing and curing mechanism includes:

[0022] A fixing member is mounted across the reference platform along the length direction of the first limiting member;

[0023] A sliding member is slidably disposed on the fixing member along the length direction of the first limiting member;

[0024] A dispensing head is disposed on the sliding component;

[0025] A curing element is disposed on the sliding element, and the curing element is configured to accelerate the curing of the adhesive between the two panels.

[0026] Preferably, the dispensing and curing mechanism further includes a vision determination component configured to detect the cured colloid.

[0027] The present invention also provides a panel splicing method based on the above-described panel splicing device, the panel splicing method comprising the following steps:

[0028] S1. Several of the receiving components rise upward from the reference platform and combine to form the receiving surface;

[0029] S2. The robotic arm picks up the first panel and places it at one end of the receiving surface;

[0030] S3. The visual inspection mechanism detects the position of the first panel, and the robot adjusts the position of the first panel according to the detection result, so that one side of the first panel abuts against the first limiting member;

[0031] S4. The robotic arm picks up the second panel and places it at the other end of the receiving surface;

[0032] S5. The second limiting member moves toward one side of the reference platform to push the second panel, so that there is a preset gap between the two panels;

[0033] S6. Both the third limiting member and the fourth limiting member move toward the reference platform to push the opposite sides of the first panel and the second panel to be parallel.

[0034] S7. Several receiving components begin to descend, and several vents begin to blow air to blow air onto the bottom surface of the first panel and the bottom surface of the second panel. The several receiving components descend to below the reference platform, and the two panels are placed on the reference platform.

[0035] S8. The dispensing and curing mechanism starts working, applying adhesive to a preset area at the junction of the two panels, and curing the adhesive to bond the two panels together to obtain a combined panel.

[0036] S9. The robotic arm removes the assembly panel from the reference platform.

[0037] Preferably, step S4 further includes, after the robotic arm picks up the second panel and places it on the receiving surface, the vision inspection mechanism detects the position of the second panel, and then the robotic arm adjusts the position of the second panel according to the detection result, so that the second panel is laid flat on the side of the first panel away from the first limiting member.

[0038] Preferably, the panel splicing device further includes a vacuum generator, and the plurality of vent holes are all connected to the vacuum generator;

[0039] Step S8 further includes: after the two panels are placed on the reference platform, the vision inspection mechanism detects the position of the two panels. When there is a preset gap between the two panels, a plurality of the ventilation holes draw in air to adsorb and fix the two panels.

[0040] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0041] This invention uses a visual inspection mechanism, multiple limiting components, and several receiving components to perform multiple positioning operations on two panels, thereby improving the splicing accuracy of the two panels and thus helping to improve the flatness of the product formed after splicing the two panels. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the panel splicing device provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the panel splicing device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the panel splicing method provided by the present invention.

[0046] In the picture:

[0047] 1. Bearing component; 11. KK module; 2. Reference platform; 21. Vent hole; 3. Receiving component; 4. First limiting component; 41. Buffer component; 5. Second limiting component; 51. Guide wheel; 6. Third limiting component; 7. Fourth limiting component; 8. Dispensing and curing mechanism; 81. Fixing component; 82. Sliding component; 83. Dispensing head; 84. Curing component. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0049] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0052] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment provides a panel splicing device for splicing two panels into one unit. The device includes a support member 1, a reference platform 2, an air blowing component (not shown in the figure), several receiving components 3, a visual inspection mechanism (not shown in the figure), a first limiting component 4, a second limiting component 5, a third limiting component 6, a fourth limiting component 7, and a dispensing and curing mechanism 8. The support member 1 is a rectangular worktable. The reference platform 2 is rectangular and mounted on the support member 1. The reference platform 2 is configured to support two panels and arrange them horizontally. In this embodiment, to ensure the flatness of the upper surface of the reference platform 2, it is made of marble. It is understood that a marble-made reference platform 2 has high flatness, thereby improving the splicing accuracy of the two panels.

[0053] A plurality of vent holes 21 are evenly distributed on the reference platform 2, and all of the vent holes 21 are connected to the air blowing component. A plurality of receiving components 3 are slidably disposed on the support component 1 in the vertical direction. The plurality of receiving components 3 can penetrate upward through the reference platform 2 and extend out of the upper surface of the reference platform 2, and the top of the plurality of receiving components 3 are combined to form a receiving surface. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the plurality of receiving components 3 are simultaneously driven by cylinders to achieve lifting and lowering, and the cylinders are disposed inside the support component, which makes the structure of the panel splicing device more compact. The cylinders and their working principle are existing technologies and will not be described in detail.

[0054] Specifically, the visual inspection mechanism is configured at the location of the inspection panel. In this embodiment, the visual inspection mechanism can be a mechanism that uses a camera to acquire images and a processor to analyze the images, which will not be described in detail here.

[0055] The first limiting member 4 is fixedly disposed on the support member 1 along one side of the reference platform 2. In this embodiment, the first limiting member 4 is disposed along the wide side of the reference platform 2. The second limiting member 5 is disposed along the side of the reference platform 2 opposite to the first limiting member 4, that is, the second limiting member 5 is disposed along the other wide side of the reference platform 2, and the second limiting member 5 can approach or move away from the reference platform 2. The third limiting member 6 and the fourth limiting member 7 are respectively disposed on the support member 1 along the other two side edges of the reference platform 2, that is, the third limiting member 6 and the fourth limiting member 7 are respectively disposed along the two long sides of the reference platform 2. Both the third limiting member 6 and the fourth limiting member 7 can approach or move away from the reference platform 2. The adhesive dispensing and curing mechanism 8 is configured to apply adhesive to a preset area at the junction of the two panels and cure the adhesive to bond the two panels together.

[0056] Please see Figure 4 The panel splicing method based on the above-mentioned panel splicing device may include the following steps:

[0057] S1. Several receiving parts 3 rise upwards from the reference platform 2 and combine to form a receiving surface;

[0058] S2. The robotic arm picks up the first panel and places it at one end of the receiving surface;

[0059] S3. The vision inspection mechanism detects the position of the first panel, and the robot adjusts the position of the first panel according to the detection result, so that one side of the first panel abuts against the first limiting member 4.

[0060] S4. The robotic arm picks up the second panel and places it on the other end of the receiving surface;

[0061] S5. The second limiting member 5 moves to one side of the reference platform 2 to push the second panel, so that there is a preset gap between the two panels.

[0062] S6, the third limiting member 6 and the fourth limiting member 7 all move toward the reference platform 2 to push the opposite sides of the first panel and the second panel to be parallel.

[0063] S7. Several receiving parts 3 begin to descend, and several vent holes 21 begin to blow air to blow air onto the bottom surface of the first panel and the bottom surface of the second panel. Several receiving parts 3 descend to below the reference platform 2, and the two panels are placed on the reference platform 2.

[0064] S8. The dispensing and curing mechanism 8 starts working, applying adhesive to the preset area where the two panels are adjacent, and curing the adhesive to bond the two panels together to obtain the combined panel.

[0065] S9. The robotic arm removes the assembly panel from the reference platform 2.

[0066] Understandably, in step S7, blowing air onto the bottom surfaces of the first and second panels effectively slows their descent, thus protecting them while ensuring their accurate positioning. Similarly, the visual inspection mechanism, multiple limiting components, and several receiving components 3 allow for multiple positioning of the two panels, improving their splicing accuracy and consequently enhancing the flatness of the resulting product. It should be noted that the preset gap mentioned earlier is the gap between the two panels for applying the adhesive; this gap facilitates the adhesive's entry between the panels, helping to ensure the adhesion quality.

[0067] Preferably, each of the receiving components 3 is provided with a universal ball on its top. The aforementioned receiving surface is formed by the combination of the universal balls on the top of the receiving components. When the panel moves on the receiving surface, the universal balls rotate, resulting in low friction and protecting the panel.

[0068] Furthermore, the panel splicing device also includes a vacuum generator, with several vent holes 21 connected to it. After the two panels are positioned, they can be adsorbed and fixed through the vent holes 21, thus helping to ensure the accuracy of subsequent adhesive dispensing. It should be noted that both the air blowing component and the vacuum generator are existing technologies and will not be described in detail. Of course, in other embodiments, a vacuum generator with an air blowing function can also be selected.

[0069] Furthermore, step S8 also includes: after the two panels are placed on the reference platform 2, the vision inspection mechanism detects the position of the two panels. When there is a preset gap between the two panels, several ventilation holes 21 draw in air to adsorb and fix the two panels.

[0070] To ensure the product qualification rate, a buffer 41 is attached to the side of the first limiting member 4 near the reference platform 2, thereby enabling rigid contact between the first limiting member 4 and the panel and protecting the panel.

[0071] Preferably, step S4 further includes: after the robot arm picks up the second panel and places it on the receiving surface, the vision inspection mechanism detects the position of the second panel, and then the robot arm adjusts the position of the second panel according to the detection result so that the second panel is laid flat on the side of the first panel away from the first limiting member 4.

[0072] Understandably, using a vision inspection mechanism to detect the position of the second panel, and then having a robotic arm adjust its position based on the detection results, can reduce the overlap between the two panels and help improve splicing accuracy. Furthermore, the robotic arm's adjustment of the second panel's position allows for a larger adjustment range, which helps improve efficiency.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second limiting member 5, the third limiting member 6, and the fourth limiting member 7 have the same structure. The following description uses the structure of the second limiting member 5 as an example. Multiple guide wheels 51 are evenly spaced along the length of the second limiting member 5. Two KK modules 11 are mounted on the support member 1. The driving direction of the two KK modules 11 is perpendicular to the length direction of the second limiting member 5. The second limiting member 5 is fixedly connected to the moving parts of the two KK modules 11, thereby driving the second limiting member 5 to move closer to or away from the reference platform 2. It is understood that the guide wheels 51 enable rolling friction between the second limiting member 5 and the panel, resulting in less resistance. Furthermore, the movement of the second limiting member 5, the third limiting member 6, and the fourth limiting member 7 driven by the KK modules 11 is smooth and has higher precision. It should be noted that other linear drive mechanisms can be used instead of the KK modules 11 in other embodiments; this embodiment does not impose specific requirements or limitations on this.

[0074] The dispensing and curing mechanism 8 includes a fixing member 81, a sliding member 82, a dispensing head 83, and a curing member 84. The fixing member 81 is positioned across the reference platform 2 along the length of the first limiting member 4. The sliding member 82 is slidably positioned on the fixing member 81 along the length of the first limiting member 4. The dispensing head 83 is positioned on the sliding member 82. The curing member 84 is positioned on the sliding member 82 and is configured to accelerate the curing of the adhesive between the two panels. It is understood that dispensing via the dispensing head 83 positioned above the reference platform 2 is more convenient. In this embodiment, the curing member 84 is a curing lamp, the sliding member 82 is a linear guide rail, and the dispensing head 83 is mounted on the sliding part of the linear guide rail. It should be noted that the dispensing head 83, the linear guide rail, and the curing lamp are all prior art and will not be described in detail.

[0075] Furthermore, the dispensing and curing mechanism 8 also includes a vision judgment component, which is configured to detect the cured adhesive, thereby helping to improve dispensing quality. It should be noted that the vision judgment component is prior art and will not be described in detail.

[0076] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of panel splicing, characterized by, The application relates to a panel splicing device for splicing two panels into one, comprising: a bearing (1); a reference platform (2) arranged on the bearing (1), configured to bear two panels and arrange the two panels in a horizontal direction; a blowing member, a plurality of air holes (21) are uniformly distributed on the reference platform (2), and the air holes (21) are in communication with the blowing member; a plurality of material receiving members (3) arranged on the bearing (1) in a vertical direction, each of the material receiving members (3) can penetrate the reference platform (2) upward and extend out of the upper surface of the reference platform (2), and a receiving surface is formed by the top of the material receiving members (3); a visual detection mechanism configured to detect the position of the panels; a first limiting member (4) fixedly arranged on the bearing (1) along one side of the reference platform (2); a second limiting member (5) arranged along the side of the reference platform (2) away from the first limiting member (4), which can approach or move away from the reference platform (2); a third limiting member (6) and a fourth limiting member (7) arranged on the bearing (1) along the other two sides of the reference platform (2), which can approach or move away from the reference platform (2); a glue dispensing and curing mechanism (8) configured to apply glue to the preset position of the abutting part of the two panels and cure the glue to make the two panels adhere to each other; the panel splicing method comprises the following steps: S1, the material receiving members (3) are lifted upward to form the receiving surface; S2, a robot places the first panel on one end of the receiving surface; S3, the visual detection mechanism detects the position of the first panel, and the robot adjusts the position of the first panel according to the detection result, so that one side of the first panel abuts against the first limiting member (4); S4, the robot places the second panel on the other end of the receiving surface; S5, the second limiting member (5) moves to one side of the reference platform (2) to push the second panel, so that the two panels have a preset gap; S6, the third limiting member (6) and the fourth limiting member (7) move to the reference platform (2) to push the two sides of the first panel and the second panel opposite to each other to be parallel; S7, the material receiving members (3) start to descend, the air holes (21) start to blow to blow the bottom surfaces of the first panel and the second panel, and the material receiving members (3) descend below the reference platform (2), and the two panels are placed on the reference platform (2); S8, the glue dispensing and curing mechanism (8) starts to work, applies glue to the preset position of the abutting part of the two panels, and cures the glue to make the two panels adhere to each other, thereby obtaining a combined panel. S9, the manipulator takes the combined panel off the reference platform (2).

2. The panel splicing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel splicing device further comprises a vacuum generator, and the plurality of air holes (21) are in communication with the vacuum generator.

3. The panel splicing method according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of material receiving members (3) are each provided with a universal ball at the top.

4. The panel splicing method according to claim 1, wherein, The second limiting member (5) is uniformly provided with a plurality of guide wheels (51) along the length direction.

5. The panel splicing method according to claim 1, wherein, The first limiting member (4) is adhered with a buffer (41) on the side close to the reference platform (2).

6. The panel splicing method according to claim 1, wherein, The glue dispensing and curing mechanism (8) comprises: A fixing member (81) is arranged on the reference platform (2) along the length direction of the first limiting member (4); A sliding member (82) is arranged on the fixing member (81) along the length direction of the first limiting member (4); A glue dispensing head (83) is arranged on the sliding member (82); A curing member (84) is arranged on the sliding member (82), and the curing member (84) is configured to accelerate the curing of the glue between the two panels.

7. The panel splicing method according to claim 1, wherein The glue dispensing and curing mechanism (8) further comprises a visual judgment assembly configured to detect the cured glue.

8. The panel splicing method according to claim 1, wherein, Step S4 further comprises: after the manipulator grasps the second panel and places it on the receiving surface, the visual detection mechanism detects the position of the second panel, and then the manipulator adjusts the position of the second panel according to the detection result, so that the second panel is laid on the side of the first panel away from the first limiting member (4).

9. The panel splicing method according to claim 8, wherein, Step S8 further comprises: after the two panels are placed on the reference platform (2), the visual detection mechanism detects the positions of the two panels, and when the two panels have a predetermined gap, the plurality of air holes (21) inhale to adsorb and fix the two panels.

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