Equipment and methods for removing protective films from plate-shaped objects

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing a protective film from a plate-shaped object, and more particularly to an apparatus (1) for removing at least one layer of protective film (5, 6) from a plate-shaped object (2), wherein a separating device (7) having at least one roller (8, 9) applies pressure to the protective film (5, 6) in the edge region of the plate-shaped object (2) and thereby separates the protective film (5, 6), wherein the protective film (5, 6) is at least partially lifted from the plate-shaped object (2) by at least one section of adhesive tape (22) and carried away by at least one rotationally driven roller (3), wherein, in order to apply the adhesive tape (22), the apparatus (1) has at least one swingable contact arm (12) and a die (14) arranged at the contact arm, the die having a die surface (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing a protective film from a plate-like object. Background Technology

[0002] This protective film is used, for example, in the production of circuit boards, or in the production of glass or ceramic surfaces. The protective film is designed as a self-adhesive film, or as a static adhesive film in the absence of an adhesive. In the production of glass, this film provides protection during processing, storage, and transportation to prevent scratches or contamination.

[0003] In circuit board manufacturing, it is known to use a cut-sheet laminator to fully automatically laminate a photosensitive polymer layer with a protective film onto a copper-clad circuit board substrate, particularly on both sides. Here, a trimmed photosensitive polymer layer with a protective film spaced apart from the edges is applied to the copper-clad circuit board substrate. Preferably, the film has an edge distance between 0.5 mm and 15 mm. However, the protective film must be removed from the circuit board again during processing.

[0004] To date, fully automated facilities are capable of laminating photopolymer layers and protective films, and of removing the protective film again. However, the removal of the film has not been very successful. In particular, problems arise when peeling or stripping the protective film from the photopolymer layer after the exposure process.

[0005] DE 10 2014 011 721 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for removing a protective film, wherein a circuit board with an applied protective film is fed into the roller gap of a peeling unit, and wedge-shaped fins engage between the circuit board and the protective film, separating the protective film from the circuit board. The separated protective film is carried away by a rotating roller, wherein an air nozzle is provided in front of the fins, the air nozzle generating an airflow and causing the separated portion of the protective film to adhere to the outer periphery of the roller.

[0006] Since the peeling process takes place in a cleanroom, the resulting airflow has an adverse effect, as it causes undesirable turbulence. Furthermore, the PET support film has very high adhesion to the ABF, and due to the high rigidity and high-temperature stability of the PET support film, it almost melts into the ABF, especially at the edges, making it difficult to separate with airflow.

[0007] Manufacturing processors and graphics chips requires numerous components. One crucial component is the Ajinomoto Build-up Film (ABF), which serves as an insulating film for the carrier, allowing the chip to be placed onto the actual circuit board. The carrier exposes the chip's contacts to the outside, enabling them to be addressed. The insulating film, especially the Ajinomoto Build-up Film, must meet stringent requirements, such as a uniform insulating layer, high heat resistance even under severe temperature fluctuations, and high mechanical stability.

[0008] The equipment and methods for removing this Ajinomoto deposited film (ABF) are known in the prior art. The Ajinomoto deposited film must be removed after a vacuum lamination process on the inner layer of a circuit board and cooling to room temperature.

[0009] KR 1020150049100A discloses a method for removing a protective film, wherein the protective film is first processed by a film separator designed as a knurled roller, and then connected to a removal tape in the front end section and removed from a plate-like object.

[0010] EP 1 128 415 B2 discloses a membrane removal apparatus that uses adhesive tape to remove a film from a plate-like element, wherein the adhesive tape is attached to an edge segment by a connecting device via a hot-pressing process and then peeled off obliquely upwards using a traction device.

[0011] Known removal methods work only partially well and can only be automated to a limited extent. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve the apparatus and method for removing protective films, thereby improving the automated removal process.

[0013] To achieve the proposed objectives, the present invention is characterized by the technical teachings of claims 1 and 9.

[0014] An important feature of the present invention is that, in order to apply adhesive tape, the device has at least one swingable contact arm and a die arranged at the contact arm, the die having a die surface.

[0015] The term "apply" can be understood as all the processes necessary to bring the adhesive tape into contact with the protective film and to lift or raise the protective film at least partially from the plate-like object by means of the adhesive tape.

[0016] In a preferred first embodiment, the device for separating the protective film has at least one swingable contact arm and a mold swingably arranged at the contact arm. The mold is used for surface contact between the adhesive tape and the protective film, and facilitates easier separation of the protective film from the plate-like object. An actuator can cause the contact arm, together with the mold, to be placed on the surface of the plate-like object with the protective film at a defined pressure, and then removed from the surface again.

[0017] Adhesive tape can be understood as a strip-shaped carrier material coated with adhesive on one or both sides. The adhesive tape is matched to the corresponding protective film in terms of adhesion, cohesion, and tack.

[0018] The adhesive tape is contained in a first adhesive tape dispenser and can be output in a controlled manner. The adhesive tape dispenser is constructed, for example, as a roller or adhesive tape distributor. Targeted controlled output is understood as maintaining the adhesive tape under tensile stress or outputting it at a determined speed. The desired output is carried out in a controlled manner and in coordination with an oscillating die.

[0019] Preferably, the adhesive tape is on a first adhesive tape dispenser and guided to an adhesive tape collector by a die. The adhesive tape dispenser and the adhesive tape collector may be implemented as rollers, such that the adhesive tape is unrolled from the first roller and rolled up again by a second roller.

[0020] The contact arm preferably has a contact head that is first lowered toward the plate-like object and maintained at a certain distance relative to the plate-like object. Next, the die swings outward from the contact head, wherein the outward swing of the die generates a pulling force acting on the adhesive tape, causing further output of adhesive tape from the first adhesive tape dispenser. Ideally, the entire pressing surface of the die is covered by the adhesive tape. The die preferably swings outward such that the pressing surface is parallel to the surface of the plate-like object. Then, the contact arm continues to be lowered until the pressing surface and the adhesive tape are fully placed on the protective film. At this point, the adhesive tape adheres to the protective film.

[0021] Then, the die is swung inward again, while the adhesive tape continues to adhere to the protective film. The protective film separates from the plate-like object by first lifting the contact arm a defined distance. Next, the adhesive tape is wound up by an adhesive tape collector, which is drawn upward through rollers provided for this purpose at the contact head. The defined separation of the protective film from the plate-like object occurs by drawing the adhesive tape upward. Preferably, the adhesive tape dispenser is simultaneously prevented from further feeding or replenishing the adhesive tape, so that under tensile stress, the adhesive tape again comes into contact with the die-casting surface of the upwardly swung die. The contact arm remains at a defined distance above the plate-like object. The protective film is peeled off from the plate-like object, at least in the edge region.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the device for separating the protective film has a clamping device with at least one clamp for grasping and clamping the separated protective film. Preferably, two spaced-apart opposing clamps are present at a defined height corresponding to the edge region of the plate-like object, such that the separated protective film is clamped by the clamps on both sides.

[0023] A clamping device is arranged in the area of ​​at least one (removing) roller that receives the separated protective film from the clamp and continues to remove it from the plate-like object. The roller receives the protective film through the clamp of the clamping device. Alternatively, a vacuum absorber may be used to create a vacuum in the area of ​​the roller and hold the separated protective film on the surface of the roller.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device has two spaced-apart clamps located on opposite sides of the roller. The clamps grip and hold the separated protective film and deliver it to the roller. The clamps are controlled by a drive located outside the roller. The drive for the clamps is designed, for example, as a (working) cylinder that outputs its linear force to a grooved guide, thereby generating rotational motion. This rotational motion is output to a shaft extending through the roller. The clamps have a crank mechanism in which the clamps open or close during the rotational motion of the shaft. A key advantage of this embodiment with a rotating shaft extending through the roller is that the moving parts do not need to be arranged within the roller or its area. The rotational motion of the shaft can be generated spaced apart from the roller, eliminating the need for a drive unit for the clamp's movement within the roller's area.

[0025] This patent application not only seeks protection for a device for separating a protective film having a contact arm and a swingable die, but also for a combination of the contact arm and the separation device by which the protective film is first separated in the edge region of a plate-like object.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for separating the protective film includes a separation device that mechanically loosens the edge of the protective film from the plate-like object. The separation device is preferably designed as a knurling or rolling device, wherein rollers press against and roll the edge of the plate-like object, thereby transmitting pressure to the plate-like object. Pressure deformation thus occurs in the edge region of the plate-like object, thereby applying pressure to the protective film and causing it to separate in the edge region. This separation of the film facilitates subsequent reception of the protective film via a contact arm and a mold and adhesive tape oscillatingly arranged at the contact arm.

[0027] The separating device preferably has at least one smooth roller arranged at an angle. For example, the roller is arranged at an angle of about 5°-30° relative to the processing axis. By arranging the roller at an angle relative to the feed motion and by applying a defined pressure to the roller, the protective film in the edge region is separated as the roller moves along the edge region on the plate-like object.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, at least one holding device holds the plate-shaped object during the separation process.

[0029] In addition to the apparatus for separating the protective film mentioned above, this patent application also claims protection for a method for separating the protective film from a plate-like object.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the method for separating the protective film from a plate-like object includes the following method steps:

[0031] - The contact arm is lowered toward the plate-like object, having a contact head and a pressure mold that is oscillatingly arranged at the oscillating contact head;

[0032] - Swing the mold outward from the contact head until the mold surface is parallel to the surface of the plate-shaped object, wherein the adhesive tape adheres to the mold surface when the mold is swung outward;

[0033] - Place the mold onto the protective film of the plate-shaped object, so that the adhesive tape comes into contact with the surface of the protective film;

[0034] - Swing the die inward into the contact head;

[0035] - Lift the contact arm at a defined distance relative to the plate-like object, while simultaneously lifting the protective film from the plate-like object;

[0036] - The adhesive tape is collected by a roller at the contact head via an adhesive tape collector;

[0037] - The separated protective film is grasped by at least one clamp of the clamping device;

[0038] - The separated protective film is transferred from the clamping device to the roller, which further peels the protective film off the plate-like object.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the adhesive tape dispenser and the adhesive tape collector are controlled. Thus, for example, the adhesive tape dispenser can be locked during the separation of the protective film from the plate-like object, so that no more adhesive tape is replenished once the adhesive tape collector has collected the used tape.

[0040] The inventive subject matter of this invention derives not only from the subject matter of each claim, but also from the combination of each claim with the other.

[0041] All descriptions and features disclosed in the document, together with those disclosed in the abstract, especially the spatial configuration shown in the drawings, are important to the present invention and are claimed, provided that they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The invention is further illustrated below with the aid of accompanying drawings, which show only one embodiment. Further details of the invention, including its features and advantages, will be revealed from the drawings and description thereof.

[0043] in:

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the separation device is shown;

[0045] Figure 2 A perspective view of the device and plate-shaped object according to the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic side view of the device according to the invention is shown with the contact arm lowered.

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic side view of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the contact arm is lowered and the molding surface is oscillating;

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic side view of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the contact arm is raised and the protective film is separated;

[0049] Figure 6 A schematic side view of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the contact arm is raised and the clamping device's gripper swings;

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic side view of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the contact arm is raised and clamps the protective film;

[0051] Figure 8 A schematic side view of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein a protective film is received by a roller;

[0052] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the shaft of the clamping device is shown;

[0053] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the clamping device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0054] exist Figure 1The diagram shows a separation device 7 for separating the protective films 5 and 6. The first protective film 5 is located on the upper side of the plate-shaped object 2, and the second protective film 6 is located on the lower side of the plate-shaped object 2. The plate-shaped object 2 is clamped by a holding device 33.

[0055] The invention is then shown as an apparatus according to the invention for separating a protective film using only a roller 3, which separates and receives the upper protective film 5. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Of course, at least one other oscillating contact arm 12 and at least one other roller 3 may also be arranged on the underside of the plate-like object 2, separating and receiving the lower protective film 6.

[0056] The separating device 7 is arranged in the area of ​​the roller 3 and includes: a movable first arm 31, on which a roller 8 is rotatably arranged; and an opposing movable second arm 32, on which a second roller 9 is rotatably arranged. To separate the protective films 5 and 6 from the plate-shaped object 2, the plate-shaped object 2 is arranged between the two rollers 8 and 9. The two rollers 8 and 9 can be moved apart from each other by the vertical movement of the arms 31 and 32 to receive the plate-shaped object 2.

[0057] The separation process of the two protective films 5 and 6 is preferably carried out only in the edge region of the plate-shaped object 2. Therefore, the plate-shaped object 2 is pushed into the separation device 7 and clamped by the holding device 33 until the two rollers 8 and 9 can be placed on the edge region of the protective films 5 and 6.

[0058] In order to separate the protective films 5 and 6 from the plate-shaped object 2, rollers 8 and 9 are placed on the plate-shaped object 2 and a defined pressure (contact force) in the z direction is applied, wherein the direction of movement is along the x direction.

[0059] The two rollers 8 and 9 have smooth surfaces. The two rollers are arranged at arms 31 and 32 at right angles to the direction of movement, so that longitudinal rolling is achieved in this embodiment.

[0060] However, the two rollers 8 and 9 can also be arranged at an angle. This means that the two rollers 8 and 9 are set at a certain angle, wherein the tangential pressure and the movement of the rollers 8 and 9 in the longitudinal direction, i.e., parallel to the leading edge of the plate-shaped object 2, generate a frictional force acting on the protective films 5 and 6. In this case, the plate-shaped object 2 undergoes both longitudinal and rotational motion due to friction with the rollers 8 and 9, thereby placing the protective films 5 and 6 under pressure and thus separating them from the plate-shaped object 2 in the edge region.

[0061] exist Figure 2The diagram shows an apparatus 1 according to the invention for separating protective films 5, 6 from a plate-shaped object 2. The feeding movement of the plate-shaped object 2 is indicated by arrow direction 10. The apparatus 1 has a driven roller 3 for receiving the protective films 5, 6 from the plate-shaped object 2. The roller 3 has a roller surface with grooves 4 into which air is blown. This creates a negative pressure, and the separated protective films adhere to the roller surface. A swingable contact arm 12 with a contact head 13 is present in the region of the roller 3. A holding device 11 is located behind the roller and secures the plate-shaped object 2.

[0062] Figure 3 A side view of the device 1 according to the invention is shown. The contact arm 12 has its own actuator and is rotatably supported about an axis 18. Figure 3 The contact arm 12 swings toward the plate-shaped object 2 with a rotational motion 16. The contact arm 12 is mechanically coupled to the connecting rod 19 and the die 14. In addition, the connecting rod 19 has its own actuator.

[0063] The contact arm 12 has a contact head 13 at its front end, which has a pressure mold 14 with a pressure mold surface 15. The contact head with the pressure mold 14 is used to bring the adhesive tape 22 into contact with the protective films 5 and 6 of the plate-shaped object 2, and is oscillatingly arranged at the contact arm 12. The oscillating movement of the contact head 13 with the pressure mold 14 is achieved by a connecting rod 19 connected to a driver.

[0064] The movement of the connecting rod 19 causes the die 14 to oscillate around the steering roller 25. This oscillation causes the die surface 15 to rest entirely or only partially on the protective films 5, 6 of the plate-like object 2. For example, partial resting can be understood as the die 14 contacting the protective films 5, 6 only in the area of ​​the steering roller 25.

[0065] In the region of contact arm 12, there is a guide roller 23 for the adhesive tape dispenser, which provides fresh adhesive tape 22 for the separation process. The adhesive tape 22 is guided from the adhesive tape dispenser via guide rollers 23, 25 and the die surface 15, and then via guide roller 24 to an adhesive tape collector, which collects the used adhesive tape 22 again. The adhesive tape dispenser and adhesive tape collector are designed to unroll and rewind the adhesive tape 22.

[0066] according to Figure 3 The mold 14 rests on the upper protective film 5 with its entire molding surface 15, wherein there is an adhesive tape 22 between the molding surface 15 and the protective film 5.

[0067] Throughout the separation process, the plate-shaped object 2 is held in the edge region by the C-shaped portion. For this purpose, the holding device 11 has, for example, two opposing clamping devices that clamp the plate-shaped object from both sides.

[0068] With the help of Figure 4 As can be seen, the connecting rod 19 moves with rotational motion 17, thereby causing the die 14 to stand upright with its die-forming surface 15, so that the contact between the die 14 and the adhesive tape 22 and the protective film 5 exists only in the area of ​​the steering roller 25. A portion of the adhesive tape 22 is "freely" suspended between the steering roller 25 and the adhesive tape collector 24.

[0069] Figure 5 The first separation of the protective film 5 from the surface of the plate-shaped object 2 is shown. First, the steering roller 23 is locked, and the adhesive tape collector 24 is rotated, in particular moving the adhesive tape 22 upward, i.e., away from the surface of the plate-shaped object 2, under tension, thereby simultaneously pulling the protective film 5 upward. Next, the contact arm 12 is moved upward in the direction of arrow 21. The protective film 5 adheres to the adhesive tape 22 and is pulled upward by the movement of the contact arm 12, thus further separating it from the plate-shaped object 2.

[0070] After the protective film 5 has been partially separated and lifted from the plate-shaped object 2, the clamp 27 of the clamping device 26 is swung outward in the direction of arrow 28. The separated protective film 5 is held by the clamping device 26 and transferred to the roller 3.

[0071] Figure 6 The clamp 27 is shown swinging further outward in the direction of arrow 28. Preferably, the clamp 27 is present on each side of the roller 3, thereby holding the protective film 5 in the edge region of the side accordingly.

[0072] Figure 7 The protective film 5 is shown to be finally clamped by the clamping device 26.

[0073] exist Figure 8 The diagram shows the transfer of the separated protective film 5 to a roller 3. The roller 3 has a separate groove 4 through which the protective film 5 is held at the surface. The protective film 5 is further peeled off from the plate-like object 2 by the rotational movement of the roller 3, wherein the plate-like object 2 moves past the roller 3 in the direction of arrow 10.

[0074] After the protective film 5 is removed from the plate-shaped object, the contact arm 12 swings away again in the opposite rotational motion 16, and at the same time, the adhesive tape 22 is wound around the contact arm 12 in sync with the swinging motion of the adhesive tape collector. Then, the holding device 11 opens, and the plate-shaped object 2 is released again.

[0075] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 The clamping device 26 is shown in detail. The clamping device 26 includes a driven shaft 29 that extends through the roller 3.

[0076] according to Figure 9The clamping device 26 has a grooved guide section that converts the rotational motion of the shaft into the vertical motion of the crank. The crank is connected to the clamp and clamps the protective films 5 and 6.

[0077] With the help of Figure 10 As can be seen, shaft 29 extends through roller 3, wherein clamping device 26 is arranged laterally next to roller 3. Therefore, clamp 26 is operated from the outside, that is, outside roller 3.

[0078] List of reference numerals

[0079] 1. Equipment

[0080] 2. Plate-shaped objects

[0081] 3. Roller

[0082] 4. Exports

[0083] 5. Protective film

[0084] 6. Protective film

[0085] 7. Separation device

[0086] 8.Rollers

[0087] 9.Rollers

[0088] 10. Arrow direction

[0089] 11. Holding device

[0090] 12. Contact arm

[0091] 13. Contact head

[0092] 14. Pressing mold

[0093] 15. Stamping surface

[0094] 16. Rotational motion

[0095] 17. Rotational motion

[0096] 18.12 shaft

[0097] 19. Connecting rod

[0098] 20. Arrow direction (downward)

[0099] 21. Arrow direction (ascending)

[0100] 22. Adhesive tape

[0101] 23. The steering roller of the adhesive tape distributor

[0102] 24. Deflector rollers for adhesive tape collectors

[0103] 25. Steering rollers

[0104] 26. Clamping device

[0105] 27. Fixture

[0106] Arrow direction 28.27

[0107] 29. Shaft

[0108] 30. Slide-type guide section

[0109] 31. Upper arm

[0110] 32. Lower arm

[0111] 33. Holding device.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for removing at least one protective film (5, 6) from a plate-like object (2), wherein, A separating device (7) having at least one roller (8, 9) applies pressure to a protective film (5, 6) in the edge region of the plate-shaped object (2), thereby separating the protective film (5, 6), wherein the protective film (5, 6) is at least partially lifted from the plate-shaped object (2) by at least one section of adhesive tape (22) and carried away by at least one rotationally driven roller (3), characterized in that, in order to apply the adhesive tape (22), the device (1) has at least one swingable contact arm (12) and a die (14) arranged at the contact arm, the die having a die surface (15), wherein: (a) The adhesive tape (22) can be guided from the adhesive tape dispenser through the molding surface (15) to the adhesive tape collector; (b) The contact arm (12) has a contact head (13), the mold (14) and its molded surface (15) are oscillatingly arranged at the contact head, and the molded surface (15) is oscillating to be parallel to the surface of the plate-shaped object (2), and the entire surface of the molded surface (15) is covered by the adhesive tape (22) so that the adhesive tape (22) is placed in contact with the protective film (5, 6); (c) The contact arm (12) is arranged in the area of ​​the roller (3) and can be placed on the plate object (2) by means of a driver and can be lifted again from the plate object (2), wherein the protective film (5, 6) is separated from the plate object (2) by lifting the contact arm (12); (d) The device (1) has a clamping device (26) having two spaced clamps (27) arranged in the region of the roller (3) to clamp the separated protective films (5, 6) and transfer the protective films to the roller (3), wherein the clamping device (26) has a driven shaft (29) having a grooved guide (30), wherein the shaft (29) extends through the roller (3), and the clamps (27) are constructed as cranks and close or open when the shaft (29) rotates; (e) The separating device (7) is designed as a rolling device and has at least one smooth roller (8, 9), wherein the roller (8, 9) presses against the edge of the plate-shaped object (2) and rolls to transmit a defined pressure to the plate-shaped object, and the roller (8, 9) is inclined at an angle of 5°-30° relative to the roller axis, and when the roller (8, 9) moves along the edge region on the plate-shaped object (2), it causes friction acting on the protective film (5, 6), thereby separating the protective film (5, 6) in the edge region.

2. Method for peeling at least one protective film (5, 6) from a sheet-like object (2) using the apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein The separated protective films (5, 6) are received by at least one roller (3), and the method is characterized by the following steps: • The protective film (5, 6) is separated in the edge region of the plate-shaped object (2) by the separation device (7); • Lower the contact arm (12) toward the plate-shaped object (2), the contact arm having a contact head (13) and a mold (14) oscillatingly arranged at the contact head (13), the mold having a mold surface (15); • Swing the mold (14) outward until the mold surface (15) is parallel to the surface of the plate-shaped object (2), wherein, when swinging the mold (14) outward, the adhesive tape (22) adheres to the mold surface (15) and the entire mold surface (15) is covered by the adhesive tape (22). • The mold (14) is placed on the protective film (5, 6) of the plate-shaped object (2), thereby bringing the adhesive tape (22) into contact with the protective film (5, 6); • Swing the mold (14) inward; • The contact arm (12) is lifted at a defined distance relative to the plate-shaped object (2), wherein the protective film (5, 6) adheres to the adhesive tape (22), and is lifted and separated from the plate-shaped object (2) by lifting the contact arm (12); • The separated protective film (5, 6) is grasped by at least one clamp (27) of the clamping device (26). • The separate protective films (5, 6) are transferred from the clamping device (26) to the roller (3), which peels the protective films (5, 6) off the plate-shaped object (2).

Images