A film tearing system

Abstract

The application provides a film tearing system for film tearing operation on a protective film on an LCD panel, which comprises a three-dimensional movement mechanism, a horizontal plane rotating mechanism and a film tearing mechanism; the three-dimensional movement mechanism is connected with the horizontal plane rotating mechanism, and the horizontal plane rotating mechanism is connected with the film tearing mechanism; the film tearing mechanism comprises a first clamping foot, a second clamping foot and a driving assembly, and the first clamping foot and the second clamping foot are respectively located on opposite sides of the protective film; an approach angle is arranged on the second clamping foot, the approach angle is a multilayer structure, the second clamping foot is hollow inside and is provided with a gas injection channel, one end of the gas injection channel is communicated with an outlet of the multilayer structure, and the outlet of the multilayer structure is close to the protective film. Through the application, the destructive influence of strong adhesion of the protective film on other layers in the film tearing process can be reduced, the smoothness and success rate of film tearing are improved, and dust is prevented from entering the boundary between the protective film and the LCD panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of LCD production equipment, and in particular to a film-removing system. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of LCD panels, film peeling is a key step, used to remove the protective film from the surface of the panel.

[0003] Currently, among the existing film removal methods, the option is to invert the panel for film removal. However, inverting the panel requires additional design of gripping machinery, which is costly. Furthermore, the back of the panel is usually designed to be integrated with other important structures of the panel (such as the liquid crystal layer and circuit layer), and the gripping action and mechanical contact may affect this part.

[0004] To improve product quality, the film-peeling system was modified to peel the film from the front of the panel. With the panel facing upwards, an automatic peeling structure removes the protective film. However, this method presents several challenges. First, the upward peeling poses a risk of dust settling on the panel. Second, the peeling structure's movement path differs from downward peeling; it involves an initial lift followed by a unidirectional movement. For some panel models, the protective film adheres strongly to the panel surface. Compared to the downward movement path, the upward movement is more difficult to reliably replicate in large-scale processing, especially in the same process of gripping Mylar to peel the film. Therefore, for panels with critical structures on the back, a film-peeling system that can peel the film from the front, while also being dust-free and highly efficient, is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a film-peeling system to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a film-peeling system for peeling off the protective film on an LCD panel. The film-peeling system includes a three-dimensional motion mechanism, a horizontal plane rotation mechanism, and a film-peeling mechanism.

[0007] The three-dimensional motion mechanism is connected to the horizontal plane rotation mechanism, and the horizontal plane rotation mechanism is connected to the film-tearing mechanism. The three-dimensional motion mechanism is used to drive the horizontal plane rotation mechanism and the film-tearing mechanism to move synchronously, and the horizontal plane rotation mechanism is used to drive the film-tearing mechanism to rotate at all angles.

[0008] The film-tearing mechanism includes a first gripping foot, a second gripping foot, and a driving assembly. The first gripping foot and the second gripping foot are located on opposite sides of the protective film. Both the first gripping foot and the second gripping foot are connected to the driving assembly. The driving assembly is used to drive the first gripping foot and the second gripping foot to move closer to or further away from each other. The driving assembly is connected to the horizontal plane rotation mechanism.

[0009] The second gripping foot is provided with an approach angle, which is a multi-layer structure. The interior of the second gripping foot is hollow and has an air injection channel installed. One end of the air injection channel is connected to the outlet of the multi-layer structure, and the outlet of the multi-layer structure is close to the protective film.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By connecting the three-dimensional motion mechanism with the horizontal plane rotation mechanism, and connecting the horizontal plane rotation mechanism with the film-peeling mechanism, the first and second gripping feet in the film-peeling mechanism first contact the opposite sides of the protective film on the LCD panel, respectively. Then, by designing the approach angle of the second gripping foot as a multi-layer structure, air is injected into the air injection channel, and the gas from the air injection channel is introduced into the boundary between the protective film and the LCD panel through the outlet of the multi-layer structure. This results in tiny air bubbles deep within the boundary between the protective film and the LCD panel, reducing the destructive impact of the strong adhesion of the protective film on other layers during the film-peeling process. It also helps to improve the smoothness and success rate of film peeling, and helps to prevent dust from entering the boundary between the protective film and the LCD panel.

[0011] Preferably, the multi-layer structure includes a first proximity layer and a second proximity layer. The first proximity layer is located below the second proximity layer. Both the first proximity layer and the second proximity layer are connected to the second clamping foot. The interiors of both the first proximity layer and the second proximity layer are hollow to form an installation space. The installation spaces of the first proximity layer and the second proximity layer are respectively matched with an air injection channel.

[0012] Preferably, both the first approach layer and the second approach layer are triangular pyramidal structures, the angle of the first approach layer relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the second approach layer relative to the horizontal plane, and the first approach layer contacts the lower part of the protective film before the second approach layer.

[0013] Preferably, the opening of the gas injection channel gradually narrows from the driving component toward the first proximity layer or the second proximity layer, so that the opening of the gas injection channel at one end toward the protective film is consistent with the outlet size of the first proximity layer or the second proximity layer.

[0014] Preferably, the angle between the first proximity layer and the horizontal plane is 5° to 10°, and the angle between the second proximity layer and the horizontal plane is 20° to 30°.

[0015] Preferably, the end of the air injection channel away from the approach angle is connected to a venting assembly, the venting assembly being used to inject air into the air injection channel, and a control valve being provided on the air injection channel.

[0016] Preferably, the horizontal plane rotation mechanism is provided with an adapter plate, and the adapter plate is provided with a mounting structure, and the film tearing mechanism is detachably connected to the adapter plate through the mounting structure.

[0017] Preferably, the horizontal plane rotation mechanism includes a mounting base and a rotary motor. The mounting base is connected to the three-dimensional motion mechanism, the film-tearing mechanism is mounted on the mounting base, the drive shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the center of the mounting base, and the adapter plate is located on the mounting base.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the film-tearing mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention in a first application state;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the film-tearing mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention in a second application state;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the approach angle provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0023] 10. LCD panel; 11. Protective film; 21. First gripping pin; 22. Second gripping pin; 231. First proximity layer; 232. Second proximity layer; 24. Gas injection channel.

[0024] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete.

[0026] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This is a film-peeling system in an embodiment of the present invention, used to peel off the protective film 11 on the LCD panel 10. The film-peeling system includes a three-dimensional motion mechanism, a horizontal plane rotation mechanism, and a film-peeling mechanism.

[0029] The three-dimensional motion mechanism is connected to the horizontal rotation mechanism, which in turn is connected to the film-peeling mechanism. This allows the three-dimensional motion mechanism to drive the horizontal rotation mechanism and the film-peeling mechanism to move synchronously in multiple directions. The horizontal rotation mechanism drives the film-peeling mechanism to rotate at all angles. This allows for position adjustment of the film-peeling mechanism in three-dimensional space through the three-dimensional motion mechanism and the horizontal rotation mechanism. This facilitates positioning the film-peeling mechanism at the location of the protective film 11 on the LCD panel 10, and also enables the film-peeling mechanism to avoid obstacles when other components move. Specifically, the three-dimensional motion mechanism includes an X-axis motion slide rail, a Y-axis motion slide rail, and a Z-axis motion slide rail. The motion of each slide rail is related to the movement of other axes. The slide rails are slidably connected to achieve multi-axis movement. That is, the X-axis motion slide rail is slidably connected to the Z-axis motion slide rail through a connecting block, the Y-axis motion slide rail is installed on the X-axis motion slide rail, and the horizontal plane rotation mechanism is installed on the Y-axis motion slide rail. The Z-axis motion slide rail drives the X-axis and Y-axis motion slide rails to move up and down along the Z-axis direction, the X-axis motion slide rail drives the Y-axis motion slide rail to move translationally along the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis motion slide rail drives the horizontal plane rotation mechanism and the film-tearing mechanism to move translationally along the Y-axis direction. It can be understood that the Y-axis direction is perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and both the X-axis and Y-axis directions are parallel to the horizontal plane, while the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0030] It should be noted that the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis motion slides can all be driven by a motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder. Multi-axis motion slides are existing technology and will not be discussed further here.

[0031] In this embodiment, the horizontal plane rotation mechanism includes a mounting base and a rotary motor. Both the mounting base and the rotary motor are connected to the slider of the Y-axis motion slide rail in the three-dimensional motion mechanism. The drive shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the center of the mounting base. A receiving groove is provided at the bottom of the mounting base, and the rotary motor is located in the receiving groove for mounting the rotary motor. The mounting base is provided with an adapter plate, and the adapter plate is provided with a connecting structure. The film-tearing mechanism is detachably connected to the adapter plate through the connecting structure so that it can be disassembled when the film-tearing mechanism needs maintenance.

[0032] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the mounting structure is a threaded structure, which enables screw installation to mount the film-tearing mechanism on the adapter plate. In other embodiments, the mounting structure includes a quick-release plate and a quick-release plate base. The quick-release plate base is connected to the adapter plate, and the quick-release plate is connected to the film-tearing mechanism. The quick-release plate and the quick-release plate base are engaged to enable quick assembly and disassembly of the film-tearing mechanism through the structural cooperation between the quick-release plate and the quick-release plate base. Specifically, the quick-release plate has an elastic structure so that the quick-release plate can be quickly engaged in the quick-release plate base.

[0033] In this embodiment, the film-tearing mechanism includes a first gripping leg 21, a second gripping leg 22, and a driving assembly. The first gripping leg 21 and the second gripping leg 22 are located on opposite sides of the protective film 11, with the first gripping leg 21 contacting the upper part of the protective film 11 and the second gripping leg 22 contacting the lower part of the protective film 11. Both the first gripping leg 21 and the second gripping leg 22 are connected to the driving assembly, which is used to drive the first gripping leg 21 and the second gripping leg 22 to move closer or further apart to clamp or release the protective film 11.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second gripping foot 22 is provided with an approach angle, which is a multi-layer structure. The interior of the second gripping foot 22 is hollow and an air injection channel 24 is installed. One end of the air injection channel 24 is connected to the outlet of the multi-layer structure, and the other end of the air injection channel 24 is connected to a venting component. The venting component is used to inject air into the air injection channel 24. A control valve is provided on the air injection channel 24 so that the flow state of the air injection channel 24 can be controlled by the control valve. It should be noted that the venting component is prior art, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0035] In this embodiment, the multi-layer structure includes a first proximity layer 231 and a second proximity layer 232. The first proximity layer 231 is located below the second proximity layer 232, and the first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 are connected to form a two-stage stepped structure. The interiors of both the first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 are hollow to form corresponding installation spaces. The installation spaces of both the first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 are connected to the interior of the second clamping foot. The installation spaces of the first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 are respectively matched with an air injection channel 24, that is, the air injection channel 24 extends to the first proximity layer 231. Regarding the outlet of the first or second proximity layer 232, it should be noted that the opening of the gas injection channel 24 gradually narrows towards the first proximity layer 231 or the second proximity layer 232 from the self-driven assembly, so that the opening of the gas injection channel 24 facing the protective film end is consistent with the outlet size of the first proximity layer 231 or the second proximity layer 232. Through the design of narrowing the channel opening, the Laval effect can be enhanced when the gas is ejected from the outlet of the first proximity layer 231 or the second proximity layer 232, so as to enhance the initial velocity or initial kinetic energy of the gas, which is beneficial to injecting air into the strongly viscous film layer bonding interface to form the desired bubble or purging effect.

[0036] In this embodiment, both the first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 are triangular pyramidal structures. The angle of the first proximity layer 231 relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the second proximity layer 232 relative to the horizontal plane. The first proximity layer 231 contacts the lower part of the protective film 11 before the second proximity layer 232. It should be noted that the angle of the first proximity layer 231 relative to the horizontal plane is 5° to 10°, and the angle of the second proximity layer 232 relative to the horizontal plane is 20° to 30°. An angle that is too large or too small will affect the success rate of the first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 entering the boundary between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10, respectively.

[0037] In this embodiment, the second gripping leg 22 is a long, pointed shape, wider at one end and narrower at the other, or it can be considered as a pointed chopstick. The first approach layer 231 and the second approach layer 232 are both located at the narrower end of the second gripping leg 22. To facilitate the smooth insertion of the first approach layer 231 into the boundary between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10, the tip of the first approach layer 231 is generally designed to be narrower, and the angle of the first approach layer 231 is smaller. Since the first gripping leg 21 does not need to be inserted into the boundary between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10, it does not need to have an approach angle, and it can use a thicker end, or it can use a flat, planar end, so that it can contact the surface of the film.

[0038] It should be noted that the purpose of injecting air into the first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 is different. During the film peeling process, the first proximity layer 231 will first contact the lower part of the protective film 11. The first proximity layer 231 is located at a narrower part of the proximity angle, that is, closer to the tip of the proximity angle (or it can be said that the first proximity layer 231 is the tip of the leading edge of the second gripping foot 22). The purpose of injecting air into the first proximity layer 231 is to inject a certain amount of microbubbles into the interface deep between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10. This is beneficial to the subsequent film separation, reduces damage caused by separation, and improves the success rate of separation. The second proximity layer 232 follows the movement of the second gripping foot 22 and then contacts the protective film 11. At this time, the edge of the protective film 11 has been lifted by the influence of the first proximity layer 231. The second proximity layer 232 contacts the protective film 11 to further expand the degree of film separation, so as to completely separate the film layers. The second proximity layer 232 continuously outputs a large flow of air to clean the space between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10 and prevent dust. The first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 can work simultaneously, except that one delivers gas at the deeper interface of the boundary (i.e., a deeper position of the boundary), and the other delivers gas at the later position.

[0039] It should be noted that the first proximity layer 231 is used to first contact the boundary between the film and other layers, inserting into the gap at a relatively fine angle, and using a high-speed, low-volume gas delivery method to send pulsed gas into the gap. The gas forms several bubbles within the boundary, and under the action of the bubbles, the contact angle between the film layer and the LCD panel 10 is increased, which significantly improves the separation effect of subsequent film layers and avoids problems such as wrinkles, breaks, and delays in separation caused by discontinuous film layer separation. This not only improves the separation efficiency and success rate, but also avoids accidental damage to other layers. The second proximity layer 232 then contacts the edge of the protective film 11 as the second gripping foot 22 moves, and is used to further separate the protective film 11. At the same time, it outputs low-speed, high-volume gas, which is used to accelerate the separation of film layers and to significantly prevent dust from falling into the interface after the film is peeled off, ensuring the cleanliness of the material.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, the film-peeling method implemented by this film-peeling system includes the following steps:

[0041] S1. Place the LCD panel 10 on the loading platform, ensuring that one side of the protective film 11 to be peeled off is in a clear position.

[0042] S2. The three-dimensional motion mechanism drives the film-tearing mechanism to approach the protective film 11 on the LCD panel 10, which is located on the side that is in the open space. The film-tearing mechanism drives the first gripping foot 21 and the second gripping foot 22 to approach the corresponding edge of the protective film 11.

[0043] S3. The first gripping foot 21 contacts the top of the protective film 11, and the second gripping foot 22 approaches the boundary between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10 through the angular contact and contacts the bottom of the protective film 11.

[0044] S4. The first approach layer 231 of the approach angle first contacts and enters the boundary between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10. At the same time, the control valve of the first approach layer 231 is opened, and the pre-compressed gas (which can be clean air) in the corresponding gas injection channel 24 is sent into the interface of the boundary at high speed and low quantity.

[0045] S5. The second approach layer 232 of the approach angle then contacts the edge of the boundary, and at the same time the control valve of the second approach layer 232 opens, and the gas continuously delivered in the corresponding gas injection channel 24 is delivered into the interface of the boundary in a uniform and large manner.

[0046] S6. While the second proximity layer 232 is in contact with the boundary edge, the first proximity layer 231 introduces a low amount of air into the deep interface in a manner that contacts the deep interface of the boundary, so that tiny air bubbles exist in the deep interface.

[0047] S7. The first proximity layer 231 and the second proximity layer 232 reciprocate under the movement of the second gripper 22, thereby finally removing the protective film 11.

[0048] The volume of the microbubbles is calculated as follows:

[0049]

[0050] Where σ(α) is the expression for the cutting plane related to the maximum contact angle α of the bubble, where the maximum contact angle of the bubble is related to the viscosity p of the membrane, i.e., α = f(p). For membranes with higher viscosity p, the maximum contact angle α should be higher. The specific relationship can be obtained experimentally. r is the radial distance in the spherical coordinate system, Φ is the polar angle, θ is the azimuth angle, and (a, b, c) is the component from any point (x, y, z) on the irregular ellipsoidal bubble to the origin of the coordinate system.

[0051] It should be noted that after obtaining the volume of the microbubbles, the amount of air injected in a single operation can be determined. Based on this air volume and the selected opening size of the first proximity layer, various parameters of the air jet can be calculated. Specifically, the density of the injected gas is known; for example, if clean air is used, its density is typically 1.29 kg / m³ under standard conditions. 3 The mass of injected air can be calculated based on its volume density. In fact, the injection volume can also be directly measured by the injection volume. A micro-air flow meter can be used to control the volume of injected gas. There is already mature experience with automated micro-injection equipment.

[0052] In practical implementation, the three-dimensional motion mechanism is connected to the horizontal plane rotation mechanism, and the horizontal plane rotation mechanism is connected to the film-peeling mechanism. First, the first gripping foot 21 in the film-peeling mechanism contacts the upper part of the protective film 11 on the LCD panel 10, and then the second gripping foot 22 contacts the lower part of the protective film 11. Then, the approach angle on the second gripping foot 22 is designed as a multi-layer structure. Air is injected into the air injection channel 24, and the gas from the air injection channel 24 is introduced into the boundary between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10 through the outlet of the multi-layer structure. This results in tiny air bubbles deep in the boundary between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10, which reduces the destructive effect of the strong adhesion of the protective film 11 on other layers during the film-peeling process. It also helps to improve the smoothness and success rate of film peeling, and helps to prevent dust from entering the boundary between the protective film 11 and the LCD panel 10.

[0053] It should be noted that the above implementation process is only to illustrate the feasibility of this application, but it does not mean that the film-removing system of this application has only one implementation process. On the contrary, as long as the film-removing system of this application can be implemented, it can be included in the feasible implementation scheme of this application.

[0054] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0055] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A film-removing system for removing protective films from LCD panels, characterized in that, The film-tearing system includes a three-dimensional motion mechanism, a horizontal plane rotation mechanism, and a film-tearing mechanism; The three-dimensional motion mechanism is connected to the horizontal plane rotation mechanism, and the horizontal plane rotation mechanism is connected to the film-tearing mechanism. The three-dimensional motion mechanism is used to drive the horizontal plane rotation mechanism and the film-tearing mechanism to move synchronously, and the horizontal plane rotation mechanism is used to drive the film-tearing mechanism to rotate at all angles. The film-tearing mechanism includes a first gripping foot, a second gripping foot, and a driving assembly. The first gripping foot and the second gripping foot are located on opposite sides of the protective film. Both the first gripping foot and the second gripping foot are connected to the driving assembly. The driving assembly is used to drive the first gripping foot and the second gripping foot to move closer to or further away from each other. The driving assembly is connected to the horizontal plane rotation mechanism. The second gripping foot is provided with an approach angle, which is a multi-layer structure. The interior of the second gripping foot is hollow and is equipped with an air injection channel. One end of the air injection channel is connected to the outlet of the multi-layer structure, and the outlet of the multi-layer structure is close to the protective film. The multi-layer structure includes a first proximity layer and a second proximity layer. The first proximity layer is located below the second proximity layer. Both the first and second proximity layers are connected to the second clamping feet. The interiors of both the first and second proximity layers are hollow to form an installation space. The installation spaces of the first and second proximity layers are respectively matched with an air injection channel. Both the first and second proximity layers are triangular cone-shaped structures. The angle of the first proximity layer relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the second proximity layer relative to the horizontal plane. The first proximity layer contacts the lower part of the protective film before the second proximity layer.

2. The film-peeling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening of the gas injection channel gradually narrows from the drive assembly toward the first or second proximity layer, so that the opening of the gas injection channel at one end toward the protective film is consistent with the outlet size of the first or second proximity layer.

3. The film-peeling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first proximity layer has an angle of 5° to 10° relative to the horizontal plane, and the second proximity layer has an angle of 20° to 30° relative to the horizontal plane.

4. The film-peeling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the air injection channel away from the approach angle is connected to a venting assembly, which is used to inject air into the air injection channel. A control valve is provided on the air injection channel.

5. The film-peeling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal plane rotation mechanism is provided with an adapter plate, and the adapter plate is provided with a mounting structure. The film tearing mechanism is detachably connected to the adapter plate through the mounting structure.

6. The film-peeling system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The horizontal plane rotation mechanism includes a mounting base and a rotary motor. The mounting base is connected to the three-dimensional motion mechanism. The drive shaft of the rotary motor is connected to the center of the mounting base. The adapter plate is located on the mounting base.

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