Coating device and UTG coating overflow equal-thickness coating process adopting same

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of touch screens, in particular to a coating device and a UTG coating overflow equal-thickness coating process adopting the coating device, the coating device comprises a sticky bottom plate, a coating enclosure frame is arranged on the sticky bottom plate, and a coating material opening is formed in the coating enclosure frame; the coating material opening is used for arranging a to-be-coated UTG material group; the coating enclosure frame is arranged on the viscous bottom plate, and the coating material opening is formed in the enclosure frame, so that the overflow amount of the coating can be effectively controlled; due to the design of the coating enclosure frame and the coating material opening, glue is limited in a preset area in the leveling process, the glue is prevented from overflowing to the surface of the UTG, and therefore it is ensured that the overflow amount of a coated product is consistent with the overall thickness in the surface of the product; the design of the coating enclosure frame and the coating material opening provides stable structural support for the coating process; in the dispensing, leveling and coating processes, the glue is always limited in the enclosure frame, so that the problem of inconsistent coating thickness caused by non-uniform flowing of the glue is reduced, and the stability of the whole coating process is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of touch screens, in particular to a coating device and a coating process for a UTG coating with an overflow amount and a constant thickness using the coating device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the technological advancement of modern society and the rapid development of smart mobile display products, touch screens, as a human-computer interaction method with simple operation, sensitive response and space saving, have been widely used in various fields such as tablets, mobile phones, car displays and healthcare.

[0003] Among them, flexible screens, due to their foldable features, have a wider range of applications and have become the research focus of major screen manufacturers.

[0004] Ultra-thin flexible glass (UTG) and the functional coating applied on its surface are an indispensable part of the foldable flexible screen (glass cover). In order to meet the various performance requirements of the foldable glass cover, such as impact resistance and wear resistance, we need to apply corresponding functional coatings to UTG, as well as various coating processes to cope with glues with different properties.

[0005] When using the commonly used slit coating process for coating, the coating will naturally form a step difference at the edge of the UTG.

[0006] Products with UTG+ coating need to be cut with an overflow amount ranging from 0.1-3mm before they can be finally fitted onto the folding screen module. This overflow can enhance the impact resistance of the product's edges, prevent the UTG from being broken by side impacts, and facilitate subsequent processing of the folding screen module.

[0007] However, the slit coating process will cause the thickness of this part of the overflow to be low. The excessively thin overflow thickness (usually 30-50um) will cause the strength of the overflow to be too low, which can easily cause the overflow to break, resulting in product defects.

[0008] That is to say, the product coated by the current slit coating process has a thickness difference at the UTG edge, and the overflow thickness is relatively low.

[0009] The thickness difference will cause light and shadow to appear on the edge of the product, while the low overflow thickness will make the edge of the product fragile and easy to damage.

[0010] The existing patent 202320742463.X - an impact-resistant UTG ultra-thin composite glass cover plate only discloses the corresponding layer structure, and does not clearly disclose the technical content for solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0011] Therefore, in order to improve or solve at least one of the above technical problems, it is necessary to improve the existing UTG coating or coating process. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a coating device that can assist in achieving a uniform thickness of overflowed UTG coating.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0014] A coating device comprises a sticky bottom plate, a coating frame is provided on the sticky bottom plate, and a coating material opening is provided on the coating frame; the coating material opening is used for arranging a UTG material group to be coated.

[0015] A plurality of UTGs are arranged in the coating material port to form a UTG material group; the UTGs in the UTG material group are distributed at intervals; and the UTG material group and the inner wall of the coating material port are also distributed at intervals.

[0016] A coating process for a UTG coating with a constant overflow thickness, the coating process comprising the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Laminating the UTG material group; placing the UTG to be coated on the coating device;

[0018] The UTG to be coated is distributed at intervals on the coating device;

[0019] Step 2: Glue filling; then perform glue dispensing in the gaps between the UTGs and between the UTG material group and the coating device;

[0020] Step 3: Coating and curing: After step 2 is completed, directly put it into the slit coating and cure.

[0021] After step 2 is completed, the glue on the coating device is required to be leveled.

[0022] In step 1, the gap size between adjacent UTGs is required to be 1mm to 5mm.

[0023] In step 1, the spacing between the UTG material group and the inner wall of the coating material port is required to be 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0024] The adhesive base has a high surface energy.

[0025] In the step 2, it is required to use a piezoelectric filling method to perform dispensing filling.

[0026] The size of the glue droplets can be controlled by controlling the diameter of the dispensing needle.

[0027] After step 2 is completed, the upper end surface of the glue liquid after dispensing and filling is required to be flush with the upper end surface of the UTG.

[0028] The advantages of the present invention are:

[0029] A coating device and a coating process with a uniform thickness of UTG coating using the coating device.

[0030] By arranging a coating frame on the adhesive base plate and arranging a coating material opening on the frame, the overflow of the coating can be effectively controlled.

[0031] The design of the coating frame and coating material port confines the glue to a predetermined area during the leveling process, preventing the glue from overflowing onto the UTG surface, thereby ensuring that the amount of product overflow after coating is consistent with the overall thickness of the product surface.

[0032] The design of the coating frame and coating material port provides a stable structural support for the coating process. During the dispensing, leveling and coating process, the glue is always confined within the frame, reducing the problem of inconsistent coating thickness caused by uneven glue flow and enhancing the stability of the entire coating process.

[0033] The coating production method of the present invention combines dispensing with slit coating, thereby increasing the thickness of the UTG edge coating overflow of the foldable cover, thereby improving the impact resistance of the product edge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The following is a brief description of the contents and symbols in the drawings of the present invention:

[0035] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the coating device in the present invention.

[0036] The marks in the above figure are:

[0037] 1. Adhesive base plate, 2. Coating frame, 21. Coating material port, 3. UTG material group, 31. UTG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The specific implementation of the present invention will be further explained in detail below by describing the best embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] A coating device includes a sticky base plate 1, a coating frame 2 is provided on the sticky base plate 1, and a coating material port 21 is provided on the coating frame 2; the coating material port 21 is used to arrange the UTG material group 3 to be coated; in the present invention, the sticky base plate 1 serves as the basic component of the entire coating device, and is used to carry the UTG31 (ultra-thin glass) material group to be coated.

[0040] The adhesive base plate 1 has a high surface energy: it can prevent the glue from overflowing onto the UTG31 surface during the leveling process, thereby avoiding poor coating appearance.

[0041] The adhesive base plate 1 with high surface energy can better control the flow of glue, ensuring that the glue flows only in predetermined gaps and does not spread to other areas.

[0042] The adhesive base plate 1 provides a flat reference surface to ensure that the UTG material group 3 can maintain good flatness during lamination, thereby providing a stable base for the subsequent coating process.

[0043] The coating frame 2 is arranged on the adhesive base plate 1 .

[0044] Define the coating area to prevent coating materials (such as glue or coating materials) from overflowing into unwanted areas, ensuring coating accuracy and consistency.

[0045] The coating material port 21 is provided on the coating enclosure 2 .

[0046] It is used to cooperate with the outer side surface of the UTG material group 3 to be coated to limit the position of the glue.

[0047] The UTG material group 3 is composed of a plurality of UTGs 31 , and these UTGs 31 are distributed at intervals in the coating material port 21 .

[0048] In the present invention, the adhesive base plate 1 is the basis of the entire device, and the coating frame 2 is arranged on the adhesive base plate 1; the coating material port 21 is located in the middle area of ​​the coating frame 2, and the coating frame 2 and the adhesive base plate 1 form a space for placing the UTG material group 3; through the combined design of the adhesive base plate 1, the coating frame 2 and the coating material port 21, accurate coating of the UTG material group 3 is achieved.

[0049] High surface energy adhesive substrate 1: prevents glue from overflowing and ensures good coating appearance.

[0050] The structural design of the coating frame 2 and the coating material port 21 provides a clear area for coating operations, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of coating.

[0051] Furthermore, in the present invention, a plurality of UTGs 31 are arranged in the coating material port 21 to form a UTG material group 3; the UTGs 31 in the UTG material group 3 are spaced apart; the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21 are also spaced apart; in the present invention, the UTG material group 3 is essentially a plurality of UTGs 31 to be coated; the UTGs 31 in the UTG material group 3 are spaced apart, that is, there is a certain gap between adjacent UTGs 31; this spacing design is for subsequent glue dispensing and filling operations to ensure that the glue can be filled into the gap between the UTGs 31; there is also a certain gap between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21; this gap is also for subsequent glue dispensing and filling operations to ensure that the glue can be filled into the gap between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21.

[0052] The design of the above interval distribution:

[0053] Facilitate dispensing and filling: by setting intervals between the UTGs 31 and between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21, space is provided for dispensing operations.

[0054] This design ensures that the glue can be precisely filled into these gaps, resulting in a uniform and consistent coating.

[0055] Improve coating quality: The interval distribution design allows the glue to flow better after filling, preventing the glue from overflowing onto the UTG31 surface, thereby improving the apparent quality of the coating.

[0056] =By setting intervals between the UTGs 31 and between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21 , the filling amount and flow direction of the glue can be better controlled, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the entire UTG material group 3 .

[0057] The gap size between UTG31 is usually controlled between 1mm and 5mm. This size range can ensure that the glue can be filled smoothly without affecting the overall structural stability of UTG material group 3 due to excessive gap.

[0058] The gap size between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21 is usually controlled between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm; this size range is also to ensure that the glue can be filled smoothly while preventing the glue from overflowing to the outside of the coating material port 21.

[0059] A coating process for a UTG31 coating with a constant overflow thickness, the coating process comprising the following steps:

[0060] Step 1: Laminating the UTG material group 3; placing the UTG 31 to be coated on the coating device;

[0061] The UTG31 to be coated is distributed at intervals on the coating device;

[0062] Step 2: Glue filling; then perform glue dispensing in the gaps between the UTGs 31 and between the UTG material group 3 and the coating device;

[0063] Step 3: Coating and curing: After step 2 is completed, directly put it into the slit coating and cure.

[0064] Based on the above coating method, by combining dispensing and slit coating, the coating overflow is consistent with the overall thickness of the product surface, which improves the impact resistance of the product edge and eliminates the edge light and shadow caused by the edge thickness difference of traditional single slit coating products.

[0065] specific:

[0066] Steps of coating process:

[0067] Step 1: Lamination of UTG material group 3;

[0068] The UTG31 (ultra-thin glass) to be coated is placed on the coating device.

[0069] UTG31 is distributed at intervals on the coating device to form UTG material group 3.

[0070] Gap size between UTG31: The gap between adjacent UTG31 is controlled between 1mm and 5mm.

[0071] This size range can not only ensure the feasibility of subsequent dispensing operations, but also avoid excessive gaps that affect structural stability.

[0072] The gap size between the UTG material group 3 and the coating device: the gap between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21 is controlled to be between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0073] This size is also for the smooth progress of subsequent dispensing operations.

[0074] The interval distribution design provides space for subsequent dispensing and filling operations, ensuring that the glue can be accurately filled into the gaps between UTG31 and the gap between UTG material group 3 and the coating device.

[0075] Step 2: Glue filling

[0076] Glue dispensing is performed in the gaps between the UTGs 31 and between the UTG material group 3 and the coating device.

[0077] Dispensing method: piezoelectric filling is used for dispensing, which can more accurately control the droplet size and filling position of the glue.

[0078] Needle diameter control: Control the size of the glue droplet by controlling the diameter of the dispensing needle.

[0079] Smaller droplets enable precise filling of smaller gaps, while larger droplets improve dispensing efficiency.

[0080] Filling effect: After dispensing is completed, the upper end surface of the glue is required to be flush with the upper end surface of UTG31 to ensure the uniformity of subsequent coating.

[0081] By dispensing glue, the glue is filled into the gaps between the UTG 31 and the gap between the UTG material group 3 and the coating device to ensure the uniformity and consistency of the coating.

[0082] Prevent glue from overflowing onto the UTG31 surface and avoid poor coating appearance.

[0083] Step 3: Coating and curing

[0084] After the dispensing, filling and leveling are completed, it can be directly applied to the slits and cured.

[0085] Leveling time: After dispensing is completed, a certain leveling time needs to be added according to the viscosity and other characteristics of the glue.

[0086] Glues with higher viscosity require longer leveling time to ensure that the glue can fully level.

[0087] Coating method: Slit coating is used for coating operation, which can achieve uniform coating of the coating.

[0088] Curing: After coating is completed, the curing operation is carried out to solidify the coating into shape.

[0089] Through slit coating and curing operations, the coating overflow is made consistent with the overall thickness of the product surface, thus achieving the effect of equal coating overflow thickness.

[0090] Improve the impact resistance of the product edge, while eliminating the edge light and shadow problem caused by the edge thickness difference of traditional single-slit coating products.

[0091] Furthermore, after step 2 described in the present invention is completed, the glue on the coating device is required to be leveled; leveling can make the glue evenly distributed between the UTG31 and in the gap between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21, avoiding glue accumulation or uneven distribution, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the coating.

[0092] A uniform coating can improve the overall performance of the product, including optical and mechanical properties.

[0093] Through leveling, the glue can spread naturally under the action of its surface tension, preventing the glue from overflowing onto the UTG31 surface or other unwanted areas, thereby avoiding poor coating appearance.

[0094] The adhesive base plate 1 with high surface energy can better guide the flow of the glue so that it flows only in the predetermined gap.

[0095] After leveling, the glue can form a flat upper surface that is flush with the upper end surface of UTG31, providing a good foundation for subsequent slit coating operations; this helps to ensure that the coating overflow is consistent with the overall thickness of the product surface, thereby improving the overall quality and appearance of the product.

[0096] Furthermore, in step 1 of the present invention, the gap size between adjacent UTGs 31 is required to be 1 mm to 5 mm; based on this requirement, glue filling can be facilitated: a gap that is too large may result in insufficient glue filling, while a gap that is too small may make it difficult to accurately fill the glue.

[0097] The gap range of 1mm to 5mm ensures that the glue can be smoothly filled into the gap between UTG31.

[0098] Appropriate gaps can prevent the overall structural stability from being affected by excessive gaps between UTG31s; suitable gap size helps ensure uniformity of subsequent coatings and avoids inconsistent coating thickness due to uneven gaps.

[0099] In addition, in step 1 described in the present invention, the spacing dimension between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21 is required to be 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm; the limitation of the above spacing dimension can facilitate glue filling: similar to the gap between UTG31, this spacing dimension can ensure that the glue can be smoothly filled into the gap between the UTG material group 3 and the inner wall of the coating material port 21.

[0100] Appropriate spacing can prevent the glue from overflowing to the outside of the coating material port 21 during the leveling process, thereby ensuring the apparent quality of the coating.

[0101] Appropriate spacing size helps to ensure uniformity of subsequent coatings and avoid inconsistent coating thickness due to uneven spacing.

[0102] Furthermore, in the present invention, the adhesive base plate 1 has a high surface energy and mainly has the following functions:

[0103] 1. Prevent glue from overflowing

[0104] The adhesive base plate 1 with high surface energy can better interact with the glue, so that the glue spreads more evenly on the surface of the adhesive base plate 1 and can limit the flow range of the glue.

[0105] During the dispensing and filling process, the adhesive base plate 1 with high surface energy can prevent glue from overflowing onto the UTG31 surface or other unwanted areas, thereby avoiding poor coating appearance.

[0106] 2. Promote glue leveling

[0107] The adhesive base plate 1 with high surface energy can reduce the contact angle of the glue, making it easier for the glue to spread on the surface of the adhesive base plate 1, thereby achieving a better leveling effect.

[0108] During the leveling process, the glue can be evenly distributed on the surface of the adhesive base plate 1 to form a flat upper surface that is flush with the upper end surface of the UTG31, providing a good foundation for subsequent coating operations.

[0109] 3. Improve coating uniformity

[0110] The adhesive base plate 1 with high surface energy can better guide the flow of glue so that it flows only in predetermined gaps without spreading to other areas.

[0111] During the coating process, the coating can be evenly covered on the surface of UTG31, avoiding inconsistent coating thickness caused by uneven glue distribution.

[0112] 4. Enhance structural stability

[0113] The adhesive base plate 1 with high surface energy can better combine with UTG31 and glue to form a stable structure.

[0114] During the coating and curing process, the entire structure is more stable and can withstand certain mechanical stress, thereby improving the overall performance of the product.

[0115] Furthermore, in step 2 of the present invention, piezoelectric filling is required for glue dispensing. Piezoelectric filling is a dispensing technology that uses the piezoelectric effect to control glue ejection. By applying a voltage, the piezoelectric ceramic undergoes mechanical deformation, pushing the glue out of the nozzle. This method enables highly precise glue ejection, controlling the glue droplet size and ejection frequency.

[0116] In the present invention, the size of the glue droplets is controlled by controlling the diameter of the glue dispensing needle.

[0117] Selection of needle diameter: The size of the needle diameter directly affects the volume of the glue droplet.

[0118] A smaller needle diameter can produce smaller droplets, which is suitable for filling smaller gaps; a larger needle diameter can produce larger droplets, which is suitable for filling larger gaps.

[0119] Control of droplet size: By selecting the appropriate needle diameter, the size of the glue droplet can be precisely controlled, thereby achieving precise control of the dispensing process.

[0120] Small gap filling: When the gap between UTG31 is small (such as 1mm to 2mm), using a smaller diameter needle can achieve precise filling and avoid glue overflow.

[0121] Large gap filling: When the gap between UTG31 is large (such as 4mm to 5mm), using a larger diameter needle can improve dispensing efficiency and reduce production time.

[0122] After step 2 of the present invention is completed, it is required that the upper end surface of the glue liquid after dispensing and filling is flush with the upper end surface of the UTG31.

[0123] After the dispensing and filling is completed, the upper end surface of the leveled glue is required to be flush with the upper end surface of UTG31.

[0124] Leveling treatment: After dispensing is completed, the glue needs to be allowed to level naturally so that its upper end surface is flush with the upper end surface of UTG31.

[0125] This step usually requires determining the appropriate leveling time based on the viscosity and surface tension of the glue.

[0126] Ensure that the top surface of the glue is flush with the top surface of the UTG31 by visual inspection or using an optical measuring device.

[0127] If the glue surface is found to be uneven, you can adjust the leveling time appropriately or re-dispense the glue.

[0128] The purpose of the above operations:

[0129] Ensure coating uniformity: The flush upper end surface of the glue can ensure that the subsequent coating operation can form a uniform coating, avoiding inconsistent coating thickness due to uneven glue surface.

[0130] Improve product quality: A flush upper glue surface helps improve the overall quality and appearance of the product and reduces defects caused by glue overflow or unevenness. Specific embodiment:

[0132] First, multiple pieces of UTG31 are attached to the adhesive base plate 1. The gap between the UTG31 is controlled to be 1 to 5 mm as required. Multiple UTG31s form a UTG material group 3. A coating frame 2 is built around the entire UTG material group 3. The distance between the UTG31 outside the UTG material group 3 and the coating frame 2 is between 0.5 and 2.5 mm as required.

[0133] Before slit coating, glue is dispensed in the gaps between UTG31 sheets and between UTG material group 3 and the frame so that the glue fills the gaps and the entire surface is flush after filling. Glue dispensing and filling can use piezoelectric filling and select a needle of appropriate caliber for filling to control the appropriate glue droplet size. Smaller droplets can achieve precise filling of smaller gaps, while larger droplets can improve dispensing efficiency and shorten production cycles.

[0134] After filling, it can be directly put into the slit for coating and curing, so that the overflow amount of the product after coating is consistent with the overall thickness of the product surface.

[0135] When implementing the above process, a certain leveling time needs to be added after dispensing according to the characteristics of the glue such as viscosity. Products with higher viscosity require longer leveling time. Due to the surface tension of the glue itself pulling the glue, if a sticky base plate 1 with high surface energy is selected, there is no need to worry about the glue overflowing onto the UTG31 surface and causing poor coating appearance.

[0136] The coating frame 2 around the product also ensures the feasibility of glue leveling.

[0137] Advantages of the above coating device and coating process:

[0138] The equipment and process steps are mature, highly feasible and have stable yields;

[0139] Improved the impact resistance of the product edge, thereby reducing defects in each stage of the production process;

[0140] Eliminates edge light and shadow caused by edge thickness difference of traditional single-slit coating products;

[0141] The impact resistance of the edges of the foldable cover products is improved, and the impact resistance of the edges of the folding screen is improved.

[0142] Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned methods. As long as various non-substantial improvements are made using the method concept and technical solution of the present invention, they are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coating device, characterized in that: It comprises a sticky bottom plate, a coating frame is provided on the sticky bottom plate, and a coating material opening is provided on the coating frame; the coating material opening is used for arranging the UTG material group to be coated.

2. A coating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of UTGs are arranged in the coating material port to form a UTG material group; the UTGs in the UTG material group are distributed at intervals; and the UTG material group and the inner wall of the coating material port are also distributed at intervals.

3. A coating process for UTG coating with constant thickness and overflow, characterized in that: The coating process comprises the following steps: Step 1: Laminating the UTG material group; placing the UTG to be coated on the coating device according to any one of claims 1-2; The UTG to be coated is distributed at intervals on the coating device; Step 2: Glue filling; then perform glue dispensing in the gaps between the UTGs and between the UTG material group and the coating device; Step 3: Coating and curing: After step 2 is completed, directly put it into the slit coating and cure.

4. A coating process for a UTG coating with a constant overflow thickness according to claim 3, characterized in that: After step 2 is completed, the glue on the coating device is required to be leveled.

5. A coating process for a UTG coating with a constant overflow thickness according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step 1, the gap size between adjacent UTGs is required to be 1 mm to 5 mm.

6. A coating process for a UTG coating with a constant overflow thickness according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step 1, the spacing between the UTG material group and the inner wall of the coating material port is required to be 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

7. A coating process for a UTG coating with a constant overflow thickness according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adhesive base has a high surface energy.

8. A coating process for a UTG coating with a constant overflow thickness according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the step 2, it is required to use a piezoelectric filling method to perform dispensing filling.

9. A coating process for a UTG coating with a constant overflow thickness according to claim 8, characterized in that: The size of the glue droplets can be controlled by controlling the diameter of the dispensing needle.

10. A coating process for a UTG coating with a constant overflow thickness according to claim 3, characterized in that: After step 2 is completed, the upper end surface of the glue liquid after dispensing and filling is required to be flush with the upper end surface of the UTG.

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