A flexible utg glass shower etching apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of flexible UTG glass processing equipment technology, and proposes a flexible UTG glass spray etching device, including a worktable with a baffle fixed to the outer edge of its top wall and a rectangular annular return channel formed in the top wall. The worktable's inner cavity contains a liquid storage tank and a water storage tank. A liquid collection mechanism, connected to the return channel, is used to selectively recover liquid to the liquid storage tank or water storage tank. A mounting platform, with vents and guide channels on its top wall, allows for negative pressure adsorption and fixation of the flexible UTG glass and assists in flow guidance; air blowing can also assist in material handling. A moving mechanism, with a mounting frame between two moving mechanisms, connects to a spray etching component via an electric actuator. The spray etching component is used for etching, cleaning, and drying operations. This technical solution solves the problems of existing equipment causing damage to the flexible UTG glass clamping, liquid mixing, surface liquid residue, and difficulty in material handling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible UTG glass processing equipment technology, specifically to a flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible UTG glass, as a crucial basic material in foldable displays, flexible display covers, and precision electronic devices, typically exhibits characteristics such as thinness, low rigidity, and high surface quality requirements. During the processing of flexible UTG glass, a spray etching process is often used to thin, modify, or homogenize its surface, followed by timely cleaning and drying after etching. Because flexible UTG glass is susceptible to liquid flow impact, airflow disturbance, and residual liquid film on the surface during spray etching, improper support structures or positioning methods can easily lead to glass displacement, warping, localized stress concentration, or surface scratches, thus affecting etching uniformity and finished product yield. Therefore, flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment not only needs a stable spray liquid supply capability but also needs to meet processing requirements such as reliable glass fixation, rapid liquid flow, and low-damage handling.

[0003] Existing spray etching equipment mostly uses a common support platform combined with a mechanical clamping structure to fix the glass, or simply uses a simple spray mechanism to complete the etching and cleaning operations. This type of structure still has shortcomings when processing flexible UTG glass: First, mechanical clamping can easily create stress concentration at the edges or in localized areas of the flexible UTG glass, causing edge cracking, surface indentation, or deformation; second, the etching solution and cleaning water are prone to mixing in the same return path, which is not conducive to the recycling of the etching solution and the classification and treatment of waste liquid; third, if the sprayed liquid cannot be discharged from the glass surface and the support platform in a timely manner, it can easily cause inconsistent etching times in certain areas, affecting the uniformity of surface treatment; fourth, after processing, the flexible UTG glass may adhere to the support platform due to the liquid film or negative pressure, and direct manual handling or prying can easily damage the glass.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a flexible UTG glass spray etching device that can realize negative pressure adsorption fixation, spray etching, cleaning and drying, liquid classification and recycling, and air blowing assisted material handling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the present invention provides a flexible UTG glass spray etching device, which solves the problems of easy damage to flexible UTG glass clamping, liquid mixing, surface liquid residue and difficulty in material handling caused by existing equipment.

[0006] According to one aspect, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible UTG glass spray etching apparatus, comprising: The workbench has a baffle fixed to the outer edge of its top wall, and a return groove is provided on the top wall of the workbench. The return groove extends circumferentially along the top wall of the workbench and encloses a rectangular ring structure. A liquid storage tank and a water storage tank are placed side by side on the bottom wall of the inner cavity of the workbench. A liquid collection mechanism is installed on the top wall of the inner cavity of the workbench. The top of the liquid collection mechanism is connected to the bottom wall of the return tank. The liquid collection mechanism is used to recover the liquid in the return tank to the liquid storage tank or water storage tank. The mounting platform is fixed in the middle of the top wall of the workbench and is used to support the flexible UTG glass to be processed. The moving mechanism is provided in two sets, and the two sets of moving mechanisms are symmetrically installed on the outer wall of the enclosure. A mounting frame is installed between the two sets of moving mechanisms, and an electric push rod is fixed on the mounting frame. A spray etching assembly is fixed to the bottom movable end of the electric actuator. The spray etching assembly is used to perform etching, cleaning, and drying operations on the flexible UTG glass to be processed.

[0007] For example, in a flexible UTG glass spray etching device provided by at least one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid collection mechanism includes a liquid collection box, the liquid collection box is fixed on the top wall of the inner cavity of the workbench, the top of the liquid collection box is connected to the bottom wall of the return tank, and the bottom end of the liquid collection box is fixedly connected to a No. 3-way pipe. A solenoid valve is installed on the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 1 three-way pipe, and the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 1 three-way pipe extend to the top of the liquid storage tank and the water storage tank, respectively.

[0008] For example, in a flexible UTG glass spray etching device provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid collection mechanism is provided in two sets, and the two sets of liquid collection mechanisms are respectively positioned opposite to the two ends of the return tank.

[0009] For example, in a flexible UTG glass spray etching device provided by at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting platform includes a hollow platform body, the platform body is fixed to the center of the top wall of the workbench, a plurality of air holes are uniformly opened in the middle of the top wall of the platform body, a plurality of parallel guide grooves are uniformly opened in the top wall of the platform body, a flow equalization plate is fixed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the platform body, and a gas guide pipe is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the platform body. The end of the air guide tube extends to the outside of the workbench and is fixedly connected to a No. 2 three-way pipe; Solenoid valves No. 2 are installed on the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 2 tee pipe. One outlet pipe of the No. 2 tee pipe is connected to an external air pump, and the other outlet pipe of the No. 2 tee pipe is connected to an external negative pressure device.

[0010] For example, in a flexible UTG glass spray etching apparatus provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the guide channel is inclined.

[0011] For example, in a flexible UTG glass spray etching device provided by at least one embodiment of the present invention, the moving mechanism includes a U-shaped mounting base, the mounting base is fixed on the side wall of the enclosure, a screw is rotatably mounted between the inner side walls of the mounting base, and guide rails are symmetrically fixed on the mounting base; The guide rail is arranged parallel to the screw, and a slider is slidably mounted on the guide rail; The slider is screwed to the screw rod, and the sidewall of the slider is fixed to the bottom of the sidewall of the mounting bracket; A drive motor for driving the screw rotation is fixed to the outer wall of the mounting base.

[0012] For example, in a flexible UTG glass spray etching device provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the drive motor is a stepper motor or a servo motor.

[0013] For example, in a flexible UTG glass spray etching device provided in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the spray etching assembly includes a mounting cover, the mounting cover is fixed on the bottom movable end of the electric push rod, and the top wall of the inner cavity of the mounting cover is fixed with a spray pipe and an air jet pipe; The spray pipe and the air jet pipe are arranged in parallel. Several nozzles are evenly installed on the bottom wall of the spray pipe. The top wall of the spray pipe is fixedly connected to a No. 3 tee pipe. A No. 3 solenoid valve is installed on the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 3 tee pipe. One outlet pipe of the No. 3 tee pipe is connected to an external etching liquid pumping device, and the other outlet pipe of the No. 3 tee pipe is connected to an external clean water pumping device. The bottom wall of the jet pipe is fixed with an inclined strip-shaped jet head, the jet pipe is equipped with a heating mechanism, and the top wall of the jet pipe is fixedly connected to an air inlet pipe. The air intake pipe is connected to an external air pump.

[0014] For example, in a flexible UTG glass spray etching device provided by at least one embodiment of the present invention, the heating mechanism includes a heater and a spiral heating tube, wherein the heater is fixed on the outer wall of the mounting cover; The spiral heating tube is installed inside the jet pipe and is connected to the output end of the heater.

[0015] For example, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, a flexible UTG glass spray etching apparatus is provided, which further includes a controller that is electrically connected to the electrical components in the etching apparatus.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows: 1. In this invention, by setting up a baffle and a rectangular annular reflux trough on the top wall of the workbench, and by setting up a liquid storage tank, a water storage tank, and a liquid collection mechanism inside the workbench cavity, the etching solution and cleaning water after spraying can enter the reflux trough along the surface of the workbench, and then be selectively guided into the liquid storage tank or water storage tank through the liquid collection box and the No. 1 three-way pipe, thus achieving the classified recovery of liquids from different processes. By setting up a spray pipe, an air jet pipe, a No. 3 three-way pipe, a No. 3 solenoid valve, and a heating mechanism in the spray etching component, the same component can switch between spraying etching solution or clean water according to the working conditions, and can output room temperature airflow to blow away the etching solution during the etching stage, and output hot air for blowing water and drying during the cleaning stage. This reduces the transfer of flexible UTG glass between multiple workstations, improves processing continuity, and reduces the risk of cross-mixing of etching solution and cleaning water.

[0017] 2. In this invention, by setting air holes, flow guide channels, flow equalization plates, air guide pipes, and No. 2 T-connectors on the hollow platform of the mounting stage, the mounting stage can be connected to an external negative pressure device during the processing stage. The flexible UTG glass is adsorbed and fixed through the air holes, thereby improving the glass's positional stability during spray etching and cleaning processes, and avoiding edge damage or localized pressure marks caused by traditional mechanical clamping. During the material unloading stage, an external air pump can be connected, blowing air upwards through the air holes to lift the flexible UTG glass from the top of the platform to a certain height, reducing the adhesion resistance between the glass and the mounting stage, facilitating non-destructive material unloading. Simultaneously, the flow guide channels can guide the etching solution or cleaning water on the platform surface into the return channel, reducing the impact of liquid retention on etching uniformity. This equipment can simultaneously meet the requirements of stable fixation of flexible UTG glass, low-damage material unloading, liquid guidance, and continuous processing, which is beneficial to improving the stability and finished product quality of flexible UTG glass spray etching processing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a top view of the external structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the external structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the liquid collection mechanism in this invention; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the mounting platform structure in this invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the semi-sectional structure of the mounting platform in this invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the moving mechanism structure in this invention; Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the spray etching component structure in this invention; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional half-section view of the spray etching component in this invention; In the diagram: 1. Workbench; 2. Enclosure; 3. Return channel; 4. Liquid storage tank; 5. Water storage tank; 6. Liquid collection mechanism; 61. Liquid collection box; 62. No. 1 three-way pipe; 63. No. 1 solenoid valve; 7. Mounting platform; 71. Platform body; 72. Air hole; 73. Flow guide channel; 74. Flow equalization plate; 75. Air guide pipe; 76. No. 2 three-way pipe; 77. No. 2 solenoid valve; 8. Moving mechanism; 81. Mounting base; 82. Screw; 83. Guide rail; 84. Slider; 85. Drive motor; 9. Mounting bracket; 10. Electric actuator; 11. Spray etching assembly; 111. Mounting cover; 112. Spray pipe; 113. No. 1 nozzle; 114. No. 3 tee pipe; 115. No. 3 solenoid valve; 116. Air jet pipe; 117. Air jet head; 118. Heater; 119. Spiral heating tube; 1110. Air inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it.

[0021] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to the invention; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0022] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a flexible UTG glass spray etching device, including a worktable 1, a enclosure 2, a return tank 3, a liquid storage tank 4, a water storage tank 5, a liquid collection mechanism 6, a mounting platform 7, a moving mechanism 8, a mounting frame 9, an electric push rod 10, and a spray etching assembly 11.

[0028] The workbench 1 serves as the supporting foundation for the entire equipment, and its interior forms an cavity to accommodate the liquid storage tank 4, water storage tank 5, and liquid collection mechanism 6. A baffle 2 is fixed to the outer edge of the top wall of the workbench 1. The baffle 2 is set along the outer perimeter of the top wall of the workbench 1 to block splashed liquid during spray etching, spray cleaning, and airflow purging, and to prevent etching liquid or cleaning water from overflowing from the edge of the workbench 1.

[0029] A return channel 3 is provided on the top wall of the workbench 1. The return channel 3 extends circumferentially along the top wall of the workbench 1 and forms a rectangular ring structure. The return channel 3 is located inside the enclosure 2 and arranged around the mounting platform 7, so that the etching solution or cleaning water sprayed from the spray etching assembly 11 can flow into the return channel 3 along the top wall of the workbench 1 after passing through the flexible UTG glass and the mounting platform 7. The rectangular ring-shaped return channel 3 can receive return liquid from multiple directions of the workbench 1, reducing the residence time of the liquid on the platform, which helps to keep the work area clean and reduces the risk of etching solution residue causing corrosion to other parts of the equipment.

[0030] A liquid storage tank 4 and a water storage tank 5 are placed side by side on the bottom wall of the inner cavity of the workbench 1. The liquid storage tank 4 is used to receive the etching solution recovered during the etching operation, and the water storage tank 5 is used to receive the cleaning water recovered during the cleaning operation. The side-by-side arrangement of the liquid storage tank 4 and the water storage tank 5 facilitates the liquid collection mechanism 6 to selectively guide the liquid in the return tank 3 into the corresponding tank according to different working conditions, thereby realizing the classified recovery of etching solution and cleaning water.

[0031] Mounting platform 7 is fixed in the middle of the top wall of workbench 1. Mounting platform 7 is used to support the flexible UTG glass to be processed. After the flexible UTG glass is placed on top of mounting platform 7, the spray etching assembly 11 moves above the flexible UTG glass with the cooperation of moving mechanism 8 and electric push rod 10, and completes etching, cleaning and drying operations according to the preset path.

[0032] Two sets of moving mechanisms 8 are symmetrically mounted on the outer wall of the enclosure 2. A mounting frame 9 is installed between the two sets of moving mechanisms 8, spanning across the worktable 1. An electric actuator 10 is fixed on the mounting frame 9, and the spray etching assembly 11 is fixed to the bottom movable end of the electric actuator 10. Thus, the two sets of moving mechanisms 8 can synchronously drive the mounting frame 9 to move along the length of the worktable 1, and the electric actuator 10 can drive the spray etching assembly 11 to rise and fall relative to the mounting table 7 to adjust the distance between the spray etching assembly 11 and the surface of the flexible UTG glass.

[0033] In this embodiment, the workbench 1, the enclosure 2, and the return trough 3 together form the basic protection and recycling area for the spraying operation; the mounting platform 7 is used to support and assist in positioning the flexible UTG glass; the moving mechanism 8, the mounting frame 9, and the electric push rod 10 are used to adjust the horizontal and vertical positions of the spraying etching assembly 11; the spraying etching assembly 11 is used to perform etching, cleaning, and drying. These structures work together to enable the flexible UTG glass to continuously complete multiple processing steps on the same equipment, reducing the number of manual transfers and lowering the possibility of breakage or contamination of the flexible UTG glass during transfer.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] See Figures 1 to 3 Based on Example 1, the liquid collection mechanism 6 is installed on the top wall of the inner cavity of the workbench 1. The top of the liquid collection mechanism 6 is connected to the bottom wall of the return tank 3. The liquid collection mechanism 6 is used to recover the liquid in the return tank 3 to the liquid storage tank 4 or the water storage tank 5.

[0036] Specifically, the liquid collection mechanism 6 includes a liquid collection box 61, which is fixed to the top wall of the inner cavity of the workbench 1. The top of the liquid collection box 61 is connected to the bottom wall of the return tank 3. Under the action of gravity, the liquid in the return tank 3 enters the liquid collection box 61 through the bottom opening of the return tank 3. A No. 1 three-way pipe 62 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the liquid collection box 61. The No. 1 three-way pipe 62 includes an inlet pipe connected to the liquid collection box 61 and two outlet pipes. A No. 1 solenoid valve 63 is installed on each of the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 1 three-way pipe 62. The outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 1 three-way pipe 62 extend to the top of the liquid storage tank 4 and the water storage tank 5, respectively.

[0037] During etching, the first solenoid valve 63 corresponding to the storage tank 4 opens, and the first solenoid valve 63 corresponding to the water storage tank 5 closes. The etching solution collected in the return tank 3 enters the storage tank 4 through the collection box 61 and the first three-way pipe 62. Thus, the etching solution can be centrally recovered, facilitating subsequent filtration, recycling, or centralized treatment.

[0038] During the cleaning process, the first solenoid valve 63 corresponding to the water storage tank 5 opens, and the first solenoid valve 63 corresponding to the liquid storage tank 4 closes. The cleaning water collected in the return tank 3 enters the water storage tank 5 through the collection box 61 and the first three-way pipe 62. This avoids the mixing of cleaning water and etching solution, which helps reduce the difficulty of waste liquid treatment and reduces cross-contamination between different liquids.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, two sets of liquid collection mechanisms 6 are provided, each corresponding to one end of the return tank 3. Since the return tank 3 has a rectangular annular structure, during the movement of the spray etching assembly 11, liquid may flow into the return tank 3 from both sides or ends of the mounting platform 7. With two sets of liquid collection mechanisms 6, the liquid in the return tank 3 can enter the corresponding collection boxes 61 from both ends, thereby shortening the flow path of the liquid in the return tank 3, increasing the liquid recovery speed, and reducing the residence time of the etching solution on the surface of the worktable 1.

[0040] In this embodiment, the liquid collection mechanism 6, through the cooperation of the liquid collection box 61, the No. 1 three-way pipe 62, and the No. 1 solenoid valve 63, achieves both liquid collection and classified diversion functions. On the one hand, the liquid collection box 61 centrally collects the liquid in the return tank 3; on the other hand, the No. 1 three-way pipe 62, in conjunction with the two No. 1 solenoid valves 63, can guide the liquid into different tanks according to the etching or cleaning conditions, thereby realizing the separate flow and recycling of etching solution and cleaning water.

[0041] Example 3

[0042] See Figure 4 and Figure 5Based on Embodiment 1, the mounting platform 7 includes a hollow platform body 71. The platform body 71 is fixed to the center of the top wall of the workbench 1. A plurality of air holes 72 are evenly distributed in the center of the top wall of the platform body 71, and a plurality of parallel guide grooves 73 are evenly distributed in the top wall of the platform body 71. A flow equalization plate 74 is fixed to the bottom of the inner cavity of the platform body 71, and a guide pipe 75 is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the platform body 71. The end of the guide pipe 75 extends to the outside of the workbench 1 and is fixedly connected to a No. 2 three-way pipe 76. No. 2 solenoid valves 77 are installed on the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 2 three-way pipe 76. One outlet pipe of the No. 2 three-way pipe 76 is connected to an external air pump, and the other outlet pipe of the No. 2 three-way pipe 76 is connected to an external negative pressure device.

[0043] The platform 71 has a hollow structure, and its inner cavity forms a gas flow cavity. The flow equalization plate 74 is set at the bottom of the inner cavity of the platform 71 to evenly disperse the airflow entering the inner cavity of the platform 71 through the air guide pipe 75, so that the gas exchange state at each air hole 72 is more balanced, and the local adsorption force or blowing force is too concentrated, which would affect the stress stability of the flexible UTG glass.

[0044] When the No. 2 three-way pipe 76 is connected to the external negative pressure equipment, the No. 2 solenoid valve 77 on the side connected to the negative pressure equipment opens, and the No. 2 solenoid valve 77 on the side connected to the external air pump closes. The external negative pressure equipment draws suction into the inner cavity of the platform 71 through the air guide pipe 75, creating a negative pressure adsorption effect at several air holes 72 on the top wall of the platform 71. The flexible UTG glass placed on the top of the platform 71 is adsorbed and fixed under this negative pressure, thereby limiting the flexible UTG glass from warping, slipping, or shifting during spray etching, spray cleaning, and air blowing, and improving the positional stability during processing.

[0045] When the No. 2 three-way pipe 76 is connected to the external air pump, the No. 2 solenoid valve 77 on the side connected to the external air pump opens, and the No. 2 solenoid valve 77 on the side connected to the negative pressure equipment closes. The external air pump supplies air to the inner cavity of the platform 71. After the airflow is evenly distributed by the flow equalization plate 74, it is blown upward through several air holes 72, thereby blowing the processed flexible UTG glass from the top of the platform 71 to a certain height. This reduces the adhesion and contact resistance between the flexible UTG glass and the platform 71, making it easier for operators or robots to remove the flexible UTG glass from the top of the mounting platform 7. Because the flexible UTG glass is thin and its edges are relatively fragile, blowing air upward through the air holes 72 to assist in lifting can reduce edge cracking, surface scratches, or local stress damage caused by direct prying or forced peeling.

[0046] A plurality of guide channels 73 are evenly distributed on the top wall of the platform 71 to guide the flow of the sprayed etching solution or cleaning solution. The guide channels 73 are arranged in a parallel direction to disperse and discharge the liquid on the surface of the top wall of the platform 71, and finally flow to the return channel 3 on the top wall of the worktable 1. Preferably, the bottom wall of the guide channel 73 is inclined so that the liquid can be discharged more smoothly along the guide channel 73 under the action of gravity, reducing the retention of liquid on the top wall of the platform 71.

[0047] In this embodiment, the mounting platform 7 not only supports the flexible UTG glass, but also achieves negative pressure adsorption and fixation, and air blowing for material removal through the air hole 72, flow equalization plate 74, air guide pipe 75, No. 2 three-way pipe 76, and No. 2 solenoid valve 77; at the same time, the guide channel 73 can guide and discharge the sprayed liquid. Therefore, the mounting platform 7 has multiple functions such as supporting, adsorption and fixation, air blowing to assist in material removal, and liquid guiding, and is especially suitable for the stable processing and safe material removal of flexible UTG glass.

[0048] Example 4

[0049] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 Based on Embodiment 1, the moving mechanism 8 includes a U-shaped mounting base 81, which is fixed to the side wall of the enclosure 2. A screw 82 is rotatably mounted between the inner side walls of the mounting base 81, and guide rails 83 are symmetrically fixed on the mounting base 81. The guide rails 83 are arranged parallel to the screw 82, and a slider 84 is slidably mounted on the guide rails 83. The slider 84 is screwed to the screw 82, and the side wall of the slider 84 is fixed to the bottom of the side wall of the mounting frame 9. A drive motor 85 for driving the screw 82 to rotate is fixed to the outer wall of the mounting base 81.

[0050] Two sets of moving mechanisms 8 are respectively installed on the opposite outer walls of the enclosure 2 and connected to the bottom sides of the mounting frame 9. During operation, the two sets of drive motors 85 operate synchronously, driving the corresponding screws 82 to rotate. Since the slider 84 is screwed to the screw 82, when the screw 82 rotates, the slider 84 slides along the guide rail 83, thereby causing the mounting frame 9 to translate along the preset direction of the worktable 1. The guide rail 83 guides the slider 84, limiting its deflection or wobbling, and improving the stability of the mounting frame 9 during movement.

[0051] The drive motor 85 is preferably a stepper motor or a servo motor. When a stepper motor is used, the moving distance of the spray etching component 11 can be controlled according to a set number of pulses; when a servo motor is used, higher precision position control can be achieved by combining position feedback. For the etching process of flexible UTG glass, the moving speed and dwell time of the spray etching component 11 affect the etching uniformity. Therefore, using a stepper motor or a servo motor is beneficial for achieving precise control of the spray path and spray time.

[0052] The electric actuator 10 is fixed on the mounting bracket 9, and its bottom movable end is connected to the spray etching assembly 11. The electric actuator 10 can drive the spray etching assembly 11 to move up and down to adjust the distance between the nozzle 113, the air nozzle 117 and the flexible UTG glass surface.

[0053] In this embodiment, two sets of moving mechanisms 8 are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the enclosure 2 and connected to the spray etching assembly 11 through the mounting frame 9, so that the spray etching assembly 11 can maintain a stable translational state above the flexible UTG glass. Since both sides of the mounting frame 9 are driven simultaneously, the spray etching assembly 11 is less likely to deviate or tilt on one side when it moves, which is beneficial to maintaining the uniformity of the spray area and the airflow purging area.

[0054] Example 5

[0055] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 Based on Embodiment 1, the spray etching assembly 11 includes a mounting cover 111, which is fixed to the bottom movable end of the electric actuator 10. A spray pipe 112 and an air jet pipe 116 are fixed to the top wall of the inner cavity of the mounting cover 111, and the spray pipe 112 and air jet pipe 116 are arranged in parallel. A plurality of nozzles 113 are evenly installed on the bottom wall of the spray pipe 112, and the nozzles 113 are spaced apart along the length of the spray pipe 112 for spraying etching solution or cleaning water downwards. A No. 3 tee pipe 114 is fixedly connected to the top wall of the spray pipe 112. No. 3 solenoid valves 115 are installed on the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 3 tee pipe 114. One outlet pipe of the No. 3 tee pipe 114 is connected to an external etching solution pumping device, and the other outlet pipe of the No. 3 tee pipe 114 is connected to an external clean water pumping device.

[0056] During etching, the solenoid valve 115 on the outlet pipe of the external etching solution pumping equipment connected to the three-way pipe 114 is opened, and the solenoid valve 115 on the outlet pipe of the external clean water pumping equipment is closed. The external etching solution pumping equipment delivers the etching solution to the three-way pipe 114, then into the spray pipe 112, and is sprayed downwards by multiple nozzles 113 to perform spray etching on the flexible UTG glass placed on the mounting platform 7.

[0057] During the cleaning process, the solenoid valve 115 on the outlet pipe of the external clean water pumping equipment connected to the three-way pipe 114 is opened, and the solenoid valve 115 on the outlet pipe of the external etching solution pumping equipment is closed. The external clean water pumping equipment delivers clean water to the spray pipe 112, which is then sprayed out by the nozzle 113 to clean the etched flexible UTG glass.

[0058] An inclined, elongated jet nozzle 117 is fixed to the bottom wall of the jet pipe 116. The jet nozzle 117 extends along the length of the jet pipe 116 and is positioned at an inclined angle toward the surface of the flexible UTG glass. An air inlet pipe 1110 is fixedly connected to the top wall of the jet pipe 116, and the air inlet pipe 1110 is connected to an external air pumping device. After the external air pumping device supplies air to the jet pipe 116, the airflow is ejected through the elongated jet nozzle 117 to sweep the surface of the flexible UTG glass.

[0059] During the etching process, the heating mechanism inside the jet pipe 116 is not activated, and the jet head 117 ejects a room-temperature airflow. This room-temperature airflow can form a directional sweep along the surface of the flexible UTG glass, allowing the etchant to leave the flexible UTG glass surface in a timely manner after it has been applied, avoiding the etchant from remaining in local areas for a long time and causing uneven etching depth. Since the jet head 117 is long and obliquely positioned, the airflow can form an approximately linear sweeping area. As the moving mechanism 8 moves the spray etching assembly 11, it can continuously blow etchant onto the surface of the flexible UTG glass.

[0060] During the cleaning and drying process, the heating mechanism inside the jet pipe 116 operates, and the jet head 117 ejects hot air. The hot air can both blow away the cleaning water on the surface of the flexible UTG glass and heat and dry the surface of the flexible UTG glass, thereby shortening the drying time after cleaning and improving processing efficiency.

[0061] In this embodiment, the spray etching component 11 integrates the spray pipe 112 and the air jet pipe 116 through the same mounting cover 111, and switches the supply of etching liquid and clean water through the No. 3 three-way pipe 114, so that the component can perform etching, cleaning, liquid blowing and drying operations under different working conditions, reducing the number of equipment stations and simplifying the overall structure.

[0062] Example 6

[0063] See Figure 8 Based on Embodiment 5, a heating mechanism is installed inside the jet pipe 116. The heating mechanism includes a heater 118 and a spiral heating tube 119. The heater 118 is fixed to the outer wall of the mounting cover 111, and the spiral heating tube 119 is installed inside the jet pipe 116, connected to the output end of the heater 118.

[0064] The spiral heating tube 119 is arranged inside the jet pipe 116. After the gas supplied by the external pumping equipment enters the jet pipe 116, the gas flows inside the jet pipe 116 and passes around the spiral heating tube 119. When the heater 118 is working, the spiral heating tube 119 heats up and transfers heat to the gas flowing through the jet pipe 116, so that the airflow ejected from the jet head 117 becomes hot air.

[0065] Setting the heating mechanism as a spiral heating tube 119 has the following advantages: First, the spiral structure can increase the contact area between the heating tube and the airflow, thereby improving the gas heating efficiency; Second, the spiral heating tube 119 extends along the inside of the jet pipe 116, which is conducive to obtaining a more uniform heating effect of the gas along the length of the jet pipe 116, making the temperature of the hot air ejected from each position of the long strip jet head 117 tend to be consistent; Third, the spiral heating tube 119 is set inside the jet pipe 116, eliminating the need for an additional independent hot air pipeline, which helps to reduce the structural volume of the spray etching assembly 11.

[0066] During the etching operation, heater 118 is turned off, spiral heating tube 119 does not heat up, and gas supplied by external air pumping equipment is blown out at room temperature through jet pipe 116 and jet head 117 to blow away the etching solution from the surface of the flexible UTG glass. During the cleaning operation and the drying stage after cleaning, heater 118 is turned on, spiral heating tube 119 heats the gas flowing through jet pipe 116, causing jet head 117 to spray hot air for hot air drying of the flexible UTG glass.

[0067] In this embodiment, the heating mechanism is combined with the jet pipe 116, so that the jet pipe 116 is used as a room temperature liquid blowing structure in the etching stage and as a hot air drying structure in the cleaning and drying stages. The same jet structure can realize two main functions: blowing away the etching liquid and hot air drying, which can improve the structural utilization rate and reduce the number of equipment components.

[0068] Example 7

[0069] See Figures 1 to 8 This embodiment is used to illustrate the complete working process of the entire flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment.

[0070] First, the spray etching assembly 11 is moved to a clearance position, and the mounting cover 111 is raised using the electric actuator 10. Then, the flexible UTG glass to be processed is placed on the top wall of the platform 71 of the mounting stage 7. After the flexible UTG glass is in place, the second solenoid valve 77 connected to the external negative pressure equipment is opened, and the second solenoid valve 77 connected to the external air pump is closed, so that the platform 71 forms a negative pressure adsorption effect on the flexible UTG glass through the air hole 72, thereby stably fixing the flexible UTG glass on the mounting stage 7.

[0071] Next, the etching operation is performed. The moving mechanism 8 moves the spray etching assembly 11 to its initial position, and the electric push rod 10 lowers the spray etching assembly 11 to a suitable spraying height. The control valve 115 on the side of the three-way pipe 114 connected to the external etching liquid pumping equipment is opened, and the control valve 115 on the side of the three-way pipe connected to the external clean water pumping equipment is closed, so that the etching liquid is sprayed onto the surface of the flexible UTG glass through the spray pipe 112 and the nozzle 113. At the same time, the control valve 63 on the outlet pipe of the three-way pipe 62 corresponding to the position of the liquid storage tank 4 is opened, and the control valve 63 on the outlet pipe corresponding to the position of the water storage tank 5 is closed, so that the etching liquid collected in the return tank 3 enters the liquid storage tank 4 through the collection box 61 and the three-way pipe 62. During this etching stage, the heating mechanism is not working, and the jet pipe 116 sprays room temperature airflow through the jet head 117 to blow away the etching liquid on the surface of the flexible UTG glass and guide it to flow into the return tank 3.

[0072] Next, the cleaning operation is performed. After the etching operation is completed, the moving mechanism 8 drives the spray etching assembly 11 back to its initial position. The solenoid valve 115 on the side of the three-way pipe 114 connected to the external clean water pump is opened, and the solenoid valve 115 on the side connected to the external etching solution pump is closed, so that clean water is sprayed onto the surface of the flexible UTG glass through the nozzle 113. At the same time, the solenoid valve 63 on the outlet pipe of the three-way pipe 62 corresponding to the position of the water tank 5 is opened, and the solenoid valve 63 on the outlet pipe corresponding to the position of the liquid tank 4 is closed, so that the cleaning water enters the water tank 5 through the return tank 3, the collection box 61, and the three-way pipe 62. During the cleaning stage, the heating mechanism is activated, and the jet nozzle 117 sprays hot air to blow away the cleaning water on the surface of the flexible UTG glass and dry it.

[0073] Finally, after cleaning and drying, the external water pumping equipment, external air pumping equipment, and heater 118 are turned off. The electric actuator 10 drives the spray etching assembly 11 to rise, and the moving mechanism 8 moves the spray etching assembly 11 to a clearance position. Then, the second solenoid valve 77 on the negative pressure equipment side is closed, and the second solenoid valve 77 on the side connected to the external air pump is opened, causing the air hole 72 to blow air upwards, blowing the flexible UTG glass from the top of the platform 71 to a certain height, thereby reducing the adhesion resistance between the flexible UTG glass and the platform 71, making it easier to remove the processed flexible UTG glass.

[0074] In this embodiment, the etching and cleaning operations are switched accordingly in terms of liquid supply direction, recovery direction, and airflow temperature: during etching, etching solution is supplied and recovered to the liquid storage tank 4, and the jet nozzle 117 outputs room temperature airflow; during cleaning, clean water is supplied and recovered to the water storage tank 5, and the jet nozzle 117 outputs hot air; after all processing is completed, air is blown upwards through the air hole 72 of the mounting platform 7 to help lift and remove the flexible UTG glass. Through the above switching method, both etching and cleaning of the flexible UTG glass can be completed, and the finished glass can be easily removed without damage.

[0075] Example 8

[0076] See Figures 1 to 8 This embodiment is used to illustrate the collaborative control method between the controller and various electrical components.

[0077] This equipment also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the electrical components in the etching equipment. The electrical components include, but are not limited to, solenoid valve 63, solenoid valve 77, solenoid valve 115, drive motor 85, electric actuator 10, heater 118, and start / stop control terminals for external air pump, external negative pressure equipment, external etching solution pumping equipment, external clean water pumping equipment, and external air pumping equipment.

[0078] The controller is used to control the operation of various electrical components according to a preset process program. During the positioning stage, the controller controls solenoid valve 77 to switch to negative pressure adsorption mode, allowing the platform 71 to adsorb and fix the flexible UTG glass through the air vent 72. During the etching stage, the controller controls solenoid valve 115 corresponding to the etching solution passage to open, while simultaneously controlling solenoid valve 63 corresponding to the liquid storage tank 4 passage to open, and controlling heater 118 to close. During the cleaning stage, the controller controls solenoid valve 115 corresponding to the clean water passage to open, while simultaneously controlling solenoid valve 63 corresponding to the water storage tank 5 passage to open, and controlling heater 118 to turn on. During the material removal stage, the controller controls solenoid valve 77 to switch to air blowing mode, allowing air to blow upwards through the air vent 72 onto the platform 71, raising the processed flexible UTG glass to a certain height for removal.

[0079] The controller also controls the synchronous operation of the drive motors 85 in the two sets of moving mechanisms 8. To ensure that the spray etching assembly 11 moves synchronously on both sides, the two sets of drive motors 85 can be set as stepper motors or servo motors of the same model, and the controller outputs a synchronous control signal. When the spray etching assembly 11 moves to the initial position, the end position, or the specified process position, the controller can control the drive motors 85 to stop or reverse. The electric actuator 10 adjusts the height of the spray etching assembly 11 according to different processes to ensure that the nozzles 113 and 117 maintain a suitable distance from the flexible UTG glass.

[0080] In one specific process, the controller first executes a negative pressure adsorption and fixation procedure, followed by an etching and sweeping procedure. After etching and sweeping are completed, the controller controls the moving mechanism 8 to return the spray etching component 11 to its initial position, and then executes a cleaning and sweeping procedure. After cleaning and sweeping are completed, the controller can continue to execute a hot air drying procedure, and finally release the negative pressure adsorption and execute an air blowing assisted removal procedure. Through unified control by the controller, manual valve switching and manual movement adjustments can be reduced, improving the stability of equipment operation and process repeatability.

[0081] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible UTG glass spray etching device, characterized in that, include: Workbench (1), with a baffle (2) fixed on the outer edge of the top wall of the workbench (1), and a return groove (3) opened on the top wall of the workbench (1). The return groove (3) extends along the circumference of the top wall of the workbench (1) and encloses to form a rectangular ring structure. A liquid storage tank (4) and a water storage tank (5) are placed side by side on the bottom wall of the inner cavity of the workbench (1). Liquid collection mechanism (6) is installed on the top wall of the inner cavity of the workbench (1). The top of the liquid collection mechanism (6) is connected to the bottom wall of the return tank (3). The liquid collection mechanism (6) is used to collect the liquid in the return tank (3) into the liquid storage tank (4) or the water storage tank (5). Mounting platform (7), which is fixed in the middle of the top wall of the workbench (1), is used to support the flexible UTG glass to be processed; The moving mechanism (8) is provided in two sets. The two sets of moving mechanisms (8) are symmetrically installed on the outer wall of the enclosure (2). A mounting frame (9) is installed between the two sets of moving mechanisms (8). An electric push rod (10) is fixed on the mounting frame (9). Spray etching assembly (11) is fixed on the bottom movable end of the electric push rod (10). The spray etching assembly (11) is used to etch, clean and dry the flexible UTG glass to be processed.

2. The flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid collection mechanism (6) includes a liquid collection box (61), which is fixed on the top wall of the inner cavity of the workbench (1). The top of the liquid collection box (61) is connected to the bottom wall of the return channel (3), and the bottom end of the liquid collection box (61) is fixedly connected to a No. 1 three-way pipe (62). A solenoid valve (63) is installed on the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 1 three-way pipe (62). The outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 1 three-way pipe (62) extend to the top of the liquid storage tank (4) and the water storage tank (5), respectively.

3. The flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid collection mechanism (6) is provided in two sets, and the two sets of liquid collection mechanisms (6) correspond to the two ends of the return tank (3).

4. The flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting platform (7) includes a hollow platform body (71), which is fixed to the center of the top wall of the workbench (1). A number of air holes (72) are evenly opened in the middle of the top wall of the platform body (71), and a number of parallel guide grooves (73) are evenly opened in the top wall of the platform body (71). A flow equalization plate (74) is fixed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the platform body (71), and an air guide pipe (75) is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the platform body (71). The end of the air guide tube (75) extends to the outside of the workbench (1) and is fixedly connected to a No. 2 three-way tube (76). A No. 2 solenoid valve (77) is installed on the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 2 three-way pipe (76). One outlet pipe of the No. 2 three-way pipe (76) is connected to an external air pump, and the other outlet pipe of the No. 2 three-way pipe (76) is connected to an external negative pressure device.

5. The flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the guide channel (73) is inclined.

6. The flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving mechanism (8) includes a U-shaped mounting base (81), which is fixed on the side wall of the enclosure (2). A screw (82) is rotatably mounted between the inner side walls of the mounting base (81), and guide rails (83) are symmetrically fixed on the mounting base (81). The guide rail (83) is arranged parallel to the screw (82), and a slider (84) is slidably mounted on the guide rail (83). The slider (84) is screwed to the screw (82), and the side wall of the slider (84) is fixed to the bottom of the side wall of the mounting bracket (9); The outer wall of the mounting base (81) is fixed with a drive motor (85) for driving the screw (82) to rotate.

7. The flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive motor (85) is a stepper motor or a servo motor.

8. The flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray etching assembly (11) includes a mounting cover (111), which is fixed to the bottom movable end of the electric push rod (10). The spray pipe (112) and the jet pipe (116) are fixed to the top wall of the inner cavity of the mounting cover (111). The spray pipe (112) and the jet pipe (116) are arranged in parallel. Several nozzles (113) are evenly installed on the bottom wall of the spray pipe (112). The top wall of the spray pipe (112) is fixedly connected to a No. 3 tee pipe (114). Solenoid valves (115) are installed on the outlet pipes on both sides of the No. 3 tee pipe (114). One outlet pipe of the No. 3 tee pipe (114) is connected to an external etching liquid pumping device, and the other outlet pipe of the No. 3 tee pipe (114) is connected to an external clean water pumping device. The bottom wall of the jet pipe (116) is fixed with an inclined strip-shaped jet head (117), the jet pipe (116) is equipped with a heating mechanism, and the top wall of the jet pipe (116) is fixedly connected to an air inlet pipe (1110). The air inlet pipe (1110) is connected to an external air pumping device.

9. A flexible UTG glass spray etching device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heating mechanism includes a heater (118) and a spiral heating tube (119), wherein the heater (118) is fixed on the outer wall of the mounting cover (111); The spiral heating tube (119) is installed inside the jet pipe (116) and is connected to the output end of the heater (118).

10. The flexible UTG glass spray etching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a controller that is electrically connected to electrical components in the etching equipment.

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