A flexible panel tensioning device

Abstract

This application belongs to the technical field of FPD defect detection equipment, specifically relating to a flexible panel tensioning device, including a vacuum adsorption component, an elastic component, and a load-bearing movable component. The vacuum adsorption component is used to adsorb the flexible panel. The elastic component includes a base and an elastic telescopic component, which is positioned between the base and the vacuum adsorption component along the tensioning direction. The load-bearing movable component can drive the base to rotate along an X-axis parallel to the edge of the panel to be tensioned, causing the vacuum adsorption component to produce displacement and angular changes to tension the panel. This application replaces the traditional pressure plate contact method with a vacuum adsorption combined with a rotary tensioning structure, avoiding panel damage and eliminating warping, central depression, and adsorption failure problems. It effectively improves the flatness and stability of ultra-thin flexible panels during detection and transmission. The structure is simple, the tensioning accuracy is high, and it is suitable for the clamping and flattening requirements of new display panels such as flexible OLED, foldable screens, and Micro-LED.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of FPD defect detection equipment, specifically relating to a flexible panel tensioning device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of flat panel display technology, display panels have gradually upgraded from traditional rigid LCD panels to flexible OLED, foldable screens, Micro-LED, and other technologies that are thinner, more flexible, and more precise. These new types of panels are soft, extremely thin, and have precise pixels, which places extremely high demands on surface flatness, damage-free contact, and no warping or deformation during the clamping, transmission, and testing processes.

[0003] Traditional display panel clamping devices mostly employ rigid mechanical clamping or simple vacuum adsorption structures. Some solutions add an upper pressure plate to assist in flattening and address panel edge warping. However, in practical use, existing technologies have significant drawbacks: Firstly, the pressure plate directly contacts the panel's upper surface, easily causing scratches, indentations, or microscopic damage, affecting product yield. Secondly, traditional clamping only achieves fixation; ultra-thin panels, when in air-float gaps or suspended states, are prone to central sagging, denting, or unevenness, leading to distorted defect detection and reduced alignment accuracy. Furthermore, flexible panels exhibit severe edge warping, making conventional vacuum adsorption prone to poor adhesion and adsorption failure, failing to meet the requirements for high-precision detection and stable transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a flexible panel tensioning device, which drives the vacuum adsorption component to produce displacement and angle changes through the elastic component and the load moving component, so as to achieve non-destructive adsorption, fixation and tensioning of the flexible panel, avoid panel warping, denting and adsorption failure, and improve detection and transmission accuracy.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this application to solve its technical problem is: A flexible panel tensioning device, comprising: A vacuum adsorption assembly is used to adsorb the flexible panel; The elastic component includes a base and an elastic telescopic component. The vacuum adsorption component is mounted above the base, and the elastic telescopic component is connected between the base and the vacuum adsorption component and is arranged along the tension direction of the flexible panel. The load-bearing active component is used to drive the base to rotate around the X-axis, so that the vacuum adsorption component is displaced and its angle changes, thereby tensioning the flexible panel.

[0006] In conjunction with the above implementation methods, in some implementation methods of this application, the top of the vacuum adsorption component is provided with a vacuum adsorption surface, and the vacuum adsorption component is provided with an inclined surface on the side of the vacuum adsorption surface, the inclined surface being inclined downward from the inside out.

[0007] In conjunction with the above implementation methods, in some implementation methods of this application, a first connecting block and a second connecting block are provided between the base and the vacuum adsorption component. The first connecting block and the second connecting block are spaced apart along the extension direction of the elastic telescopic component. One end of the elastic telescopic component is connected to the base through the first connecting block, and the other end is connected to the vacuum adsorption component through the second connecting block.

[0008] In some implementations of this application, in conjunction with the above implementations, the top of the base is provided with a first guide rail along the extension direction of the elastic telescopic component, the bottom of the vacuum adsorption assembly is provided with a second guide rail along the extension direction of the elastic telescopic component, the first connecting block is slidably connected to the second guide rail, and the second connecting block is slidably connected to the first guide rail.

[0009] In some implementations of this application, in conjunction with the above implementations, the load moving component includes a rotation drive component and a moving part. The moving part is movably disposed along the Y-axis direction. The moving part is hinged to the base via a first hinge axis extending along the X-axis direction. The rotation drive component is used to drive the base to rotate around the X-axis. The base moves in the Y-axis direction via the moving part.

[0010] In some implementations of this application, in conjunction with the above-described implementations, the rotary drive assembly includes a load rod, a rotating rod, and a rotary drive component. One end of the load rod is hinged to the movable component via a second hinge axis extending along the X-axis, and the other end of the load rod is hinged to the base via a third hinge axis extending along the X-axis. One end of the rotating rod is hinged to the load rod via a fourth hinge axis extending along the X-axis. The rotary drive component is used to drive the other end of the rotating rod to rotate around the X-axis, thereby causing the base to rotate.

[0011] In combination with the above implementation methods, in some implementation methods of this application, the angle θ1 between the vacuum adsorption surface and the horizontal plane satisfies the formula: sinθ1=L1 / L2; Wherein, L1 is the effective length of the rotating rod, and L2 is the effective length of the load rod.

[0012] In combination with the above implementation methods, in some implementation methods of this application, the tension stroke S of the vacuum adsorption component satisfies the formula: S=cosθ2×L1; Wherein, the tensioning stroke S is the horizontal displacement generated along the tensioning direction of the flexible panel when the vacuum adsorption component moves from the initial position to the tensioning position, and θ2 is the angle between the rotating rod and the horizontal line when the rotating rod is in the tensioning position, θ2∈[0°,90°).

[0013] In some implementations of this application, in conjunction with the above-described implementations, the flexible panel tensioning device includes at least two devices for being disposed on opposite sides of the flexible panel.

[0014] In some implementations of this application, in conjunction with the above-described implementations, the elastic telescopic component includes at least one of a spring, elastic rubber, or a sheet spring.

[0015] One of the above technical solutions has at least one of the following advantages or beneficial effects: This application achieves the adsorption and fixation of flexible panels through a vacuum adsorption component, realizes the non-destructive fixation of flexible panels by a flexible panel tensioning device, and at the same time, in conjunction with the elastic component and the load moving component, drives the vacuum adsorption component to generate displacement and angle changes, thereby achieving active tensioning of the panel, effectively solving the problems of panel warping, denting and adsorption failure, and improving the flatness and stability of flexible panels during detection and transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrates this application: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the placement of a flexible panel according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a front view of a flexible panel in one embodiment of this application when it is tensioned using a tensioning device; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the elastic component and the vacuum adsorption component according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible panel tensioning device in its initial position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible panel tensioning device in the tensioned position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the vacuum adsorption component moving from the initial position to the tensioned position during the tensioning process of a flexible panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 1-Vacuum adsorption component; 11-Vacuum adsorption surface; 12-Inclined surface; 21-Base; 22-Elastic telescopic component; 23-First connecting block; 24-Second connecting block; 31-Moving part; 321-Load rod; 322-Rotating rod; 323-Second hinge shaft; 324-Fourth hinge shaft; 4- Flexible panel; 5-Air flotation plate. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This section will describe in detail the specific embodiments of this application. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of this application, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] In this application, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for the purpose of describing the technical solution of this application, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on this application.

[0020] In this application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc. are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," "within," etc. are understood to include the stated number. In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or the order of the indicated technical features.

[0021] In this application, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral molding; they can refer to mechanical connection, electrical connection, or connection capable of mutual communication; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] See Figures 1 to 6 This application provides a flexible panel tensioning device, mainly used for clamping and flattening ultra-thin, easily deformable panels such as flexible OLEDs, foldable screens, and Micro-LEDs during defect detection and transmission. Figure 1 As shown, before tensioning, the flexible panel 4 is usually placed on top of multiple air-float plates 5. The flexible panel 4 will form a depression between adjacent air-float plates 5, and the side edges will also warp.

[0023] In this embodiment, the flexible panel tensioning device includes a vacuum adsorption component 1, an elastic component, and a load-bearing movable component. The vacuum adsorption component 1 is used to adsorb and fix the flexible panel 4; the elastic component includes a base 21 and an elastic telescopic component 22. The vacuum adsorption component 1 is installed above the base 21, and the elastic telescopic component 22 is connected between the base 21 and the vacuum adsorption component 1 and is arranged along the tensioning direction of the flexible panel 4.

[0024] It is understood that the tensioning direction of the flexible panel 4 in this specification is described based on the current state of each structure when the flexible panel is in a tensioned state. For example, the extension direction of the elastic telescopic component 22 is set along the tensioning direction of the flexible panel 4 when the flexible panel is in a tensioned state.

[0025] The load-bearing active component drives the base 21 to rotate around the X-axis, causing the vacuum adsorption component 1 to shift and change angle, thereby tensioning the flexible panel 4. The X-axis is parallel to the edge of the flexible panel 4 to be tensioned, ensuring that the rotation direction matches the panel edge and guaranteeing a uniform and stable tensioning action.

[0026] See Figure 2 and Figure 4 When the flexible panel is in the tensioning state, i.e., when the vacuum adsorption component 1 is in its initial position, the vacuum adsorption component 1 is tilted under the action of the load-bearing moving component to conform to the warped edge of the flexible panel 4, ensuring effective adsorption. During the tensioning process, see... Figures 4 to 6 The load-bearing active component drives the base 21 to rotate around the X-axis, causing changes in its angle and horizontal displacement until the vacuum adsorption surface 11 of the vacuum adsorption component 1 is parallel to the horizontal plane, that is, parallel to the flexible panel 4, thus achieving the flattening and tensioning of the flexible panel 4.

[0027] This application utilizes a vacuum adsorption component 1 to adsorb and fix the flexible panel 4, achieving damage-free clamping. Simultaneously, the elastic component and load-bearing movable component work together to cause displacement and angular changes in the vacuum adsorption component 1, achieving active tensioning. This effectively solves problems such as panel warping, denting, and adsorption failure, improving the flatness and stability of the flexible panel 4 during testing and transmission. By combining vacuum adsorption with a rotary tensioning structure, the traditional pressure plate contact method is replaced, avoiding panel damage. The structure is simple, with high tensioning precision, and is suitable for the clamping and flattening requirements of new display panels such as flexible OLEDs, foldable screens, and Micro-LEDs.

[0028] Based on the above implementation methods, see Figures 3 to 6The vacuum adsorption assembly 1 has a vacuum adsorption surface 11 on its top. The vacuum adsorption surface 11 is a planar structure with multiple vacuum holes. The vacuum adsorption assembly 1 has a vacuum chamber communicating with the vacuum holes. The vacuum chamber is connected to an external vacuum source to stably adsorb the edge of the flexible panel 4 using negative pressure. The vacuum adsorption assembly 1 has an inclined surface 12 on the side of the vacuum adsorption surface 11. The inclined surface 12 is inclined downward from the inside to the outside, which can adapt to warped edges, improve the adsorption fit, and avoid scratches and indentations on the panel caused by rigid contact.

[0029] Furthermore, a first connecting block 23 and a second connecting block 24 are provided between the base 21 and the vacuum adsorption assembly 1, and the first connecting block 23 and the second connecting block 24 are spaced apart along the extending direction of the elastic telescopic member 22. One end of the elastic telescopic member 22 is connected to the base 21 through the first connecting block 23, and the other end is connected to the vacuum adsorption assembly 1 through the second connecting block 24.

[0030] By stably assembling the elastic telescopic component 22 between the two connecting blocks, the installation position of the elastic telescopic component 22 is more precise and the force direction is more stable, avoiding skewing, shaking, or loosening during telescopic movement; see also Figure 3 This ensures that the elastic force is evenly transmitted along the tensioning direction, effectively counteracting the reverse tension, maintaining a constant and reliable tension, and improving the operational stability and tensioning accuracy of the device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the elastic telescopic component 22 includes at least one of a spring, elastic rubber, or sheet metal. It has a simple structure, responds quickly, and can provide a stable elastic compensation force during tensioning to counteract the reverse pull of the panel, maintain a stable tensioned state, and improve the reliability and service life of the device.

[0032] Furthermore, a first guide rail 25 is provided on the top of the base 21 along the extension direction of the elastic telescopic member 22, and a second guide rail 26 is provided on the bottom of the vacuum adsorption assembly 1 along the extension direction of the elastic telescopic member 22. The first connecting block 23 is slidably connected to the second guide rail 26, and the second connecting block 24 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 25, so that the vacuum adsorption assembly 1 can move smoothly relative to the base 21 in the tensioning direction, avoiding movement jamming and ensuring stable tensioning stroke and smooth operation.

[0033] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The load-bearing active component includes a rotation drive assembly and a movable part 31. The movable part 31 is movably positioned along the Y-axis, where the Y-axis is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the edge of the flexible panel 4 to be tensioned.

[0034] The movable part 31 is hinged to the base 21 via a first hinge shaft extending along the X-axis. The rotation drive assembly is used to drive the base 21 to rotate around the X-axis. During the rotation, the base 21 achieves displacement compensation in the Y-axis direction through the movable part 31, ensuring stable posture adjustment and improving tension accuracy.

[0035] Furthermore, the rotary drive assembly includes a load rod 321, a rotating rod 322, and a rotary drive component. One end of the load rod 321 is hinged to the movable component 31 via a second hinge shaft 323 extending along the X-axis direction, and the other end of the load rod 321 is hinged to the base 21 via a third hinge shaft extending along the X-axis direction.

[0036] One end of the rotating rod 322 is hinged to the load rod 321 via a fourth hinge shaft 324 extending along the X-axis. The rotation drive component is used to drive the other end of the rotating rod 322 to rotate around the X-axis, thereby driving the base 21 and the vacuum adsorption assembly 1 to rotate synchronously, so as to achieve coordinated adjustment of tilt angle and position.

[0037] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The angle θ1 between the vacuum adsorption surface 11 and the horizontal plane satisfies the formula: sinθ1=L1 / L2; where L1 is the effective length of the rotating rod 322 and L2 is the effective length of the load rod 321. By adjusting the length ratio of the rotating rod 322 and the load rod 321, the initial tilt angle of the vacuum adsorption surface 11 can be flexibly set to adapt to flexible panels 4 with different thicknesses and degrees of warping.

[0038] The effective length L1 of the rotating rod 322 is the straight-line distance between the rotation axis of the rotating rod 322 and the fourth hinge axis 324; the effective length L2 of the load rod 321 is the straight-line distance between the second hinge axis 323 and the third hinge axis.

[0039] Further, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The tensioning stroke S of the vacuum adsorption component 1 satisfies the formula: S=cosθ2×L1. Wherein, the tensioning stroke S is the horizontal displacement generated along the tensioning direction of the flexible panel 4 when the vacuum adsorption component 1 moves from the initial position to the tensioning position; θ2 is the angle between the rotating rod 322 and the horizontal line when it is in the tensioning position, θ2∈[0°,90°). By adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating rod 322, the size of the tensioning stroke can be precisely controlled to meet the flattening requirements of different panels.

[0040] See Figure 2 In some embodiments, the flexible panel tensioning device includes at least two devices, which are symmetrically arranged on the two opposite edges of the flexible panel 4. The two devices are driven synchronously to tension the flexible panel 4 on both sides, so that the panel is subjected to uniform force, eliminating the central sagging and depression, and greatly improving the surface flatness during detection and transmission.

[0041] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "example," "embodiment," or "some embodiments" 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 this application. In this specification, 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.

[0042] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this application, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A flexible panel tensioning device, characterized in that, include: A vacuum adsorption assembly is used to adsorb the flexible panel; The elastic component includes a base and an elastic telescopic component. The vacuum adsorption component is mounted above the base, and the elastic telescopic component is connected between the base and the vacuum adsorption component and is arranged along the tension direction of the flexible panel. The load-bearing active component is used to drive the base to rotate around the X-axis, so that the vacuum adsorption component is displaced and its angle changes, thereby tensioning the flexible panel.

2. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum adsorption assembly has a vacuum adsorption surface on its top and an inclined surface on the side of the vacuum adsorption surface, the inclined surface being inclined downward from the inside out.

3. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first connecting block and a second connecting block are provided between the base and the vacuum adsorption assembly. The first connecting block and the second connecting block are spaced apart along the extension direction of the elastic telescopic component. One end of the elastic telescopic component is connected to the base through the first connecting block, and the other end is connected to the vacuum adsorption assembly through the second connecting block.

4. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the base is provided with a first guide rail along the extension direction of the elastic telescopic component, and the bottom of the vacuum adsorption assembly is provided with a second guide rail along the extension direction of the elastic telescopic component. The first connecting block is slidably connected to the second guide rail, and the second connecting block is slidably connected to the first guide rail.

5. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The load-moving component includes a rotary drive component and a movable part. The movable part is movably disposed along the Y-axis direction and is hinged to the base via a first hinge axis extending along the X-axis direction. The rotary drive component is used to drive the base to rotate around the X-axis, and the base moves in the Y-axis direction via the movable part.

6. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotary drive assembly includes a load rod, a rotating rod, and a rotary drive component. One end of the load rod is hinged to the movable component via a second hinge axis extending along the X-axis, and the other end of the load rod is hinged to the base via a third hinge axis extending along the X-axis. One end of the rotating rod is hinged to the load rod via a fourth hinge axis extending along the X-axis. The rotary drive component is used to drive the other end of the rotating rod to rotate around the X-axis, thereby causing the base to rotate.

7. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The angle θ1 between the vacuum adsorption surface and the horizontal plane satisfies the formula: sinθ1=L1 / L2; Wherein, L1 is the effective length of the rotating rod, and L2 is the effective length of the load rod.

8. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tension stroke S of the vacuum adsorption component satisfies the formula: S=cosθ2×L1; Wherein, the tensioning stroke S is the horizontal displacement generated along the tensioning direction of the flexible panel when the vacuum adsorption component moves from the initial position to the tensioning position, and θ2 is the angle between the rotating rod and the horizontal line when the rotating rod is in the tensioning position, θ2∈[0°,90°).

9. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible panel tensioning device includes at least two for being disposed on opposite sides of the flexible panel.

10. The flexible panel tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic telescopic component includes at least one of a spring, elastic rubber, or a sheet spring.

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