Crucible applied to display panel evaporation process

Abstract

The utility model discloses a crucible applied to a display panel evaporation process. The crucible comprises a shell, a crucible body and a heating assembly, a mounting cavity is formed in the shell, and the crucible body is arranged in the mounting cavity and used for containing evaporation materials. The crucible body is provided with a mounting cavity, the heating assembly is arranged in the mounting cavity, the heating assembly comprises a heating element, the heating element surrounds the crucible body, the heating element is arranged in a reciprocating bending mode in the axis direction of the crucible body, the heating element comprises a plurality of resistance wires used for heating the crucible body, and all the resistance wires are wound together. While the whole heating element is ensured to meet the set resistance value, the overall length of the heating element is reduced. And the distance B between the two adjacent resistor straight sections is increased, so that the risk of short circuit caused by mutual contact of the two adjacent resistor straight sections is reduced. Or, when the crucible body leaks, the risk that two adjacent resistor straight sections are conducted by leaked molten aluminum can be reduced. And the heating efficiency of the whole heating assembly is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of display device manufacturing, in particular to a crucible used in a display panel evaporation process. Background Art

[0002] The evaporation process is an important process in the display panel manufacturing process, which is to use a crucible to heat and melt the evaporation material (such as organic matter or aluminum, etc.) and evaporate the gas, which is then deposited on the glass substrate to form a film structure. Figure 1 As shown, an existing crucible includes an outer shell, a crucible body and a heating assembly. The crucible body is used to hold the evaporation material and is installed in the outer shell. The heating assembly is cylindrical and is sleeved on the outer circumference of the crucible body. The heating assembly heats the crucible body by the principle of resistance heating. The heating assembly includes a heating element 1' and a fixing ring 2'. The fixing ring 2' is annular and is used to install and fix the heating element 1'. The heating element 1' is a resistance wire, and its two ends are connected to a power supply to heat the crucible body. The heating element 1' is coiled in an "S" shape and forms a plurality of resistance straight sections 11' extending along the axial direction of the heating assembly. In order to meet the overall heating efficiency of the crucible, the heating element 1' needs to have a sufficient length, that is, the resistance value of the entire heating element 1' needs to meet the process requirements. Therefore, the resistance straight sections 11' in the entire heating element 1' are arranged relatively densely.

[0003] Existing crucibles have the following deficiencies: 1) During the operation of the crucible, the crucible body may be cracked due to heat. When the crucible body is cracked, the aluminum liquid inside will flow out from the crack position and adhere to the heating element 1', forming the second defect area 4' shown in the figure. At this time, the two adjacent straight resistance segments 11' will be connected by the flowing aluminum liquid, which will cause a short circuit in part of the heating element 1' and change the resistance value of the heating element 1', affecting the heating efficiency of the entire heating component. 2) Since the straight resistance segments 11' are densely arranged and the distance between the two adjacent straight resistance segments 11' is small, when the heating element 1' itself expands due to heat, or the entire heating component is deformed due to heat, the two adjacent straight resistance segments 11' bend and connect to form the first defect area 3' shown in the figure. At this time, a short circuit occurs in part of the heating element 1', and the resistance value of the heating element 1' changes, affecting the heating efficiency of the entire heating component. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a crucible used in a display panel evaporation process, which can prevent a heating element from short-circuiting and ensure the heating efficiency of the entire heating assembly.

[0005] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A crucible for use in a display panel evaporation process is provided, comprising:

[0007] a housing, wherein a mounting cavity is provided in the housing;

[0008] A crucible body, the crucible body is arranged in the installation cavity, and the crucible body is used to accommodate the evaporation material;

[0009] A heating assembly is arranged in the installation cavity, and the heating assembly includes a heating element. The heating element surrounds the outside of the crucible and is bent back and forth along the axis of the crucible. The heating element includes multiple resistance wires for heating the crucible, and all the resistance wires are wound together.

[0010] As an optional solution for a crucible used in a display panel evaporation process, the heating element includes a plurality of staggered straight resistance segments and bent resistance segments along the length direction of the heating element. The straight resistance segments are parallel to the axial direction of the crucible body. The plurality of straight resistance segments are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the crucible body. Two adjacent straight resistance segments are connected by the bent resistance segment, and the spacing between two adjacent straight resistance segments is 15mm-25mm.

[0011] As an optional solution for a crucible used in a display panel evaporation process, the heating element is formed by at least three resistance wires wound around each other.

[0012] As an optional solution for the crucible used in the display panel evaporation process, the heating assembly also includes multiple fixing rings, which are spaced apart along the axis of the crucible body, all of the fixing rings are coaxial, and the heating element is installed on the inner ring side of the fixing ring.

[0013] As an optional solution for the crucible used in the display panel evaporation process, a limiting hole for passing the heating element is provided on one side of the inner ring of the fixing ring, and the limiting hole is connected to the end face corresponding to the inner ring side of the fixing ring. A fixing plate is detachably provided on one side of the inner ring of the fixing ring, and the fixing plate is used to close the limiting hole.

[0014] As an optional solution for the crucible used in the display panel evaporation process, the fixing ring located at both ends of the heating component is a first fixing ring, and a plurality of limiting columns are provided on the first fixing ring. Two of the limiting columns form a group, and the bending part of the heating element is clamped between the two limiting columns in the same group.

[0015] As an optional solution for the crucible used in the display panel evaporation process, an ear plate for mounting the fixing ring is provided on the cavity wall of the mounting cavity.

[0016] As an optional solution for a crucible used in a display panel evaporation process, the ear plate corresponding to one of the first fixing rings is connected to the cavity wall of the installation cavity through a spring, and the ear plate has a tendency to move away from the other first fixing ring.

[0017] As an optional solution for a crucible used in a display panel evaporation process, a heat insulation layer is provided in the installation cavity, and the heat insulation layer is sandwiched between the heating component and the housing.

[0018] As an optional solution for the crucible used in the display panel evaporation process, a plurality of installation cavities are provided in the shell along the length direction of the shell, and each installation cavity is provided with a crucible body and a heating assembly.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] The present invention employs a crucible for display panel evaporation processes. By winding multiple resistance wires into a single strand to form a heating element, this method helps reduce the overall length of the heating element while ensuring that the entire element meets the specified resistance value. Furthermore, by winding the heating element into a cylindrical shape, the spacing B between adjacent straight resistor segments can be increased, reducing the risk of short-circuiting due to contact between adjacent straight resistor segments. Alternatively, in the event of a crucible leak, the risk of leaked molten aluminum contacting adjacent straight resistor segments can be reduced, thereby ensuring the heating efficiency of the entire heating assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the expansion of the heating component in the prior art.

[0023] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a crucible used in a display panel evaporation process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a crucible used in a display panel evaporation process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of a heating element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the heating element and the second fixing ring according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the heating element and the first fixing ring according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Figure 1 middle:

[0030] 1′, heating element; 11′, resistor straight section; 2′, fixing ring; 3′, first defective area; 4′, second defective area.

[0031] Figures 2 to 7 middle:

[0032] 1. Outer shell; 10. Mounting cavity; 11. Lower shell; 12. Cover plate; 13. Ear plate; 14. Spring; 2. Heating assembly; 21. First fixing ring; 211. Limiting column; 22. Second fixing ring; 221. Limiting hole; 222. Connecting screw; 23. Heating element; 231. Resistance wire; 232. Straight resistance section; 233. Bending resistance section; 24. Fixing plate; 25. Nut; 26. Enclosure; 3. Crucible body; 31. Nozzle; 4. Thermal insulation layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in a variety of different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the present invention. The present invention is limited only by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals represent the same components throughout the specification.

[0034] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figures 2 to 5As shown, this embodiment provides a crucible (hereinafter referred to as a crucible) for use in a display panel evaporation process, which is used to perform evaporation treatment on the display panel. The crucible includes an outer shell 1, a heating component 2 and a crucible body 3. The interior of the outer shell 1 forms an installation cavity 10 for installing the heating component 2 and the crucible body 3. The crucible body 3 is a cylindrical structure as a whole, and the axial direction of the crucible body 3 is the Z direction shown in the figure. The crucible body 3 is installed in the installation cavity 10. The crucible body 3 is a hollow structure, and its interior is used to accommodate the evaporation material. In this embodiment, the evaporation material is aluminum. The top of the crucible body 3 is provided with a nozzle 31, which passes through the outer shell 1 and is connected to the outside. The evaporation gas formed after the evaporation material is heated and evaporated is ejected through the nozzle 31, and the evaporation gas is sprayed onto the display panel above the crucible and deposited to form an aluminum film. This evaporation process is an existing mature process in the field of display panel manufacturing technology, and its technical principles will not be described in detail in this embodiment. The heating assembly 2 is cylindrical and is installed in the installation cavity 10. The heating assembly 2 is sleeved on the outside of the crucible 3. The heating assembly 2 heats the crucible 3 using the principle of resistance heating. The heating assembly 2 includes a heating element 23, which is linear, and both ends of the heating element 23 are connected to a power supply. The heating element 23 surrounds the outside of the crucible 3 to electrically heat the outer wall of the crucible 3. The heating element 23 is bent back and forth along the axial direction of the crucible 3 (Z direction in the figure) so that the entire heating element 23 is bent into an "S" shape. The heating element 23 includes a plurality of resistance wires 231 for heating the crucible 3, and all the resistance wires 231 are twisted together. It can also be understood that the plurality of resistance wires 231 are twisted into a strand to form a rope-shaped heating element 23.

[0036] Specifically, along the length direction of the heating element 23 (i.e., the axial extension direction of the heating element 23), the heating element 23 includes a plurality of staggered straight resistor segments 232 and curved resistor segments 233. The straight resistor segments 232 are parallel to the axial direction of the crucible body 3, and the plurality of straight resistor segments 232 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the crucible body 3. The curved resistor segments 233 are 180° elbows, and adjacent straight resistor segments 232 are connected by the curved resistor segments 233 to form a continuous "S"-shaped bending structure. The spacing B between adjacent straight resistor segments 232 is 15 mm to 25 mm. Specifically, the value range of the spacing B includes, but is not limited to, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, and 25 mm.

[0037] Specifically, the heating element 23 is formed by at least three resistance wires 231 intertwined with each other. In this embodiment, the heating element 23 is formed by four resistance wires 231 intertwined with each other. In practical applications, the number of resistance wires 231 can be flexibly selected based on the resistance value of the entire heating element 23 and the overall structural dimensions of the heating assembly 2. By winding multiple resistance wires 231 together, while meeting the resistance value of the entire heating element 23, the number of distributed resistance straight segments 232 can be reduced, thereby increasing the spacing B between two adjacent resistance straight segments 232 to reduce the risk of short circuits.

[0038] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the heating assembly 2 also includes multiple retaining rings, each of which is a flat, annular structure. The retaining rings are spaced apart along the axis of the crucible 3, and all the retaining rings are coaxial. The retaining rings are used to mount the heating element 23. The retaining rings limit the heating assembly 2, forming a cylindrical structure. The heating element 23 is mounted on one side of the inner ring of the retaining ring. Correspondingly, the outer ring of the retaining ring can be connected to the housing 1. This structure facilitates closer proximity of the heating element 23 to the crucible 3.

[0039] In this embodiment, there are four fixing rings. The two fixing rings located at either end of the heating assembly 2 are first fixing rings 21, and the two fixing rings located in the middle region of the heating assembly 2 are second fixing rings 22. Both the first and second fixing rings 21 and 22 have inner rings with stop holes 221 for receiving the heating element 23. The fixing rings are sleeved onto the exterior of the crucible 3, with the inner rings facing the crucible 3. The stop holes 221 communicate with the corresponding end faces of the inner rings of the fixing rings. The stop holes 221 are formed with openings on the side of the stop holes 221 facing the crucible 3, allowing the heating element 23 to be inserted into the stop holes 221 through the openings. A removable fixing plate 24 is provided on the inner ring of the fixing rings to seal the stop holes 221. The fixing plate 24 serves to block the openings of the stop holes 221. In practical applications, the length of the fixing plate 24 can be flexibly adjusted so that one fixing plate 24 can simultaneously block multiple stop holes 221. As a preferred solution, a fixing plate 24 can simultaneously block the openings of two limiting holes 221. The fixing plate 24 is installed by connecting screws 222 and nuts 25. Specifically, the limiting holes 221 on the fixing ring are grouped into two, and each group of limiting holes 221 corresponds to a fixing plate 24. The connecting screw 222 is arranged on the end face of one side of the inner ring of the fixing plate 24, and the connecting screw 222 is located between the two limiting holes 221 in the same group. The nut 25 is screwed on the connecting screw 222 to fix the fixing plate 24. When installing the heating element 23, first insert the heating element 23 into the limiting hole 221 through the opening, then cover the fixing plate 24 at the opening of the limiting hole 221, and pass the connecting screw 222 through the fixing plate 24. Finally, screw the nut 25 on the connecting screw 222 to fix the fixing plate 24. This structure facilitates disassembly and assembly of the heating element 23 , so that the heating element 23 can be repaired or replaced after aluminum liquid adheres to the heating element 23 or deformation occurs.

[0040] Reference Figure 7 As shown, a panel 26 is provided on the first fixing ring 21, and the panel 26 is perpendicular to the first fixing ring 21 and is cylindrical. The first fixing ring 21 is coaxial with the panel 26. A plurality of limiting columns 211 are provided on the panel 26, and the plurality of limiting columns 211 are grouped in two, and the bending part of the heating element 23 (i.e., the resistance bending section 233) is clamped between the two limiting columns 211 in the same group. Correspondingly, each resistance bending section 233 is provided with a group of limiting columns 211. It can be understood that the function of the limiting columns 211 is to limit and fix the resistance bending section 233 of the heating element 23 to prevent the bending part of the heating element 23 from moving. In some embodiments, the panel 26 can also be eliminated, and the limiting columns 211 can be directly installed on the first fixing ring 21.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the housing 1 also includes an ear plate 13 and a spring 14. The ear plate 13 is used to mount the heating assembly 2. The ear plate 13 is disposed on the wall of the mounting cavity 10, with one end of the ear plate 13 fixed to the housing 1 and the other end connected to the retaining ring of the heating assembly 2. The ear plate 13 corresponding to one of the first retaining rings 21 is connected to the wall of the mounting cavity 10 via the spring 14. In this embodiment, along the height direction of the housing 1 (the Z direction in the figure), the ear plate 13 located at the top is elastically connected to the top of the housing 1 via the spring 14. In the initial state, the spring 14 is in a stretched state, enabling it to exert an upward force on the ear plate 13, causing the ear plate 13 to move away from the other first retaining ring 21 (i.e., the first retaining ring 21 located at the bottom of the housing 1). Driven by the spring 14, the entire heating assembly 2 is stretched, preventing the heating element 23 from bending due to thermal expansion, and further preventing two adjacent straight resistor segments 232 from colliding and short-circuiting.

[0042] Specifically, the shell 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped structure, with the length direction of the shell 1 being the X direction shown in the figure, the width direction being the Y direction shown in the figure, and the height direction being the Z direction shown in the figure. The shell 1 includes a lower shell 11 and a cover plate 12, the cover plate 12 being arranged on the top of the lower shell 11, and an installation cavity 10 being formed between the cover plate 12 and the lower shell 11. The nozzle 31 of the crucible 3 passes through the cover plate 12 and extends to the outside of the shell 1. Along the length direction of the shell 1, a plurality of installation cavities 10 are separated in the shell 1, and a crucible 3 and a heating assembly 2 are provided in each installation cavity 10. Correspondingly, a plurality of nozzles 31 are provided on the top of the shell 1, and the evaporation gas ejected upward from the plurality of nozzles 31 can cover the length or width of the display panel, so that when the display panel passes over the crucible, the evaporation gas can be deposited on the surface of the display panel.

[0043] Specifically, the crucible further includes a heat insulating layer 4, which is made of existing heat insulating materials and is sandwiched between the heating component 2 and the housing 1 to isolate the heat of the heating component 2 from being conducted outward.

[0044] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: By winding multiple resistance wires 231 into a single strand to form the heating element 23, the overall length of the heating element 23 is reduced while ensuring that the entire heating element 23 meets the set resistance value. Furthermore, by winding the heating element 23 into a cylindrical shape, the spacing B between two adjacent straight resistor segments 232 can be increased, thereby reducing the risk of contact and short circuit between adjacent straight resistor segments 232. Alternatively, if the crucible 3 leaks, the risk of leaked molten aluminum contacting two adjacent straight resistor segments 232 is reduced. This, in turn, ensures the heating efficiency of the entire heating assembly 2.

[0045] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be manufactured in various forms, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or basic features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects.

Claims

1. A crucible used in a display panel evaporation process, characterized in that: include: a housing, wherein a mounting cavity is provided in the housing; A crucible body, the crucible body is arranged in the installation cavity, and the crucible body is used to accommodate the evaporation material; A heating assembly is arranged in the installation cavity, and the heating assembly includes a heating element. The heating element surrounds the outside of the crucible and is bent back and forth along the axis of the crucible. The heating element includes multiple resistance wires for heating the crucible, and all the resistance wires are wound together.

2. The crucible used in the display panel evaporation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the length direction of the heating element, the heating element includes multiple staggered straight resistance segments and bent resistance segments. The straight resistance segments are parallel to the axial direction of the crucible body. The multiple straight resistance segments are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the crucible body. Two adjacent straight resistance segments are connected by the bent resistance segment. The spacing between two adjacent straight resistance segments is 15mm-25mm.

3. The crucible for display panel evaporation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating element is formed by at least three resistance wires being wound around each other.

4. The crucible for use in a display panel evaporation process according to claim 1, wherein: The heating assembly further comprises a plurality of fixing rings, which are spaced apart and distributed along the axis of the crucible body. All the fixing rings are coaxial, and the heating element is mounted on one side of the inner ring of the fixing ring.

5. The crucible used in the display panel evaporation process according to claim 4, characterized in that: A limiting hole for passing the heating element is provided on one side of the inner ring of the fixing ring, and the limiting hole is connected to the end face corresponding to the inner ring of the fixing ring. A fixing plate is detachably provided on one side of the inner ring of the fixing ring, and the fixing plate is used to close the limiting hole.

6. The crucible used in the display panel evaporation process according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing rings at both ends of the heating component are first fixing rings. Several limiting columns are provided on the first fixing ring. Two of the limiting columns form a group. The bending part of the heating element is clamped between the two limiting columns in the same group.

7. The crucible used in the display panel evaporation process according to claim 6, characterized in that: An ear plate for mounting the fixing ring is provided on the cavity wall of the mounting cavity.

8. The crucible used in the display panel evaporation process according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ear plate corresponding to one of the first fixing rings is connected to the cavity wall of the installation cavity via a spring, and the ear plate has a tendency to move away from the other first fixing ring.

9. The crucible used in a display panel evaporation process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: A heat insulation layer is provided in the installation cavity, and the heat insulation layer is sandwiched between the heating component and the shell.

10. The crucible used in a display panel evaporation process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Along the length direction of the shell, a plurality of installation cavities are arranged in the shell, and each installation cavity is provided with a crucible and a heating component.

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