Groove body foam eliminating and flow guiding device and metal grid touch sensor roll-to-roll production equipment
By designing a foam elimination and diversion device for the tank, the problem of the inability of the foam defoaming device to recover the developer liquid was solved, realizing the defoaming of foam and the recycling of liquid, thus improving the efficiency and safety of the metal mesh touch sensor production equipment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423073595.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-12
AI Technical Summary
In the current production process of metal mesh touch sensors, the foam defoaming device cannot effectively recover the developer liquid, and there is a risk of overflow and backflow when there is too much foam.
Design a tank foam elimination and diversion device. Use a first fan to transport liquid foam to a recovery tank, defoam and filter it through porous packing, and use a return pipe to return the defoamed liquid to the tank for recycling.
It achieves effective defoaming of foam and recycling of liquid, prevents foam overflow and backflow, improves the efficiency and safety of production equipment, and saves the number of defoaming tanks and equipment volume.
Smart Images

Figure CN223914750U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of metal mesh preparation equipment, and in particular to a tank foam elimination and diversion device and a roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensor. Background Technology
[0002] Metal mesh touch sensors offer advantages such as high flexibility and low cost. Their principle involves sequentially coating, exposing, developing, copper plating, and blackening processes on a substrate to form a metal circuit structure on the substrate surface. The product is manufactured using roll-to-roll technology, the core principle of which is the continuous transfer between two moving material rolls to finely process the flexible substrate.
[0003] In the developing and copper plating stages, a wet process is used, which involves the use of chemical solutions. This process mainly includes the following steps: unwinding → developing → rinsing → process tank (e.g., chemical plating) → rinsing → drying → rewinding. Due to the properties of the chemicals used in the developing stage, a large amount of foam is generated during operation. To address the problem of excessive foam, current methods often involve installing a defoaming pump on the tank. The pump's rotation breaks up the foam, turning it into liquid.
[0004] Chinese utility model patent CN219590672U discloses a mechanical defoaming device for developing PCB circuit boards, including a secondary cylinder containing a defoaming device. The defoaming device includes at least a spray pipe located at the upper end of the secondary cylinder for communication with an external water source, a first pump body mounted on the spray pipe, and several nozzles located below the spray pipe. The device achieves defoaming by spraying foam through the pump body. The diluted foam is discharged from the bottom of the secondary cylinder, thus achieving the defoaming effect. However, this device cannot recover the developer liquid contained in the foam; and when the amount of foam is excessive, there is a risk of foam backflow or even overflow. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a tank foam elimination and diversion device that can simultaneously eliminate foam, filter and recycle liquid foam, and prevent risks such as overflow and backflow caused by excessive foam. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors that includes the aforementioned tank foam elimination and diversion device.
[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A foam elimination and defoaming device for a metal mesh touch sensor roll-to-roll production line includes a first tank for containing liquid foam and a recovery box. One end of the recovery box is connected to the upper part of the first tank. The other end of the recovery box is connected to a first fan for conveying liquid foam from the first tank to the recovery box. A return pipe is connected to the bottom of the recovery box, with one end connected to the recovery box and the other end connected to the first tank. The recovery box is equipped with porous packing material for filtration and defoaming.
[0008] This invention uses a first fan to transport liquid foam from a first tank to a recycling box. The porous packing material in the recycling box is used for defoaming and filtration, and the liquid formed after defoaming is returned to the first tank through a return pipe. This achieves defoaming, filtration of liquid foam, and liquid return, thus realizing recycling.
[0009] Furthermore, the porous filler is a multifaceted hollow sphere.
[0010] Preferably, the multifaceted hollow sphere is a multifaceted hollow sphere made of polypropylene. The multifaceted hollow sphere is spherical and is composed of two hemispheres. Each hemisphere has 8-12 semi-fan-shaped blades as required by the design. The fan-shaped blades of the two hemispheres are staggered. The blades obstruct the flow of gas and are not conducive to the distribution of liquid, thereby achieving the defoaming effect.
[0011] Furthermore, the return pipe is connected to a filter component.
[0012] Preferably, the filter element is disposed at the end of the return pipe.
[0013] Furthermore, a filter plate is provided at one end of the recovery box near the return pipe; the filter plate is used to separate the porous packing material and allow liquid to flow into the return pipe.
[0014] Furthermore, the foam elimination and diversion device includes a defoaming tank for holding defoaming agent, which is connected to the first blower via a pipe. The negative pressure generated by the first blower allows residual liquid foam to flow from the recovery tank into the defoaming tank.
[0015] Preferably, the defoamer is an ethanol defoamer. Ethanol defoamers can reduce the surface tension of liquids, eliminate liquid foam, and prevent its formation in liquids.
[0016] Furthermore, the first tank, recycling box, and first fan are in multiple sets, with each set of the first tank being a different tank in the roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors. The defoaming tank is connected to the first fan in each set. Multiple sets of the first tank, recycling box, and first fan can share a single defoaming tank, saving space and making the process more convenient and simple.
[0017] Preferably, the first fan is a duct fan in the roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors.
[0018] Furthermore, the first tank is connected to a second tank provided in the metal mesh roll-to-roll device and used for developing; liquid circulates between the first tank and the second tank.
[0019] This invention also provides a roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors, including a second tank for developing and the aforementioned tank foam elimination and diversion device.
[0020] Furthermore, the second tank is connected to the first tank, and a liquid conveying device for liquid circulation is provided between the second tank and the first tank.
[0021] Furthermore, the second tank is equipped with rollers. In the metal mesh roll-to-roll equipment, the second tank is used for development, and it contains multiple rollers for transferring the roll sample to be developed; the second tank is connected to the first tank, allowing for the cyclic exchange of the liquid environment required for development.
[0022] Preferably, the liquid conveying device is a water pump.
[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0024] (1) The foam elimination and diversion device of this utility model transports liquid foam from the first tank to the recovery box through the first fan, uses the porous packing in the recovery box for defoaming and filtration, and uses the return pipe to return the liquid formed after defoaming to the first tank; it can achieve defoaming, filter liquid foam, and return liquid to the first tank for reuse; it not only has a good defoaming effect, but also can recycle the liquid generated by defoaming.
[0025] (2) The foam elimination and diversion device of this utility model has a simple structure and can be used as a component in the metal mesh roll-to-roll equipment to achieve efficient defoaming of the metal mesh touch sensor roll-to-roll production equipment, and can effectively prevent the risks of overflow and backflow caused by excessive foam.
[0026] (3) The metal mesh touch sensor roll-to-roll production equipment of this utility model has high utilization efficiency. Multiple sets of first tanks, recycling boxes and first fans can share a defoaming tank, which can save costs and is more convenient and simple. At the same time, the pipeline fan uses the power in the original production system pipeline, which is convenient for unified control of wind power and avoids the need to install an additional independent fan. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foam elimination and diversion device for the tank of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 2 Another structural schematic diagram of the foam elimination and diversion device for the tank of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a roll-to-roll production equipment for a metal mesh touch sensor, which is a utility model.
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the recycling tank and return pipe structure.
[0031] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1 is the first tank; 2 is the recycling box; 3 is the first fan; 4 is the return pipe; 5 is the porous packing; 6 is the filter component; 7 is the filter baffle; 8 is the defoaming tank; 9 is the second tank; 10 is the roller; 11 is the roll sample. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings for those skilled in the art. In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," or words such as "inner" and "outer," refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component. The aforementioned orientations and positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, not 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, the terms describing positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] Example 1
[0034] This embodiment provides a foam elimination and diversion device for a tank, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, this device is applied to a roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors. It includes a first tank 1 for containing liquid foam and a recycling box 2. One end of the recycling box 2 is connected to the upper part of the first tank 1. The other end of the recycling box 2 is connected to a first fan 3 for conveying liquid foam from the first tank 1 to the recycling box 2. A return pipe 4 is connected to the bottom of the recycling box 2. One end of the return pipe 4 is connected to the recycling box 2, and the other end of the return pipe 4 is connected to the first tank 1. The recycling box 2 is provided with porous packing material 5 for filtration and defoaming.
[0035] The foam elimination and diversion device in this tank uses a first fan 3 to transport liquid foam from the first tank 1 to the recovery box 2. The porous packing material 5 in the recovery box is used for defoaming and filtration, and the liquid formed after defoaming is returned to the first tank 1 through the return pipe 4. This achieves defoaming, filtration of liquid foam, and liquid return and recycling at the same time.
[0036] As an optional solution, the porous filler 5 is a multifaceted hollow sphere. Preferably, the multifaceted hollow sphere is a multifaceted hollow sphere made of polypropylene. The multifaceted hollow sphere is spherical and is composed of two hemispheres. Each hemisphere has 8-12 semi-fan-shaped blades as designed, and the fan-shaped blades of the two hemispheres are staggered. The blades obstruct the flow of gas and are not conducive to the distribution of liquid, thereby achieving the defoaming effect.
[0037] As an optional solution, the return pipe 4 is connected to a filter element 6. Preferably, the filter element 6 is located at the end of the return pipe 4. Depending on actual needs, the filter element 6 can also be located at other parts of the return pipe 4, such as the middle, as long as it can filter and remove impurities from the liquid passing through the return pipe 4 and prevent impurities from entering the first tank 1. Preferably, the filter element 6 is a pipe filter that is immiscible with the liquid in the return pipe 4.
[0038] As an optional solution, the end of the recovery tank 2 near the return pipe 4 is provided with a filter plate 7; the filter plate is used to separate the porous packing 5 and allow the liquid to flow into the return pipe 4; wherein the filter plate 7 is provided with openings with a pore diameter larger than that of the porous packing 5; as an optional solution, in order to prevent impurities from entering the first tank 1 through the return pipe 4 when the liquid is returned, the filter plate 7 can also be used directly for filtration.
[0039] As an optional solution, the foam elimination and diversion device includes a defoaming tank 8 for holding defoaming agent, which is connected to the first blower 3 via a pipe. The first blower 3 generates negative pressure, allowing residual liquid foam to flow from the recovery tank 2 into the defoaming tank 8. Preferably, the defoaming agent is an ethanol defoaming agent. Ethanol defoaming agents can reduce the surface tension of the liquid, eliminate liquid foam, and prevent its formation in the liquid; other types of defoaming agents can also be used as needed.
[0040] As an optional solution, the first fan 3 is a duct fan in the roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors; other types of fans can also be used as needed, as long as they can achieve the function of liquid foam conveying of the first fan 3.
[0041] As an optional solution, the first tank 1 is connected to the second tank 9, which is provided in the roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors and is used for developing or chemically plating metal; liquid circulates between the first tank 1 and the second tank 9; wherein, the roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors in this technical field includes the second tank 9 for plating metal or developing.
[0042] In the specific implementation process, when the foam and impurities generated in the second tank 9 enter the first tank 1, since the liquid foam and the impurities it carries generally float on the upper part of the first tank 1, the first blower 3 is activated. The negative pressure generated by this allows the liquid foam to be transported from the first tank 1 to the recovery tank 2. When the liquid foam and the impurities it carries enter the recovery tank 2, they come into contact with the porous packing 5 inside, thereby forming liquid foam that flows into the return pipe 4. The liquid foam and the impurities carried by the gas are separated by the filter baffle 7 and will not re-enter the first tank 1. At this time, the liquid in the first tank 1 and the second tank 9 can circulate to maintain the stability of the developing solution. When there is a lot of foam and impurities in it, it will flow into the defoaming tank 8 through the first blower 3, and be discharged after being treated with defoaming agent and related wastewater.
[0043] In this embodiment, the tank foam elimination and diversion device uses a first fan 3 to transport liquid foam from the first tank 1 to the recovery box 2. The porous packing material inside the recovery box 2 filters and defoams the liquid foam. Since the recovery box 2 is connected to the return pipe 4, the liquid formed after defoaming is returned to the first tank 1 through the return pipe 4. This tank foam elimination and diversion device can not only achieve defoaming, but also filter the liquid foam and return the liquid to the first tank 1 for reuse. It not only has a good defoaming effect, but also recycles the liquid generated by defoaming. It can effectively prevent the risks of overflow and backflow caused by excessive foam.
[0044] Example 2
[0045] Based on Example 1, in order to save on the number of defoaming tanks 8 and the overall volume of the device, based on Example 1, combined with Figure 2 As an optional solution, the first tank 1, the recycling box 2, and the first fan 3 can be in multiple sets; preferably, there are two sets, and the defoaming tank 8 is connected to the first fan 3 in each of the two sets. The two sets of the first tank 1, recycling box 2, and first fan 3 can share one defoaming tank 8. During use, the foam entering the defoaming tank 8 through the two sets of first fans 3 can be concentrated and defoamed by the defoaming agent in the defoaming tank 8, saving volume and making the process more convenient and simple.
[0046] Example 3
[0047] This embodiment provides a roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors, combined with attached... Figure 3 It includes a second tank 9 for developing or electroless plating metal and a tank foam elimination and diversion device as described in Example 1 or Example 2. In this embodiment, the tank foam elimination and diversion device of the metal mesh roll-to-roll equipment in Example 2 is preferred.
[0048] As an optional solution, the second tank 9 is equipped with rollers 10 inside, and the second tank 9 is connected to the first tank 1. In the roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors, the second tank 9 is used for metal plating or developing, and it contains multiple rollers 10 for transferring the roll samples 11 that need to be metal plating or developed; the second tank 9 is connected to the first tank 1, and the liquid environment required for metal plating or developing can be circulated and exchanged inside.
[0049] As an optional solution, the roll-to-roll production equipment for the metal mesh touch sensor includes a liquid conveying device for circulating liquid in the second tank 9 and the first tank 1; preferably, the liquid conveying device is a water pump.
[0050] In the specific implementation process, during the metal plating or developing process of the roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors, the roll sample 11 is rotated and propelled within the second tank 9 by multiple rollers 10, causing it to react with the solution within the second tank 9. The liquid foam generated during the reaction enters the first tank 1 connected to it. The specific way the foam enters the first tank 1 can be through overflow or active conveying, which are common technical means in this field and will not be described in detail here. The foam entering the first tank 1 is defoamed using the method described in Example 1. The liquid in the defoaming and filtration process can flow back to the first tank 1 through the return pipe 4 to circulate with the liquid in the second tank 9, achieving efficient defoaming of the roll-to-roll production equipment for metal mesh touch sensors. The structure is simple, and the defoaming efficiency is high, making it suitable for widespread application.
[0051] Regarding the above embodiments, it should be noted that the specific model and specifications of the first fan 3 in embodiments 1-3 need to be selected and determined according to the actual specifications of the device. The specific selection calculation method adopts the existing technology in the field. The above-mentioned equipment that requires power supply is all existing technology. Its principle and connection method with the power supply are clear and easy to implement for those skilled in the art. The liquid environment required for the internal metal plating or development of the second tank 9 and the first tank 1 can be achieved by a circulation pump connected to the second tank 9 and the first tank 1. This is also existing technology in the field, so it will not be described in detail here.
[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model patent and does not constitute a limitation on this utility model patent. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model patent should be included within the protection scope of this utility model patent.
Claims
1. A channeling foam elimination flow guiding device, characterized by, The application is applied to the metal grid touch sensor roll-to-roll production equipment, comprising a first tank (1) for containing liquid foam and a recovery tank (2), one end of the recovery tank (2) is communicated with the upper part of the first tank (1); the other end of the recovery tank (2) is connected with a first fan (3) for conveying liquid foam from the first tank (1) to the recovery tank (2), the recovery tank (2) is connected with a backflow pipe (4), one end of the backflow pipe (4) is communicated with the recovery tank (2), the other end of the backflow pipe (4) is communicated with the first tank (1); the recovery tank (2) is provided with a porous filler (5) for filtering and defoaming.
2. The channeling foam mitigation flow guide of claim 1, wherein, The porous filler (5) is a multi-faceted hollow ball.
3. The channeling foam mitigation flow guide of claim 1, wherein, The backflow pipe (4) is connected with a filter component (6).
4. The channeling foam mitigation flow guide of claim 1, wherein, The recovery tank (2) is provided with a filter partition (7) near one end of the backflow pipe (4).
5. The channeling foam mitigation flow directing device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, A defoaming tank (8) for containing defoaming agent is arranged, the defoaming tank (8) is communicated with the first fan (3) through a pipeline.
6. The channeling foam mitigation flow guide of claim 5, wherein, The first tank (1), the recovery tank (2) and the first fan (3) are arranged in multiple groups, the first tanks (1) in multiple groups are different tanks in the metal grid touch sensor roll-to-roll production equipment respectively, the defoaming tank (8) is communicated with the first fan (3) in each group respectively.
7. The channeling foam mitigation flow guide of claim 5, wherein, The first fan (3) is a pipeline fan in the metal grid touch sensor roll-to-roll production equipment.
8. The channeling foam mitigation flow directing device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first tank (1) is communicated with a second tank (9) for developing in the metal grid touch sensor roll-to-roll production equipment; liquid is circulated between the first tank (1) and the second tank (9).
9. A metal mesh touch sensor roll-to-roll production apparatus, characterized by, The second tank (9) for developing and the tank foam elimination flow guide device of claim 1 are arranged.
10. The metal mesh touch sensor roll-to-roll production apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The second tank (9) is communicated with the first tank (1), and liquid conveying equipment for liquid circulation is arranged between the second tank (9) and the first tank (1). The second tank (9) is communicated with the first tank (1), and liquid conveying equipment for liquid circulation is arranged between the second tank (9) and the first tank (1).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Mechanical defoaming device for PCB (printed circuit board) circuit development foam
CN219590672U