TAC optical film processing device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a TAC (triallyl cyanurate) optical film processing device, which comprises a humidity adjusting unit, a temperature control unit, a temperature control unit and a temperature control unit, the heating unit is configured to perform heating treatment on the optical film subjected to humidifying treatment so as to generate an ironing effect on the optical film; and a cooling unit configured to cool the heated optical film to ensure the stability of the size of the optical film, wherein the optical film sequentially passes through the humidity adjusting unit, the heating unit and the cooling unit along the conveying path so as to eliminate concave-convex points and creases generated in the storage and transportation process of the optical film, and comprehensive treatment of the optical film is achieved by integrating the humidity adjusting unit, the heating unit and the cooling unit. The device is compact in structure, easy and convenient to operate and remarkable in treatment effect, concave-convex points and creases generated in the storage and transportation process of the optical film can be comprehensively eliminated, and the flatness, dimensional stability and performance of the optical film are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical technology, and in particular to a TAC optical film processing device. Background Technology

[0002] TAC (cellulose triacetate) film is widely used as a protective film for polarizers, a core component of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), due to its excellent optical and physical properties. Polarizers are typically composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and TAC film, used to control the polarization direction of light, thereby improving the contrast and color performance of the display. However, during transportation and storage, TAC film is prone to moisture absorption, leading to problems such as unevenness and deformation on the film surface.

[0003] To eliminate deformation of TAC optical films during storage and transportation and improve their quality and performance, the industry has been exploring effective processing methods. Traditional methods mostly involve heating and smoothing, but the optical film is not softened before heating, resulting in poor smoothing. These methods often fail to achieve ideal processing results, leading to textures, streaks, or unevenness on the surface of the optical film after subsequent coating. Therefore, developing an optical film processing device that integrates humidity control, heating, and cooling is crucial to solving this problem.

[0004] Patent CN109324363A discloses an apparatus and method for manufacturing an optical film. The optical film manufacturing apparatus is a device that performs a humidification treatment to adjust the moisture content of the raw material film while transporting it. The apparatus includes a humidification furnace with one or more transport openings for conveying the raw material film in or out, used for humidification treatment. However, simply humidifying without heating to flatten the film cannot improve the coating texture caused by moisture absorption and deformation.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a TAC optical film processing device. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides a TAC optical film processing device to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A TAC optical film processing device includes: a humidity conditioning unit configured to condition the optical film; a heating unit configured to heat the conditioned optical film to produce a flattening effect; and a cooling unit configured to cool the heated optical film to ensure the dimensional stability of the optical film; wherein the optical film passes sequentially through the humidity conditioning unit, the heating unit, and the cooling unit along a transport path to eliminate deformation of the optical film during storage and transportation.

[0009] Furthermore, the humidity control unit includes: a humidity control chamber through which the optical film section passes, the humidity control chamber being configured to provide a humidification space with a set humidity; and a plurality of first folding rollers, the plurality of first folding rollers being configured to alternately support the optical film in the vertical direction to extend the transmission path of the optical film in the humidity control chamber by means of tortuous transmission of the optical film.

[0010] Furthermore, the humidification chamber is equipped with nozzles that spray humidified air.

[0011] Furthermore, the heating unit includes: a heating chamber through which the section of the optical film passes, the heating chamber being configured to provide a heating space at a set temperature; and a plurality of second folding rollers configured to alternately support the optical film in the vertical direction, thereby extending the transport path of the optical film within the heating chamber by conveying the optical film in a tortuous manner.

[0012] Furthermore, the heating chamber is equipped with a heating component that flattens the surface of the optical film after it has undergone humidification treatment.

[0013] Furthermore, the heating components are configured to heat the temperature inside the heating chamber to 80°C-150°C.

[0014] Furthermore, the heating unit also includes a heat insulation component, which is disposed outside the heating chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, the cooling unit includes: a cooling box through which the optical film section passes, the cooling box being configured to provide a cooling space at a set temperature; and a plurality of third folding rollers configured to alternately support the optical film in the vertical direction, thereby extending the transport path of the optical film within the cooling box by conveying the optical film in a tortuous manner.

[0016] Furthermore, the cooling chamber is equipped with a cooling component that cools the optical film after heat treatment.

[0017] Furthermore, the processing apparatus also includes: a first guide roller disposed upstream of the humidification chamber, the first guide roller being configured to convey the optical film into the humidification furnace; and a second guide roller disposed downstream of the cooling chamber, the second guide roller being configured to convey the optical film out of the cooling furnace.

[0018] The above technical solution achieves the following technical effects:

[0019] The processing apparatus of this application effectively eliminates deformations caused by changes in storage and transportation conditions, such as curling and unevenness, by sequentially performing humidification, heating and cooling treatments on the optical film, thereby improving the flatness of the optical film.

[0020] The humidity control unit, heating unit, and cooling unit all employ a zigzag conveying method, with multiple folding rollers alternately supporting the optical film in the vertical direction, extending the conveying path of the optical film within its respective processing unit and ensuring the uniformity and stability of the processing effect.

[0021] The humidification unit is equipped with nozzles that spray humidified air, which can precisely control the humidity of the humidified space to meet the specific humidity requirements of the optical film.

[0022] The heating components inside the heating unit can heat the temperature inside the heating chamber to 80℃-150℃, and the configuration of the insulation components effectively reduces heat loss, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the heating temperature.

[0023] The cooling components within the cooling unit can rapidly cool the heat-treated optical film, further stabilizing its performance. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the optical film transmission of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the processing device of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the humidity control box and humidity control pipe of this utility model.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1-Humidity conditioning unit; 11-Humidity conditioning box; 12-First folding roller; 13-Spray nozzle; 14-Humidity conditioning pipe; 141-Control valve; 2-Heating unit; 21-Heating box; 22-Second folding roller; 23-Heating assembly; 24-Insulation assembly; 3-Cooling unit; 31-Cooling box; 32-Third folding roller; 33-Cooling assembly; 4-First guide roller; 5-Second guide roller. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms “kneading,” “base,” and similar terms used in this patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “a,” “one,” or “the” do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding “comprising” or “including” encompasses the element or object listed following “comprising” or “including” and its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” and “outer” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. These terms are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred mechanism or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0035] Example 1:

[0036] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a TAC optical film processing device, which includes a humidity control unit 1, a heating unit 2, and a cooling unit 3 arranged in sequence.

[0037] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the humidity conditioning unit 1 includes a humidity conditioning chamber 11 and multiple first return rollers 12. The humidity conditioning chamber 11 is equipped with nozzles 13 that spray humidified air to provide a humidified space with a set humidity. The optical film passes sequentially along the transport path through the multiple first return rollers 12. These first return rollers 12 alternately support the optical film in the vertical direction, extending the transport path of the optical film within the humidity conditioning chamber 11 by conveying the film in a tortuous manner. By adjusting the spray volume and spray time of the nozzles 13, the humidity of the humidified space can be precisely controlled, allowing the optical film to undergo humidity conditioning treatment in a suitable humidity environment.

[0038] The humidity chamber 11 is also equipped with a first air extraction component, which extracts the humidity-conditioned air in the humidity chamber 11 to make the humidity-conditioned air in the humidity chamber 11 circulate, so as to prevent some optical films from softening due to lack of moisture absorption.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the nozzle 13 is connected to a humidity regulating pipe 14. The humidity regulating air in the humidity regulating pipe 14 is sprayed out through the nozzle 13. In order to ensure that the optical film passing through the humidity regulating chamber 11 can fully absorb moisture and soften, and that the humidity in the humidity regulating chamber 11 reaches the set humidity, it is necessary to install a control valve 141 in the regulating pipe 14 to control the amount of humidity regulating air sprayed out by the nozzle 13, so that the optical film passing through the humidity regulating chamber 11 can quickly absorb moisture and soften in the humidity regulating chamber 11, in preparation for the next step of heating and ironing.

[0040] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the heating unit 2 includes a heating chamber 21, multiple second folding rollers 22, and a heating assembly 23. The heating assembly 23 is disposed inside the heating chamber 21 to provide a heating space at a set temperature. The optical film passes sequentially through the multiple second folding rollers 22 along the transport path. These second folding rollers 22 alternately support the optical film in the vertical direction, extending the transport path of the optical film within the heating chamber 21 by conveying the film in a tortuous manner. The heating assembly 23 heats the temperature inside the heating chamber 21 to 80℃-150℃, uniformly heating the optical film and producing a flattening effect, thus smoothing out deformations, bumps, and imprints on the film surface. Simultaneously, the heating unit 2 also includes a heat insulation assembly 24 disposed outside the heating chamber 21 to reduce heat loss and ensure the stability and accuracy of the heating temperature. The heat insulation assembly 24 is preferably heat insulation cotton.

[0041] In this embodiment, the heating component 23 is preferably a hot air blower, which blows hot air into the heating chamber 21, raising the temperature inside the chamber to 80℃-150℃. The hot air, which generates flowing hot air, ensures that the optical film is heated evenly during the heating process. A second air extraction component is provided inside the heating chamber 23 to enhance the flow of hot air within the chamber, ensuring uniform heating of the optical film. The heating component 23 can also be a resistance heating element to ensure that the temperature inside the heating chamber 21 rises rapidly and evenly to the set range. Simultaneously, the heating power and heating time of the heating component 23 can be precisely adjusted according to the material and thickness of the optical film to achieve the best heating effect.

[0042] The cooling unit 3 includes a cooling box 31 and multiple third folding rollers 32. The cooling box 31 contains a cooling assembly 33 to provide a cooling space at a set temperature. The optical film passes sequentially along the transport path through the multiple third folding rollers 32. These rollers alternately support the optical film in the vertical direction, extending the transport path of the optical film within the cooling box 31 by conveying it in a tortuous manner, allowing sufficient time for the heated and flattened optical film to cool. The cooling assembly 33 rapidly cools the heat-treated optical film, further stabilizing its performance.

[0043] Specifically, the cooling assembly 33 may include a cooling fan to quickly remove heat from the optical film. A third air extraction assembly is provided inside the cooling chamber 31 to increase the airflow rate and enhance the cooling effect, enabling the heated and flattened optical film to be cooled to room temperature more quickly. Furthermore, the cooling temperature and cooling time of the cooling assembly 33 can be precisely adjusted according to the material and thickness of the optical film to achieve the best cooling effect.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first, second, and third air extraction components are all connected to the exhaust channel, which discharges the air in each unit through the exhaust channel, thereby enhancing the airflow in each unit and enabling each unit to achieve the ideal state of processing the optical film.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the processing apparatus also includes a first guide roller 4 disposed upstream of the humidity chamber 11 and a second guide roller 5 disposed downstream of the cooling chamber 31. The first guide roller 4 is used to convey the optical film into the humidity chamber 11, and the second guide roller 5 is used to convey the optical film out of the cooling chamber 31.

[0046] like Figure 1-3As shown, in use, the optical film to be processed is placed on the first guide roller and conveyed into the humidity conditioning chamber 11. Within the humidity conditioning chamber 11, the optical film undergoes zigzag conveying via multiple first folding rollers 12, receiving humidity conditioning treatment. The amount of humidifying air ejected from the nozzle 13 is controlled by the control valve 141 to adjust the humidity within the humidity conditioning chamber 11. Then, the optical film is conveyed to the heating chamber 21 of the heating unit 2, undergoing zigzag conveying via multiple second folding rollers 22, receiving heat treatment. The heating assembly 23 heats the temperature within the heating chamber 21 to a set range, uniformly heating the optical film and producing a flattening effect, smoothing out deformations, bumps, and embossing on the film surface. Next, the optical film is conveyed to the cooling chamber 31 of the cooling unit 3, undergoing zigzag conveying via multiple third folding rollers 32, receiving cooling treatment. The cooling assembly 33 rapidly cools the heat-treated optical film, further stabilizing its performance.

[0047] In the specific operation, the first guide roller 4 and the second guide roller 5 feed the optical film into the processing device from one end at a constant speed, and then pass through the humidity conditioning unit 1, the heating unit 2 and the cooling unit 3 in sequence. In each unit, the optical film is conveyed through multiple zigzag rollers, which not only prolongs the residence time of the optical film in the processing unit, ensuring the uniformity and stability of the processing effect, but also avoids deformation of the optical film caused by uneven force during the processing by alternating support.

[0048] Within the humidification unit 1, the nozzle 13 sprays humidifying air according to preset humidity parameters, ensuring the humidity within the humidification space is sufficient for the optical film to absorb moisture and soften. When the humidity within the humidification chamber 11 is lower than the set value, the control valve 141 controls the nozzle 13 to increase the amount of humidifying air sprayed, so that the humidity within the humidification space reaches the set value. After the humidity within the humidification chamber 11 is gradually adjusted to the set humidity by the humidifying air, the TAC optical film begins to absorb moisture and soften.

[0049] Subsequently, the optical film enters the heating unit 2. The heating component 23 begins operation, rapidly raising the temperature inside the heating chamber 21 to the set range (80℃-150℃). At this temperature, the optical film is heated evenly, and bumps and creases gradually disappear. Simultaneously, the heat preservation component 24 effectively reduces heat loss, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the heating temperature.

[0050] After heat treatment, the optical film enters the cooling unit 3. The cooling component 33 begins to rapidly cool the heated optical film. Under the action of the cooling component 33, the cooling air quickly carries away the heat from the optical film, causing its temperature to drop rapidly to near room temperature. This process further stabilizes the performance of the optical film and prevents secondary deformation caused by temperature changes.

[0051] Finally, the fully processed optical film is discharged from the outlet of the cooling unit, with significantly improved flatness, dimensional stability, and performance. This processing device is not only suitable for processing TAC optical films, but can also be widely used in the processing of other types of optical films, showing broad application prospects.

[0052] In summary, this invention provides a TAC optical film processing device that integrates a humidity control unit, a heating unit, and a cooling unit to achieve comprehensive processing of optical films. This device is compact, easy to operate, and produces significant processing results, eliminating bumps and creases that occur in optical films during storage and transportation, thus improving their flatness, dimensional stability, and performance. This processing device is not only suitable for processing TAC optical films but can also be widely applied to the processing of other types of optical films, possessing broad market prospects and application value.

[0053] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A TAC optical film processing apparatus characterized by comprising: The application relates to a processing device for optical film, comprising: a humidifying unit configured to perform a humidifying treatment on the optical film; a heating unit configured to perform a heating treatment on the optical film after the humidifying treatment to generate a pressing effect on the optical film; and a cooling unit configured to perform a cooling treatment on the optical film after the heating treatment to ensure the stability of the size of the optical film. The optical film sequentially passes through the humidifying unit, the heating unit and the cooling unit along a transmission path to eliminate the deformation of the optical film generated during storage and transportation. The humidifying unit comprises:

2. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a humidifying box through which the section of the optical film passes, the humidifying box being configured to provide a humidifying space with a set humidity; and a plurality of first return rollers configured to alternately support the optical film in the up-down direction to extend the transmission path of the optical film in the humidifying box by transmitting the optical film in a zigzag manner. The humidifying box is provided with a spray head for spraying humidified air.

3. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The heating unit comprises:

4. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a heating box through which the section of the optical film passes, the heating box being configured to provide a heating space with a set temperature; and a plurality of second return rollers configured to alternately support the optical film in the up-down direction to extend the transmission path of the optical film in the heating box by transmitting the optical film in a zigzag manner. The heating box is provided with a film surface pressing heating assembly for the optical film after the humidifying treatment.

5. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The heating assembly is configured to heat the temperature in the heating box to 80-150 DEG C.

6. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The heating unit further comprises a heat preservation assembly arranged outside the heating box.

7. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 4, wherein The cooling unit comprises:

8. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a cooling box through which the section of the optical film passes, the cooling box being configured to provide a cooling space with a set temperature; and a plurality of third return rollers configured to alternately support the optical film in the up-down direction to extend the transmission path of the optical film in the cooling box by transmitting the optical film in a zigzag manner. The cooling box is provided with a cooling assembly for cooling the optical film after the heating treatment.

9. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The processing device further comprises:

10. The TAC optical film treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a first guide roller arranged upstream of the humidifying box, the first guide roller being configured to transmit the optical film into the humidifying furnace; and a second guide roller arranged downstream of the cooling box, the second guide roller being configured to transmit the optical film out of the cooling furnace. ​

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