A device for reducing calendering bubbles in silica gel

Abstract

The application relates to the field of material defoaming treatment, in particular to a device for reducing silicone calendering bubbles, which comprises a uniform feeding mechanism, a sealing connection mechanism, a defoaming guide mechanism and a defoaming discharging mechanism; the uniform feeding mechanism comprises a feeding pipe and a flow control piece; the feeding end of the feeding pipe is sealingly connected with a rubber material barrel; the flow control piece is installed on the feeding pipe and used for controlling the flow of silicone in the feeding pipe; the discharging end of the feeding pipe is sealingly connected with the defoaming guide mechanism through the sealing connection mechanism; the defoaming discharging mechanism is installed on the discharging end of the defoaming guide mechanism and is used for defoaming treatment of silicone. The structure can improve the stability of silicone flow guide, promote the discharge of bubbles of silicone, and effectively reduce the bubbles generated in the silicone calendering process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of material defoaming treatment, and in particular to an apparatus for reducing air bubbles in silicone calendering. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal pads, as a key thermal interface material, play a vital role in the electronics industry. With continuous technological advancements, the performance and power of electronic devices are constantly improving, making heat dissipation a more prominent issue. Thermal pads, with their excellent thermal conductivity, effectively transfer heat from the heat source to the heat dissipation device, ensuring the normal operation of electronic devices. They also possess advantages such as low hardness, elasticity, resistance to high and low temperatures, self-adhesion, and a certain degree of plasticity, making them better suited for various complex application scenarios. In recent years, the electronics industry has experienced rapid development, with increasing market demand for devices such as smartphones, tablets, computer mainframes, and servers, further driving the demand for thermal pads. Currently, the production of thermal pads typically involves connecting a rubber barrel to a calender using a guide pipe or plate. This allows the silicone rubber stored in the barrel to flow directly onto the calender, where it is shaped by the pressure rollers. During this process, since the thermally conductive adhesive is a mixture of materials with different densities, the mixing process inevitably affects the mixing effect. Furthermore, factors such as the proportions of various raw materials, stirring speed, and time can all lead to uneven mixing. During the calendering stage, the silicone is easily exposed to air and comes into full contact with it. Therefore, this production method has significant drawbacks in practical applications. Due to the inherent differences in the properties of the thermally conductive adhesive itself, coupled with the unavoidable contact with air during calendering, a large number of bubbles and pores are generated during the calendering process. These bubbles and pores severely damage the overall structure of the thermally conductive pad, reducing its thermal conductivity and preventing effective heat transfer, thus affecting the heat dissipation of electronic devices. Simultaneously, the presence of bubbles and pores also reduces the physical strength and stability of the thermally conductive pad, increasing the likelihood of breakage and detachment during use, affecting the continuity and stability of production operations, and increasing production costs. In addition, a large number of bubbles require additional processing steps to eliminate, which undoubtedly reduces production efficiency, increases the input of manpower and resources, and causes significant problems in actual production. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to improve the stability of silicone flow and promote the removal of air bubbles from silicone, thereby effectively reducing the air bubbles generated during silicone calendering, this application provides a device for reducing silicone calendering air bubbles.

[0004] This application provides a device for reducing air bubbles in silicone calendering, including a uniform feeding mechanism, a sealing connection mechanism, a defoaming guiding mechanism, and a defoaming discharging mechanism. The uniform feeding mechanism includes a feed pipe and a flow control component. The feed end of the feed pipe is sealed to a rubber container. The flow control component is installed on the feed pipe to control the flow rate of silicone in the feed pipe. The discharge end of the feed pipe is sealed to the defoaming guiding mechanism through the sealing connection mechanism. The defoaming discharging mechanism is installed on the discharge end of the defoaming guiding mechanism and is used to defoam the silicone. By adopting the above technical solution, segmented feeding is used. The feed end of the feed pipe in the uniform feeding mechanism is sealed to the rubber container, preventing silicone from coming into contact with air and mixing in air bubbles at the beginning of feeding. The flow control component can accurately adjust the flow rate of silicone in the feed pipe, so that the silicone flows into the device uniformly and stably. A stable feed flow rate can prevent impacts caused by excessive or insufficient flow rate and unstable flow rate, which can lead to excessive contact between silicone and air, forming cavitation. The discharge end of the feed pipe is sealed and connected to the defoaming and guiding mechanism via a sealing connection mechanism, further ensuring a sealed environment during the silicone conveying process. This prevents outside air from entering while also promoting the upward movement and discharge of air bubbles in the silicone. Finally, the defoaming discharge mechanism defoams the silicone as it flows out. The combined effect of these mechanisms significantly reduces air bubbles and pores in the silicone, ensuring the overall structural integrity of the thermal pad, improving its thermal conductivity, enhancing its physical strength and stability, reducing the possibility of breakage or detachment during use, improving the continuity and stability of production operations, reducing production costs, minimizing subsequent defoaming processes, and increasing production efficiency. Preferably, the defoaming and guiding mechanism includes a guide tube and a buffer defoaming bag. The guide tube is fitted over the buffer defoaming bag, which includes a feed section that is tightly connected to the feed end of the guide tube. The discharge end of the sealing connection mechanism is sealed and connected to the guide tube, and the buffer defoaming bag extends through the guide tube. By adopting the above technical solution, the guide tube fitted over the buffer defoaming bag provides protection and support for the bag. The feed section of the buffer defoaming bag fits tightly against the feed end of the guide tube, achieving a sealed connection and preventing silicone leakage between the guide tube and the buffer defoaming bag during feeding. The discharge end of the sealing connection mechanism is also sealed to the guide tube, further ensuring the airtightness of the silicone conveying channel, preventing silicone from being exposed to air and reducing the chance of bubble formation. The discharge end of the buffer defoaming bag passes through the guide tube, allowing the silicone to be smoothly discharged while the buffer defoaming bag utilizes its internal space to buffer the silicone flow. Some bubbles rise and burst during the slow flow of silicone, achieving the purpose of defoaming, thereby effectively reducing the generation of bubbles in the silicone during calendering and ensuring the quality and performance of the thermally conductive gasket. Preferably, sealing rings are provided between the sealing connection mechanism and the feed tube, and between the sealing connection mechanism and the guide tube.By adopting the above technical solution, sealing rings are set between the sealing connection mechanism and the feed pipe, and between the sealing connection mechanism and the guide pipe. Since the silicone flows into the guide pipe through the feed pipe and the sealing connection mechanism, air may enter through any gaps at the connection. The sealing rings effectively fill the gaps at the connection, forming a stable and reliable sealing structure, preventing air from entering, ensuring that the silicone flows smoothly within the device, and preventing excessive contact with air to generate bubbles. This helps improve the stability and reliability of the entire device operation and avoids the formation of bubbles in the silicone. Preferably, the inner wall of the guide pipe is smooth. By adopting the above technical solution, the smooth inner wall of the guide pipe reduces the friction between the buffer defoaming bag and the pipe wall when the silicone flows within the buffer defoaming bag. Reduced friction makes the silicone flow smoother, reducing the possibility of silicone flow obstruction caused by rough pipe walls. This effectively reduces the possibility of local eddies or stagnation forming during the silicone flow, preventing air from being trapped and forming bubbles due to these abnormal flow conditions. Furthermore, it better maintains the continuous and stable flow of silicone, which is beneficial for the silicone to move to the subsequent processing stages along the expected path, reducing the probability of bubble formation and ensuring a significant reduction in the number of bubbles in the final silicone product, thereby improving product quality and performance. Preferably, the buffer defoaming bag includes a discharge section with a conical structure, the tip of which faces the defoaming discharge mechanism. By adopting the above technical solution, the discharge section of the buffer defoaming bag is designed with a conical structure and the tip facing the defoaming discharge mechanism. When the silicone flows through the buffer defoaming bag, the flow of silicone is constrained due to the gradually narrowing space at the conical opening, resulting in increased flow rate and pressure. This change causes the bubbles inside the silicone to be compressed, collide and aggregate, and some small bubbles merge into larger bubbles, making them easier to eliminate under the action of the subsequent defoaming discharge mechanism. Meanwhile, the conical constriction structure guides the silicone to flow centrally towards the defoaming discharge mechanism, ensuring uniform silicone entry for defoaming treatment. This effectively reduces bubble generation during calendering, improves the forming quality of the thermal pad, prevents damage to the thermal pad structure due to excessive bubbles and pores, enhances its thermal conductivity, physical strength, and stability, improves production continuity and stability, reduces production costs, and increases production efficiency. Preferably, the buffer defoaming bag further includes a buffer defoaming section, the area of ​​which is smaller than ...By adopting the above technical solution, when the silica gel flows out of the defoaming bag and enters the porous grid cover, the flow path of the silica gel is divided into multiple fine streams due to the multiple mesh holes in the porous grid cover. These streams squeeze, rub, and collide with each other, impacting and breaking down the air bubbles inside the silica gel, causing them to break and separate from the silica gel. Simultaneously, the porous grid cover disperses the flow velocity of the silica gel, prolonging its flow time within the cover, allowing the tiny air bubbles in the silica gel more time to rise to the surface and break, thereby further improving the defoaming effect. The silica gel, after being processed through such multiple pathways by the porous grid cover, has a significantly reduced content of air bubbles and pores. Preferably, a support frame is also included, which is disposed at the bottom of the guide tube so that the guide tube is inclined downwards towards the defoaming discharge mechanism. By adopting the above technical solution, the support frame at the bottom of the guide tube tilts the guide tube downwards towards the defoaming discharge mechanism. Under the action of gravity, the silica gel flows more easily to the defoaming discharge mechanism within the guide tube, accelerating the conveying speed of the silica gel and thus improving the overall working efficiency of the device. Moreover, this tilted design effectively prevents silica gel from accumulating within the guide tube. Preferably, a support ring is provided on the outer side of the conical closing structure of the buffer defoaming bag. The support ring is used to maintain the shape stability of the conical closing structure. By adopting the above technical solution, the conical closing structure of the buffer defoaming bag helps the silica gel to converge and flow orderly to the defoaming discharge mechanism. However, during the flow of silica gel, factors such as flow rate and pressure may affect the shape of the conical closing structure, thereby affecting the flow state of the silica gel and the defoaming efficiency. Providing a support ring on the outer side of the conical closing structure can increase the stability of the structure, resist the external forces generated by the flow of silica gel, and prevent shape deformation. A stable conical constriction structure ensures that the silicone flows to the defoaming discharge mechanism in a relatively uniform and concentrated manner, making the defoaming process more efficient and stable. This further reduces the generation of bubbles during silicone calendering, improving the overall quality and production efficiency of the thermal pads. Preferably, the sealing connection mechanism is a C+F type quick connector. By adopting the above technical solution, the C+F type quick connector features quick connection and disassembly, significantly saving time required for installation and component replacement compared to traditional connection methods. This allows for more efficient operation of the device for reducing silicone calendering bubbles during routine maintenance or repairs, ensuring continuous production. Furthermore, the C+F type quick connector has excellent sealing performance, preventing silicone leakage during transmission and avoiding excessive contact between the silicone and air, thus greatly reducing the number of bubbles generated due to air contact.

[0005] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0006] 1. The flow control component of the uniform feeding mechanism can control the flow rate of silicone in the feed pipe, making the silicone feeding more stable and uniform. Uneven silicone feeding will cause local pressure fluctuations and flow rate changes, which will cause gas to mix into the silicone and form bubbles. Therefore, by controlling the flow rate to make the silicone feeding uniform, the generation of bubbles caused by uneven feeding can be effectively reduced.

[0007] 2. The feed pipe is sealed to the defoaming and guiding mechanism via a sealing connection mechanism, and sealing rings are installed at each connection point. The sealing connection and the sealing rings can isolate air, preventing the silicone from contacting air, thereby reducing the generation of bubbles and pores during calendering;

[0008] 3. The defoaming and discharge mechanism defoams the silicone. After processing by the defoaming and discharge mechanism, the number of air bubbles and pores in the thermal pad can be reduced, thereby improving the thermal conductivity, physical strength and stability of the thermal pad. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an apparatus for reducing air bubbles in silicone calendering according to this application;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device for reducing air bubbles in silicone calendering according to this application;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a right view of an apparatus for reducing air bubbles in silicone calendering according to this application;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA cross-section view.

[0013] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Uniform feeding mechanism; 2. Sealing connection mechanism; 3. Defoaming and guiding mechanism; 4. Defoaming and discharging mechanism; 5. Support frame; 11. Feed pipe; 12. Flow control component; 21. Sealing ring; 31. Guide pipe; 32. Buffer defoaming bag; 321. Feeding section; 322. Buffer defoaming section; 323. Discharge section. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0015] This application provides an embodiment of a device for reducing air bubbles in silicone calendering, referring to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The system comprises a uniform feeding mechanism 1, a sealing connection mechanism 2, a defoaming guiding mechanism 3, a defoaming discharging mechanism 4, and a support frame 5 installed at the bottom of the defoaming guiding mechanism 3, connected in sequence. The uniform feeding mechanism 1 is responsible for uniformly feeding the silicone; the sealing connection mechanism 2 ensures the sealing between components, preventing the silicone from contacting air and generating bubbles during feeding; the defoaming guiding mechanism 3 performs initial defoaming and guiding of the silicone; and the defoaming discharging mechanism 4 performs final defoaming treatment, effectively reducing the generation of bubbles during silicone calendering. This structural combination ensures a uniform supply of silicone while preventing the silicone from being exposed to air, reducing the probability of bubble formation and improving the quality of the thermal pad. The support frame 5 supports the bottom of the defoaming guiding mechanism 3 at a certain angle to prevent silicone accumulation and excessively slow flow. Specifically, the uniform feeding mechanism 1 in this embodiment includes a feed pipe 11 and a flow control component 12. The feed pipe 11 is typically made of stainless steel or plastic, possessing a certain rigidity and corrosion resistance to ensure smooth silicone feeding. The feed end of the feed pipe 11 is sealed to the rubber barrel by welding. In this embodiment, the flow control component 12 is an electromagnetic flow regulating valve, which can precisely control the flow rate of the silicone according to set parameters. The electromagnetic flow regulating valve is installed on the feed pipe 11. When the silicone is conveyed from the rubber barrel through the feed pipe 11, the electromagnetic flow regulating valve can stably control the flow rate of the silicone according to production needs, ensuring uniform feeding of the silicone. Specifically, in this embodiment, the discharge end of the feed pipe 11 is sealed to the defoaming and guiding mechanism 3 through a sealing connection mechanism 2. The sealing connection mechanism 2 in this embodiment uses a C+F type quick connector. This connector is easy to install, allows for quick connection and disassembly, and has good sealing performance. To further enhance the sealing effect, sealing rings 21 are embedded at both ends of the C+F type quick connector. The sealing rings 21 are generally made of rubber, which has good elasticity and sealing performance, effectively preventing silicone leakage and air ingress.

[0016] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4Specifically, the defoaming and guiding mechanism 3 in this embodiment includes a guide tube 31 and a buffer defoaming bag 32. The guide tube 31 is a plastic pipe with a smooth inner wall, which reduces the frictional resistance of the silicone during transportation and allows the silicone to flow smoothly. The buffer defoaming bag 32 is made of PE material. The PE material buffer defoaming bag 32 is flexible and non-stick, reducing uneven flow caused by silicone adhesion. The guide tube 31 is fitted onto the buffer defoaming bag 32. The buffer defoaming bag 32 can be specifically divided into an infeed section 321, a buffer defoaming section 322, and an outlet section 323. Both the infeed section 321 and the outlet section 323 are conical structures. The larger opening end of the conical structure of the infeed section 321 can be turned outwards to cover the infeed end of the guide tube 31 and fit tightly against the guide tube 31. Then, adhesive is used to bond the guide tube 31 and the buffer defoaming bag 32 together to prevent the buffer defoaming bag 32 from slipping out of the guide tube 31 and to prevent silicone from leaking between the guide tube 31 and the buffer defoaming bag 32. The outlet section 323... The discharge section 323 is inserted into the discharge end of the guide tube 31 and is exposed. The pointed end of the conical structure of the discharge section 323 faces the defoaming discharge mechanism 4. The conical constriction structure design makes the silicone flow more concentrated and stable, reducing the generation of bubbles. A support ring made of plastic is bonded to the outside of the conical structure of the discharge section 323 to maintain the shape stability of the conical constriction structure. The buffer defoaming section 322 is the main flow section of the silicone. Its interception surface area is smaller than that of the guide tube 31 to avoid wrinkles in the buffer defoaming bag 32, which would obstruct the flow of silicone. Specifically, in this embodiment, the defoaming discharge mechanism 4 is a porous grid cover. The porous grid cover is installed on the outer wall of the discharge end of the guide tube 31 by a cable tie. The porous grid cover covers the discharge section 323 of the buffer defoaming bag 32 inside the cover, that is, the discharge section 323 of the buffer defoaming bag 32 can extend into the porous grid cover so that the silicone can pass through the porous grid structure of the porous grid cover. The porous grid cover is made of plastic, and its surface is covered with uniformly sized holes. When the silica gel flows out from the outlet of the buffer defoaming bag 32 and passes through the porous grid cover, the silica gel is divided into many small streams by the porous grid cover, further squeezing out the air bubbles in the silica gel, thus achieving the final defoaming treatment of the silica gel. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support frame 5 is set at the bottom of the guide tube 31 so that the guide tube 31 is inclined downward toward the defoaming discharge mechanism 4. The support frame 5 adopts a metal bracket, so that the guide tube 31 forms a suitable inclination angle. The inclination angle range of 5°-30° is reasonably designed, so that the silica gel flows naturally from the feed end to the discharge end by gravity, reducing the possibility of air bubbles being generated due to stagnation during the conveying process.The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: Silica gel is fed uniformly from the rubber barrel through the sealed welded feed pipe 11, under the precise control of the electromagnetic flow regulating valve installed on the feed pipe 11. Subsequently, the outlet end of the feed pipe 11 is sealed and connected to the defoaming guide mechanism 3 through a C+F type quick connector embedded with a rubber sealing ring 21. In the defoaming guide mechanism 3, a plastic guide tube 31 with a smooth inner wall is sleeved on the PE... The buffer defoaming bag 32 is made of a material with a tapered inlet section 321. The larger end of the tapered inlet section 321 is turned outward to cover the inlet end of the guide tube 31 and is fixed in place. The outlet section 323 passes through the outlet end of the guide tube 31, with the tapered tip facing the defoaming outlet mechanism 4. A plastic support ring is bonded to the outside to maintain shape stability. The cross-sectional area of ​​the buffer defoaming section 322 is smaller than that of the guide tube 31. The defoaming outlet mechanism 4 is a porous grid cover made of plastic with uniformly sized holes on its surface. It is installed on the outer wall of the outlet end of the guide tube 31 by cable ties, and the outlet section 323 of the buffer defoaming bag 32 is placed inside the cover. Silica gel flows out from the outlet end of the buffer defoaming bag 32 and passes through the porous grid structure of the porous grid cover to achieve the final defoaming treatment. At the same time, a metal support frame 5 is set at the bottom of the guide tube 31, which is tilted downward at 5° towards the defoaming outlet mechanism 4. At 30°, the silicone flows naturally under gravity, avoiding stagnation and the formation of air bubbles. The entire process ensures a uniform supply of silicone and prevents the silicone from being exposed to air, reducing the probability of air bubble formation and improving the quality of the thermal pad.

[0017] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An apparatus for reducing air bubbles in silicone calendering, characterized in that, It includes a uniform feeding mechanism (1), a sealing connection mechanism (2), a defoaming guiding mechanism (3), and a defoaming discharge mechanism (4). The uniform feeding mechanism (1) includes a feeding pipe (11) and a flow control component (12). The feeding end of the feeding pipe (11) is sealed to the rubber barrel. The flow control component (12) is installed on the feeding pipe (11) and is used to control the flow rate of the silicone in the feeding pipe (11). The discharge end of the feed pipe (11) is sealed to the defoaming guide mechanism (3) through the sealing connection mechanism (2); The defoaming discharge mechanism (4) is installed at the discharge end of the defoaming guide mechanism (3), and the defoaming discharge mechanism (4) is used to defoam the silicone.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The defoaming and guiding mechanism (3) includes a guide tube (31) and a buffer defoaming bag (32). The guide tube (31) is sleeved on the buffer defoaming bag (32). The buffer defoaming bag (32) includes a feeding section (321). The feeding section (321) is closely attached to the feeding end of the guide tube (31) to achieve connection. The discharge end of the sealing connection mechanism (2) is sealed and connected to the guide tube (31). The buffer defoaming bag (32) passes through the guide tube (31).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sealing ring (21) is provided between the sealing connection mechanism (2) and the feed pipe (11), and between the sealing connection mechanism (2) and the guide pipe (31).

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the guide tube (31) is smooth.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The buffer defoaming bag (32) includes a discharge section (323) and the discharge section (323) has a conical structure, with the tip of the discharge section (323) facing the defoaming discharge mechanism (4).

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The buffer defoaming bag (32) further includes a buffer defoaming section (322), the area of ​​the interception surface of the buffer defoaming section (322) is smaller than the area of ​​the interception surface of the guide tube (31).

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The defoaming discharge mechanism (4) is a porous grid cover. The porous grid cover is installed at the discharge end of the guide tube (31). The discharge end of the buffer defoaming bag (32) extends into the porous grid cover so that the silicone passes through the porous grid cover.

8. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame (5), which is disposed at the bottom of the guide tube (31) so that the guide tube (31) is inclined downward toward the defoaming discharge mechanism (4).

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer side of the conical closing structure of the buffer defoaming bag (32) is provided with a support ring, which is used to maintain the shape stability of the conical closing structure.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing connection mechanism (2) is a C+F type quick connector.

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