CN222429897U - Separation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A separation apparatus includes a separation unit including a burring portion that is in line contact with a side surface of a separation object having a thickness in a first direction, and a thickness measurement unit that is in contact with an upper surface of the separation object to maintain a distance between the upper surface and the burring portion in the first direction at a predetermined distance. The separation unit further includes a first surface inclined at a first angle with respect to a lower surface of the separation object, and a second surface inclined at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the lower surface of the separation object. The chisel edge portion is defined by the first surface and the second surface connected to the first surface.

Description

Separation apparatus

The present application claims priority from korean patent application No. 10-2023-0042753, filed on 3/31 of 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a separation apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a separation apparatus for separating objects to be separated, including windows.

Background

The display device is applied to various multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, game units, etc., to provide image information to users. In recent years, a foldable or bendable flexible display device is being developed.

The flexible display device includes a foldable or bendable display module and a window. The window included in the display device effectively provides image information provided from the display module to the outside and protects the display module from external impact.

The window is attached to the display device, thereby protecting the display module from external scratches and impacts. As the thickness of the window gradually decreases, damage to the window may occur due to the separation device when the window and the display module are separated from each other by the separation device.

Disclosure of utility model

The present disclosure provides a separation apparatus capable of preventing damage to a window.

An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a separation apparatus including a separation unit including a chisel edge (chisel-edge) portion in line contact with a side surface of a separation object having a thickness in a first direction, and a thickness measurement unit in contact with an upper surface of the separation object, and a distance between the chisel edge portion and the upper surface of the separation object in the first direction is a predetermined distance. The separation unit further includes a first surface inclined at a first angle with respect to a lower surface of the separation object, and a second surface inclined at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the lower surface of the separation object. The chisel edge portion is defined by the first surface and the second surface connected to the first surface.

The first angle is less than the second angle, and the second angle is greater than about zero (0) degrees and less than about 90 degrees.

The thickness measuring unit includes a support member extending in the first direction above the upper surface of the separation object and including a rotation axis substantially parallel to the upper surface of the separation object, and a roller rotatably coupled with the support member, rotatable about the rotation axis, and in contact with the upper surface of the separation object.

The thickness measuring unit includes an ultrasonic sensor or a laser displacement sensor.

The separation apparatus further includes a support unit coupled to the separation unit and the thickness measurement unit.

The separation apparatus further includes a height control unit for adjusting a height of the separation unit or the thickness measurement unit so as to adjust the distance between the chiseled portion and the upper surface of the separation object in the first direction.

The separating apparatus further comprises a moving unit for moving the separating unit and the thickness measuring unit.

The separation object includes a lower member including a surface defining the lower surface of the separation object, a glass substrate disposed on the lower member and including a surface defining the upper surface of the separation object, and an adhesive member disposed between the lower member and the glass substrate and including a surface defining the side surface of the separation object. A point at which the chiseled portion makes line contact with the side surface of the separation object is spaced apart from the glass substrate and the lower member.

The first surface is spaced apart from the lower member and the second surface is spaced apart from the glass substrate.

The thickness of the glass substrate is equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive member.

The separating apparatus further comprises a table for supporting the lower member. The lower member includes an optical member disposed on the stage, and a base film disposed on the optical member and in contact with the adhesive member.

An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a separation apparatus including a separation unit including a chiseled portion in line contact with a side surface of a second member including a separation object of a first member, a second member, and a third member stacked in a first direction, a first surface, and a second surface connected to the first surface, and a thickness measurement unit in contact with an upper surface of the third member. The chisel edge portion is defined by the first and second surfaces, each of the first and second surfaces being inclined relative to a lower surface of the second member, and a distance between the chisel edge portion and the upper surface of the third member in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the third member.

The first surface is inclined at a first angle relative to the lower surface of the second member, and the second surface is inclined at a second angle different from the first angle relative to the lower surface of the second member.

The separating apparatus further comprises a height control unit for adjusting the height of the separating unit or the thickness measuring unit, thereby adjusting the distance between the chiseled edge portion and the upper surface of the third member in the first direction.

The thickness measuring unit includes a support member extending in the first direction above the upper surface of the third member and including a rotation axis substantially parallel to the upper surface of the third member, and a roller rotatably coupled with the support member, rotatable about the rotation axis, and in contact with the upper surface of the third member.

The first angle is less than the second angle, and the second angle is greater than about zero (0) degrees and less than about 90 degrees.

The third member has a thickness equal to or less than a thickness of the second member, and the chisel edge portion is spaced apart from the first and third members.

The first surface is spaced apart from the first member and the second surface is spaced apart from the third member.

According to the above, the separation apparatus prevents damage from occurring in the window by allowing the separation unit to be spaced apart from the window as the third member.

According to the above, the separating apparatus prevents damage from occurring in the lower member by allowing the separating unit to be spaced apart from the lower member.

According to the above, the separation unit of the separation apparatus is in line contact with the separation object to separate the separation object having a thin thickness.

According to the above, the thickness measuring unit of the separation apparatus measures the thickness of the separation object, and thus, the position of the separation unit is adjusted according to the measured thickness of the separation object.

According to the above, the separation apparatus maintains a constant distance between the thickness measuring unit and the separation unit to allow the separation unit to be in contact with the separation object line at a specific position.

Drawings

The above and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is an assembled perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an assembled perspective view of an inwardly folded display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is an assembled perspective view of an outwardly folded display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is an assembled perspective view of a display device in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is an assembled perspective view of an inwardly folded display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a separation object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8A-8C are enlarged views of a portion of a separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In this disclosure, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer or section) is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the drawings, the proportion and the size (e.g., thickness) of the parts are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively describing the technical contents. As used herein, the term "and/or" may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as "under," "below," "lower," "over," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A is an assembled perspective view of a display device DD in an unfolded state, fig. 1B is an assembled perspective view of an inwardly folded display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 1C is an assembled perspective view of an outwardly folded display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The display device DD may be a device that is activated in response to an electrical signal. As an example, the display device DD may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation unit, a game unit or a wearable unit, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. In the present embodiment, the mobile phone will be described as the display device DD.

Meanwhile, in fig. 1A and subsequent figures, the first direction DR1', the second direction DR2', and the third direction DR3 'are shown, and directions indicated by the first direction DR1', the second direction DR2', and the third direction DR3' may be relative concepts and may be changed to other directions.

Referring to fig. 1A to 1C, the display device DD may include a first display surface FS defined by a first direction DR1' and a second direction DR2' intersecting the first direction DR1 '. The display means DD may provide the image IM to the user via the first display surface FS. The display device DD may display the image IM toward the third direction DR3' through the first display surface FS substantially parallel to each of the first direction DR1' and the second direction DR2 '. In the present embodiment, the front (or upper) surface and the rear (or lower) surface of each member of the display device DD may be defined with respect to the direction in which the image IM is displayed. The front surface and the rear surface may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3', and a normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3'.

The display device DD may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS. The first display surface FS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. An electronic module area (not shown) may be included in the display area DA. The second display surface RS may be opposite to at least a portion of the first display surface FS. That is, the second display surface RS may be defined as a portion of the rear surface of the display device DD.

The display device DD may sense an external input applied thereto from the outside. The external input may comprise various forms of input provided from outside the display device DD. For example, the external input may include a proximity input (e.g., hover) applied when approaching or proximate to the display device DD at a predetermined distance and a touch input of a portion of the user's body (e.g., the user's hand). Further, external input may be provided in the form of force (e.g., pressure), temperature, light, etc.

The display device DD may include a folding area FA1 and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The display device DD may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2 spaced apart from the first non-folding area NFA1 with a folding area FA1 interposed therebetween. Meanwhile, fig. 1A to 1C illustrate the display device DD including one folding area FA1 as a representative example, however, the display device DD should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the display device DD may include a plurality of folding areas defined therein.

Referring to fig. 1B, the display device DD is foldable with respect to a first folding axis FX 1. The first folding axis FX1 may be an imaginary axis extending in the first direction DR1' to be substantially parallel to a direction in which the long side of the display device DD extends. The first folding axis FX1 may extend in a first direction DR1' on the first display surface FS.

According to an embodiment, the non-folded areas NFA1 and NFA2 may be disposed adjacent to each other with the folded area FA1 interposed therebetween. For example, the first non-folded region NFA1 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the folded region FA1 in the second direction DR2', and the second non-folded region NFA2 may be disposed adjacent to the other side of the folded region FA1 in the second direction DR 2'.

The display device DD is foldable about the first folding axis FX1 to be in an inwardly folded (inwardly folded) state in which one region of the first display surface FS overlapping the first non-folded region NFA1 faces another region of the first display surface FS overlapping the second non-folded region NFA 2. Meanwhile, when the display device DD is in the inwardly folded state, the user can see the second display surface RS. The second display surface RS may further include an electronic module region in which an electronic module including various components is disposed.

Referring to fig. 1C, the display device DD may be folded about the first folding axis FX1 to be in an outwardly folded (outer folded) state in which one region of the second display surface RS overlapping the first non-folded region NFA1 faces another region of the second display surface RS overlapping the second non-folded region NFA 2. However, the display device DD should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the display device DD may be folded about a plurality of folding axes such that a portion of the first display surface FS and a portion of the second display surface RS may face each other, and the number of folding axes and the number of non-folding areas should not be particularly limited.

The display device DD may comprise various electronic modules. For example, the electronic module may include at least one of a camera, a speaker, an optical sensor, and a thermal sensor. The electronic module may sense an external object through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS, or the electronic module may provide a sound signal such as voice to the outside through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS. Furthermore, the electronic module may comprise a plurality of components, however, it should not be limited to a particular embodiment.

Fig. 2A is an assembled perspective view of a display device DD-a in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and fig. 2B is an assembled perspective view of an inwardly folded display device DD-a according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The display device DD-a is foldable with respect to a second folding axis FX2 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction DR 1'. In fig. 2B, the second folding axis FX2 extends substantially parallel to the direction in which the short sides of the display device DD-a extend, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby.

According to an embodiment, the display device DD-a may include at least one folding area FA2 and non-folding areas NFA3 and NFA4 defined adjacent to the folding area FA 2. The non-folded areas NFA3 and NFA4 may be spaced apart from each other with the folded area FA2 interposed therebetween.

According to an embodiment, the display device DD-a may be folded inward (inner folded) such that the third non-folded area NFA3 and the fourth non-folded area NFA4 may face each other and the first display surface FS may not be exposed to the outside. Further, unlike fig. 2B, the display device DD-a may be folded outward (outer folding) so that the first display surface FS may be exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the display device DD-a may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS, and the first display surface FS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. In addition, the display device DD-a may further include various electronic modules.

The display devices DD and DD-a described with reference to fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A and 2B may be configured to repeat the unfolding operation and the inner folding operation, or repeat the unfolding operation and the outer folding operation, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the display devices DD and DD-a may be selectively operated in any one of an unfolding operation, an inner folding operation and an outer folding operation. Although not shown in the drawings, according to an embodiment, the display device may be a flexible display device including a plurality of folding areas or at least one bendable or crimpable portion.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the display device DD of fig. 1A. Referring to fig. 3, the display device DD may include a display panel DP and a window WM disposed on the display panel DP. The window WM may be disposed on at least one of the upper and lower portions of the display panel DP. Fig. 3 shows a structure in which the window WM is provided on the display panel DP.

In addition, the display device DD may further include an electronic module (not shown) disposed under the display panel DP. As an example, the electronic module (not shown) may include a camera module.

The display device DD may further include an adhesive member AF and/or a lower member UM disposed between the display panel DP and the window WM.

The adhesive member AF may be disposed between the window WM and the lower member UM. The window WM and the lower member UM may be coupled to each other by an adhesive member AF. According to an embodiment, the adhesive member AF may include an optically transparent resin. However, the adhesive member AF should not be limited to an optically transparent resin, and may include a conventional adhesive. As an example, the adhesive member AF may include a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) or an Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA). Further, according to an embodiment, the adhesive member AF may include an optically transparent adhesive film.

The lower member UM may include an optical layer. The lower member UM may include a polarizing layer, a color filter layer, a dye-containing layer, a black matrix layer, a retardation layer, or an adhesive layer. In addition, the lower member UM may further include a functional layer. Some layers of the lower member UM may be omitted in the lower member UM, and positions of the layers of the lower member UM may be interchanged with each other. However, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby.

As an example, the lower member UM may not include a rigid layer such that the lower member UM may be flexibly folded or bent, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the lower member UM may include a rigid layer according to a desired design of the product, and it should not be particularly limited.

The display device DD may further include a case HAU accommodating the display panel DP, the adhesive member AF, and the lower member UM. The window WM and the housing HAU may be coupled to each other to provide the appearance of the display device DD. The housing HAU may comprise a material having a relatively high rigidity. As an example, the housing HAU may include a plurality of frames and/or plates formed of glass, plastic, or metal materials. The display panel DP may be accommodated in the accommodation space of the case HAU and may be protected from external impact. Although not shown in the drawings, the case HAU may further include a hinge structure to allow the display device DD to be easily folded or bent.

The display panel DP may display an image IM (refer to fig. 1A) in response to an electric signal, and may transmit/receive information about external input. The display panel DP may include a sensor layer disposed thereon.

The display panel DP may include an effective area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA may provide an image IM (refer to fig. 1A). The pixels PX may be arranged in the active area AA. The peripheral area NAA may be disposed adjacent to the effective area AA. The peripheral area NAA may surround the effective area AA. A driving circuit or driving line may be disposed in the peripheral area NAA to drive the effective area AA.

The display panel DP may include pixels PX. The pixel PX may display light in response to an electrical signal. The light displayed by the pixel PX may be implemented as an image IM (refer to fig. 1A). Each of the pixels PX may include a display element. As examples, the display element may be an organic light emitting element, an inorganic light emitting element, an organic-inorganic light emitting element, a micro LED, a nano LED, a quantum dot light emitting element, an electrophoretic element, or an electrowetting element.

The window WM may entirely cover the upper surface of the display panel DP. The window WM may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the display panel DP. The window WM may have flexibility, and thus, the shape of the window WM may be changed according to folding or bending of the display device DD. The window WM may protect the display panel DP from external impact.

The window WM may include a transmissive area TA and a bezel area BZA. The transmissive area TA may overlap at least a portion of the active area AA of the display panel DP. The transmissive area TA may be an optically transparent area. For example, the transmission region TA may have a light transmittance of about 90% or more with respect to visible light. The image IM (refer to fig. 1A) may be provided to the user through the transmission area TA, and the user may receive information from the image IM (refer to fig. 1A).

The light transmittance of the frame region BZA may be lower than that of the transmission region TA. The bezel region BZA may define the shape of the transmission region TA. The frame region BZA may have a predetermined color. The bezel area BZA may cover the peripheral area NAA of the display panel DP to prevent the peripheral area NAA from being seen from the outside, however, this is merely an example. According to an embodiment, the border region BZA may be omitted from the window WM.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of window WM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows a section of the window WM of the display device DD shown in fig. 3, which section is taken along the line I-I' of fig. 3. Referring to fig. 4, the window WM may include a glass substrate GL.

The glass substrate GL of fig. 4 may be a processing object obtained after completion of a process to be described later. In addition, the glass substrate GL after the process is completed may be an ultra thin glass substrate (UTG). As described above, the glass substrate GL (e.g., an ultra-thin glass substrate) may be folded and bent, and may have excellent strength against external impact.

The glass substrate GL may include an upper surface US and a lower surface LS. The upper and lower surfaces US and LS of the glass substrate GL may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3', and a normal direction of each of the upper and lower surfaces US and LS may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3'. The upper surface US of the glass substrate GL may be exposed to the outside of the display device DD.

The window WM may further include a printed layer BZ disposed on the lower surface LS of the glass substrate GL. The printed layer BZ may be formed on the lower surface LS of the glass substrate GL by a printing or deposition process, and the printed layer BZ may be directly disposed on the lower surface LS of the glass substrate GL.

The printed layer BZ may be disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface LS of the glass substrate GL, and may define a bezel area BZA. The printed layer BZ may correspond to a peripheral area NAA (refer to fig. 3) of the display panel DP (refer to fig. 3).

The printed layer BZ may have relatively low light transmittance as compared with the glass substrate GL. As an example, the printing layer BZ may have a predetermined color. Accordingly, the printing layer BZ may selectively transmit or reflect only light of a specific color. According to an embodiment, the printed layer BZ may be a light blocking layer that absorbs light incident thereon. The light transmittance and color of the printed layer BZ may be provided in various ways according to the type of the display device DD and the shape of the display device DD.

The glass substrate GL may be an ultra-thin glass substrate having a thickness of about 100 μm or less. As an example, the thickness of the glass substrate GL may be equal to or greater than about 10 μm and equal to or less than about 100 μm. The glass substrate GL may have an ultra-thin thickness for a flexible display device that is foldable or bendable. As an example, the thickness of the glass substrate GL may be equal to or greater than about 20 μm and equal to or less than about 35 μm, and the thickness of the glass substrate GL may be about 31 μm.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a target object to be separated (hereinafter, referred to as a separation object SM) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 5, the separation object SM may include a first member M1, a second member M2, and a third member M3. As shown in fig. 5, the second member M2 may be disposed on the first member M1, and the third member M3 may be disposed on the second member M2.

According to an embodiment, the third member M3 may be the window WM of fig. 3, the second member M2 may be the adhesive member AF of fig. 3, and the first member M1 may be the lower member UM of fig. 3, however, they should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the second member M2 may have a structure in which the adhesive member AF and the lower member UM are stacked, and the first member M1 may be the display panel DP of fig. 3 (refer to fig. 3).

The first member M1 may include a base film BF and an optical member POL. That is, the lower member UM may include a base film BF and an optical member POL. The base film BF may be disposed on the optical member POL and may be in contact with the second member M2. According to an embodiment, the optical member POL may be disposed on the base film BF, and the lower member UM may further include a functional layer.

The optical member POL may include a polarizing layer, a color filter layer, a dye-containing layer, a black matrix layer, a retardation layer, or an adhesive layer. The positions of the layers of the optical member POL may be interchanged with each other.

The second member M2 may be an adhesive member AF having an ultra-thin thickness. As an example, the thickness of the second member M2 may be equal to or greater than about 35 μm and equal to or less than about 200 μm. The second member M2 may have an ultra-thin thickness, and thus, the second member M2 may be used in a foldable or bendable flexible display device. As an example, the thickness of the second member M2 may be equal to or greater than about 35 μm and equal to or less than about 50 μm, and the thickness of the second member M2 may be about 50 μm.

The third member M3 may be an ultrathin glass substrate having an ultrathin thickness as described above. As an example, the thickness of the third member M3 may be equal to or greater than about 30 μm and equal to or less than about 35 μm, and the thickness of the third member M3 may be about 31 μm.

The thickness of the third member M3 may be equal to or less than the thickness of the second member M2. As an example, the thickness of the third member M3 may be about 31 μm, and the thickness of the second member M2 may be about 50 μm.

Referring to fig. 5, the upper surface M1-U of the first member M1 may be in contact with the lower surface M2-L of the second member M2, and the upper surface M2-U of the second member M2 may be in contact with the lower surface M3-L of the third member M3, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, different layers may be disposed on the upper surface M1-U of the first member M1 and the lower surface M2-L of the second member M2, and different layers may be disposed on the upper surface M2-U of the second member M2 and the lower surface M3-L of the third member M3, however, the present disclosure should not be particularly limited.

The upper surface M3-U of the third member M3 may define an upper surface US-SM of the separation object SM. The lower surfaces M1-L of the first member M1 may define lower surfaces LS-SM of the separation object SM. The side surface of the second member M2 may define a side surface of the separation object SM. A portion of the side surface of the separation object SM that is in line contact with a chiseled portion FP (refer to fig. 6) described later may be the side surface of the second member M2. According to an embodiment, the side surface of the third member M3 and the side surface of the first member M1 may define the side surface of the separation object SM, but they should not be limited thereto or thereby.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 6, the separation apparatus may include a separation unit SU, a thickness measurement unit TMU, and a mobile unit MU.

The separation object SM may have a thickness in the first direction DR1, and the second member M2 and the third member M3 may be stacked in the first direction DR 1. In the separation object SM shown in fig. 6, the first member M1 (refer to fig. 5) is omitted, however, the separation object SM may include the first member M1 (refer to fig. 5). The first member M1 (refer to fig. 5) may be disposed on a table STG described later, and the second member M2 may be disposed on the first member M1 (refer to fig. 5). The table STG may be used to support the first member M1 (refer to fig. 5). In an embodiment, the optical member POL (refer to fig. 5) of the first member M1 (refer to fig. 5) may be disposed on the stage STG.

The separation object SM may be provided on the stage STG. The table STG may be moved in the second direction DR2, however, according to an embodiment, the table STG may be moved in a direction different from the second direction DR2, and it should not be particularly limited.

The separation unit SU may separate the separation object SM. The separation unit SU may include a first surface S1, a second surface S2, and a chiseled portion FP.

The first surface S1 of the separation unit SU may be inclined at a first angle θ1 with respect to the lower surface M2-L of the separation object SM. The second surface S2 of the separation unit SU may be inclined at a second angle θ2 with respect to the lower surface M2-L of the separation object SM. Referring to fig. 6, the first surface S1 of the separation unit SU may be inclined at a first angle θ1 with respect to the lower surface M2-L of the second member M2 of the separation object SM, and the second surface S2 of the separation unit SU may be inclined at a second angle θ2 with respect to the lower surface M2-L of the second member M2 of the separation object SM.

The first angle θ1 may be different from the second angle θ2. As an example, the first angle θ1 may be less than the second angle θ2, and the second angle θ2 may be greater than about zero (0) degrees and less than about 90 degrees.

The chiseled portion FP of the separation unit SU may be defined by a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 connected to the first surface S1. In other words, the chiseled portion FP may be defined by the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 in contact with the first surface S1. The chiseled portion FP may be in line contact with the side surface SS-SM of the separation object SM. As an example, the chiseled portion FP may be in line contact with the side surface M2-S of the second member M2.

The distance Td between the chiseled portion FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM in the first direction DR1 may be maintained at a predetermined distance. The distance Td between the chiseled portion FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM in the first direction DR1 may be varied by a height control unit CM described later.

The distance Td between the chiseled portion FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the thickness of the third member M3. The distance Td may be equal to or greater than the sum of the thickness of the third member M3 and its tolerance. The tolerance may vary depending on the design and process of the product. However, the distance Td may be smaller than the sum of the thickness of the third member M3 and the thickness of the second member M2.

When the distance Td in the first direction DR1 between the chiseled portion FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM is maintained at a predetermined distance and the thickness of the third member M3 is constant, the position where the chiseled portion FP is in line contact with the second member M2 may be maintained constant. As an example, for separate objects having the same design value, the line contact position of the chiseled portion FP with the second member M2 may be kept constant. Thus, the separation operation can be automated, and the process time can be reduced. Accordingly, the capacity of the separation apparatus can be increased, the product quality can be easily managed, and the separation process can be automated.

The separation unit SU may comprise metal or nonmetal. As an example, the separation unit SU may comprise stainless steel (STS or SUs), however, according to an embodiment, the separation unit SU may comprise ceramic, polymer, duralumin, or the like. According to an embodiment, the separation unit SU may be entirely formed of the same material, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, only the chiseled portion FP may be formed of stainless steel (STS or SUS).

Fig. 6 shows the separation unit SU having a wedge shape, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the separation unit SU may have various shapes, such as a right triangle shape.

The thickness measurement unit TMU may measure the thickness of the separation object SM. The thickness measurement unit TMU may be in contact with the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM. The thickness measuring unit TMU may be in contact with the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM, and may measure the thickness of the separation object SM.

The thickness measuring unit TMU may maintain a distance Td in the first direction DR1 between the burring part FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM. The thickness measurement unit TMU and the separation unit SU may be integrally combined with a supporting unit SPU described later.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness measurement unit TMU may include a support member SPP and a roller RL.

The support member SPP may extend toward the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM in a direction opposite to the first direction DR 1. In an embodiment, the support member SPP may extend in the first direction DR1 above the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM. The support member SPP may have a rotation axis RX substantially parallel to the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM. The support member SPP may be combined with the support unit SPU.

The roller RL may be combined with the support member SPP. The roller RL may be combined with the support member SPP and may rotate with respect to the rotation axis RX. The roller RL may be in contact with the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM. The roller RL may be in contact with the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM and may move along the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM.

Since the separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU are integrally combined with the support unit SPU and the roller RL is in contact with the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM to move along the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM, the distance Td between the chiseled portion FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM in the first direction DR1 can be constantly maintained. Fig. 6 shows the structure of the thickness measurement unit TMU in which the roller RL having a wheel shape is combined with the support member SPP as a representative example, however, the structure of the thickness measurement unit TMU may be changed as long as the thickness of the separation object SM is measured and the distance Td between the chiseled portion FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM in the first direction DR1 is constantly maintained. As an example, the thickness measurement unit TMU may have a rod structure or a tip structure, and should not be particularly limited.

According to an embodiment, the height difference between the thickness measuring unit TMU and the chiseled portion FP of the separation unit SU may be constant. The difference between the height of the lowermost portion of the thickness measurement unit TMU in the first direction DR1 and the height of the lowermost portion of the gouged portion FP in the first direction DR1 may be constant. When the thickness measurement unit TMU is moved in the first direction DR1, the chiseling portion FP may also be moved in the first direction DR1 to constantly maintain the height difference between the thickness measurement unit TMU and the chiseling portion FP of the separation unit SU. However, the height difference between the thickness measuring unit TMU and the chiseled portion FP of the separation unit SU may vary according to a design specification such as the thickness of the separation object SM, and should not be fixed to a specific value.

The supporting unit SPU may be combined with the separating unit SU and the thickness measuring unit TMU. The separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU may be detachably combined with the support unit SPU. The separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU may be supported by and combined with the support unit SPU. The separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU may be combined with the support unit SPU, and the separation unit SU, the thickness measurement unit TMU, and the support unit SPU may be moved together with each other by a movement unit MU described later, however, the disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU may be combined with the support unit SPU, but may be independently moved by the movement unit MU.

Referring to fig. 6, the separation unit SU may be combined with a lower portion of the support unit SPU, and the thickness measurement unit TMU may be combined with a side portion of the support unit SPU. However, the coupling positions of the separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU with respect to the support unit SPU may be changed, and should not be particularly limited.

The mobile unit MU may move the separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU. The moving unit MU may move the separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 or in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2, however, the disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU may be independently moved by the movement unit MU, however, it should not be particularly limited.

According to an embodiment, the mobile unit MU may be coupled to the support unit SPU and may move the support unit SPU. Accordingly, the separation unit SU and the thickness measurement unit TMU combined with the supporting unit SPU can move together with each other.

Referring to FIG. 6, the mobile unit MU may be combined with a side portion of the supporting unit SPU. However, the combined position of the mobile unit MU with respect to the supporting unit SPU may vary and should not be particularly limited.

According to an embodiment, the mobile unit MU may comprise a cylinder, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the mobile unit MU may comprise a motor.

The height control unit CM may control a height difference between the thickness measuring unit TMU and the chiseled portion FP of the separating unit SU. In other words, the height control unit CM may control the difference between the height of the lowermost portion of the thickness measurement unit TMU in the first direction DR1 and the height of the lowermost portion of the chiseled portion FP in the first direction DR 1. That is, the height control unit CM may control the distance between the chiseled portion FP and the thickness measurement unit TMU.

Further, according to an embodiment, the height control unit CM may move the separation unit SU to control the distance Td between the chiseled portion FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM in the first direction DR1 based on the information on the thickness of the separation object SM measured by the thickness measurement unit TMU.

According to an embodiment, the height control unit CM may move the thickness measurement unit TMU in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 to control the height difference between the thickness measurement unit TMU and the chiseled portion FP of the separation unit SU. Accordingly, the distance Td between the chiseled portion FP and the upper surface M3-U of the separation object SM in the first direction DR1 can be adjusted.

Referring to fig. 6, the mobile unit MU may be combined with a side portion of the supporting unit SPU, and the height control unit CM may be combined with an upper portion of the supporting unit SPU. However, the combined positions of the mobile unit MU and the height control unit CM with respect to the supporting unit SPU may vary, and should not be particularly limited.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 7, the separation unit SU may be in contact with the second member M2. In detail, the chiseled portion FP of the separation unit SU may be in line contact with the second member M2 at a specific position.

A portion of the second member M2 of the separation object SM may be in surface contact with the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, and a side surface of the second member M2 may be in line contact with the burring part FP.

Referring to fig. 7, the second member M2 may be divided into an upper portion M2a and a lower portion M2b by a separation unit SU. In detail, the second member M2 may be divided into an upper portion M2a and a lower portion M2b by the burring part FP. Since the second member M2 is in line contact with the burring part FP, an external force applied to the second member M2 to separate the upper part M2a from the lower part M2b can be reduced. Accordingly, the process conditions can be flexibly adjusted, and thus the process can be optimized. In addition, the capacity of the separation apparatus may be increased, or the process cost may be reduced.

The upper portion M2a of the second member M2 may be in contact with the second surface S2. The upper portion M2a of the second member M2 may be separated along the second surface S2. The lower portion M2b of the second member M2 may be spaced apart from the first surface S1. The chiseled portion FP may separate the upper portion M2a from the lower portion M2b of the second member M2.

The chiseled portion FP may be spaced apart from the lower surface M3-L of the third member M3. Further, the chiseled portion FP may be spaced from the upper surface M2-U of the second member M2 and the lower surface M2-L of the second member M2. The chiseled portion FP may be spaced apart from the lower surface M3-L of the third member M3 without contacting the third member M3, and thus, the third member M3 may be prevented from being damaged.

The first surface S1 may be spaced apart from the lower surface M2-L of the second member M2, and the second surface S2 may be spaced apart from the upper surface M2-U of the second member M2. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 may be in surface contact with the second member M2 between the upper surface M2-U and the lower surface M2-L of the second member M2. Fig. 7 shows a structure in which the first surface S1 is not in surface contact with the second member M2, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the first surface S1 may be in surface contact with the second member M2.

Although not shown in the drawings, the first surface S1 may be spaced apart from the upper surface M1-U (refer to fig. 8A) of the first member M1 (refer to fig. 8A). Since the first surface S1 is spaced apart from the upper surfaces M1-U (refer to fig. 8A) of the first member M1 and is not in contact with the first member M1, the first member M1 can be prevented from being damaged, such as scratched.

Referring to fig. 7, the second surface S2 may be spaced apart from the lower surface M3-L of the third member M3. The second surface S2 may be spaced apart from the lower surface M3-L of the third member M3 and may not contact the third member M3, and thus, the third member M3 may be prevented from being damaged, such as scratched.

Fig. 8A to 8C are enlarged views of a portion of a separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 8A, the separation object SM may include a first member M1, a second member M2, and a third member M3 sequentially stacked in a first direction DR 1. Referring to fig. 8B, the separation object SM 'may include a first member M1', a second member M2, and a third member M3 sequentially stacked in the first direction DR 1. Referring to fig. 8C, the separation object sm″ may include a first member M1 ", a second member M2, and a third member M3 sequentially stacked in the first direction DR 1.

As described with reference to fig. 7, the first surface S1 of the separation unit SU may be spaced apart from the first members M1, M1' and M1″ and the second surface S2 may be spaced apart from the lower surface M3-L of the third member M3. The separation unit SU can be prevented from contacting the first members M1, M1 'and M1″ and the third member M3, and thus the first members M1, M1' and M1″ and the third member M3 can be prevented from being damaged.

Referring to fig. 8A to 8C, there is a thickness difference between the first members M1, M1' and M1″. The thickness of the first member M1' of fig. 8B may be smaller than the thickness of the first member M1 of fig. 8A, and the thickness of the first member M1″ of fig. 8C may be larger than the thickness of the first member M1 of fig. 8A. Since there is a thickness difference between the first members M1, M1 'and M1 ", there is a thickness difference between the separation objects SM, SM' and sm″.

As described above, the thickness measurement unit TMU and/or the separation unit SU may be moved in the first direction DR1 by the movement unit MU (refer to fig. 6). Accordingly, even if the thickness of the separation object SM is changed, the separation unit SU can be in line contact with the side surface M2-S of the second member M2 at a specific position.

In other words, the difference between the height of the upper surfaces of the separation objects SM, SM' and sm″ and the height of the chiseled portion FP may be constantly maintained in the first direction DR1 by the mobile unit MU (refer to fig. 6) and the thickness measurement unit TMU. Therefore, as shown in fig. 8A to 8C, even if the thicknesses of the separation objects SM, SM 'and sm″ are different from each other, the separation unit SU may be in contact with each line of the separation objects SM, SM' and sm″ at a specific position, i.e., a specific position of the side surface M2-S of the second member M2.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 9, the thickness measurement unit TMU may include a sensor SS. As an example, the sensor SS may include an ultrasonic sensor or a laser displacement sensor. The sensor SS of the thickness measurement unit TMU may measure the thickness of the separation object SM by a thickness measurement method using ultrasonic waves or laser.

According to the present embodiment, the support member SPP (refer to fig. 6) and the roller RL (refer to fig. 6) are omitted in the thickness measurement unit TMU, however, they should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the thickness measurement unit TMU may be provided with a support member SPP and a roller RL, and an ultrasonic sensor or a laser displacement sensor.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the present disclosure should not be limited to those embodiments, but various changes and modifications can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as hereinafter claimed. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the inventive concept should be determined from the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A separation apparatus, comprising:

A separation unit including a burring part in line contact with a side surface of the separation object having a thickness in a first direction, and

A thickness measurement unit that is in contact with an upper surface of the separation object, and a distance between the burring portion and the upper surface of the separation object in the first direction is a predetermined distance, the separation unit further comprising:

a first surface inclined at a first angle with respect to the lower surface of the separation object, and

A second surface inclined at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the lower surface of the separation object, wherein the chiseled portion is defined by the first surface and the second surface connected to the first surface.

2. The separation device of claim 1, wherein the first angle is less than the second angle, and the second angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

3. The separation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thickness measuring unit includes:

A support member extending in the first direction above the upper surface of the separation object and including a rotation axis parallel to the upper surface of the separation object, and

A roller rotatably coupled with the supporting member, rotatable about the rotation axis, and in contact with the upper surface of the separation object,

And/or

The thickness measuring unit includes an ultrasonic sensor or a laser displacement sensor.

4. The separation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a supporting unit coupled to the separating unit and the thickness measuring unit;

A height control unit for adjusting a height of the separation unit or the thickness measurement unit so as to adjust the distance between the burring part and the upper surface of the separation object in the first direction, and

And the moving unit is used for moving the separating unit and the thickness measuring unit.

5. The separation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation object includes:

a lower member including a surface defining the lower surface of the separation object;

A glass substrate provided on the lower member and including a surface defining the upper surface of the separation object, and

An adhesive member disposed between the lower member and the glass substrate and including a surface defining the side surface of the separation object, wherein a point at which the chiseled portion makes line contact with the side surface of the separation object is spaced apart from the glass substrate and the lower member,

Wherein the first surface is spaced apart from the lower member and the second surface is spaced apart from the glass substrate,

Wherein the thickness of the glass substrate is equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive member, and

Wherein the separating apparatus further comprises a table for supporting the lower member, wherein the lower member comprises:

An optical member provided on the table, and

A base film disposed on the optical member and in contact with the adhesive member.

6. A separation apparatus, comprising:

A separation unit including a chiseled portion in line contact with a side surface of a second member of a separation object including the first member, the second member, and a third member stacked in a first direction, a first surface, and a second surface connected to the first surface, and

A thickness measuring unit in contact with an upper surface of the third member, wherein the burring portion is defined by the first surface and the second surface, each of the first surface and the second surface is inclined with respect to a lower surface of the second member, and a distance between the burring portion and the upper surface of the third member in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the third member.

7. The separation apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first surface is inclined at a first angle relative to the lower surface of the second member and the second surface is inclined at a second angle different from the first angle relative to the lower surface of the second member, and

The first angle is less than the second angle, and the second angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

8. The separation apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a height control unit for adjusting a height of the separation unit or the thickness measurement unit to adjust the distance between the chiseled portion and the upper surface of the third member in the first direction.

9. The separation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the thickness measuring unit includes:

A support member extending in the first direction above the upper surface of the third member and including a rotation axis parallel to the upper surface of the third member, and

A roller rotatably coupled with the support member, rotatable about the rotation axis, and in contact with the upper surface of the third member.

10. The separation apparatus of claim 6, wherein the third member has a thickness equal to or less than a thickness of the second member, and the chisel edge is spaced apart from the first and third members, and

The first surface is spaced apart from the first member and the second surface is spaced apart from the third member.