US20140332432A1

US20140332432A1 - Packaging Device for Liquid Crystal Glass

Info

Publication number: US20140332432A1
Application number: US13/978,396
Authority: US
Inventors: Gege Zhou
Original assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-13
Filing date: 2013-06-24
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Abstract

The present invention discloses a packaging device for liquid crystal glass with a bottom wall and reinforcing arrangement. Wherein the bottom wall has a cushioning capability than the reinforcing arrangement; and wherein the bottom wall is used to support the liquid crystal glass, and the reinforcing arrangement being disposed onto or in the bottom wall so as to prevent warpage of the bottom wall. By the arrangement, since the bottom wall is free from warpage, the liquid crystal glass carried thereon will also be prevented from being broken resulted from the warpage of the bottom wall. Furthermore, with the inclusion of the reinforcing arrangement into the bottom the thickness of the bottom wall can be reduced and the overall volume of the packaging the produce and the cost associated thereof are also lowered.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a technical field of liquid crystal display, and more particularly, to a packaging device for liquid crystal glass.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

The glass substrate used in the liquid crystal display panel is fragile and vulnerable to be broken if excessive external impact or vibration are encountered during the handling and transportation. Accordingly, in order to properly and thoroughly protect the glass substrate during the transportation or transfer from one station to another, the glass substrate has to be disposed within a specially designed and manufactured packaging device.
In general, the material used to make the packaging device is featured with excellent cushioning capability, while still with a certain stiffness so as to support the glass substrate. The EPP (Expanded Polypropylene), EPE (polypropylene foam), and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Foam) are polymers with excellent shock-absorbing capability, but they are quite expensive as well.
As the dimensions of the glass substrate become larger and larger, the size of the packaging device has to grow larger so as to meet the requirements. Once the glass substrate becomes larger, its overall weight become heavier as well, and its own weight will create a warpage near to its center. However, the warpage of the glass substrate will make it more vulnerable to be broken. Accordingly, in order to counter the warpage resulted from the weight of the glass substrate, the packaging device has to increase it thickness. Nevertheless, the increasing of the thickness of the packaging device will not only increase the cost, but also will increase the bulky dimensions of the packaging device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a packaging device which can effectively control the thickness of the packaging device for liquid crystal glass.
In order to resolve the technical problems, the present invention provides a solution by introducing a packaging device which is configured with a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalk and a reinforcing arrangement. The plurality of sidewalks are interconnected with one another and extending from peripheral edges of the bottom walls so as to prevent any transversal movement of the liquid crystal glass; wherein the bottom wall is made from any one of the polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, and high density polyethylene. Wherein the bottom wall has a superior cushioning capability than the reinforcing arrangement; and wherein the bottom wall is used to support the liquid crystal glass, and the reinforcing arrangement being disposed onto or in the bottom wall so as to prevent warpage of the bottom wall.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement is integrally formed with the bottom wall.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement is attached to the bottom wall after the bottom wall is formed through injection.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement includes at least a pair of reinforcing ribs in parallel with each other.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement includes a pair of reinforcing ribs intersecting with each other.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement is completely embedded within the bottom wall or partially exposed from the bottom wall.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement is made from metallic material or ceramic material.
Wherein the sidewalls and the bottom wall are made from same material integrally formed together.
In order to resolve the technical problems, the present invention provides a solution by introducing a packaging device which includes a bottom wall and a reinforcing arrangement; wherein the bottom wall has a superior cushioning capability than the reinforcing arrangement; and wherein the bottom wall is used to support the liquid crystal glass, and the reinforcing arrangement being disposed onto or in the bottom wall so as to prevent warpage of the bottom wall.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement is integrally formed with the bottom wall.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement is attached to the bottom wall after the bottom wall is formed through injection.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement includes at least a pair of reinforcing ribs in parallel with each other.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement includes a pair of reinforcing ribs intersecting with each other.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement is attached to the bottom wall after the bottom wall is formed through injection.
Wherein the reinforcing arrangement is made from metallic material or ceramic material.
Wherein the packaging devices includes a plurality of sidewalls interconnected with one another and extending from peripheral edges of the bottom walls so as to prevent any transversal movement of the liquid crystal glass.
Wherein the sidewalk and the bottom wall are made from same material integrally formed together.
Wherein the bottom wall is made from any one of the polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, and high-density polyethylene.
The present invention can be concluded with the following advantages. As compared to the prior art, by incorporating the reinforcing arrangement onto or in the bottom wall, the bottom wall is given with superior cushioning capability and the reinforcing arrangement can be used to prevent the warpage of the bottom wall. By the arrangement, since the bottom wall is free from warpage, the liquid crystal glass carried thereon will also be prevented from being broken resulted from the warpage of the bottom wall. Furthermore, with the inclusion of the reinforcing arrangement into the bottom wall, the thickness of the bottom wall can be reduced and the overall volume of the packaging of the produce and the cost associated thereof are also lowered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrational and perspective view of a packaging device for a liquid crystal glass in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrational view of a reinforcing arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the packaging device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an illustrational view of the packaging device made in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an illustrational view of the packaging device made in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed description will be given in view of preferred embodiments along with the accompanied drawings.
Referring to FIG. 1, a packaging device 1 made in accordance with the present invention includes a supporting base 10 and a reinforcing arrangement 20.
The supporting base 10 includes a bottom wall 11 and a plurality of sidewalls 12 interconnected with one another, and extending from peripheral edges of the bottom wall 11. The sidewalls 12 are used to prevent transversal movement of a glass substrate once it is carried on the supporting base 10.
According to its normal field application, as the glass substrate has a rectangular configuration, the bottom wall 11 of the supporting base 10 is also configured with a rectangular shape. The supporting base 10 has a pair of sidewalls 12.
The bottom 11 includes an inner surface (upper surface facing upward, and not labeled), and a bottom surface (not labeled). Substantial configuration of the bottom wall 11 should not be limited. For example, the bottom wall 11 can be defined with a plurality of channels extending from the inner surface to the bottom surface, or alternatively, the inner surface or the bottom surface can be provided with a plurality of embossments or slots.
Preferably, the supporting base 10, the bottom wall 11 and the sidewalls 12 are all made from the same material and preferably integrally formed. In order to ensure the glass substrate can be well cushioned on the supporting base 10, it preferably to have the supporting base 10 been made from material having excellent cushioning capability. For example, the supporting base 10 is made from any one of the polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, and high-density polyethylene.
The reinforcing arrangement 20 is at least incorporated onto the bottom wall 11 of the supporting base 10 so as to prevent the bottom wall 11 from warping. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, according to a first embodiment of the packaging device 1, the reinforcing arrangement 20 includes a pair of reinforcing ribs 21 in parallel to each other. The reinforcing ribs 21 are separate from each other along longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 11. In this preferred embodiment, the reinforcing arrangement 20 is integrally formed with the supporting base 10 such that the reinforcing arrangement 20 is completely embedded within the bottom wall 11.
In order to prevent the bottom wall 11 of the supporting base 10 from warping, preferably, the reinforcing arrangement 20 can be selected from material with its rigidity harder than the supporting base 10, such as the ceramic material, the metal, and hardened glass. The bottom wall 11 and the reinforcing arrangement 20 can be made from two different material such that the cushioning capability of the bottom wall 11 is superior than the reinforcing arrangement 20, while the intensity of the reinforcing arrangement 20 is stronger than the bottom wall 11. By this arrangement, not only will the bottom wall 11 be ensured from warping, but also will the glass substrate be properly supported and cushioned.
In other embodiments, the number of the reinforcing ribs 21 will not be limited by the current embodiment, for example, it can be one reinforcing rib, or three reinforcing ribs other than two reinforcing ribs. In order to have the bottom wall 11 be incorporated with better stiffness to withhold the warpage, preferably, there are more than two reinforcing ribs 21. On the other hand, the arrangement of the reinforcing ribs 21 is not limited to longitudinal direction. For example, the pair of reinforcing ribs or more than two reinforcing ribs can be arranged in transversal across the bottom wall 11 or they can be arranged with a certain angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, but still are in parallel to each other.
The manufacturing of the packaging device 1 can be implemented with different ways; preferably, the reinforcing arrangement 20 and the supporting base 10 can be integrally formed. For example, the reinforcing arrangement 20 is property disposed within a mold cavity of the supporting base 10, and then have the supporting base 10 formed within the mold cavity with the reinforcing arrangement embedded therein. Alternatively, the supporting base 10 can be molded firstly, and then attach to the supporting base 10 with any proper way currently available to the skill in the industry.
Regarding the relationship between the supporting base 10 and the reinforcing arrangement 20, the reinforcing arrangement 20 can be completely embedded within the supporting base 10 or partially exposed out of the supporting base 10. With respect to the embodiments in which the reinforcing arrangement is disposed on the bottom wall 11, one of the feasible way to fulfill is to create a plurality of through hole, and then insert the reinforcing ribs 21 therein, or, having the supporting base 10 and the reinforcing ribs 21 integrally formed together. With respect to the embodiments in which the reinforcing arrangement 20 is partially exposed out of the base wall 11, this can be implemented by providing retaining portion over the inner surface or bottom surface of the bottom wall 11, and then insert the reinforcing ribs 21 into those retaining portion.
Referring to FIG. 4, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing arrangement can be incorporated both the bottom wall 11 and the sidewall 12. Not only will this arrangement ensure no warpage happen to the bottom wall 11, but will also increase the overall rigidity or stiffness of the packaging device. According to the embodiment, the reinforcing arrangement has a U-shaped configuration with its forks incorporated within the sidewall, while the bottom incorporated with the bottom wall of the supporting base 10. The fulfill of this second embodiment as well as the relationship between the reinforcing arrangement and the supporting base can be the same as the way disclosed above for the first embodiment. Accordingly, no detailed description will be given herebelow.
Referring to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of the packaging device is shown, and in which the reinforcing arrangement includes a pair of reinforcing ribs intersecting with each other. The intersected reinforcing ribs are arranged on the bottom surface of the supporting base. The intersected reinforcing ribs are arranged in a way that the forks extend to the sidewall of the supporting base so as to prevent the sidewall from warping. Furthermore, this can also increase the overall rigidity of the packaging device.
The present invention can be concluded with the following advantages. As compared to the prior art, by incorporating the reinforcing arrangement 20 onto the bottom wall 11 of the packaging device 1, the bottom wall 11 is given with superior cushioning capability and the reinforcing arrangement 20 can be used to prevent the warpage of the bottom wall 11. By the arrangement, since the bottom wall 11 is free from warpage, the liquid crystal glass carried thereon will also be prevented from being broken resulted from the warpage of the bottom wall. Furthermore, with the inclusion of the reinforcing arrangement 20 into the bottom wall 11, the thickness of the bottom wall can be reduced and the overall volume of the packaging of the produce and the cost associated thereof are also lowered.
Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but not intending to impose any unduly constraint to the appended chums. Any modification of equivalent structure or equivalent process made according to the disclosure and drawings of the present invention, or any application thereof, directly or indirectly, to other related fields of technique, is considered encompassed in the scope of protection defined by the clams of the present invention.

Claims

1. A packaging device for liquid crystal glass, wherein the packaging devices includes a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls, and a reinforcing arrangement, the plurality of sidewalls being interconnected with one another and extending from peripheral edges of the bottom walls so as to prevent any transversal movement of the liquid crystal glass; wherein the bottom wall is made from any one of the polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, and high density polyethylene; wherein the bottom wall has a superior cushioning capability than the reinforcing arrangement; and wherein the bottom wall is used to support the liquid crystal glass, and the reinforcing arrangement being disposed onto or in the bottom wall so as to prevent warpage of the bottom wall.

2. The packaging device as recited in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing arrangement is integrally formed with the bottom wall.

3. The packaging device as recited in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing arrangement is attached to the bottom wall after the bottom wall is formed through injection molding.

4. The packaging device as recited in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing arrangement includes at least a pair of reinforcing ribs in parallel with each other.

5. The packaging device as recited in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing arrangement includes a pair of reinforcing ribs intersecting with each other.

6. The packaging device as recited in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing arrangement is completely embedded within the bottom wall or partially exposed from the bottom wall.

7. The packaging device as recited in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing arrangement is made from metallic material or ceramic material.

8. The packaging device as recited in claim 1, wherein the sidewalls and the bottom wall are made from same material integrally formed together.

9. A packaging device for liquid crystal glass, wherein the packaging includes a bottom wall and a reinforcing arrangement; wherein the bottom wall has a superior cushioning capability than the reinforcing arrangement; and wherein the bottom wall is used to support the liquid crystal glass, and the reinforcing arrangement being disposed onto or in the bottom wall so as to prevent warpage of the bottom wall.

10. The packaging device as recited in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing arrangement is integrally formed with the bottom wall.

11. The packaging device as recited in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing arrangement h attached to the bottom wall alter the bottom wall is formed through injection molding.

12. The packaging device as recited in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing arrangement includes at least a pair of reinforcing ribs in parallel with each other.

13. The packaging device as recited in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing arrangement includes a pair of reinforcing ribs intersecting with each other.

14. The packaging device as recited in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing arrangement is completely embedded within the bottom wall or partially exposed from the bottom wall.

15. The packaging device as recited in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing arrangement is made from metallic material or ceramic material.

16. The packaging device as recited in claim 9, wherein the packaging devices includes a plurality of sidewalls interconnected with one another and extending from peripheral edges of the bottom walls so as to prevent any transversal movement of the liquid crystal glass.

17. The packaging device as recited in claim 16, wherein the sidewalls and the bottom wall are made from same material integrally formed together.

18. The packaging device as recited in claim 17, wherein the bottom wall is made from any one of the polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, and high-density polyethylene.