Disassembling method of electronic appliance and disassembling apparatus thereof

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to present a disassembling method and disassembling apparatus for disassembling easily an electronic appliance having a housing, and electronic components such as cathode-ray tube accommodated in the housing, classifying without mixing of impurities, and recycling at low cost by automating. An electronic appliance having a housing, a cathode-ray tube, and plural electronic components is put on a conveying pallet, and it is transferred by a conveyor. The conveyed electronic appliance is put on a tiltable work bench, a back plate of the housing is removed, and an opening is formed. Blowing a high pressure air shower to the opening, dust deposits on the electronic components are removed and cleaned. Moreover, other side of the housing is processed into a U-form by end mill, and a further opening is formed, and the cathode-ray tube is taken out through this further opening. The metal band of the dismounted cathode-ray tube is heated by high frequency induction, and the metal band is removed. The adhesive applied on the cathode-ray tube is removed by using a rotary brush having metal wires. Still more, judging whether a safety panel is installed at the front side of the cathode-ray tube or not by using distance sensors, the safety panel is classified. Such disassembling process is executed by using an automated disassembling apparatus.

Description: The present invention relates to a disassembling method and disassembling apparatus of electronic appliances such as video appliances and audio appliances for disposal or regeneration. From document JP01097348A there is already known a disassembling method for a cathode-ray tube according to the generic clauses of claims 1 and 11 having a metal band, wherein the band is heated by high frequency heating means that are provided at the side of the metal band, wherein a pressure is applied by pressure generating means to the front face of the tube while the metal band is held by lugs. Document DE1935679A shows that a metal band is removed from a tube, wherein between the tube and the band there is provided a filling material (e.g. sulfur compound) which melts when the metal band is heated, e.g., by resistance heating or induction heating. The cathode-ray tube is pressed out of the band. From document P. Koch et al.: "Dismantling and Process Technology for Electronic Scrap and Discarded Electric Appliances"; Aufbereitungstechnik, Vol. 37, Nr. 5 (1969), pp. 211-220, there is already known a method and apparatus for disassembling an electronic apparatus having a housing and plural electronic components installed in said housing. For the purpose of effective use of resources and conservation of the global environments, various electronic appliances such as television receivers and personal computer display devices are disassembled, classified by the variety of materials, and regenerated. As a regeneration processing method, a disassembling method of television receiver is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 5-185064. Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 5-185064 describes a method of cutting off the neck of a cathode-ray tube, a method of disassembling into shadow mask, funnel glass, and panel, a method of removing the phosphor material applied on the panel surface by cleaning, and a method of crushing the glass portion. In Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 5-185064, however, nothing is mentioned about a method of separating the cathode-ray tube from the housing, a method of disassembling the metal band for prevention of implosion installed around the cathode-ray tube, or a method of removing the adhesive member used for the purpose of shock absorption and adhesion of the metal band. It is hence an object of the invention to present a disassembling method and disassembling apparatus for easily disassembling electronic appliances such as video appliances and audio appliances, classifying without allowing mixture of impurities, and recycling at low cost by automation, and more specifically to seperate a metal band from a cathode -ray tube. This object is met by the features of claims 1 and 12. Preferred embodiments are shown in the subclaims. The disassembling method of an electronic appliance of the invention is a disassembling method of an electronic appliance having a cathode-ray tube. and a metal band installed around the cathode-ray tube, comprising: (a) a step of heating the metal band by high frequency, and (b) a step of taking out the metal band from the cathode-ray tube. wherein the metal band is expanded by heating of the metal band. and the metal band is separated from the cathode-ray tube by expansion of the metal band. Preferably, the step of high frequency heating is a step of heating by using high frequency induction heating means, and the output of the high frequency induction heating means is in a range of about 2 kW to about 60 kW. Preferably, high frequency heating is executed while applying a pressing load to the metal band in the step of high frequency heating. Preferably, high frequency heating is executed while applying a pressing load in a range of about 4 kg to about 40 kg to a tab fitted to the metal band in the step of high frequency heating. Preferably, high frequency heating is executed while applying a pressing load to a tab fitted to the metal band, while supporting the front side of the cathode-ray tube, in the step of high frequency heating. Preferably, the electronic appliance further includes a resin member installed between the cathode-ray tube and the metal band, the resin member is softened and metal band is expanded as the metal band is heated, and the metal band is separated from the cathode-ray tube by softening of the resin member and expansion of the metal band. Preferably, it further comprises: (c) a step of fitting a rotary brush to contact with deposit adhering to the circumference of the cathode-ray tube in the mark left over by the removed metal band, and removing the deposit from the cathode-ray tube. Preferably, the rotary brush has plural metal wires, and the deposit is moved from the cathode-ray tube to adhere to the ends of the plural metal wires, and removed. Preferably, it further comprises: (d) a step of fitting a dresser to contact with the deposit adhered to the ends of the metal wires of the rotary brush, shaving off the ends of the rotary brush, and removing the deposit from the metal wires. Preferably, the dresser is formed of a ceramic material having a stiffer property than the metal wires. In this constitution, it is easier to disassemble the cathode-ray tube having a metal band through an adhesive member. Moreover, automation of disassembling procedure of cathode-ray tube is realized. As a result, the recycling efficiency of cathode-ray tube is enhanced, which contributes to preservation of environments and effective use of resources. The disassembling apparatus of an electronic appliance of the invention comprises: (a) means for feeding an electronic appliance including electronic components, a cathode-ray tube, and a metal band installed around the cathode-ray tube. (b) pressing means for applying a pressing load to the metal band, and (c) high frequency heating means for heating the metal band, wherein the metal band is expanded as the metal band is heated, and the metal band is separated from the cathode-ray tube along with expansion and pressing of the metal band. Preferably, the high frequency heating means is high frequency induction heating means. Preferably, the high frequency heating means includes a high frequency induction coil, and further comprising: (d) lifting means for lifting the cathode-ray tube to the inside height of the high frequency induction coil, wherein the metal band is heated by induction heat by the high frequency induction coil. Preferably, the means for feeding the electronic appliance is conveying means having a conveying pallet, and the electronic appliance is mounted on the conveying pallet. In this constitution, the cathode-ray tube and metal band can be securely classified from the electronic appliance having electronic components, cathode-ray tube, and metal band installed around the cathode-ray tube. Moreover, an automated disassembling apparatus of metal band is obtained. The metal band can be easily separated from the cathode-ray tube. As a result, the recycling efficiency of the disassembled metal band and cathode-ray tube is enhanced, which contributes to preservation of environments and effective use of resources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a conceptual block diagram of a disassembling apparatus of an electronic appliance including an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a disassembling apparatus of an electronic appliance helpful for understanding the present invention. Fig. 5 is an essential plan view of a disassembling apparatus of an electronic appliance helpful for understanding the present invention. Fig. 6 is an essential side view of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an essential plan view of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an essential side view of a cleaning device helpful for understanding the present invention. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of disassembling process of television receiver. Fig. 10 is an essential plan view of a housing disassembling apparatus. Fig. 11 is an essential side view of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of cutting groove processing in a housing. Fig. 13 is a perspective view in an opened state of the bottom after cutting groove processing in an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 14 is a perspective view in a opened disassembly state of four principal side of a housing in an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 15 is a conceptual block diagram of disassembling process of metal band for prevention implosion of a cathode-ray tube according to the present invention. Fig. 16 is an essential perspective view of disassembling apparatus of metal band for prevention of implosion according to the present invention. Fig. 17 is a circuit diagram of an equivalent circuit of high frequency heating means for composing Fig. 16. according to the present invention. Fig. 18 is an essential side view for an example of cathode-ray tube used in explanation of the invention. Fig. 19 is a flowchart of disassembling process in an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 20 (A) is a plan view of other conveying pallet used in the invention. Fig. 20 (B) is a sectional view cutting away Fig. 20 (A) along S1-S1. Fig. 21 (A) is a plan view of another conveying pallet used in the invention. Fig. 21 (B) is a sectional view cutting away Fig. 21 (A) along S2-S2. Fig. 22 is an essential side view of disassembling apparatus of metal band for prevention of implosion in an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 23 is an essential front view of tab pressing means for composing Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is an essential sectional view of concept of process for measuring the outline of a cathode-ray tube. Fig. 25 is an essential sectional view of concept of measuring process from a distance sensor to a fluorescent screen of a cathode-ray tube. Fig. 26 is a flowchart of measurement to separation process of a cathode-ray tube. Fig. 27 is a conceptual block diagram of deposit removing device of a cathode-ray tube in an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 28 is an essential side view of deposit removing device of a cathode-ray tube in an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 29 is an essential plan view of Fig. 28. Fig. 30 is an essential side view showing peeling region of each rotary brush for composing Fig. 28. Fig. 31 is a flowchart of adhesive removal process in an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 32 is an essential plan view of a dresser device in an embodiment of the invention. Key to Reference Numerals and Symbols 1 Conveyor (conveying pallet transfer means) 2 Conveying pallet 2A, 2B Conveying pallets 3 X-axis direction positioning means (for establishing position) 4, 7, 9 Air cylinders 5, 8, 10 Plates 6 Y-axis direction positioning means (for establishing position) 11 Robot 12 Rotary driving means 13 Cutting tool (end mill) 14 X-axis direction sensor 15 Y-axis direction sensor 16 Z-axis direction sensor 21 Tab pressing means 21A T-form plate tab pressing means 22 CRT support means (support member) 23 CRT lifting means 24 High frequency heating device (high frequency induction heating device) 25 Induction heating coil 27A, 27B Penetration holes 26 Elastic member 28 Elastic member piece 29 Annular recess 31 Frame 32 Stopper 33 Drive cylinder 34 Base frame 35 Bearing 36, 37, 38 Shafts 39 Conveying belt 40 Work bench 45 Cleaning device 46 Enclosed box 47 Spray nozzle 48 Exhaust duct 49 Air shower 50 Housing 51 CRT (cathode-ray tube) 52 Chassis (control circuit unit) 53, 57 Printed wiring boards 54 Antenna terminal board 55 Speaker device 56 Tuner 58 Metal band for prevention of implosion (metal band) 59 Mounting metal piece (tab) 60 Cutting groove 61 Brush 63 CRT side wall 64 Coolant feed means 67 Deposit 70 Deposit removing device 72 Adhesive tape (including adhesive agent) 73 Brush 74 Brush rotating motor 75 CRT suction pad 76 CRT rotating motor 77 Lifting unit 78 Brush support arm 79 Brush moving cylinder 80 Cleaning chamber 82 Tape recovery box 83 Recovery box moving cylinder 84 CRT pressing cylinder 85 Exhaust duct 91 Penetration hole 92 Data carrier (data memory means)

Claims: A disassembling method of an electronic appliance having a cathode-ray tube (51), and a metal band (58) installed around said cathode-ray tube (51), comprising: (a) a step of heating said metal band (58) by high frequency, wherein a pressing load is applied to a tab fitted to said metal band, and (b) a step of taking out said metal band (58) from said cathode-ray tube (51). wherein said metal band (58) is expanded by heating of said metal band, and said metal band is separated from said cathode-ray tube by expansion of said metal band, characterized In that before step (a) there is carried out: a step of lifting said cathode-ray tube while supporting the front side of said cathode-ray tube mounted on a conveying pallet (2), and a step of positioning said cathode-ray tube in an induction heating coil of high frequency heating means. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 1, wherein said step of high frequency heating is a step of heating by using high frequency induction heating means (24), and the output of said high frequency induction heating means is in a range of about 2 kW to about 60 kW. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 1, wherein high frequency heating is executed while applying a pressing load to said metal band in said step of high frequency heating. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 1, wherein high frequency heating is executed while applying a pressing load in a range of about 4 kg to about 40 kg to a tab fitted to said metal band in said step of high frequency heating. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 1, wherein high frequency heating is executed while applying a pressing load to a tab (59) fitted to said metal band (58), while supporting the front side of said cathode-ray tube, in said step of high frequency heating. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 1, wherein said electronic appliance further includes a resin member installed between said cathode-ray tube (51) and said metal band (58), said resin member is softened and metal band is expanded as said metal band is heated, and said metal band is separated from said cathode-ray tube by softening of said resin member and expansion of said metal band. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 1, further comprising: (c) a step of fitting a rotary brush to contact with deposit adhering to the circumference of said cathode-ray tube in the mark left over by said removed metal band, and removing said deposit from said cathode-ray tube. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 1, wherein said rotary brush has plural metal wires, and said deposit is moved from said cathode-ray tube to adhere to the ends of said plural metal wires, and removed. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 7, further comprising: (d) a step of fitting a dresser to contact with said deposit adhered to said ends of said metal wires of said rotary brush, shaving off the ends of said rotary brush, and removing said deposit from said metal wires. A disassembling method of an electronic appliance of claim 9, wherein said dresser is formed of a ceramic material having a stiffer property than said metal wires. A disassembling apparatus of an electronic appliance including electronic components, a cathode-ray tube, and a metal band (58) installed around said cathode-ray tube (51), comprising: pressing means (21) for applying a pressing load to said metal band,and high frequency heating means (24) for heating said metal band, wherein said metal band is expanded as said metal band is heated, and said metal band is separated from said cathode-ray tube along with expansion and pressing of said metal band, characterized by means for feeding (1) said electronic appliance wherein said high frequency heating means includes a high frequency induction coil (25), said apparatus further comprising: lifting means (23) for lifting said cathode-ray tube to the inside height of said high frequency induction coil, while supporting the front sides of said cathode-ray tube, on a conveying pallet (2), wherein said metal band (58) is heated by induction heat by said high frequency induction coil. A disassembling apparatus of an electronic appliance of claim 11, wherein said high frequency heating means (24) is high frequency induction heating means. A disassembling apparatus of an electronic appliance of claim 11, wherein said means for feeding (1) said electronic appliance is conveying means having a conveying pallet (2), and said electronic appliance is mounted on said conveying pallet (2).

Inventors: GYOBU TAKAYUKI, MATSUDA YUTAKA, SHIMIZU KAORU, TAKAMORI KAZUMI, YOTSUMOTO MIKIO, GYOBU, TAKAYUKI, MATSUDA, YUTAKA, SHIMIZU, KAORU, TAKAMORI, KAZUMI, YOTSUMOTO, MIKIO
Applicants: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC IND CO LTD, MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B09B5
IPC codes: B03B9, B09B5, H01J29, H01J9