JP4592971B2 - Liquid crystal display panel manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, and more particularly to a technique for attaching a polarizing plate to a liquid crystal display panel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A liquid crystal display panel is manufactured by polymerizing and bonding a pair of transparent glass substrates on which display electrodes are formed via a frame-shaped sealing material, and enclosing the liquid crystal in a region surrounded by both the substrates and the seal. Is done. And the polarizing plate which permeate | transmits or absorbs a specific polarization | polarized-light component is affixed on the outer surface of both board | substrates.
[0003]
4 and 5 show a conventional polarizing plate sticking device for sticking a polarizing plate to a liquid crystal display panel. The conventional polarizing plate pasting apparatus shown in FIG. 4 has a polarizing plate suction table 5 that sucks and holds the polarizing plate 4, a carry-in roller 10 that carries the liquid crystal display panel 2, and presses the liquid crystal display panel 2 and the polarizing plate 4. And an unloading roller 13 for unloading the liquid crystal display panel 2 to which the polarizing plate 4 is attached.
[0004]
Here, a polarizing plate attaching method using the conventional polarizing plate attaching apparatus shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The liquid crystal display panel 2 is conveyed to the right side in the figure as each roller of the carry-in roller 10 rotates. On the other hand, the polarizing plate 4 is placed in a state of being held by suction on the polarizing plate suction table 5. The liquid crystal display panel 2 conveyed by the carry-in roller 10 is positioned with respect to the polarizing plate 4 so that the front end of the polarizing plate 4 and the front end of the sticking position of the liquid crystal display panel 2 coincide with each other. Passes between the rollers 12. Since the upper roller 11 is rotating while being pressed against the lower roller 12, the liquid crystal display panel 2 and the polarizing plate 4 sandwiched between them are moved to the carry-out roller 13 side as the upper roller 11 rotates. Move slowly to.
[0005]
At this time, the polarizing plate 4 is brought into contact with the liquid crystal display panel 2 at an angle of 10 to 25 degrees and bonded to prevent the bubbles from being trapped therebetween.
[0006]
The polarizing plate sticking apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is different from the polarizing plate sticking apparatus shown in FIG. 4 in that the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 is provided. The liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 has a function of attracting and holding the liquid crystal display panel 2 with the surface of the liquid crystal display panel 2 attached to the polarizing plate 4 facing the lower surface. In addition, the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 is movable in the horizontal direction.
[0007]
Here, a polarizing plate attaching method using the conventional polarizing plate attaching apparatus shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The polarizing plate 4 is sucked and held on the polarizing plate suction table 5. Subsequently, the liquid crystal display panel 2 is attracted and held on the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 while being positioned with respect to the polarizing plate 4. At this time, the tip of the polarizing plate 4 and the tip of the sticking position of the liquid crystal display panel 2 are in agreement. Next, the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 is gradually moved horizontally in the right direction in the figure. Then, the polarizing plate 4 is pressed against the liquid crystal display panel 2 by the lower roller 12 and attached to the liquid crystal display panel 2.
[0008]
At this time, the polarizing plate 4 is brought into contact with the liquid crystal display panel 2 at an angle of 10 to 25 degrees and bonded to prevent the bubbles from being trapped therebetween.
[0009]
However, in the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel using such a conventional polarizing plate pasting apparatus, when the polarizing plate 4 is pasted on the polarizing plate pasting surface of the liquid crystal display panel 2, dust floating in the work space, etc. The foreign matter may enter between the liquid crystal display panel 2 and the polarizing plate 4, and the liquid crystal display panel 2 may be defective in optical characteristics due to the foreign matter. Furthermore, it is difficult to completely eliminate the air between the polarizing plate attachment surface of the liquid crystal display panel 2 and the polarizing plate 4 when the polarizing plate 4 is attached to the polarizing plate attachment surface of the liquid crystal display panel 2, In the meantime, granular bubbles due to air may remain and cause optical defects. Furthermore, by applying while pressing with a roller, a non-uniform force is applied to the liquid crystal display panel 2, which may cause an optical defect.
[0010]
A technique related to such a problem is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-17532. In this prior art, a technique for attaching a liquid crystal display panel and a polarizing plate in a vacuum state is disclosed. However, in the device disclosed in this prior art, the liquid crystal display panel and the polarizing plate are supported via an elastic body such as rubber. For this reason, the relative positions of the liquid crystal display panel and the polarizing plate are not only vertically changed but also back and forth and left and right due to the elastic body, and it has been difficult to accurately position both of them.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the conventional technique has a problem that the liquid crystal display panel and the polarizing plate cannot be attached with high accuracy.
[0012]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such points, and the object of the present invention is to make the liquid crystal display panel uniform in the pressure applied to the liquid crystal display panel without intervening foreign matters such as dust and bubbles. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel capable of attaching a polarizing plate to a display panel and further attaching the liquid crystal display panel and the polarizing plate with high accuracy.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention includes:
A liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate to a liquid crystal display panel,
The liquid crystal display panel fixing means for fixing the liquid crystal display panel;
A polarizing plate fixing means for fixing the polarizing plate, a lifting means for moving the polarizing plate fixing means up and down,
A buffer means that is provided between the polarizing plate fixing means and the elevating means, the polarizing plate fixing means is raised, and the shock that is caused by the polarizing plate coming into contact with the liquid crystal display panel;
A support portion that is part of the elevating means and supports the buffer means;
While being fixed to the support part and fitting with a part of the polarizing plate fixing means, the relative movement of the polarizing plate fixing means with respect to the support part is restricted while the polarizing plate fixing means is raised. Braking means having regulating means to perform,
It has at least the liquid crystal display panel fixing means and the polarizing plate fixing means, and has a vacuum chamber that can be controlled to a reduced pressure state when the polarizing plate is attached to the liquid crystal display panel.
The restricting means restricts, for example, a relative movement that occurs in a plane direction parallel to a surface on which the polarizing plate is fixed with respect to the support portion of the polarizing plate fixing means.
[0016]
In addition, a liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
A liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate to a liquid crystal display panel,
Polarizing plate fixing means for fixing the polarizing plate;
The liquid crystal display panel fixing means for fixing the liquid crystal display panel; elevating means for raising and lowering the liquid crystal display panel fixing means;
A buffer means provided between the liquid crystal display panel fixing means and the elevating means, the liquid crystal display panel fixing means ascends, and a buffer means for alleviating an impact caused by the liquid crystal display panel contacting the polarizing plate;
A support portion that is part of the elevating means and supports the buffer means;
Is fixed to the support portion, by engaging a portion of the liquid crystal display panel fixing means, relative with respect to the while raising the liquid crystal display panel fixing means, the supporting portion of the liquid crystal display panel fixing means Braking means having restriction means for restricting movement;
It has at least the liquid crystal display panel fixing means and the polarizing plate fixing means, and has a vacuum chamber that can be controlled to a reduced pressure state when the polarizing plate is attached to the liquid crystal display panel.
For example, the restricting means restricts relative movement that occurs in a plane direction parallel to a surface on which the liquid crystal display panel is fixed with respect to the support portion of the liquid crystal display panel.
[0018]
It is also preferable to provide a bearing at a fitting portion between the regulating means and a part of the polarizing plate fixing means or the liquid crystal display panel fixing means.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a vacuum chamber. An exhaust pipe 8 is connected to the vacuum chamber 1, and a vacuum pump (not shown) is provided in the middle of the exhaust pipe 8 so that the inside of the vacuum chamber can be decompressed. In addition, the amount of pressure reduction can be adjusted by installing a solenoid valve and a regulator between the exhaust pipe 8 between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber 1. Further, by installing a leak pipe and a solenoid valve in the vacuum chamber 1, it is possible to adjust the amount of reduced pressure and return to normal pressure.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a liquid crystal display panel, which is composed of two glass substrates filled with liquid crystal as described above. Reference numeral 3 denotes a liquid crystal display panel adsorption table, which can adsorb the liquid crystal display panel with the polarizing plate attaching surface of the liquid crystal display panel 2 facing downward.
[0021]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes a polarizing plate, which transmits or absorbs a specific polarization component as described above. Reference numeral 5 denotes a polarizing plate suction table, which is installed below the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 so as to be parallel to the lower surface of the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3. The polarizing plate suction table 5 can hold the polarizing plate 4 by suction on the upper surface.
[0022]
Reference numeral 6 denotes an elevating mechanism, which is installed below the polarizing plate adsorption table 5 and connected to the polarizing adsorption table 5 via a buffer unit 7. The elevating mechanism 6 operates when the liquid crystal display panel 2 and the polarizing plate 4 are attached, raises the polarizing plate adsorption table 5, and brings the polarizing plate 4 into contact with the liquid crystal display panel 2. The elevating mechanism 6 may be constituted by, for example, a motor, a motor control circuit, etc., or may be constituted by an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.
[0023]
The buffer part 7 is provided in order to reduce the impact when the liquid crystal display panel 2 and the polarizing plate 4 are in contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the buffer unit 7 is installed between the polarizing plate suction table 5 and the lifting mechanism 6. The buffer part 7 is comprised by elastic bodies, such as a compression spring and a cylinder, for example.
[0024]
Reference numeral 9 denotes a braking unit that brakes the relative displacement between the liquid crystal display panel and the polarizing plate 4 caused by the buffer unit 7 for reducing the impact caused by the contact between the liquid crystal display panel 2 and the polarizing plate 4. For example, a linear guide and a bearing.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3, the polarizing plate suction table 5, the elevating mechanism 6, the buffer unit 7, and the brake unit 9 are stored in the vacuum chamber 1.
[0026]
Next, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention will be described. First, the liquid crystal display panel 2 is positioned and fixed to the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 by suction. Further, the polarizing plate 4 is positioned with respect to the polarizing plate suction table 5 and fixed by suction.
[0027]
And the inside of the vacuum chamber 1 is made into the pressure reduction state by operating a vacuum pump. Here, in the vacuum chamber 1, it is not always necessary to reduce the pressure to a completely vacuum state, and the effect of the invention can be achieved as long as the pressure is at least lower than the normal pressure. Subsequently, the lifting / lowering mechanism 6 moves the polarizing plate suction table 5 upward. At this time, the movement of the polarizing plate suction table 5 is restricted by the braking unit 9. Thereby, the polarizing plate 4 is affixed in parallel with the liquid crystal display panel 2 at a predetermined position.
[0028]
When the polarizing plate 4 fixed to the polarizing plate adsorption table 5 is raised by the lift mechanism 6 until it comes into contact with the liquid crystal display panel 2 fixed to the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3, and further rises, the buffer 7 The plate 4 is pressed against the liquid crystal display panel 2. Thereby, the polarizing plate 4 is attached to the liquid crystal display panel 2. Also at this time, the movement of the polarizing plate suction table 5 is restricted by the braking unit 9. Therefore, since the movement of the polarizing plate adsorption table 5 is regulated so as to be parallel to the liquid crystal display panel 2, a uniform pressure is applied to the polarizing plate 4 and the liquid crystal panel 2.
[0029]
Subsequently, the inside of the vacuum chamber 1 is returned to normal pressure. Thereby, the polarizing plate 4 is reliably attached to the liquid crystal display panel 2. Then, the elevating mechanism 6 lowers the polarizing plate suction table 5. Accordingly, the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 is separated from the polarizing plate adsorption table 5, but the polarizing plate 4 is maintained in a state of being attached to the liquid crystal display panel 2.
[0030]
Next, a specific configuration example of the braking unit 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2A is a view of a part of the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. FIG.2 (b) is the figure which looked at a part of the said manufacturing apparatus from the side. In the figure, 51 is a convex protrusion provided on the side surface of the polarizing plate adsorption table 5. Reference numeral 91 denotes a rail portion provided in a part of the braking portion 9. One end of the rail portion 51 is fixed to the support portion 61 that supports the buffer portion 7. The protrusion 51 is fitted to the rail portion 91. The braking unit 9 regulates the movement of the polarizing plate suction table 5 by cooperating with the protrusion 51. Specifically, the movement generated in the surface direction parallel to the surface of the polarizing plate suction table 5 that attracts the polarizing plate 4 is restricted by the buffer unit 7.
[0031]
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the protrusions 51 are provided on the two side surfaces of the polarizing plate adsorption table 5, but the protrusions may be provided on the four side surfaces as shown in FIG. FIG. 3A is a view of a part of the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. FIG.3 (b) is the figure which looked at a part of the said manufacturing apparatus from the side. In the figure, reference numeral 92 denotes a rod-like body fixed to the support portion 61 that supports the buffer portion 7. Reference numerals 52 denote protrusions provided on the four side surfaces of the polarizing plate adsorption table 5. A rod-like body 92 passes through the hole provided in the protrusion 52. A bearing may be incorporated in the hole provided in the protrusion 52. Thereby, the movement of the polarizing plate adsorption table 5 becomes smooth, and the uniformity of the pressing force of the polarizing plate 14 against the liquid crystal display panel 2 generated by the buffer 7 is increased. And the hole of the projection part 52 regulates the movement of the polarizing plate adsorption table 5 by cooperating with the rod-shaped body 92. Specifically, the movement generated in the surface direction parallel to the surface of the polarizing plate suction table 5 that attracts the polarizing plate 4 is restricted by the buffer unit 7.
[0032]
In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one end of the braking unit 9 or the like is fixed to the support unit 61. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and one end of the braking unit 9 or the like is connected to the vacuum chamber 1 or the lifting mechanism 6. Alternatively, it may be fixed directly or indirectly.
[0033]
As described above, according to the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, when a polarizing plate is attached to the polarizing plate attaching surface of the liquid crystal display panel, foreign matters such as dust floating in the work space are attached. Does not invade between the liquid crystal display panel and the polarizing plate, or air bubbles intervene between the polarizing plate pasting surface of the liquid crystal display panel and the polarizing plate. It can be properly applied to the surface, and since the force applied to the liquid crystal display panel becomes uniform when it is applied, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of causing optical defects due to pressing during application.
[0034]
In the above example, the example in which the liquid crystal display panel 2 is provided on the upper side and the polarizing plate 4 is provided on the lower side is described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the liquid crystal display panel 2 is provided on the lower side and the polarizing plate 4 is provided on the upper side. You may make it provide in. That is, in the liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus in this case, the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 is connected to the lifting mechanism 6 via the buffer portion 7. The lift mechanism 6 raises and lowers the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3. In this case as well, the braking unit 9 is provided. The braking unit 9 regulates the movement of the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 while the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 is raised.
[0035]
Unlike the above-described example, only the liquid crystal display panel fixing table 3 and the polarizing plate suction table means 5 may be installed in the vacuum chamber 1, and other configurations may be installed outside the vacuum chamber 1. Further, the position of the elevating mechanism 6 itself may be provided not on the lower side but on the upper side.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the polarizing plate is attached to the liquid crystal display panel with uniform pressure applied to the liquid crystal display panel without interfering with foreign matters such as dust and bubbles, and the liquid crystal display panel and the polarizing plate are further accurately attached. An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel that can be attached can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of a liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a part of a liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a conventional method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a conventional method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vacuum chamber 2 Liquid crystal display panel 3 Liquid crystal display panel fixed table 4 Polarizing plate 5 Polarizing plate adsorption table 6 Lifting mechanism 7 Buffer part 8 Exhaust pipe 9 Braking part

Claims (5)

A liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate to a liquid crystal display panel,
The liquid crystal display panel fixing means for fixing the liquid crystal display panel;
A polarizing plate fixing means for fixing the polarizing plate, a lifting means for moving the polarizing plate fixing means up and down,
A buffer means that is provided between the polarizing plate fixing means and the elevating means, the polarizing plate fixing means is raised, and the shock that is caused by the polarizing plate coming into contact with the liquid crystal display panel;
A support portion that is part of the elevating means and supports the buffer means;
It is fixed to the support portion, by engaging a portion of the polarizing plate fixing unit, while increasing the polarizing plate fixing means restricting relative movement with respect to the support portion of the polarizing plate fixing means Braking means having regulating means to perform,
An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, comprising at least the liquid crystal display panel fixing means and the polarizing plate fixing means, and having a vacuum chamber that can be controlled in a reduced pressure state when the polarizing plate is attached to the liquid crystal display panel . 2. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the regulating means regulates a relative movement that occurs in a plane direction parallel to a plane of fixing the polarizing plate with respect to the support portion of the polarizing plate fixing means. apparatus. A liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate to a liquid crystal display panel,
Polarizing plate fixing means for fixing the polarizing plate;
The liquid crystal display panel fixing means for fixing the liquid crystal display panel; elevating means for raising and lowering the liquid crystal display panel fixing means;
A buffer means provided between the liquid crystal display panel fixing means and the elevating means, the liquid crystal display panel fixing means ascends, and a buffer means for alleviating an impact caused by the liquid crystal display panel contacting the polarizing plate;
A support portion that is part of the elevating means and supports the buffer means;
Is fixed to the support portion, by engaging a portion of the liquid crystal display panel fixing means, relative with respect to the while raising the liquid crystal display panel fixing means, the supporting portion of the liquid crystal display panel fixing means Braking means having restriction means for restricting movement;
An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, comprising at least the liquid crystal display panel fixing means and the polarizing plate fixing means, and having a vacuum chamber that can be controlled in a reduced pressure state when the polarizing plate is attached to the liquid crystal display panel . 4. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 3, wherein the restricting means restricts a relative movement that occurs in a plane direction parallel to a surface on which the liquid crystal display panel is fixed with respect to the support portion of the liquid crystal display panel. Manufacturing equipment. 5. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1 , wherein a bearing is provided at a fitting portion between the regulating unit and a part of the polarizing plate fixing unit or the liquid crystal display panel fixing unit. Manufacturing equipment.

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