Apparatus for conveying liquid crystal display panel

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel transfer device. Specifically, in a unit process in the process of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, a robot arm that transfers the liquid crystal display panel corresponds to various sizes of the unit liquid crystal display panel. It relates to the transfer device of the liquid crystal display panel as described above.

【0002】

[Related technology]

Generally, in a liquid crystal display device, each liquid crystal display device is formed by forming each thin film transistor / array substrate on a large-area mother substrate, forming each color filter substrate on a separate mother substrate, and then joining the two mother substrates to each liquid crystal. Since the display panels are formed at the same time to improve the yield, a step of cutting into the unit liquid crystal display panel is required.

【0003】

Usually, the unit panel is cut by forming a groove to be cut on the surface of the mother substrate with a wheel having a hardness higher than that of glass so that the crack is propagated along the groove to be cut. .. Hereinafter, such a liquid crystal display device will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0004】

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional structure in which the first mother substrate on which each thin film transistor array substrate is formed and the second mother substrate on which each color filter substrate is formed are joined to form a plurality of liquid crystal display panels. It is an exemplary figure.

【0005】

As shown in the figure, each unit liquid crystal display panel is formed so that one side of each thin film transistor / array substrate 1 protrudes with respect to each color filter substrate 2. This is because a gate pad portion (not shown) and a data pad portion (not shown) are formed at the edge of each thin film transistor array substrate 1 that is not superimposed on each color filter substrate 2.

【0006】

Therefore, each color filter substrate 2 formed on the second mother substrate 30 is formed by separating the dummy region 31 corresponding to the protruding area of each thin film transistor array substrate 1 formed on the first mother substrate 20. Will be done.

【0007】

In addition, each unit liquid crystal display panel is appropriately arranged so as to make maximum use of the first mother board 20 and the second mother board 30, and varies depending on the model, but in general, each unit liquid crystal display panel has only a dummy area 32. Formed to separate.

【0008】

After the first mother substrate 20 on which each of the thin film transistor array substrates 1 is formed and the second mother substrate 30 on which each color filter substrate 2 is formed are joined, each liquid crystal display panel is cut individually. At this time, the dummy region 31 formed in the region of the second mother substrate 30 that separates the color filter substrates 2 and the dummy region 32 that separates the liquid crystal display panel of each unit are simultaneously removed.

【0009】

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic planar structure of the individually cut unit liquid crystal display panel.

【0010】

As shown in the figure, in the unit liquid crystal display panel 10, a gate signal is applied to an image display unit 13 in which each liquid crystal cell is arranged in a matrix and each gate wiring (GL1 to GLm) of the image display unit 13. A data driver integrated circuit (not shown) to which image information is applied to the gate pad unit 14 for connecting to the gate driver integrated circuit (not shown) and the data wirings (DL1 to DLn) of the image display unit 13. It is configured to include a data pad unit 15 for connecting to and. At this time, the gate pad portion 14 and the data pad portion 15 are formed in the edge region of the thin film transistor array substrate 1 in which the short side on one side and the long side on one side are projected as compared with the color filter substrate 2.

【0011】

At this time, although not shown, each liquid crystal cell is switched in the region where each data wiring (DL1 to DLn) and each gate wiring (GL1 to GLm) of the thin film transistor array substrate 1 intersect at right angles. Thin film transistors are provided, and pixel electrodes connected to the thin film transistors to apply an electric field to each liquid crystal cell, such data wirings (DL1 to DLn), gate wirings (GL1 to GLm), thin film transistors, and the like. A protective film formed on the entire surface for protecting each electrode is provided.

【0012】

The color filter substrate 2 includes each color filter separated and applied by a black matrix for each cell region, and a common electrode which is a counter electrode of pixel electrodes formed on the thin film transistor array substrate 1. Will be done.

【0013】

The thin film transistor array substrate 1 and the color filter substrate 2 configured in this way are provided with cell gaps so as to face each other and are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, and a sealing portion (shown) formed around the image display portion 13. A liquid crystal layer (not shown) is formed in a space separated by the thin film transistor array substrate 1 and the color filter substrate 2.

【0014】

On the other hand, a short-circuit wiring (not shown) is formed on the edge of the thin film transistor array substrate 1 in order to block static electricity generated when each conductive film is patterned on the thin film transistor array substrate 1. ..

【0015】

The short circuit wiring should be removed after each liquid crystal display panel is cut into individual unit liquid crystal display panels.

【0016】

Therefore, after cutting each liquid crystal display panel into individual unit liquid crystal display panels, the corners of the unit liquid crystal display panels are polished to remove the short-circuit wiring. In addition, by polishing the corners of the unit liquid crystal display panel to prevent debris from falling off the corners of the unit liquid crystal display panel due to an external impact, the operator can sharpen the unit liquid crystal display panel during the process. It has the additional effect of preventing the risk of injury from the horns.

【0017】

Then, after polishing the unit liquid crystal display panel, the unit liquid crystal display panel that has been judged to be non-defective is finally produced as a product by inspecting whether or not the unit liquid crystal display panel is defective and whether or not it can be driven normally. Will be shipped.

【0018】

As described above, when the polishing process and the inspection process are performed after each liquid crystal display panel is cut into individual unit liquid crystal display panels, the unit liquid crystal display is precisely controlled by using a transfer device. The panel is transferred to the desired position without external impact. Hereinafter, such a transfer device for the liquid crystal display panel will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0019】

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a transfer device for a unit liquid crystal display panel in a related technology, driving a pair of internal pistons 51, 52 in a direction away from or closer to each other through injection and discharge of air, as shown. Cylinder 53, a vertical drive unit 55 driven along a transfer shaft 54 that drives the cylinder 53 in the vertical direction, and pistons 51 and 52 that project to the outside of both side surfaces of the cylinder 53. A pair of support shafts 56, 57 and a pair of robot arms having one end fixed to the support shafts 56, 57 and extending in one side orthogonal to the support shafts 56, 57. 58, 59 and a pair of clamping portions 60, 61 attached to the lower part of the other end of the robot arms 58, 59 and protruding by a predetermined distance within the separated areas of the robot arms 58, 59. , Is included.

【0020】

8A to 8D are illustrations showing the sequential driving of the transfer device of the unit liquid crystal display panel in the related technology.

【0021】

First, as shown in FIG. 8A, the cylinder 53 drives a pair of internal pistons 51, 52 through injection and exhaust of air in a direction that causes them to move away from each other as much as possible. As a result, the pair of robot arms 58 and 59 are driven in a direction away from each other and separated from both side edges of the unit liquid crystal display panel 10 loaded on the first table 62 by a predetermined distance. At this time, both side edges of the unit liquid crystal display panel 10 are loaded so as to protrude as compared with the first table 62.

【0022】

Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the vertical drive unit 55 lowers the cylinder 53. Therefore, the pair of robot arms 58, 59 is lower than the unit liquid crystal display panel 10, or is lowered to at least the same height.

【0023】

Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the cylinder 53 drives a pair of internal pistons 51 and 52 through injection and discharge of air in a direction as close as possible to each other. As a result, the pair of robot arms 58 and 59 are driven in a direction approaching each other and come into close contact with both side edges of the unit liquid crystal display panel 10 loaded on the first table 62.

【0024】

Then, as shown in FIG. 8D, the vertical drive unit 55 raises the cylinder 53. Therefore, the pair of robot arms 58 and 59 are raised, whereby the unit liquid crystal display panel 10 is supported by the clamping portions 60 and 61 attached to the other side ends of the robot arms 58 and 59, and the robot arm is supported. It will rise with 58 and 59.

【0025】

As described above, when the unit liquid crystal display panel 10 rises together with the robot arms 58 and 59, the vertical drive unit 55 is driven along the transfer shaft 54 to transfer the unit liquid crystal display panel 10 to a desired position.

【0026】

On the other hand, after the unit liquid crystal display panel 10 is transferred to a desired position, the unit liquid crystal display panel 10 is lowered to another table in the reverse procedure of FIGS. 8A to 8D.

【0027】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in the liquid crystal display panel transfer device in such a related technology, when the size of the liquid crystal display panel to be transferred is changed, the robot arm used so far is changed to the robot arm corresponding to the size of the liquid crystal display panel. There is an inconvenience that the work becomes complicated, it takes time, and the productivity is lowered because it has to be replaced with the liquid crystal.

【0028】

Further, by manufacturing a plurality of robot arms corresponding to the size of the liquid crystal display panel, there is an inconvenience that the investment cost increases and a separate space for storing the plurality of robot arms is required.

【0029】

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of such related technologies, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device for a liquid crystal display panel capable of supporting various sizes of a unit liquid crystal display panel.

【0030】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve such an object, in the first embodiment of the transfer device for the liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention, the horizontal drive unit that controls the rotation of the motor and the horizontal drive unit projecting to the outside of both side surfaces of the horizontal drive unit. The screw shaft and one end are supported by the screw shaft, the other end extends in the one-side direction orthogonal to the screw shaft, and the motor rotation of the horizontal drive unit extends along the screw shaft. A pair of robot arms driven in a direction away from or closer to each other, and a clamping portion attached to the other end of the robot arm and projecting a predetermined distance within a separated region of the robot arm. It is characterized in that it is composed including.

【0031】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

【0032】

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a first embodiment of a liquid crystal display panel transfer device according to the present invention, and as shown, a horizontal drive unit 101 for controlling the rotation of a motor (not shown) and the horizontal drive unit 101. A vertical drive unit 103 driven along a transfer shaft 102 that drives the horizontal drive unit 101 in the vertical direction, and stoppers 104 and 105 that project to the outside of both side surfaces of the horizontal drive unit 101 and are provided at the ends. One end is supported by the screw shafts 106 and 107, and the other end is extended in one direction orthogonal to the screw shafts 106 and 107, and the horizontal drive is performed. A pair of robot arms 108, 109 driven in a direction away from or closer to each other along the screw shafts 106, 107 by the rotation of the motor of the portion 101, and attached to the other end of the robot arms 108, 109. The robot arms 108 and 109 are configured to include clamping portions 110 and 111 projecting a predetermined distance in the separated regions.

【0033】

The vertical drive unit 103 drives the horizontal drive unit 101 in the vertical direction through the rod 103A.

【0034】

Further, as the screw shafts 106 and 107, two screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) are separated from each other by a predetermined distance and project in parallel to the outside of both side surfaces of the horizontal drive unit 101. is there.

【0035】

Then, the support 120 for connecting the screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) to each other is driven along the screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) in a direction away from or closer to each other. It is equipped so as to.

【0036】

Then, by connecting the robot arms 108 and 109 to the support base 120, the robot arms 108 and 109 are effectively supported and move away from each other along the screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B). Or drive in the approaching direction.

【0037】

On the other hand, the screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) can be formed three or more on the outer sides of both side surfaces of the horizontal drive unit 101.

【0038】

As mentioned above, when two screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) are provided, the stoppers 104, 105 are screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A) as shown in FIG. , 107B) can be formed so as to be connected to each other to more effectively prevent the screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) from swinging.

【0039】

On the other hand, the clamping portions 110 and 111 attached to the ends of the robot arms 108 and 109 increase the area of the robot arms 108 and 109 protruding into the separated space along the length direction of the robot arms 108 and 109. It can be formed so as to be increased or decreased, or as shown in FIG. 3, two clamping portions (110A, 110B) and (111A, 111B) are formed so as to be separated by a predetermined distance. be able to. In some cases, three or more can be formed to ensure the most optimized support surface for the liquid crystal display panel.

【0040】

Hereinafter, the sequential driving of the first embodiment of the transfer device for the liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D.

【0041】

First, as shown in FIG. 4A, by controlling the rotation of the motor in which the horizontal drive unit 101 is embedded, the support 120 coupled to the screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) is screwed. Drive in directions away from each other along the axes (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B). As a result, the robot arms 108 and 109 coupled to the support base 120 are driven in a direction away from each other, and are separated from both side edges of the unit liquid crystal display panel 100 loaded on the first table 121 by a predetermined distance. At this time, both side edges of the unit liquid crystal display panel 100 are loaded so as to protrude by a predetermined distance as compared with the first table 121.

【0042】

Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the vertical drive unit 103 lowers the horizontal drive unit 101. Therefore, the robot arms 108 and 109 are lower than the unit liquid crystal display panel 100, or are lowered to at least the same height.

【0043】

Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, by controlling the rotation of the motor in which the horizontal drive unit 101 is embedded, the support 120 coupled to the screw shafts (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) is screwed. Drive along the axes (106A, 106B) (107A, 107B) in the direction of approaching each other. As a result, the robot arms 108 and 109 coupled to the support base 120 are driven in a direction approaching each other, and are brought into close contact with both side edges of the unit liquid crystal display panel 100 loaded on the first table 121.

【0044】

Then, as shown in FIG. 4D, the vertical drive unit 103 raises the horizontal drive unit 101. Therefore, the robot arms 108 and 109 are raised, whereby the unit liquid crystal display panel 100 is supported by the clamping portions 110 and 111 attached to the other side ends of the robot arms 108 and 109, and the robot arm 108, It will rise with 109.

【0045】

As described above, when the unit liquid crystal display panel 100 rises together with the robot arms 108 and 109, the vertical drive unit 103 is driven along the transfer shaft 102 to transfer the unit liquid crystal display panel 100 to a desired position.

【0046】

On the other hand, after the unit liquid crystal display panel 100 is transferred to a desired position, the unit liquid crystal display panel 100 is lowered to another table in the reverse procedure of FIGS. 4A to 4D.

【0047】

In the first embodiment of the transfer device for the liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention, the width of the robot arm supported by the screw shaft is changed by the rotation of the motor, so that the robot is compared with the cylinder method of the related technology. The movement distance of the arm becomes longer, and the position of the robot arm can be controlled more precisely.

【0048】

Therefore, when the size of the unit liquid crystal display panel is changed, it becomes possible to correspond to the size of the unit liquid crystal display panel without replacing the robot arm as in the past.

【0049】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, in the liquid crystal display panel transfer device according to the present invention, by changing the width of the robot arm supported by the screw shaft by the rotation of the motor, the unit corresponds to the size of the liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel can be transferred.

【0050】

Therefore, unlike the related art, the work of exchanging the robot arm is not required, so that it is simple, the work time can be reduced, and the productivity can be improved. Further, since the position of the robot arm can be controlled more precisely than the conventional cylinder method, there is an effect that the malfunction of the device can be prevented and the cause of defective products can be reduced.

【0051】

Furthermore, since it is not necessary to manufacture multiple robot arms corresponding to the size of the unit liquid crystal display panel, investment costs can be reduced, and space for storing multiple robot arms is not required, which is advantageous for space utilization. It has the effect of being.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is explanatory drawing which showed the 1st Embodiment of the transfer device of the liquid crystal display panel which concerns on this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is an example figure when another example of a stopper is carried out in the apparatus of FIG.

[Fig. 3]

It is an example figure at the time of carrying out another example of a clamping part in the apparatus of FIG.

[Fig. 4A]

It is explanatory drawing which showed sequential driving of 1st Embodiment of the transfer apparatus of the liquid crystal display panel which concerns on this invention.

[Fig. 4B]

It is explanatory drawing which showed sequential driving of 1st Embodiment of the transfer apparatus of the liquid crystal display panel which concerns on this invention.

[Fig. 4C]

It is explanatory drawing which showed sequential driving of 1st Embodiment of the transfer apparatus of the liquid crystal display panel which concerns on this invention.

[Fig. 4D]

It is explanatory drawing which showed sequential driving of 1st Embodiment of the transfer apparatus of the liquid crystal display panel which concerns on this invention.

[Fig. 5]

It is an example figure which showed the cross-sectional structure which formed the plurality of liquid crystal display panels by coalescing the 1st mother substrate which formed each thin film transistor array substrate, and the 2nd mother substrate which formed each color filter substrate. ..

[Fig. 6]

FIG. 5 is an example diagram showing a schematic planar structure of a unit liquid crystal display panel in which each liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 5 is individually cut.

[Fig. 7]

It is explanatory drawing which showed the transfer device of the unit liquid crystal display panel of the related technology.

[Fig. 8A]

It is explanatory drawing which showed the sequential driving of the transfer device of the unit liquid crystal display panel of a related technique.

[Fig. 8B]

It is explanatory drawing which showed the sequential driving of the transfer device of the unit liquid crystal display panel of a related technique.

[Fig. 8C]

It is explanatory drawing which showed the sequential driving of the transfer device of the unit liquid crystal display panel of a related technique.

[Fig. 8D]

It is explanatory drawing which showed the sequential driving of the transfer device of the unit liquid crystal display panel of a related technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

101: Horizontal drive unit 102: Transfer axis 103: Vertical drive unit 103A: Rod 104, 105: Stopper 106, 106A, 106B, 107, 107A, 107B: Screw shaft 108, 109: Robot arm 110, 111: Clamping section 120: Support stand