CN108792739B

CN108792739B - Conveying device and method for manufacturing laminated body

Info

Publication number: CN108792739B
Application number: CN201810376881.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 堀口司; 松本周三; 井上宽文
Original assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-26
Filing date: 2018-04-24
Publication date: 2021-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-24
Also published as: JP2018185506A; KR102518697B1; JP7012572B2; KR20180120096A; CN108792739A

Abstract

The invention provides a conveying device capable of easily and accurately aligning the position of a single sheet-shaped component and a manufacturing method of a laminated body. The carrying device comprises: a first member on which a single sheet-like member is placed; an adjusting table for placing a single sheet-like member and adjusting the position of the sheet-like member; a first belt member for carrying and conveying the sheet-like members; a first transfer unit for sucking the sheet-like member placed on the first member and placing the sheet-like member on the adjustment table, the first transfer unit being capable of applying a force spreading outward in the surface of the sheet-like member to the sheet-like member while holding the sheet-like member by the suction force; a position confirmation device for confirming the position information of the single sheet-shaped component loaded on the adjusting working table; a control unit for adjusting the position of the sheet-like member based on the position data of the sheet-like member; and a second transfer device for moving the single sheet-like member, which is placed on the adjustment table and has been subjected to the position adjustment, onto the first belt-like member and placing the single sheet-like member on the first belt-like member.

Description

Conveying device and method for manufacturing laminated body

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a conveying apparatus for conveying a single sheet-like member and a method for manufacturing a laminated body.

Background

Sheet-like members are used in various fields such as suction members, printed wiring boards, and optical members. For example, in the case of a single sheet-like member used in precision equipment such as a printed wiring board and an optical member, it is necessary to perform alignment when laminating and bonding the single sheet-like members.

In recent years, thin single sheet-like members have been frequently used, and the thin single sheet-like members are particularly likely to be wrinkled or curled. When wrinkles, curls, or the like occur in a single sheet-like member, it is difficult to improve the accuracy of the alignment, and the work efficiency is deteriorated, which may adversely affect the yield of the product.

For example, patent document 1 (jp 2012-242750 a) discloses a film bonding apparatus capable of bonding a thin sheet-like member such as an optical film to a substrate without involving air bubbles and foreign substances and without causing deflection or wrinkles.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2012 and 242750

The film sticking apparatus disclosed in patent document 1 generates tension in the film by, for example, separating the holding members of the film from each other. Patent document 1 discloses the use of an electrostatic chuck or a vacuum suction force as a holding member.

However, the electrostatic chuck has the following situations: if the sheet member is not flat, the adsorbate cannot be held stably. For example, a sheet-like member in which wrinkles or deflection occurs may not be stably held, and an electrostatic chuck may not be suitable for a thin sheet-like member in which wrinkles are likely to occur.

In addition, when vacuum suction force is used, a vacuum apparatus or the like is required, and the apparatus becomes complicated. Further, a sufficient suction force may not be obtained up to the end of the sheet-like member, and bubbles may be easily generated. Further, the suction force to the sheet member tends to be strong, and the sheet member is not suitable for use in a thin sheet member or the like in some cases.

Here, in the case of a sheet-like member used in precision equipment such as a printed wiring board and an optical member, as described above, it is necessary to perform alignment when laminating and bonding the sheet-like members, and it is required to improve the accuracy of the alignment and perform the alignment more efficiently.

As described above, in recent years, the thickness of a single sheet-like member has become thinner. For example, among the single sheet-like members used in the optical laminate, there are single sheet-like members having a thickness of 50 to 300 μm, which leads to the following cases: curling and wrinkles are likely to occur, and alignment of the individual sheet-like members cannot be easily performed, and thus accuracy of angle and alignment of the individual sheet-like members cannot be achieved.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a conveying device capable of conveying a single sheet-like member in a flat state, suppressing wrinkles and curls from occurring in the single sheet-like member, stretching wrinkles that may exist in the single sheet-like member, easily performing alignment of the single sheet-like member, and performing alignment with high accuracy. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a laminate including a step of conveying a single sheet-like member by using such a conveying device.

Means for solving the problems

The present invention includes the following.

[1] A carrying device for carrying a single sheet-like member,

the carrying device is characterized by comprising:

a first member on which a single sheet-like member is placed;

an adjustment table for placing a single sheet-like member and adjusting the position of the single sheet-like member;

a first belt-shaped member for carrying the single sheet-like member in a first carrying direction;

a first transfer unit that sucks a single sheet-like member placed on a first member from an upper surface side thereof, moves the single sheet-like member onto the adjustment table while holding the single sheet-like member by the suction force, and places the single sheet-like member on the adjustment table by stopping the suction, the first transfer unit being capable of applying a force spreading outward in a surface of the single sheet-like member to the single sheet-like member while holding the single sheet-like member by the suction force;

a position confirmation device for confirming the position information of the single sheet-shaped component loaded on the adjusting working table;

a control unit that controls the operation of an adjustment table on which the single sheet-like member is placed, based on the position data of the single sheet-like member generated by the position confirmation device, thereby adjusting the position of the single sheet-like member; and

and a second transfer device for sucking the sheet-like member, which is placed on the adjustment table and has been adjusted in position, from the upper surface side thereof, moving the sheet-like member onto the first belt-like member while holding the sheet-like member by the suction force, and placing the sheet-like member on the first belt-like member by stopping the suction.

[2] The carrying apparatus according to [1], wherein the first transfer unit includes a plurality of suction trays having a tray portion capable of sucking the ambient atmosphere and contacting the single sheet-like member, and the plurality of suction trays are capable of mutually expanding and moving outward within a predetermined plane.

[3] The carrying apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein the second transfer unit includes a plurality of suction trays having tray sections which can suck the ambient atmosphere and which are in contact with the single sheet-like member.

[4] The conveying apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit are separate or common transfer units.

[5] The conveying apparatus according to any one of items [1] to [4], wherein the position confirmation means photographs the single sheet-like member placed on the adjustment table to generate the position data of the single sheet-like member.

[6] The transport apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the control unit recognizes an end of the single sheet-like member based on image data of the single sheet-like member generated by the imaging device, and controls an operation of the adjustment table on which the single sheet-like member is placed based on the end.

[7] The conveying apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the operation of the adjustment table controlled by the control unit includes parallel movement and/or rotation in a horizontal plane.

[8] The conveying device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the first member is a second belt-like member for placing a single sheet-like member and conveying the single sheet-like member in a direction of the adjustment table.

[9] A method for manufacturing a laminated body having a first sheet-like member and a second sheet-like member,

the method for producing the laminate is characterized by comprising the following steps:

conveying the first sheet-like member by using the conveying device according to any one of [1] to [8 ]; and

the first sheet-like member is bonded to the second sheet-like member.

[10] A method for manufacturing a laminate having a single sheet-like member and a long-shaped member,

conveying a single sheet-like member by using the conveying device according to any one of [1] to [8 ]; and

the sheet-like member is bonded to the elongated member.

Effects of the invention

The present invention relates to a conveying device capable of conveying a single sheet-like member in a flat state, suppressing wrinkles from occurring in the single sheet-like member, extending wrinkles that may exist in the single sheet-like member, and easily and accurately performing angle and position alignment of the single sheet-like member.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing a conveying apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a conveying device of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view showing a relationship between the transfer device of the present invention and a single sheet member.

Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a relationship between a suction tray and a single sheet-like member in a transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the reference numerals

1 conveying device

10 sheet-like member

21 first component

22 second band-shaped member

30 adjusting workbench

41 first strip-shaped member

51 first transfer machine

52 second transfer machine

60 position confirmation device

70 control part

71 crossed roller ring

81 suction disc

Detailed Description

According to the present invention, there is provided a carrying device for carrying a single sheet-like member,

the carrying device is characterized by comprising:

a first member on which a single sheet-like member is placed;

Hereinafter, a conveying device for conveying a single sheet-like member according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing a conveying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a conveying apparatus according to a certain embodiment.

In fig. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a conveying device, 10 denotes a single sheet-like member, 21 denotes a first member, 30 denotes an adjustment table, 41 denotes a first belt-like member, 51 denotes a first transfer unit, 52 denotes a second transfer unit, 60 denotes a position confirmation device, 70 denotes a control unit, 71 denotes a cross roller ring (fig. 2), and a broken line denotes an example of a moving direction of the single sheet-like member, and the conveying device 1 can move in the arrow direction of the broken line and in the reverse direction, for example. The arrows on the adjustment table 30 indicate an example of the direction in which the adjustment table moves, and the arrows on the transfer unit 51 and the transfer unit 52 indicate an example of the direction in which the transfer unit moves.

In fig. 3, reference numeral 22 denotes a second belt-like member, in addition to the reference numerals described with reference to fig. 1.

The conveying apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a control unit 70, and the control unit 70 may be built in the adjustment table 30, for example.

(Single sheet Member)

The single sheet-like member 10 that can be conveyed by the conveying device of the present invention includes, for example, an adsorbing member, a printed wiring board, an optical member, and the like, and can be favorably used for a thin member that is likely to cause curling, wrinkles, and the like. In one embodiment, the single sheet-like member is an optical member, for example, a member having a thickness of 50 to 500 μm. The size of each sheet-like member is, for example, 30cm to 150cm in width and 30cm to 300cm in length.

The optical member may have at least one optical film selected from a phase difference film, a polarizing film, an antireflection film, a viewing angle improving film, a brightness enhancement film, and the like, for example. The optical member may have a single-layer structure of these optical films, or may have a multilayer structure in which a plurality of films are stacked including the optical film as described above.

According to the conveying device of the present invention, stable conveyance can be performed for a (laminated) member having a structure in which curling, wrinkling, bending, and the like are likely to occur, such as a sheet-like member having a thickness of 120 μm or less and a member having a multilayer structure having a thickness of 120 μm or less. For example, such a remarkable effect can be obtained even in a sheet member having a multilayer structure of a polarizing film.

(first Member)

The first member 21 on which the single sheet-like member 10 is placed may be a member such as a stocker on which the single sheet-like members 10 can be placed in a stacked manner, or may be a belt-like member.

In one embodiment, the first member 21 may be a second belt-like member 22 (see, for example, fig. 3) for placing a single sheet-like member 10 thereon and conveying it in the direction of the adjustment table.

In this way, the first member 21 (for example, the second belt-like member 22) is disposed upstream of the first belt-like member 41.

When the second belt-like member 22 conveys the single sheet-like member 10, the conveying direction of the second belt-like member may be set parallel to the direction in which the single sheet-like member 10 is conveyed on the first belt-like member 41.

In one embodiment, the conveying direction of the second belt-like member 22 may be set so as to intersect the direction in which the single sheet-like member 10 is conveyed on the first belt-like member 41 in any direction, for example, at an angle of 15 ° to 90 ° with respect to the conveying direction of the first belt-like member 41, depending on the optical axis or the like of the single sheet-like member.

In one aspect, the conveying direction of the second belt-like member 22 may be set perpendicular to the direction in which the single sheet-like members 10 are conveyed on the first belt-like member 41 (intersecting at an angle of 90 °).

With the conveying device of the present invention, even when the conveying direction of the second belt-like member 22 is set at an arbitrary angle, the position of the single sheet-like member 10 can be accurately aligned. For example, even if the sheet-like member 10 is a single sheet-like member 10 having an optical axis, the conveying apparatus of the present invention can continuously convey the single sheet-like member 10, can stretch the sheet, for example, remove wrinkles and deformations of the single sheet-like member 10, and can perform the angle and position alignment of the single sheet-like member 10 with higher accuracy. Further, the time from the alignment of the single sheet-like member 10 to the conveyance of the single sheet-like member 10 to the first belt-like member 41 can be shortened.

(first transfer machine)

The conveying apparatus of the present invention includes a first transfer unit 51. The first transfer unit 51 sucks the single sheet-like member 10 placed on the first member 21 from the upper surface side thereof, moves the single sheet-like member 10 onto the adjustment table 30 while holding the single sheet-like member 10 by the suction force, releases the single sheet-like member 10 by stopping the suction, and places the single sheet-like member on the adjustment table 30. The first transfer unit 51 can apply a force spreading outward in the plane thereof to the single sheet-like member while holding the single sheet-like member by the suction force.

The transfer unit 51 of the present invention can stretch and convey a single sheet member with a uniform force.

In one embodiment, the first transfer unit 51 sucks the sheet-like members 10 from a position facing the upper surface of the sheet-like member 10 to be conveyed. For example, in the case of a single sheet-like member 10 having a thickness of about 300 μm, the distance between the first transfer unit 51 and the single sheet-like member 10 is set to be in the range of 0 to 5mm in order to suck the single sheet-like member 10 in a flat state, and the single sheet-like member 10 can be sucked. By performing suction from such a position, the single sheet-like member can be conveyed in a flat state more effectively, and the occurrence of wrinkles can be suppressed.

In addition, when the sheet-shaped member 10 is held by the suction force, the suction force is in the range of 0.1 to 50kPa, for example, in the range of 1 to 20kPa when the thickness of the sheet-shaped member 10 is 50 to 500 μm. By sucking the ambient atmosphere with the suction force in such a range, the single sheet-like member 10 can be sucked, and breakage of the single sheet-like member 10 and generation of wrinkles, curls, and the like can be suppressed. In addition, even a thin sheet-like member 10 can be efficiently conveyed.

The first transfer unit 51 can apply a force spreading outward in the plane of the single sheet-like member 10 to the single sheet-like member 10 while holding the single sheet-like member 10 by the suction force.

The first transfer unit 51 can spread the wrinkles of the single sheet-like member 10 by applying a force spreading outward in the plane to the single sheet-like member 10, and can remove the deformation of the single sheet-like member 10 to flatten the sheet-like member. Further, since it is possible to suppress the sheet-like member 10 from being curled during conveyance or conveyed in a state in which the optical axis is displaced in the axial direction, for example, it is possible to perform the alignment of the sheet-like members 10 with higher accuracy and in a shorter time.

In one mode, the first transfer unit 51 can apply a force that spreads outward in the plane to the single sheet-like member 10 at an arbitrary position of the single sheet-like member 10, for example, a position along each side, a center portion, or the like. For example, in order to suppress the occurrence of slack in the single sheet-like member, a force spreading outward in the plane is applied to the single sheet-like member 10 at an arbitrary position along each side, the center portion of the single sheet-like member 10, or the like, in addition to the four corners of the single sheet-like member 10.

In this way, since the force spreading outward in the plane of the single sheet-like member 10 can be applied to the single sheet-like member 10 at an arbitrary position of the single sheet-like member 10, the sheet stretching of the single sheet-like member 10 can be performed efficiently in accordance with the thickness of the conveyed single sheet-like member 10 or the like. In one mode, a force spreading outward can be applied to the single sheet-like member 10 at four corners and near the center of each side. The position where the force for expanding outward is applied can be appropriately adjusted according to the conveyed single sheet-like member 10.

For example, by applying a force spreading outward to the single sheet-like member by using a plurality of suction pads depending on the thickness, physical properties, and the like of the single sheet-like member in addition to the four corners of the single sheet-like member 10, even a single sheet-like member having an extremely thin thickness (for example, a thickness of 120 μm or less) can be prevented from being wrinkled, bent, or folded.

For example, the single sheet-like member 10 can be flatly placed on the surface of the adjustment table 30 by conveying the single sheet-like member 10 held by suction in a state where wrinkles are stretched by using a plurality of suction trays in addition to the four corners of the single sheet-like member 10.

When a single sheet-like member is conveyed in this manner, for example, even if the single sheet-like member is very thin, it is possible to convey and place the single sheet-like member at high speed while preventing wrinkles, bending, and folding, and to significantly improve the work efficiency.

In one embodiment, the outward expansion force acting on the single sheet-like member 10 has such a magnitude that the single sheet-like member 10 does not twist, loosen, or wrinkle. For example, as will be described later, when the first transfer unit 51 has a suction tray, the force of expansion may be different for each suction tray depending on the state of a single sheet-like member 10, or the suction force of the suction tray may be adjusted so that the same force is applied. For example, when a single sheet-like member 10 having an optical axis is conveyed, the single sheet-like member 10 can be conveyed without warping.

The first transfer unit 51 sucks the sheet-like member 10 placed on the first member 21 from the upper surface side thereof, and moves the sheet-like member 10 onto the adjustment table 30 while holding the sheet-like member 10 by the suction force. In one embodiment, the first transfer unit 51 includes a plurality of suction trays having tray portions capable of sucking the ambient atmosphere and contacting the single sheet-like member 10, and the plurality of suction trays are capable of expanding and moving outward in a predetermined plane.

For example, fig. 4 is a schematic side view showing a relationship between a transfer unit and a single sheet-like member in one embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a relationship between a suction tray and a single sheet-like member in one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the transfer unit side.

In fig. 4 and 5, reference numeral 51 denotes a first transfer unit (52 denotes a second transfer unit), reference numeral 81 denotes a suction tray, and arrows in fig. 5 indicate outward expansion force.

In one embodiment, for example, as shown in fig. 5, the force spreading outward may be changed for each part of the suction plate. This makes it possible to more effectively stretch the single sheet-like member and remove wrinkles and distortion.

By providing the suction tray 81, it is possible to effectively apply a force spreading outward in the surface of the single sheet-like member 10 to the single sheet-like member 10 while holding the single sheet-like member 10 by a suction force. Further, for example, while the thin single sheet-like member 10 is being sucked and held, breakage, curling, and twisting of the single sheet-like member 10 can be suppressed. Further, by providing a plurality of suction plates, the suction force can be changed for each suction plate, and for example, a force spreading outward can be applied to a portion where a wrinkle is generated. Further, the single sheet-like member 10 can be conveyed in a more flat state.

In one embodiment, since the first transfer unit 51 includes the tray portion, for example, the suction tray 81, the conveying apparatus of the present invention can more effectively convey the single sheet-like member 10 in a flat state, and can suppress wrinkles and curls from occurring in the single sheet-like member, stretch the single sheet-like member, and stretch wrinkles that may exist in the single sheet-like member 10. Since such an effect can be obtained when the sheet-like member is conveyed to the adjustment table, the adjustment table according to the present invention can be used to easily perform the alignment of the sheet-like members and can perform the alignment with high accuracy.

In such a configuration, the attractive force within the above range can be applied.

The shape of the suction disc is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the suction portion of the suction tray is rectangular, elliptical, circular, or the like, and is circular, for example, because it can provide a uniform suction force and more effectively maintain a stable holding force.

In such a configuration, the size of the suction portion of the suction plate has a diameter of 5 to 80mm, for example.

The material of the suction tray is, for example, a material having flexibility, and the flexible member can effectively stretch the wrinkles without breaking the single sheet-like member. For example, a suction cup made of nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, natural rubber, fluororubber, or the like.

In one embodiment, the first transfer unit 51 can be moved in parallel and/or rotated in a horizontal plane, for example. For example, when the single sheet-like member 10 is conveyed from the first member to the adjustment table 30, the single sheet-like member 10 may be placed on the adjustment table 30 with the axial direction, for example, the optical axial direction, corrected in advance so as to be along the conveying direction of the first belt-like member 41. This enables more efficient position adjustment of the adjustment table.

(adjustment work bench)

The conveying device 1 of the present invention includes an adjustment table 30 for placing and adjusting the position of a single sheet-like member 10. Further, the conveying apparatus 1 of the present invention includes: a position confirmation device 60 for confirming the position information of the single sheet-like member 10 placed on the adjustment table 30; and a control unit 70 that controls the operation of the adjustment table 30 on which the single sheet-like member 10 is placed, based on the position data of the single sheet-like member 10 generated by the position confirmation device 60, thereby adjusting the position of the single sheet-like member 10.

In the conveying device of the present invention, the adjustment table 30 can align the positions of the single sheet-like members 10 conveyed by the first transfer unit 51, for example, the single sheet-like members 10 subjected to sheet stretching. Since the single sheet-like members 10 are conveyed in a state in which the sheets are stretched by the first transfer unit 51, the angle and position of the thin single sheet-like members 10 can be aligned with higher accuracy on the adjustment table 30, for example.

Further, since the alignment can be performed by placing the single sheet-like member 10 on the adjustment table 30, even if the thin single sheet-like member 10 is thin, the alignment can be performed in a stable state, and thus the angle and the position alignment can be performed with high accuracy.

In one embodiment, the adjustment table 30 includes a plurality of suction holes for sucking the sheet-like member 10 from the lower surface side thereof, and the sheet-like member is held on the adjustment table by the suction force. By holding the single sheet-like member 10 on the adjustment table 30 by suction force using the suction holes, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the single sheet-like member 10 and to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles, curls, folds, and the like while the placement position of the single sheet-like member is being finely corrected by the control unit 70.

The suction force may be applied while the placement position of the single sheet-like member 10 is finely corrected after the single sheet-like member 10 is placed on the adjustment table 30 from the first transfer unit 51. The suction force may be applied until the single sheet member 10 is conveyed by the second transfer unit 52.

The suction force of the adjustment table 30 is, for example, 0.01 to 50kPa, and in one embodiment, 0.1 to 20 kPa. By setting the suction force within such a range, the single sheet-like members 10 can be efficiently moved between the transfer devices (51, 52) and the adjustment table 30, and the occurrence of curling, wrinkling, bending, and the like of the single sheet-like members 10 can be more effectively suppressed.

In addition, the adjustment table 30 may be configured to apply a force spreading outward in the plane of the single sheet-like member 10 to the single sheet-like member 10 while holding the single sheet-like member 10 by a suction force so as to remove wrinkles, curls, or deformations generated in the single sheet-like member, as in the case of the first transfer unit 51. The outwardly expanding force based on the attractive force may be generated as follows: in the plurality of suction holes arranged on the adjustment table, the timing of suction is changed according to the arrangement position of the sheet-like member 10 in the horizontal plane of the adjustment table 30. For example, the suction is performed from a suction hole located in the central portion of the single sheet-like member 10, and the suction from other suction holes is sequentially performed toward the outer peripheral portion of the single sheet-like member 10, thereby generating a force to expand the single sheet-like member 10 outward. This enables wrinkles, curls, or deformations occurring in the single sheet-like member 10 to be removed more favorably and efficiently.

The adjustment table 30 of the present invention can perform the angle and position alignment of the sheet-like members 10 with high accuracy by the following position confirmation device 60 and the control unit 70.

(position confirmation apparatus)

The position confirmation device 60 is a device for confirming the position information of the single sheet-like member 10 placed on the adjustment table 30.

For example, as shown in fig. 1, the position confirmation device 60 may be disposed at any position where it is possible to confirm the position information of the sheet-like member 10 placed on the adjustment table 30, or may be disposed at any position so as to confirm the position information.

For example, the position confirmation method of the position confirmation device 60 may be selected according to the type and structure of the conveyed single sheet-like member. The conveying apparatus of the present invention may have a plurality of position confirmation apparatuses 60 depending on the required angle and accuracy of the position alignment.

In one embodiment, the position confirmation device 60 that confirms the position information of the single sheet-like member 10 placed on the adjustment table 30 performs position confirmation by generating position data, for example, image data, of the single sheet-like member 10 by, for example, imaging the single sheet-like member 10 placed on the adjustment table 30.

The position confirmation device 60 can confirm the position of the end portion, for example, the end edge, of the single sheet-like member 10.

In one aspect, the position of at least one side of a single sheet-like member 10 may be confirmed, the position of at least one side along the axial direction may be confirmed based on the axial arrangement of the single sheet-like member, or the positions of at least two adjacent sides may be confirmed.

In addition, at least one piece of position information of the corner of the single sheet-like member may be confirmed. In one aspect, the position confirmation device 60 can acquire the position information with higher accuracy by confirming the positions of at least two corners of the single sheet-like member 10, for example, the positions of corners located on a diagonal line of the single sheet-like member 10.

As described above, in the present invention, by checking the positional information of the single sheet-like member 10 using the position checking device 60, the angle and position of the single sheet-like member 10 can be accurately aligned, and the axial direction can be aligned with high accuracy, for example.

Further, in the conveying apparatus of the present invention, since the single sheet-like member 10 is conveyed by the first transfer unit 51 and the adjustment table 30 of the present invention is provided, the angle and position alignment can be performed with high accuracy without providing the alignment mark to the single sheet-like member 10. Therefore, for example, the steps required for manufacturing the laminate can be simplified, and the tact time can be reduced. Of course, it is also possible to provide a single sheet member 10 with registration marks as desired.

In one embodiment, the position confirmation device 60 photographs a single sheet-like member 10 placed on the adjustment table 30 to generate position data of the single sheet-like member 10. The position confirmation apparatus 60 includes a semiconductor device. Examples of the image sensor include a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, and the like, and a video camera, a digital camera, a detector, and the like incorporating such an image sensor.

Since the position confirmation device 60 can perform position confirmation without contacting the single-sheet-like member 10, it is possible to prevent breakage, curling, and scratches of the thin single-sheet-like member 10. Further, since the position can be checked without contacting the single sheet-like member 10, for example, in the case where the single sheet-like member 10 has optical characteristics, the optical characteristics are not impaired at the time of the position check.

In the conveying apparatus of the present invention, since the single sheet-like member 10 conveyed by the first transfer unit is conveyed to the adjustment table 30 in a state in which the sheet is stretched, even in the non-contact position confirmation apparatus 60, the position of the edge or the like of the single sheet-like member can be accurately confirmed. Further, the angle and position of the thin sheet-like member can be aligned with higher accuracy on the adjustment table.

In one aspect, the position confirmation device 60 may be a probe device that brings a probe into physical contact with a single sheet member 10. For example, the detection device can be selected according to the conveyed single sheet member 10. For example, when the object (a single sheet member 10) has viscosity, the position confirmation apparatus 60 of the probe contact type may be used. In addition, the position of each sheet-like member 10 may be checked by using a photoelectric sensor.

(control section)

The conveying device 1 of the present invention includes a control unit that performs position adjustment of the single sheet-like member 10 by controlling the operation of the adjustment table 30 on which the single sheet-like member 10 is placed, based on the position data of the single sheet-like member 10 generated by the position confirmation device 60.

The control section 70 may correct the positional deviation of the single sheet-like member 10 based on a reference recorded in advance. The reference to be recorded in advance may be set as appropriate according to the purpose, and for example, the reference may be set based on the position information of the edge, the position information of at least one edge, or the like.

For example, the movement of the adjustment table controlled by the control unit 70 includes parallel movement and/or rotation in the horizontal plane. Such an operation can be obtained by, for example, a cross roll collar or the like.

By controlling such an operation by the control unit 70, it is possible to more accurately align the sheet-like members 10 placed on the adjustment table 30 of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the control unit 70 recognizes an end of the single sheet-like member 10 from the image data of the single sheet-like member 10 generated by the imaging device, and controls the operation of the adjustment table 30 on which the single sheet-like member 10 is placed based on the end.

By controlling the operation of the adjustment table through such a process, the alignment of the sheet-like members 10 can be performed in a shorter time and with high accuracy. Further, since the position can be checked and the position can be aligned without contacting the single sheet-like member 10, for example, even in the case of a thin single sheet-like member 10, it is possible to prevent the single sheet-like member 10 from being damaged, curled, or scratched.

For example, in the control section 70, the single sheet-like member 10 can be rotated at an arbitrary angle, for example, within a range of 0 to 90 °, and the movement in the horizontal direction can be moved within a range of 0.1 to 30 mm. In this way, the controller 70 can adjust the angle and position of the single sheet-like member 10 according to a desired recipe.

In one embodiment, the deviation of the rotation angle in the horizontal plane with respect to the reference position is in the range of 0.01 to 0.05 °, for example, in the range of 0.03 to 0.05 °. Further, the offset (XY) direction in the horizontal direction is in the range of 0.2 to 1.0mm with respect to the position to be the reference. Thus, the angle and position of the single sheet-like member 10 can be adjusted with high accuracy.

(second transfer machine)

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the conveying apparatus 1 of the present invention may have a second transfer unit 52. The second transfer unit 52 sucks the sheet-like member 10 placed on the adjustment table 30 and adjusted in position from the upper surface side thereof, moves the sheet-like member 10 onto the first belt-like member while holding the sheet-like member 10 by the suction force, and stops the suction to place the sheet-like member 10 on the first belt-like member 41.

In one mode, the second transfer unit 52 sucks the single sheet member 10 from a position facing the upper surface of the conveyed single sheet member 10. In addition, the second transfer unit 52 can suck the ambient atmosphere. The second transfer unit 52 can convey the single sheet-like member 10 in a flat state, and can suppress the occurrence of wrinkles. In the case where the sheet-like member 10 is held by suction force, the suction force is in the range of 0.01 to 50kPa, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 20kPa, when the thickness of the sheet-like member 10 is 50 to 500 μm. By performing suction with a suction force in such a range, breakage of the single sheet-like member 10 can be suppressed, and generation of wrinkles and curls can also be suppressed.

The second transfer unit 52 needs to be able to convey the single sheet-like member 10 with higher accuracy so as to avoid the axial displacement after the adjustment in the adjustment table 30, and the conveyance device according to the present invention can meet such a requirement.

Further, since the second transfer unit 52 is provided in combination with the first transfer unit 51, the single sheet-like members 10 can be individually conveyed, and thus the tact time can be shortened.

In one embodiment, the suction force of the first transfer unit and the suction force of the second transfer unit may be equal to each other.

The second transfer unit 52 may apply a force spreading outward in the plane thereof to the single sheet-like member 10 while holding the single sheet-like member by the suction force. In one mode, the second transfer unit 52 applies a force spreading outward in the plane thereof to the single sheet-like member 10.

By applying such outward-spreading force, wrinkles of the single sheet-like member 10 can be spread and flattened, and the single sheet-like member 10 can be suppressed from curling during conveyance, so that, for example, the subsequent bonding step can be efficiently advanced. Further, the sheet-like members 10 aligned in angle and position on the adjustment table 30 can be conveyed without being displaced in the axial direction.

In one aspect, the second transfer device 52 can apply a force that spreads outward in the plane to the single sheet-like member 10 at the four corners of the single sheet-like member 10, and in one aspect, a force that spreads outward in the plane can be applied to the single sheet-like member 10 at an arbitrary position of the single sheet-like member 10, for example, at a position along each side, at the center portion, or the like in addition to the four corners of the single sheet-like member 10. In this way, since the force spreading outward in the plane of the single sheet-like member 10 can be applied to the single sheet-like member 10 at an arbitrary position of the single sheet-like member 10, the wrinkles of the single sheet-like member 10 can be effectively spread depending on the state of the sheet being conveyed. The position where the force for expanding outward is applied can be appropriately adjusted according to the conveyed single sheet-like member 10. In one embodiment, the second transfer unit 52 may have the same specifications as the first transfer unit 51 described above, and may have the same operation and effect.

In one embodiment, the outward force acts to prevent the single sheet-like member 10 from twisting, loosening, or wrinkling. For example, when the second transfer unit 52 has a suction tray, the force of expansion may be different for each suction tray depending on the form of the sheet-like member 10, or the suction force of the suction tray may be adjusted so that the same force is applied.

In one embodiment, the second transfer unit 52 includes a plurality of suction trays having tray portions capable of sucking the ambient atmosphere and contacting the single sheet-like member. For example, the suction tray includes suction trays that can be moved to expand outward in a predetermined plane.

By providing the suction tray, it is possible to effectively apply a force spreading outward in the plane of the single sheet-like member 10 while holding the single sheet-like member 10 by the suction force. Further, for example, while the thin single sheet-like member 10 is being sucked and held, breakage, curling, and twisting of the single sheet-like member 10 can be suppressed. Further, by providing a plurality of suction plates, the suction force can be changed for each suction plate, and for example, a force that expands outward can be applied to a portion where a wrinkle occurs. Further, the single sheet-like member 10 can be conveyed in a more flat state.

In one embodiment, the second transfer unit 52 includes a tray portion, for example, a suction tray 81 as shown in fig. 4 and 5, and thereby the conveying apparatus of the present invention can more effectively convey the single sheet member 10 in a flat state. Further, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles or curls in the single sheet-like member, to stretch the single sheet-like member, and to stretch wrinkles that may exist in the single sheet-like member 10. For example, such an effect can be obtained when the single sheet-like member 10 is conveyed from the adjustment table 30 to the first belt-like member 41. In this way, according to the conveying apparatus of the present invention, after the alignment of the sheet-like members is performed using the adjustment table 30 of the present invention, the sheet-like members 10 can be conveyed to the first belt-like member 41 while maintaining the high accuracy of the alignment obtained by the adjustment table 30.

The shape of the suction disc is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the suction portion of the suction tray is rectangular, elliptical, circular, or the like, and is circular, for example, because it can provide a suction force uniformly and more effectively maintain a stable holding force.

The material of the suction tray is, for example, a flexible material, and the flexible member allows the wrinkles to be effectively spread without breaking the single sheet-like member. For example, a suction cup made of nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, natural rubber, fluororubber, or the like.

In one embodiment, the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit may be separate transfer units or a common transfer unit. In the case where the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit are separate transfer units, the transfer apparatus of the present invention includes a first transfer unit 51 and a second transfer unit 52 which are independent of each other, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, for example.

On the other hand, in an embodiment in which the first transfer unit 51 and the second transfer unit 52 are common transfer units, for example, as shown in fig. 1, one transfer unit operates as the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit. In this embodiment, for example, when a difference is provided between conditions such as the presence or absence of suction force and rotation for the conveyance of the first transfer unit 51 and the conveyance of the second transfer unit, various conditions can be adjusted by computer control or the like so that appropriate suction force or the like can be exerted on each transfer unit.

(first band-shaped Member)

As shown in fig. 1, 2, and 3, the conveying device 1 of the present invention includes a first belt member 41. The first belt-shaped member 41 carries the single sheet-like member 10 conveyed from the adjustment table 30 in the first conveying direction. In one embodiment, the first conveyance direction is a direction from the adjustment table 30 toward another process, and may be, for example, a bonding roller direction.

The first belt member 41 may be a belt member known in the art.

In one mode, the first band-shaped member 41 has a plurality of holes penetrating in the thickness direction, and the surrounding atmosphere is sucked through a suction portion disposed on the opposite side of the first band-shaped member from the side on which the single sheet-shaped member is placed, so that the single sheet-shaped member is held by the suction force of the holes of the band-shaped member.

The suction force of the first belt-like member 41 may be set within a range in which the suction force is different in at least two regions of a single sheet-like member. For example, the suction force may be in the range of 0.01 to 50kPa, or the suction force may be changed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the range of 0.02 to 50 kPa.

(method of producing laminate)

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a laminated body including a first sheet-like member and a second sheet-like member, the method comprising: conveying the first sheet-like member by using the conveying device of the present invention; and attaching the first sheet-like member to the second sheet-like member.

In another aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a laminated body including a single sheet-like member and a long-sized member, the method comprising: conveying a single sheet-like member by using the conveying device of the present invention; and attaching the single sheet-like member to the elongated member.

By conveying the first sheet-like member using the conveying device of the present invention, the first sheet-like member can be conveyed in an expanded state, and wrinkles can be expanded and flattened. Moreover, the angle and position alignment can be performed without being affected by the curl or the like of the first single sheet-like member, and the first single sheet-like member and the second single sheet-like member can be bonded to each other with high accuracy.

In one embodiment, the second sheet-like member and the elongated member are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a separator, a protective film, or an optical member.

According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, since a thin sheet-like member (for example, 50 to 300 μm thick) can be bonded by aligning the angle and position with high accuracy, the functions of the sheet-like member can be exhibited, and a laminate with high yield can be manufactured.

Industrial applicability

The invention provides a conveying device which can stretch a single sheet-shaped component, can convey the single sheet-shaped component in a flat state and can easily and accurately align the position of the single sheet-shaped component. The conveying device of the present invention is a conveying device capable of suppressing wrinkles and curls from occurring in a single sheet-like member and stretching wrinkles existing in the single sheet-like member. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a laminate including a step of conveying a single sheet-like member by using such a conveying device.

Claims

1. A conveying device for conveying a single sheet-like member having a thickness of 50 to 500 μm,

the carrying device is characterized by comprising:

a first member on which a single sheet-like member is placed;

2. The handling device according to claim 1,

the first transfer unit includes a plurality of suction trays having tray sections capable of sucking the ambient atmosphere and contacting the single sheet-like member, and the plurality of suction trays are capable of mutually expanding and moving outward within a predetermined plane.

3. The handling device according to claim 1,

the second transfer unit includes a plurality of suction trays having tray sections capable of sucking the surrounding atmosphere and contacting the single sheet-like member.

4. The handling device according to claim 1,

the first transfer machine and the second transfer machine are independent or shared transfer machines.

5. The handling device according to claim 1,

the position checking device photographs a single sheet-like member placed on the adjustment table to generate position data of the single sheet-like member.

6. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the control unit recognizes an end of the single sheet-like member from image data of the single sheet-like member generated by the imaging device, and controls the operation of the adjustment table on which the single sheet-like member is placed based on the end.

7. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the movement of the adjustment table controlled by the control unit includes parallel movement and/or rotation in the horizontal plane.

8. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the first member is a second belt-like member for carrying the single sheet-like member in the direction of the adjustment table.

9. A method for manufacturing a laminated body having a first sheet-like member and a second sheet-like member,

using the handling device of any one of claims 1 to 8 to handle a first single sheet member; and

the first sheet-like member is bonded to the second sheet-like member.

10. A method for manufacturing a laminate having a single sheet-like member and a long-shaped member,

carrying a single sheet-like member using the carrying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and

the sheet-like member is bonded to the elongated member.