JP2000081631A - Device for end-sealing liquid crystal panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent leakage of liquid crystal by sufficiently sealing an injection port and to prevent contamination of liquid crystal with an end-sealing material. SOLUTION: The hardening equipment 42, that hardens a photosetting end- sealing material successively coated on each injection port of plural liquid crystal panels in which liquid crystal is injected via each injection port with end-sealing material coating equipment 41 by irradiating light, is provided with a light source 421 emitting light with a wavelength to harden the end-sealing material, an optical fiber 422 transmitting the light emitted by the light source 421, a second robot 46, as an exiting end moving mechanism, adjusting the light from the exiting end so as to irradiate the end-sealing material at the specified injection port of the liquid crystal panel by moving the exiting end, from which the light transmitted by the optical fiber 422 is emitted, to a specified position and a controlling unit 47 controlling the second robot 46. The controlling unit 47 controls the second robot 46 so as to make the light irradiate in the same order as the order of coating of the end-sealing material by the end-sealing material coating equipment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the manufacture of a liquid crystal display, and more particularly to a technique for injecting liquid crystal between two liquid crystal substrates through an injection hole and then sealing the injection hole with a sealing material. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Liquid crystal displays are actively used for many purposes, including those for computer display units. The liquid crystal display has a structure in which liquid crystal is injected between two liquid crystal substrates, and a driving circuit is formed inside the liquid crystal substrate. When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal by the driving circuit, the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal is changed, and transmission and cutoff of light are controlled, and characters and images are displayed.

The manufacture of such a liquid crystal display is roughly divided into a liquid crystal substrate manufacturing process and a liquid crystal substrate assembly process. In the assembly process, two liquid crystal substrates are bonded together while forming a liquid crystal injection hole, and then liquid crystal is injected from the injection hole. Thereafter, the assembly process is almost completed by closing the injection hole. A liquid crystal injected between the two liquid crystal substrates thus bonded is referred to as a “liquid crystal panel” in this specification.

As one of the important operations in the process of assembling the liquid crystal substrate, there is a process called gap adjustment of a liquid crystal panel. The method of adjusting the gap of the liquid crystal panel in the prior art will be described below, while schematically explaining the entire process of assembling the liquid crystal substrate. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the entire process of assembling the liquid crystal substrate.

[0005] First, a photo-curable resin 100 is applied to the surface of one liquid crystal substrate 11 around the surface of the liquid crystal substrate 10 except for the injection hole 10, and is superposed on the other liquid crystal substrate 12. Then, the photocurable resin 100 is cured by being irradiated with light, and the two liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12 are bonded together (FIG. 7A). next,
The liquid crystal reservoir 14 storing the liquid crystal 13 is placed in a vacuum atmosphere,
The injection holes 10 of the two bonded liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12 are brought into contact with the surface of the liquid crystal 13 of the liquid crystal reservoir 14 (FIG. 7).
(2)). Thereafter, the pressure is returned to the atmospheric pressure, and the liquid is injected between the two liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12 by a vacuum pressure difference and a capillary phenomenon. In addition, a thermosetting resin may be used in addition to the photocurable resin 100.

At the time of the above injection, the amount of the liquid crystal 13 to be injected is
The injection hole is controlled by the time during which the injection hole is in contact with the surface of the liquid crystal 13 of the liquid crystal reservoir 14 in the atmospheric pressure atmosphere. Usually, the amount of the liquid crystal is larger than the volume of the space between the two liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12. The time during which 13 is injected is set. For this reason, after the completion of the liquid crystal injection, as shown in FIG. 7C, the liquid crystal panel 1 is in a state in which the middle portion is slightly expanded.

[0007] Thereafter, the liquid crystal panel 1 is set on a gap setting device 2 to perform gap setting. The conventional gap eliminator 2 includes two parallel gap elimination plates 21 and 22.
And a pressing tool 23 that presses one of the gap setting plates 22 to press the liquid crystal panel 1 sandwiched between the two gap setting plates 21 and 22. Pressing tool 2
When the liquid crystal panel 1 is pressed by 3, the liquid crystal panel 1 is compressed, and the distance between the two liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12 is reduced. The distance between the two liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12 is adjusted to an appropriate value by adjusting the magnitude of the pressure applied by the pressing tool 23 to an appropriate value (FIG. 7D). At this time, the liquid crystal 13 overflows from the injection hole 10, and the overflowing liquid crystal 13 overflows.
Is wiped off with a clean cloth.

After the gap is formed in this manner,
Sealing, that is, sealing of the injection hole is performed. Specifically, a photocurable resin is applied to the injection hole as the sealing material 15 and irradiated with light to cure the sealing material (FIG. 7 (5)). As a result, the injection of the liquid crystal is completed in a state where the gap is set.

[0009]

In the conventional liquid crystal substrate assembling process described above, it is practically important that the sealing of a plurality of liquid crystal panels can be performed collectively from the viewpoint of productivity. is there. FIG. 8 shows an example of a technical configuration for achieving this.
Shown in FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a technical configuration for simultaneously sealing a plurality of liquid crystal panels.

In order to simultaneously seal a plurality of liquid crystal panels, a plurality of liquid crystal panels 1 are arranged with the injection hole 10 facing upward, and the sealing material 15 is filled using the liquid crystal applicator 41. Apply to 10. The liquid crystal applicator 41 includes a syringe 411 that stores a sealing material, a syringe driving unit 414 that pressurizes the inside of the syringe 411 and discharges the sealing material 15 from the tip, a syringe moving mechanism 416 that moves the syringe 411, and the like. Is what is done. While the syringe 411 is moved by the syringe moving mechanism 416, the sealing material 15 is sequentially applied to each of the injection holes 10 (FIG. 8A).
The sealing material 15 of each injection hole 10 is collectively cured by exposing to light from FIG. 1 (FIG. 8 (2)).

However, according to the research by the inventor, it has been found that the following problems are caused when a plurality of liquid crystal panels are sealed with the above-described technical configuration. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a problem of the technical configuration illustrated in FIG. 8 and is an enlarged view illustrating a state of a sealing material in an injection hole.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sealing material 15 is sequentially applied to each of the injection holes 10 while the syringe 411 is sequentially moved, and then the light is collectively irradiated. Then, the light is applied after the sealing material 15 is applied. Time lag until the injection hole 10 is different. That is, there are an injection hole 10 that is irradiated with light in a short time after the sealing material 15 is applied, and an injection hole 10 that is irradiated with light after a long time.

The inside of the chamber in which the liquid crystal panel 1 is disposed is pressurized after the sealing material 15 is applied, and the sealing material 15 is pressed by the negative pressure in the liquid crystal panel 1 due to the pressurization and the weight of the sealing material 15 itself. Descends little by little. And sealing material 15
Is filled and then irradiated with light to cure the sealing material 15. Here, if the time lag from application of the sealing material 15 to irradiation of light is short, as shown in FIG.
Depending on the viscosity of the sealing material 15, the sealing material 15
The light may be irradiated before completely filling the inside. In this case, the sealing of the injection hole 10 becomes insufficient, and in the worst case, leakage of the liquid crystal may occur. Conversely, if the time lag from application of the sealing material 15 to irradiation with light is long, the sealing material 15 is mixed into the liquid crystal as shown in FIG. There is fear. If contamination of the liquid crystal by the sealing material 15 occurs, there is a possibility that a product defect such as display unevenness may occur.

The invention of the present application has been made to solve such a problem. That is, an object of the present invention is to prevent the liquid crystal from leaking due to the sufficient sealing of the injection hole and to prevent the sealing material from being mixed into the liquid crystal.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is directed to a liquid crystal panel in which two liquid crystal substrates are bonded together while forming an injection hole and liquid crystal is injected from the injection hole. A liquid crystal panel sealing device for sealing the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel, wherein a sealing material applicator for sequentially applying a photocurable sealing material to each of the injection holes of the plurality of liquid crystal panels; A curing device that irradiates the material with light to cure the sealing material, the curing device includes a light source that emits light having a wavelength at which the sealing material cures, and an optical fiber that guides the light emitted from the light source. An emission end moving mechanism for moving an emission end from which light guided by an optical fiber is emitted to a predetermined position so that light from the emission end is irradiated to a sealing material of an injection hole of a predetermined liquid crystal panel; A control unit for controlling the emission end moving mechanism,
The control unit has a configuration in which the emission end moving mechanism is controlled so that light is irradiated in the same order as the order in which the sealing material is applied by the sealing material applicator. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, a shutter is provided between the light source and the incident end of the optical fiber in the configuration of the first aspect. Controlling the emission end moving mechanism to position the emission end at the irradiation position in the same order as the order of application of the sealing material by the sealing material applicator, and that the emission end is located at this position. In this state, a signal is sent to the shutter in a state where the shutter is opened and closed to open and close the shutter.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a liquid crystal panel sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal panel sealing device of the present embodiment is a device for sealing an injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1. Specifically, in this liquid crystal panel sealing device, a gap making machine 3 for making a gap between two liquid crystal substrates of the liquid crystal panel 1 a predetermined value, and a gap making are performed. It mainly comprises a sealing machine 4 for sealing the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1 in the state.

The apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to batch process a plurality of liquid crystal panels 1 in a cassette-to-cassette manner. At the load station of the apparatus, a cassette 5 containing a plurality of liquid crystal panels 1 is arranged. Further, the gap maker 3 is configured to accommodate the same number of the liquid crystal panels 1 as the number of the cassettes 5 to perform the gap elimination. An autoloader 6 is provided between the cassette 5 and the gap setting device 3. Autoloader 6
Is a mechanism for taking out the liquid crystal panels 1 one by one from the cassette 5 and setting the liquid crystal panels 1 in the gap setting device 3.

The configuration of the autoloader 6 and the gap setting device 3 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of the autoloader 6 and the gap maker 3 shown in FIG. First, the configuration of the autoloader 6 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the autoloader 6 is an articulated robot provided with an arm 61 that supports the liquid crystal panel 1 horizontally. Autoloader 6
Is configured to move the arm 61 horizontally to take out the liquid crystal panel 1 from the cassette 5. The arm 61 is provided with a vacuum suction mechanism as needed, and is configured to hold the liquid crystal panel 1 while vacuum-sucking.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cassette 5 has a structure in which a predetermined number of liquid crystal panels 1 are accommodated in a vertically stacked manner at predetermined intervals. The cassette 5 is provided with a cassette elevating mechanism (not shown). The cassette elevating mechanism positions a predetermined storage location of the cassette 5 at a position slightly higher than the height of the entry line of the arm 61 of the autoloader 6. Then, the arm 61 enters the cassette 5 from the height of the entry line, and is located below the liquid crystal panel 1 at the accommodation location. When the cassette elevating mechanism lowers the cassette 5 slightly, the liquid crystal panel 1 at the accommodation location is mounted on the arm 61. The autoloader 6 moves the arm 61 to house the liquid crystal panel 1 in a predetermined housing location of the gap maker 3.

Next, the configuration of the gap setting machine 3 will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The gap removing machine 3 in the apparatus according to the present embodiment accommodates a predetermined number of the liquid crystal panels 1 in a horizontal position, and then rotates 90 degrees as a whole to set each liquid crystal panel 1 in a vertical position, and then performs sealing. It has become. In the following description, the configuration will be described assuming a state before rotating 90 degrees.

As shown in FIG.
A pair of base plates 311, 312 and a pair of base plates 31
1 and 312, a holding rod 32
The pair of movable plates 331 and 332 provided between the pair of base plates 311 and 312 while being held by
2 and a plurality of spacers 34 provided between the pair of movable plates 331 and 332 while being held by the pair of base plates 3
It is mainly assembled from a base plate fixing rod 35 to which the base plates 11 and 312 are fixed (hereinafter, an assembly of these members is referred to as a gap setting assembly 30).

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of base plates 31
Each of the reference numerals 1 and 312 has a rectangular shape and is provided in parallel in a horizontal posture. The base plate fixing bar 35 to which the base plates 311 and 312 are fixed is a square bar-shaped member, and two parallel bars are provided. The end faces of the base plates 311 and 312 are fixed to the base plate fixing rod 35. The holding rod 32
Four base plates 311 and 312 are provided so as to be connected at respective corners. One end of each holding rod 32 is fixed to a corner of one base plate 311, and the other end is fixed to a corner of the other base plate 312. still,
Each holding bar 32 is a round bar-shaped member.

The pair of movable plates 331 and 332 and the plurality of spacers 34 have a rectangular shape slightly smaller than the base plates 311 and 312. Each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34 has a through hole at each corner. And
Each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34 are laid and held on the holding rod 32 in a state where the holding rod 32 is inserted through the through hole. Each through hole is provided with a bearing, and each movable plate 331, 332 and each spacer 34
The holding rod 32 can slide in the length direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) while being held by the holding rod 32.

A connecting member 36 is provided so as to connect each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting member 36 has a structure in which members like a pantograph of a train are continuously provided. When the movable plates 331 and 332 and the spacers 34 move in the length direction of the holding rod 32 to form closed spaces on both sides of the liquid crystal panel 1 as described later, the connecting device 36
1 and 332 and each spacer 34 for smooth movement. Each movable plate 33 for forming a closed space
When the moving distance of the spacers 1 and 332 and each spacer 34 is short,
The connecting tool 36 may not be necessary. As another configuration of the connecting member 36, a pin is provided on one side of each of the movable plates 331, 332 and each of the spacers 34, and the other side is connected to a pin of the adjacent movable plate 331, 332 or the spacer 34. A configuration in which a rod having a shape of a circle is provided may be employed. The pin is movable within the rod by a predetermined stroke, and each movable plate 331, 332 and each spacer 34 can be opened or closed by this stroke.

The gap setting assembly 30 having the above structure is mounted on a rectangular frame 37. The frame 37 has a vertical movement mechanism (not shown) for integrally moving the gap setting assembly 30 in the vertical direction.
A horizontal moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the gap setting assembly 30 in the horizontal direction is provided. The vertical movement mechanism may employ a configuration in which a plurality of columns (not shown) supporting the frame 37 are moved up and down by a drive mechanism combining a ball screw and a motor. The horizontal movement mechanism includes a frame (not shown) on which the gap setting assembly 30, the frame 37, and a vertical movement mechanism (not shown) are mounted, and a linear movement in the horizontal direction by using a drive mechanism that also combines a ball screw and a motor. A mechanism can be adopted.

The gap setting assembly 30 is configured to be rotated 90 degrees by a rotation mechanism 38. The rotation mechanism 38 includes a motor 381 as shown in FIG.
And a drive pulley 38 fixed to the output shaft of the motor 381
2, a driven pulley 384 connected to a drive pulley 382 via a belt 383, and a rotation support rod 385 connected to the driven pulley 384 and supporting the gap setting assembly 30. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the motor 381, the driving pulley 382,
A set of the belt 383 and the driven pulley 384 is also provided at the other end of the base plate fixing bar 35.

The rotation support rod 385 is a rectangular rod-shaped member having a horizontal posture. The rotation support rod 385 is fixed to the lower end of the base plate fixing rod 35 in a vertical posture. Motor 3
When the rotation is transmitted to the rotation supporting rod 385 via the driving pulley 382 and the driven pulley 384, the two base plate fixing rods 35 rotate about the central axis of the rotation supporting rod 385 as a rotation axis. Thereby, the gap setting assembly 30 is integrally rotated in the direction of the arrow. The gap setting assembly 30 is provided with a pressing means 7 described later, and the pressing means 7 also rotates together with the gap setting assembly 30.

On one side of the rectangular frame 37, two short rod-shaped first receiving rod posts 371 are provided. The first receiving rod 372 is fixed so as to bridge the ends of the two first receiving rod posts 371. The first receiving rod 372 is provided in parallel with the rotation support rod 385. Before the gap setting assembly 30 rotates, the edge of the one base plate 311 on the side opposite to the side supported by the rotation support rod 385 is the first receiving rod 37.
It is on 2 In other words, before rotation,
In the gap setting assembly 30, one edge of one lowermost base plate 311 is supported by the rotation support rod 385 via the base plate fixing rod 35, and the other edge is the first receiving rod. 372 is supported.

The side of the frame 37 opposite to the side on which the first receiving rod 372 is provided has a second receiving rod support 37
3 are provided upright, and two second receiving rod posts 373 are provided.
The second receiving rod 374 is fixed so as to be bridged at the end of the second receiving rod 374. When the gap assembly 30 rotates integrally as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2, the other edge of the one base plate 311 moves away from the first receiving rod 372. Then, when the gap setting assembly 30 rotates by 90 degrees, the tip of the base plate fixing rod 35 is placed on the second receiving rod 374. In this state, the gap setting assembly 30 is in a state in which one end of the base plate fixing bar 35 in a horizontal posture on the lower side is supported by the rotation support bar 385 and the other end is supported by the second receiving bar 374. Become. Note that the state of the gap setting assembly 30 after being rotated by 90 degrees is referred to as a “horizontal state” in the following description.
The state of the gap setting assembly 30 before rotating 90 times (the state shown in FIG. 2) is referred to as “vertical state”.

Next, the structure for accommodating the liquid crystal panel 1 in the gap assembly 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 3 shows the gap setting assembly 30.
FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional view illustrating the structure of FIG. In FIG. 3, the gap setting assembly 30 includes a predetermined number of liquid crystal panels 1.
In a horizontal state. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of the movable plates 331 and 332 and the spacer 34. In FIG. 4, the movable plates 331 and 332 and the spacer 3 of the gap setting assembly 30 in the vertical state are shown.
4 is shown.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the liquid crystal panel 1 is conveyed in the horizontal direction and is accommodated in the gap setting assembly 30. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a panel locking member 39 is provided on one movable plate 331 and each spacer 34. The liquid crystal panel 1 is conveyed horizontally by the autoloader 6 and then housed in the gap setting device 3 while being locked by the panel locking member 39.

More specifically, as can be seen from FIG. 4, three panel locking members 39 are provided so as to lock the front edge of the liquid crystal panel 1 in the transport direction and the left and right edges in the transport direction. ing. Each panel locking member 39 has an L-shaped cross section, and is configured such that the edge of the liquid crystal panel 1 rests on and locks on each panel locking member 39 when the gap setting assembly 30 is in the vertical state. Have been. And, as can be seen from FIG. 3, when the gap setting assembly 30 is in the horizontal state,
The edge of the liquid crystal panel 1 on the front side in the transport direction is located at the lower end, and the liquid crystal panel 1 is placed and locked on the panel locking member 39 supporting this edge.

As shown in FIG. 3, the panel lock 39 is
One movable plate 331 and each spacer 34 are provided. In the present embodiment, nine spacers 34 are provided. For convenience of explanation, these spacers 34 are arranged in the order from the one closer to the one movable plate 331, the first spacer 34A, the second spacer 34B,. The spacer is 34I. One movable plate 331 has a panel locking member 39 on the first spacer 34A side, and the first spacer 34A has a panel forming member 39 on the second spacer 34B side. Similarly, each spacer 34 includes a panel forming tool 39 on the side of the adjacent spacer 34 farther from one movable plate 331. The ninth spacer 34I has a panel locking member 39 on the other movable plate 332 side. Therefore, between the one movable plate 331 and the first spacer 34A, the second to ninth spacers 34B, C, D, E, F, G, H,
During the period I, the liquid crystal panel 1 is housed between the ninth spacer 34I and the other movable plate 332, so that a total of ten liquid crystal panels 1 are housed. However, in an actual device, more spacers are often used so that up to about 20 liquid crystal panels 1 can be accommodated.

In the above-mentioned housing structure, a device is devised so that the space facing the surface of each of the liquid crystal panels 1 housed therein becomes a closed space. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing the structure of the gap opening assembly 30 in a state where a closed space is formed and explaining the configuration of the sealing machine 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the movable plates 331, 332
Each of the spacers 34 is provided with a substantially rectangular peripheral protrusion (hereinafter, “peripheral protrusion”) 300. The movable plates 331 and 332 and each spacer 3
A concave portion is formed on the surface of No. 4. In addition, the circumferential protrusion 30
0 has a groove formed along the direction in which it extends circumferentially, and the O-ring 301 is fitted into this groove. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the O-ring 301 has a shape surrounding an area slightly smaller than the surface of the liquid crystal panel 1. Therefore, the movable plates 331 and 332 or the spacer 34
When the O-ring 301 comes into contact with the surface of the liquid crystal panel 1, the space facing the surface of the liquid crystal panel 1 becomes a closed space. Note that the size and shape of the O-ring 301 surround the area to which the photocurable resin is applied when assembling the liquid crystal panel 1 by bonding two liquid crystal substrates (for example, the area of the photocurable resin 100 shown in FIG. 7). Coating area)
It has the same size and shape as.

As shown in FIG. 3, the peripheral projections 300 and O
A set of the rings 301 includes a surface of one of the movable plates 331 on the first spacer 34A side, both surfaces of each of the spacers 34A, B,.
The other movable plate 332 is provided on the surface on the ninth spacer 34I side. Therefore, when each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34 are pressed by the pressing means 7 as described later, closed spaces are formed on both sides of the ten liquid crystal panels 1 housed as shown in FIG. It has become so.

The major feature of the device of the present embodiment is that the pressure in the closed space formed on both sides of the liquid crystal panel 1 is increased as described above, so that the liquid crystal panel 1 (particularly, the surface portion on which the image is displayed) is provided. On the other hand, the pressure is applied in a non-contact manner, whereby the gap is formed. The pressing means 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The pressing means 7 increases the distance between the movable plates 331 and 332 and the spacers 34 or the distance between the spacers 34 (hereinafter, abbreviated as "between the spacers") so that the closed space is opened. This is to prevent that. Therefore, it is sufficient that the pressing means 7 operates when the closed space is formed. However, in the device of the present embodiment, the space between the spacers is increased when the liquid crystal panel 1 is accommodated and taken out. The pressing means 7 also serves as a mechanism for closing and opening between the spacers.

More specifically, the pressing means 7 comprises:
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a driven rod 71 having a tip fixed to one movable plate 331, a driving rod 72 screwed to the driven rod 71, and an output shaft connected to the driving rod 72. It mainly includes a drive motor 73.
The drive rod 72 is a ball screw whose side surface is precisely threaded. The drive rod 72 is connected to an output shaft of a drive motor 73 via a joint 74. The driven rod 71 has a cylindrical internal space, into which the driving rod 72 enters. An opening conforming to the diameter of the driving rod 72 is formed at an end of the driven rod 71 on the driving motor 73 side, and this opening communicates with the internal space. The peripheral surface of this opening is threaded, and is screwed to the drive rod 72 with high precision.

The driven rod 71 is inserted through an opening formed substantially at the center of the other base plate 312. The rod guide 75 is fixed to the other base plate 312. The rod guide 75 is connected to the driven rod 71.
Is a substantially cylindrical member that guides the linear motion of the lens. A bearing 76 is provided between the driven rod 71 and the inner surface of the rod guide 75. The driven rod 71
Is provided with a long ridge 711 in the direction (length direction) of the linear movement of the driven rod 71. A concave portion in which the ridge 711 is located is formed on the inner surface of the rod guide 75, and the concave portion is also long in the direction of the linear motion.

When the drive motor 73 is driven, the drive rod 72 rotates around an axis. The force of this rotational movement is also transmitted to the driven rod 71 to be screwed, but since the protrusion 711 of the driven rod 71 is located in the concave portion of the rod guide 75 and its rotation is regulated, the driven rod 71 Does not rotate, but performs only linear motion in the length direction.

In the following description, the linear movement of the driven rod 71 to push out one movable plate 331 is referred to as “forward”, and the linear movement of the driven rod 71 to pull back one movable plate 331 is referred to as “retreat”. I do. When the driven rod 71 moves forward, one of the movable plates 331 moves while sliding on the holding rod 32 and approaches the first spacer 34A. Then, the liquid crystal panel 1 comes into contact with the O-ring 301 provided on one of the movable plates 331, and the liquid crystal panel 1
Abuts on the O-ring 301 provided at the bottom. As a result, O
The liquid crystal panel 1 is connected to one of the movable plates 33 via the ring 301.
1 and the first spacer 34A.

Further, when the driven rod 71 moves forward,
One movable plate 331 and the first spacer 34A slide,
The liquid crystal panel 1 is sandwiched between the first spacer 34A and the second spacer 34B via the O-ring 301. When the driven rod 71 moves forward in this way,
Each liquid crystal panel 1 is interposed one after another. The stroke is set such that when the other movable plate 332 contacts one base plate 311, the driven rod 71 stops moving forward. Driven rod 7 for this stroke
When 1 advances, as shown in FIG. 5, ten liquid crystal panels 1 are sandwiched between spacers via an O-ring 301. This state is a state in which closed spaces are formed on both sides of each liquid crystal panel 1 as described above.

The apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with a gas supply system 8 for supplying gas to the closed space and pressurizing the closed space in a state where the closed space is formed. The configuration of the gas supply system 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of a gas supply system 8 that supplies gas to a closed space formed on both sides of the liquid crystal panel 1.

The gas supply system 8 supplies gas to each closed space via the movable plate 331, 332 or the internal space of the spacer 34. Specifically, each movable plate 33
Each of the spacers 1 and 332 and each spacer 34 has a gas blowing hole 81 on a surface facing a closed space. The movable plates 331, 33
2 is a gas blowing hole 81 only on one side where a closed space is formed.
However, since each of the spacers 34 has a closed space formed on both sides thereof, the spacers 34 have gas blowing holes 81 on the surfaces on both sides. Further, each movable plate 331, 332 and each spacer 34
Is connected to a gas supply hose 82 connected to a pipe (not shown). A gas supply path 83 is formed inside each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34.
The connection point of the gas supply hose 82 and the gas blowing hole 81 are connected by a gas supply path 83.

The piping (not shown) is connected to a gas cylinder (not shown) via a valve (not shown) or a flow controller (not shown). An inert gas such as nitrogen or a gas such as dry air (dry air) is stored in a gas cylinder (not shown). This gas is blown out from a gas blowout hole 81 through a pipe (not shown), a gas supply hose 82 and a gas supply path 83. As a result, gas is supplied into the closed space formed as described above, and the pressure in the closed space is increased.

When the pressure in the closed space rises, the pressure acts to widen the space between the spacers, so that a force is applied in a direction in which one of the movable plates 331 retreats. At this time, the drive motor 73 of the pressing means 7 generates a torque in a direction in which one movable plate 331 moves forward, and cancels this force. As a result, regardless of the pressure increase in the closed space, the movable plates 331, 332 or the spacer 34 are pressed against the both surfaces of each liquid crystal panel 1 via the O-ring 301 so that the closed space is not opened. Has become.

The heater 9 is embedded in each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34, as shown in FIG. The heater 9 is of a resistance heating type such as a cartridge heater. Each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34 are formed of a metal having good heat conductivity such as aluminum or copper. The heater 9 has a movable plate 331,
The 332 or the spacer 34 is heated, and the heat is transmitted to the liquid crystal panel 1 by convection, conduction, or radiation.

Next, a method of forming the closed space and forming a gap by applying pressure will be described. After the closed space is formed as described above, when the gas is supplied to the closed space to increase the pressure in the closed space, the gas pressure compresses the liquid crystal panel 1 from both sides. As a result, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal panel 1 slightly overflows from the injection hole. At this time, by appropriately setting the gas supply pressure to make the pressure in the closed space appropriate, it is possible to adjust the gap, that is, the distance between the two liquid crystal substrates constituting the liquid crystal panel 1 to an appropriate value. It becomes possible.

When the gap is set, the liquid crystal panel 1
Is heated by the heater 9. As a result, the viscosity of the liquid crystal decreases, the liquidity of the liquid crystal increases in the liquid crystal panel 1, and the liquid crystal easily overflows from the injection hole. Therefore, the gap can be set in a short time. The heater 9
Is appropriately controlled so that the liquid crystal is not denatured.

Next, the structure of the sealing machine 4 which is a major feature of the apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the sealing device 4 seals the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1 in a state where the gap is being formed by the gap forming device 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the sealing machine 4 includes a sealing material applicator 4 for applying a sealing material to an injection hole.
1 and a curing device 42 for curing the applied sealing material. In addition, the sealing machine 4 includes a liquid crystal remover 43 that automatically removes the liquid crystal leaked from the injection hole at the time of the above-mentioned gap setting.

First, the configuration of the liquid crystal remover 43 will be described. The liquid crystal remover 43 is configured to vacuum-suction the liquid crystal leaked from the injection hole. Specifically, the liquid crystal remover 43 includes a vacuum generator 431 for generating a vacuum by compressed suction, a compressed air supply line 433 for supplying compressed air to the vacuum generator 431, and a compressed air supply line 43.
3, a suction pipe 435 provided at the tip of the vacuum generator 431, and a suction pipe 435.
A suction head 436 provided at the tip of the
, A linear motion source 435 for vertically moving the suction head 436, a gas-liquid separator 434 provided on the suction pipe 435, and a liquid crystal separated from the gas-liquid separator 434. It mainly comprises a liquid crystal reservoir 439 for storing.

The vacuum generator 431 is a type of an ejector that generates a vacuum using compressed air. Such ejectors generally utilize compressed air and the Venturi effect. When the fluid flows into a pipe (Venturi pipe) whose inner diameter sharply narrows on the way and then gradually widens,
The phenomenon in which the pressure decreases at the portion where the inner diameter is the thinnest is called the Venturi effect. The ejector utilizes this Venturi effect, supplies compressed air to a tube similar to the Venturi tube, and causes a high-speed airflow to flow through the tube.
A large negative pressure (vacuum) is generated in the portion having the smallest inner diameter. A side hole is provided in the vicinity of the portion having the smallest inner diameter, and the generated vacuum is used from the side hole.

As the vacuum generator 431, a device utilizing the action of a spiral jet other than or in addition to the Venturi effect can be preferably used. This type is
Compressed air is introduced from a lateral hole provided in the middle of the cylindrical body, and a spiral jet stream flows into the cylindrical body toward one end of the cylindrical body along the length direction of the cylindrical body. The jet stream is ejected from one end opening of the cylindrical body, and a large negative pressure is generated at the other end by the action of the jet stream. That is, it is possible to perform suction by connecting the suction pipe 435 to the other end. As the vacuum generator 431 utilizing the action of the spiral jet, for example, W301 manufactured by Osawa & Company can be used.

The vacuum generator 431 and the suction pipe 435
And the suction head 436 are connected in an airtight manner, and the suction pipe 435 is
A large amount of ambient air flows from the tip opening of the suction head 436 via the suction head 436 and is sucked. The tip opening of the suction head 436 is located at a predetermined position close to the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1, and the liquid crystal overflowing the injection hole is quickly sucked with the inflow and suction of the air. . still,
The suction head 436 is an elongated tubular member made of metal or urethane.

The linear motion source 435 positions the suction head 436 at a predetermined height with respect to the injection hole so that the suction can be properly performed. Note that the suction pipe 435 is a flexible hose so that movement of the suction head 436 is not hindered. Also, the head holder 43
7 is provided with an illustrated sensor for confirming that the suction head 436 is located at this position, and the valve 432 is opened by a signal from the sensor to perform a suction operation. The air or the liquid crystal sucked from the suction head 436 passes through the suction pipe 435 and passes through the gas-liquid separation section 43.
4 where only the liquid crystal is separated and the liquid crystal reservoir 43
9 to be collected. Gas-liquid separator 436
Is provided with a filter or the like as necessary to prevent foreign substances and the like from being mixed.

The sealing material applicator 41 includes a syringe 411 storing the sealing material, a syringe holder 412 holding the syringe 411, a linear movement source 413 for vertically moving the syringe holder 412, and a syringe 411. And a syringe driving unit 414 for discharging the sealing material from the tip of the syringe. As the sealing material, a photocurable resin is used. Specifically, 3052B manufactured by Three Bond Co. is suitable as the sealing material. The tip of the syringe 411 is thin as shown in FIG. 5, and the sealing material is discharged from the tip of the syringe 411.

As the syringe drive section 414, for example, a pressure pump for pressurizing the inside of the syringe 411 is employed. The supply of the sealing material from the sealing material container 415 in which the sealing material is stored to the syringe 411 may be automatically supplied depending on a height difference, or may be supplied using another pump.

The syringe 411 is operated by the linear motion source 413.
When the tip of the syringe 411 reaches a predetermined position close to the injection hole, the syringe driving unit 414 is driven. As a result, the sealing material is discharged from the tip, and the sealing material is applied to the injection hole. In addition, the syringe 411
Is provided with a sensor (not shown).
It can be confirmed that the distance between the tip of the nozzle and the injection hole has reached a predetermined value.

Further, the suction head 436, the syringe 411, the respective linear motion sources 435, 413, etc. are held by the holder 44. The holder 44 is provided with a first robot 45.
The first robot 45 holds the holder 44 in two directions (XY directions) and a vertical direction (Z direction) perpendicular to each other in the horizontal plane.
Is configured to be able to be moved. The suction head 436 and the syringe 411 move integrally with the movement of the holder 44.

The curing device 42 includes a light source 421 for emitting light having a wavelength for curing the applied sealing material, an optical fiber 422 for guiding the light from the light source 421, and an emission unit 423 provided at the tip of the optical fiber 422. It is mainly composed of In this embodiment, an ultraviolet-curable resin is used as the sealing material, and an ultraviolet lamp is used as the light source 421. The light from the light source 421 is
4, is incident on the optical fiber 422, and is guided by the optical fiber 422.
Out of the device. Emission unit 423
Includes a lens and the like for optimizing the pattern of irradiation light. The light guided by the optical fiber 422 is emitted from the tip of the emission unit 423, and this tip is the “emission end”.

The curing device 42 is provided with an emission end moving mechanism for moving the emission end so that the light guided by the optical fiber 422 is applied to the sealing material of the injection hole of the predetermined liquid crystal panel. In the present embodiment, the emission end moving mechanism 46 is configured by a second robot 46 having an arm 461 to which the emission unit 423 is fixed at the tip. Like the first robot 45, the second robot 46 has two directions (XY directions) perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane and a vertical direction (Z direction).
The light emitting unit 423 is configured to be able to move.

The second robot 46 is configured to first move the emission unit 423 in the X and Y directions so that the emission unit 423 is located directly above a predetermined injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1. Then, the emission unit 423 is lowered,
The second robot 46 is configured to stop the emission unit 423 when the distance between the tip (the emission end) of the emission unit 423 and the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1 reaches a predetermined position. Note that, depending on the process, the emission unit 423
There is a case where the second robot 46 is not provided while the first robot 45 is also used for the movement.

Further, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the emission unit 423 with respect to the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1 is provided. The sensor can be constituted by a photo sensor or a contact sensor fixed to the emission unit 423. Further, the light emitting device is fixed to the light emitting unit 423, and the light emitting device is connected to the liquid crystal panel 1 using an optical interferometer that monitors the light from the light emitting device reflected on the end face of the liquid crystal panel 1 and returned. The distance may be measured.

The sealing machine 4 has a control section 47 for controlling the entire sealing machine 4. One of the important controls of the control unit 47 is a second robot 46 constituting the emission end moving mechanism.
There is control. Hereinafter, the configuration of the control unit 47 will be described while describing the operation of the entire sealing machine 4.

When the gap setting is completed as described above, the horizontal moving mechanism (not shown) provided on the frame 37 shown in FIG. 2 moves the frame 37 horizontally. As a result, the gap assembly 30 maintained in the gaped state also moves horizontally together. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the gap setting assembly 30 is located below the sealing machine 4.

In this state, a signal is sent from the control unit 47 and the first robot 45 operates. The first robot 45
A liquid crystal remover 4 is provided immediately above an injection hole of a specific liquid crystal panel 1.
The holder 44 is moved so that the third suction head 436 is located. In this state, the linear motion source 435 of the liquid crystal remover 43 operates, and the suction head 436 approaches the injection hole. The valve 439 is opened in this state, and the liquid crystal is removed as described above. Then, the linear motion source 435 operates, and the suction head 436 rises to return to the original height.

Next, the first robot 45 operates again, and positions the syringe 411 immediately above the injection hole from which the liquid crystal has been removed. Then, the linear motion source 413 operates to lower the syringe 411, and the tip of the syringe 411 is set to a predetermined position close to the injection hole. In this state, the syringe driving unit 4
14 is driven, the sealing material is discharged from the tip of the syringe 411, and the sealing material is applied to the injection hole. Thereafter, the linear motion source 413 operates, and the syringe 411 rises and returns to the original height position.

Next, the first robot 45 operates again, and moves the holder 44 so that the suction head 436 is located just above the injection hole of the next liquid crystal panel 1. Then, similarly, the liquid crystal overflowing from the injection hole is removed, and thereafter, a sealing material is applied. In this way, the removal of the overflowing liquid crystal and the application of the sealing material are sequentially performed for all the injection holes. Thereafter, the first robot 45 retracts the suction head 436 and the syringe 411 to a predetermined retract position.

Next, the second robot 46 operates according to a signal from the control unit 47, and positions the emission unit 423 just above the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1 on which the sealing material has been applied first. Then, in response to a signal from the controller 47, the second robot 46 lowers the emission unit 423 by a predetermined distance, and positions the tip of the emission unit 423 at a predetermined distance from the injection hole. This distance is a light irradiation distance, for example, about 5 mm. The arrival of the emission unit 423 at this position is confirmed by a sensor (not shown).

The shutter 425 is opened by a signal from the control unit 47 while keeping the emission unit 423 at the above position. As a result, the light from the light source 421 is
Then, the light is emitted from the emission unit 423 via the emission unit 423 and is applied to the sealing material applied to the injection hole. When a predetermined irradiation time has elapsed, the shutter 4
25 closes. By this light irradiation, the sealing material is cured,
The injection hole is sealed.

Thereafter, the second robot 46 operates again according to a signal from the control unit 47, and the emission unit 4 is positioned immediately above the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1 on which the sealing material has been applied second.
Position 23. Similarly, light is irradiated to cure the sealing material. In this way, the control unit 47 moves the emission unit 423 in the same order as the application of the sealing material, and cures the sealing material in the same order.
And the operation of the shutter 425 is controlled. The control unit 47 has input in advance the position information of the injection hole of each liquid crystal panel 1, the information on the order in which the emission unit 423 should be moved, and the like, controls the second robot 46 according to these information, and Is configured to wait for a confirmation signal from the sensor to open and close the shutter 425.

When the curing of the sealing material of all the liquid crystal panels 1 is completed in this way, the sealing operation is finally completed. Thereafter, a horizontal moving mechanism (not shown) horizontally moves the frame 37 shown in FIG. 2 and returns the gap setting assembly 30 to the original position.

As described above, in the device of the present embodiment, light is applied to the injection holes of the plurality of liquid crystal panels 1 in the same order as the application of the sealing material. . In this regard, the time lag from the application of the sealing material to the application of the light irradiation is made the same for each of the injection holes. I have. That is, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, since the light irradiation is performed in the same order as the application of the sealing material, the time lag between the application of the sealing material and the light irradiation is performed in each injection hole. Will be the same. If this time lag is set to an appropriate value, in each of the injection holes, the sealing material sufficiently fills the injection hole, and is irradiated with light at a timing at which the sealing material is not mixed into the liquid crystal to cure the sealing material. be able to. For this reason, a sealing defect in which the sealing material does not sufficiently seal the injection hole, a display defect caused by mixing the sealing material into the liquid crystal, and the like are prevented beforehand. The time lag from application of the sealing material to irradiation with light depends on the size of the injection hole and the viscosity of the sealing material, but is, for example, about 30 to 200 seconds.

The contents of the invention of claim 1 are not limited to the case where the time lag is the same in each injection hole. Even if the time lags are not the same, an effect such as the above-described prevention of sealing failure may be obtained, and the order of the application of the sealing material may be the same.

When each liquid crystal panel 1 is divided into a plurality of groups each composed of a plurality of liquid crystal panels 1 and the sealing material is applied to the injection holes of the liquid crystal panels 1 in each group at once, light irradiation is performed. It is also preferable to carry out collectively. In this case, a configuration in which a plurality of branched optical fibers are used, and a light emitting unit is provided at the tip of each optical fiber to emit light is effective. Also in this case, the sealing materials of the liquid crystal panels 1 of each group are collectively irradiated with light in the same order as the application of the sealing material.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 47 controls the shutter 425 to turn on / off light irradiation. However, the control unit 47 may control the light source 421 to turn on / off light irradiation. However, since many light sources 421 require time to be in a stable lighting state, the configuration for controlling the shutter 425 is excellent in terms of work efficiency and light irradiation stability.

Next, the overall operation of the apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First,
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal panels 1 are taken out one by one from the cassette 5 placed in the load station by the autoloader 6 and stored in the gap setting assembly 30 of the gap setting machine 3 as described above. . At this time, the gap setting assembly 30 is in a vertical state. When the storage of the predetermined number of liquid crystal panels 1 is completed, the gap setting assembly 30 is rotated by 90 degrees to be in a horizontal state as shown in FIG.

Next, the pressing means 7 operates to form a closed space as shown in FIG. 5, the gas supply system 8 operates to pressurize the closed space, and the gap is formed as described above. In this state, the horizontal moving mechanism (not shown) is driven to move the gap setting assembly 30 to reach the lower part of the sealing machine 4, and the injection holes are sealed as described above. Thereafter, a horizontal moving mechanism (not shown) operates to return the gap setting assembly 30 to the original position.

Then, the gap setting assembly 30 is rotated 90 degrees in the reverse direction to be in the vertical state. After that, the pressing means 7 operates in the opposite direction to open the space between the spacers and open the closed space. Thereafter, the autoloader 6 takes out the liquid crystal panels 1 one by one and returns them to the cassette 5 placed in the load station.

[0081]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the light irradiation is performed in the same order as the application of the sealing material, the sealing material sufficiently seals the injection hole. A defective sealing which does not occur or a display defect or the like which occurs when a sealing material is mixed into the liquid crystal is prevented beforehand. According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, there is obtained an effect that the working efficiency is good and a stable sealing can be performed by stable light irradiation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a liquid crystal panel sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of an autoloader and a gap setting device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a gap setting assembly.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a movable plate and a spacer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing the structure of the gap setting assembly in a state where a closed space is formed and explaining the configuration of the sealing machine.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a gas supply system that supplies gas to a closed space.

FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing the entire assembling process of the liquid crystal substrate.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a technical configuration for simultaneously sealing a plurality of liquid crystal panels;

9 is a diagram showing a problem of the technical configuration shown in FIG. 8, and is an enlarged view showing a state of a sealing material in an injection hole.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 liquid crystal panel 3 gap remover 4 sealing machine 41 sealing material applicator 42 curing device 421 light source 422 optical fiber 423 emission unit 424 condenser mirror 425 shutter 43 liquid crystal remover 46 second robot 47 as emission end moving mechanism 47 Control unit

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 11, 1999 (1999.8.1)
1)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0004

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

As one of the important operations in the process of assembling the liquid crystal substrate, there is a so-called gaping of a liquid crystal panel. A method of forming a gap in a liquid crystal panel according to the prior art will be described below while schematically explaining the entire process of assembling a liquid crystal substrate. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the entire process of assembling the liquid crystal substrate.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005] First, a photo-curable resin 100 is applied to the surface of one liquid crystal substrate 11 around the surface of the liquid crystal substrate 10 except for the injection hole 10, and is superposed on the other liquid crystal substrate 12. Then, the photocurable resin 100 is cured by being irradiated with light, and the two liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12 are bonded together (FIG. 7A). next,
The liquid crystal reservoir 14 storing the liquid crystal 13 is placed in a vacuum atmosphere,
The injection holes 10 of the two bonded liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12 are brought into contact with the surface of the liquid crystal 13 of the liquid crystal reservoir 14 (FIG. 7).
(2)). Thereafter, returning the pressure to atmospheric pressure, liquid crystal between two liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12 by the vacuum differential pressure and capillarity
13 is injected. In addition, a thermosetting resin may be used in addition to the photocurable resin 100.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

At the time of the above injection, the amount of the liquid crystal 13 to be injected is
The injection hole 10 is filled with the liquid crystal 13
The time period during which the liquid crystal 13 is injected is larger than the volume of the space between the two liquid crystal substrates 11 and 12. For this reason, after the liquid crystal injection is completed, as shown in FIG.
Is in a state in which the middle part is slightly swollen.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In order to simultaneously seal a plurality of liquid crystal panels, a plurality of liquid crystal panels 1 are arranged with the injection hole 10 facing upward, and the sealing material 15 is filled using the liquid crystal applicator 41. Apply to 10. The liquid crystal applicator 41 includes a syringe 411 in which the sealing material 15 is stored and a syringe driving unit 414 that pressurizes the inside of the syringe 411 and discharges the sealing material 15 from the tip.
And a syringe moving mechanism 416 for moving the syringe 411
Etc. Syringe moving mechanism 416
While moving the syringe 411, each injection hole 10
The sealing material 15 is sequentially applied (FIG. 8 (1)), and then the sealing material 15 of each injection hole 10 is cured by exposing it to light from the light source 421 (FIG. 8 (2)). )).

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Next, the configuration of the gap setting machine 3 will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The gap eliminator 3 in the apparatus according to the present embodiment accommodates a predetermined number of the liquid crystal panels 1 in a horizontal position, and then rotates 90 degrees as a whole to set each liquid crystal panel 1 to a vertical position, and then performs the gap elimination. It has become. In the following description, the configuration will be described assuming a state before rotating 90 degrees.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0024

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

A connecting member 36 is provided so as to connect each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting member 36 has a structure in which members like a pantograph of a train are continuously provided. When the movable plates 331 and 332 and the spacers 34 move in the length direction of the holding rod 32 to form closed spaces on both sides of the liquid crystal panel 1 as described later, the connecting device 36
1 and 332 and each spacer 34 for smooth movement. Each movable plate 33 for forming a closed space
When the moving distance of the spacers 1 and 332 and each spacer 34 is short,
The connecting tool 36 may not be necessary. As another configuration of the connecting member 36, a pin is provided on one side of each of the movable plates 331, 332 and each of the spacers 34, and a cylinder connected to the adjacent movable plate 331, 332 or the pin of the spacer 34 on the other side. A configuration in which a rod having a shape of a circle is provided may be employed. The pin is movable within the rod by a predetermined stroke, and each movable plate 331, 332 and each spacer 34 can be opened or closed by this stroke.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0025

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The gap setting assembly 30 having the above structure is mounted on a rectangular frame 37. The frame 37 has a vertical movement mechanism (not shown) for integrally moving the gap setting assembly 30 in the vertical direction.
A horizontal moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the gap setting assembly 30 in the horizontal direction is provided. The vertical movement mechanism may employ a configuration in which a plurality of columns (not shown) supporting the frame 37 are moved up and down by a drive mechanism combining a ball screw and a motor. The horizontal movement mechanism includes a frame (not shown) on which the gap setting assembly 30, the frame 37, and a vertical movement mechanism (not shown) are mounted, and a linear movement in the horizontal direction by using a drive mechanism that also combines a ball screw and a motor. A configuration including a mechanism for causing the above to occur can be adopted.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0026

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The gap setting assembly 30 is configured to be rotated 90 degrees by a rotation mechanism 38. The rotation mechanism 38 includes a motor 381 as shown in FIG.
And a drive pulley 38 fixed to the output shaft of the motor 381
2, a driven pulley 384 connected to a drive pulley 382 via a belt 383, and a rotation support rod 385 connected to the driven pulley 384 and supporting the gap setting assembly 30. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the motor 381, the driving pulley 382,
The set of the belt 383 and the driven pulley 384 is also provided at the end of the other base plate fixing bar 35.

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The side of the frame 37 opposite to the side on which the first receiving rod 372 is provided has a second receiving rod support 37
3 are provided upright, and two second receiving rod posts 373 are provided.
The second receiving rod 374 is fixed so as to be bridged at the end of the second receiving rod. When the gap assembly 30 rotates integrally as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2, the other edge of the one base plate 311 moves away from the first receiving rod 372. Then, when the gap setting assembly 30 rotates by 90 degrees, the tip of the base plate fixing rod 35 is placed on the second receiving rod 374. In this state, the gap setting assembly 30 is in a state in which one end of the base plate fixing bar 35 in a horizontal posture on the lower side is supported by the rotation support bar 385 and the other end is supported by the second receiving bar 374. Become. Note that the gap setting assembly 3 after the rotation by 90 degrees is used.
The state of 0 is referred to as a “horizontal state” in the following description. Further, the state of the gap setting assembly 30 before rotating by 90 degrees (the state shown in FIG. 2) is referred to as a “vertical state”.

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0033

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

As shown in FIG. 3, the panel lock 39 is
One movable plate 331 and each spacer 34 are provided. In the present embodiment, nine spacers 34 are provided. For convenience of explanation, these spacers 34 are arranged in the order from the one closer to the one movable plate 331, the first spacer 34A, the second spacer 34B,. The spacer is 34I. One movable plate 331 is provided with a panel fastener 39 to the first spacer 34A side, first spacer 34A is provided with a panel fastener 39 to the second spacer 34B side. Similarly, each spacer 34 includes a panel locking member 39 on the side of the adjacent spacer 34 farther from the one movable plate 331. The ninth spacer 34I has a panel locking member 39 on the other movable plate 332 side. Therefore, between the one movable plate 331 and the first spacer 34A, the second to ninth spacers 34B, C, D, E, F, G, H,
During the period I, the liquid crystal panel 1 is housed between the ninth spacer 34I and the other movable plate 332, so that a total of ten liquid crystal panels 1 are housed. However, in an actual device, more spacers are often used so that up to about 20 liquid crystal panels 1 can be accommodated.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0038

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

At the time of the above-mentioned pressurization, the pressing means 7 is provided between the movable plates 331 and 332 and the spacer 34 or each spacer 3.
This is to prevent the space between the four spaces (hereinafter, abbreviated as the space between the spacers) from being widened and the closed space from being opened.
Therefore, it is sufficient that the pressing means 7 operates when the closed space is formed. However, in the device of the present embodiment, the space between the spacers is increased when the liquid crystal panel 1 is accommodated and taken out. The pressing means 7 also serves as a mechanism for closing and opening between the spacers.

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0039

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

More specifically, the pressing means 7 comprises:
As shown in FIG. 3, a driven rod 71 having a tip fixed to one movable plate 331, a driving rod 72 screwed to the driven rod 71, and a driving motor 73 having an output shaft connected to the driving rod 72. It is mainly composed of The drive rod 72 is a ball screw whose side surface is precisely threaded. The drive rod 72 is connected to an output shaft of a drive motor 73 via a joint 74. Driven rod 7
1 has a cylindrical internal space, into which the drive rod 72 enters. Driven rod 7
At one end on the side of the drive motor 73, an opening conforming to the diameter of the drive rod 72 is formed, and this opening communicates with the internal space. The peripheral surface of this opening is threaded, and is screwed to the drive rod 72 with high precision.

[Procedure amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0045

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The gas supply system 8 supplies gas to each closed space via the movable plate 331, 332 or the internal space of the spacer 34. Specifically, each movable plate 33
Each of the spacers 1 and 332 and each spacer 34 has a gas blowing hole 81 on a surface facing a closed space. The movable plates 331, 33
2 is a gas blowing hole 81 only on one side where a closed space is formed.
However, since each of the spacers 34 has a closed space formed on both sides thereof, the spacers 34 have gas blowing holes 81 on the surfaces on both sides. FIG. 6 shows, as an example, the gas in the spacer 34.
Although the supply structure of the movable plate is shown, the movable plates 331 and 332
Gas supply structure 81 also has a gas blowing hole 81 on one side
The same as the spacer 34 except that only
is there. In addition, each movable plate 331, 332 and each spacer 3
4 includes a gas supply hose 82 connected to a pipe (not shown).
Is connected. A gas supply path 83 is formed inside each of the movable plates 331 and 332 and each of the spacers 34.
1 is communicated with a gas supply path 83.

[Procedure amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0047

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0047] Incidentally, the pressure of the closed space is increased, the pressure in each
Since it acts to widen the space between the spacers , a force is applied in a direction in which one of the movable plates 331 moves backward. At this time, the driving motor 73 of the pressing means 7 is driven by one of the movable plates 331.
Generates a torque in the direction in which it moves forward to offset this force. As a result, regardless of the pressure increase in the closed space, the movable plates 331, 332 or the spacer 34 are pressed against the both surfaces of each liquid crystal panel 1 via the O-ring 301 so that the closed space is not opened. Has become.

[Procedure amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0051

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Next, the structure of the sealing machine 4 which is a major feature of the apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the sealing device 4 seals the injection hole of the liquid crystal panel 1 in a state where the gap is being formed by the gap forming device 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the sealing machine 4 includes a sealing material applicator 4 for applying a sealing material to an injection hole.
1 and a curing device 42 for curing the applied sealing material. In addition, the sealing machine 4 includes a liquid crystal remover 43 that automatically removes the liquid crystal overflowing from the injection hole at the time of making the gap.

[Procedure amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0052

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

First, the configuration of the liquid crystal remover 43 will be described. The liquid crystal remover 43 is configured to vacuum suction the liquid crystal overflowing from the injection hole. Specifically, the liquid crystal remover 43 includes a vacuum generator 431 for generating a vacuum by compressed suction, a compressed air supply line 433 for supplying compressed air to the vacuum generator 431, and a compressed air supply line 433.
, A suction pipe 435 provided at the tip of the vacuum generator 431, a suction head 436 provided at the tip of the suction pipe 435, and a suction head 43.
6, a linear motion source 438 for vertically moving the suction head 436, a gas-liquid separator 434 provided on the suction pipe 435, and a liquid crystal separated from the gas-liquid separator 434. It mainly comprises a liquid crystal reservoir 439 for storing.

[Procedure amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0053

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The vacuum generator 431 is a type of an ejector that generates a vacuum using compressed air. Such ejectors generally utilize compressed air and the Venturi effect. When the fluid flows into a pipe (Venturi pipe) whose inner diameter sharply narrows on the way and then gradually widens,
The phenomenon in which the pressure decreases at the portion where the inner diameter is the thinnest is called the Venturi effect. The ejector utilizes this Venturi effect, supplies compressed air to a tube similar to the Venturi tube, and causes a high-speed airflow to flow through the tube.
A large negative pressure (vacuum) is generated in the portion having the smallest inner diameter. The part with the smallest inner diameter
In the vicinity of the provided lateral holes, it has a vacuum that is generated to be available from the lateral hole.

[Procedure amendment 18]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0056

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0056]Linear motion source 438Is that this suction is properly
The suction head 436 to a predetermined height
It is located at Note that the suction pipe 435 is
Flexible hose for moving the suction head 436
There is no problem. Also, the head holder 43
7, it is confirmed that the suction head 436 is located at this position.
The sensor shown in the figure is provided.
Opens the valve 432 and performs the suction operation.
It has become. Empty sucked from the suction head 436
The gas and the liquid crystal pass through the suction pipe 435 and pass through the gas-liquid separation section 43.
4 where only the liquid crystal is separated and the liquid crystal reservoir 43
9 to be collected.Gas-liquid separation unit 434
Is equipped with a filter etc. as necessary,
It is designed to prevent ingress.

[Procedure amendment 19]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0058

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

As the syringe drive section 414, for example, a pressure pump for pressurizing the inside of the syringe 411 is employed. The supply of the sealing material from the sealing material container 415 in which the sealing material is stored to the syringe 411 may be automatically supplied depending on a height difference, or may be supplied using another pump.

[Procedure amendment 20]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0059

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The syringe 411 is operated by the linear motion source 413.
When the tip of the syringe 411 reaches a predetermined position close to the injection hole, the syringe driving unit 414 is driven. As a result, the sealing material is discharged from the tip of the syringe 411, and the sealing material is applied to the injection hole.
The syringe 411 is provided with a sensor (not shown) so that the distance between the tip of the syringe 411 and the injection hole becomes a predetermined value.

[Procedure amendment 21]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0060

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The above-described suction head 436, syringe 411, and respective linear motion sources 438 and 413 are held by the holder 44. The holder 44 is provided with a first robot 45.
The first robot 45 holds the holder 44 in two directions (XY directions) and a vertical direction (Z direction) perpendicular to each other in the horizontal plane.
Is configured to be able to be moved. The suction head 436 and the syringe 411 move integrally with the movement of the holder 44.

[Procedure amendment 22]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0062

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The curing device 42 is provided with an emission end moving mechanism for moving the emission end so that the light guided by the optical fiber 422 is applied to the sealing material of the injection hole of the predetermined liquid crystal panel. In the present embodiment, the emission end moving mechanism includes the second robot 46 having the arm 461 to which the emission unit 423 is fixed at the tip. The second robot 46
Is configured to be able to move the emission unit 423 in two directions (XY directions) and a vertical direction (Z direction) perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane, similarly to the first robot 45.

[Procedure amendment 23]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0067

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In this state, a signal is sent from the control unit 47 and the first robot 45 operates. First robot 45
The holder 4 is positioned so that the suction head 436 of the liquid crystal remover 43 is located directly above the injection hole of the specific liquid crystal panel 1.
Move 4. In this state, the linear operation of the liquid crystal remover 43 is performed.
The motion source 438 operates, and the suction head 436 approaches the injection hole. The valve 432 opens in this state, and the liquid crystal is removed as described above. Then, the linear motion source 438 operates, and the suction head 436 rises and returns to the original height.

[Procedure amendment 24]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name]

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Next, the first robot 45 operates again,
The syringe 411 is located directly above the injection hole from which the liquid crystal has been removed. Then, the linear motion source 413 operates to lower the syringe 411, and the tip of the syringe 411 is set to a predetermined position close to the injection hole. In this state, the syringe driving unit 414 is driven, the sealing material is discharged from the tip of the syringe 411, and the sealing material is applied to the injection hole. Thereafter, the linear motion source 413 operates, and the syringe 411 rises and returns to the original height position.

[Procedure amendment 25]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0069

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Next, the first robot 45 operates again,
The holder 44 is moved so that the suction head 436 is located right above the injection hole of the next liquid crystal panel 1. Then, similarly, the liquid crystal overflowing from the injection hole is removed, and thereafter, a sealing material is applied. In this way, the removal of the overflowing liquid crystal and the application of the sealing material are sequentially performed for all the injection holes. Thereafter, the first robot 45 retracts the suction head 436 and the syringe 411 to a predetermined retract position.

[Procedure amendment 26]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0080

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Then, the gap setting assembly 30 is rotated 90 degrees in the reverse direction to be in the vertical state. Thereafter, the pressing means 7 operates in the reverse direction, the space between the spacers is widened, and the closed space is opened. Thereafter, the autoloader 6 takes out the liquid crystal panels 1 one by one and returns them to the cassette 5 placed in the load station.

[Procedure amendment 27]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Brief description of drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a liquid crystal panel sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of an autoloader and a gap setting device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a gap setting assembly.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a movable plate and a spacer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing the structure of the gap setting assembly in a state where a closed space is formed and explaining the configuration of the sealing machine.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a gas supply system that supplies gas to a closed space.

FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing the entire assembling process of the liquid crystal substrate.

FIG. 8 is a technique for simultaneously sealing a plurality of liquid crystal panels.
It is a figure showing an example of composition.

9 is a diagram showing a problem of the technical configuration shown in FIG. 8, and is an enlarged view showing a state of a sealing material in an injection hole.

[Procedure amendment 28]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 6

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 6

[Procedure amendment 29]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 7

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 7

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H089 KA15 LA24 NA24 NA31 NA32 NA42 NA44 NA53 NA55 NA60 PA13 PA16 QA11 QA12 QA13 TA06 5G435 AA17 BB12 KK05 KK10

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal panel sealing device for sealing an injection hole of a liquid crystal panel into which liquid crystal is injected from an injection hole while two liquid crystal substrates are bonded together while forming an injection hole, the liquid crystal panel comprising a plurality of liquid crystals. A sealing material applicator for sequentially applying a photocurable sealing material to each injection hole of the panel, and a curing device for irradiating the applied sealing material with light to cure the sealing material, The curing device is a light source that emits light having a wavelength at which the sealing material is cured,
An optical fiber for guiding the light emitted from the light source and an emission end from which the light guided by the optical fiber is emitted are moved to a predetermined position, and the light from the emission end irradiates a sealing material of an injection hole of a predetermined liquid crystal panel. And a control unit for controlling the emission end moving mechanism. The control unit is arranged in the same order as the order of application of the sealing material by the sealing material applicator. A liquid crystal panel sealing device for controlling the output end moving mechanism so as to irradiate light. 2. A shutter is provided between the light source and the input end of the optical fiber, and the control unit controls the output end moving mechanism to set the output end to the sealing material applicator. And controlling the opening and closing of the shutter by sending a signal to the shutter in a state where the emission end is located at the irradiation position in the same order as the order of application of the sealing material by the above. 2. The liquid crystal panel sealing device according to claim 1, wherein: