JP2010256578A - Display panel conveying apparatus and display panel module assembly apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problem in a display panel module assembly apparatus: a mechanism required for conveying and positioning operation in a processing operation or the like of a display panel is complex, time to be spent for conveying and positioning or the like of the display panel to processing operation time is long, and an operation rate of a part of processing operation apparatuses is deteriorated since there is difference in each processing operation time. <P>SOLUTION: A processing side holding fixing means for uniformly holding the vicinity of each processing side, and a non-processing region holding means for holding a lower surface of the display panel for long in the direction perpendicular to the processing side holding fixing means are provided in each processing operation position. Furthermore, a display panel conveying positioning means for directly conveying the display panel between the respective adjacent processing operation positions and positioning the display panel with respect to the processing side holding fixing means is provided. This structure easily is adaptable to a plurality of processings of processors with long processing operation time, etc. and also suppresses deterioration in the operation rate caused by the difference of processing operation time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a so-called TAB (Tape) such as mounting of a driving IC around a display panel (display cell substrate) of an FPD (Flat Panel Display) such as liquid crystal or plasma, COF (Chip on Film), or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). The present invention relates to a display panel module assembling apparatus for mounting an automated bonding (PCB) and a peripheral board (PCB = Printed Circuit Board). More specifically, the present invention relates to a configuration / method of a display panel substrate transfer apparatus and a display panel module assembly apparatus that can perform each processing operation in the display panel module assembly apparatus more efficiently.

  A display panel module assembling apparatus is a device that mounts a driving IC, a TAB, a PCB, and the like around the display panel substrate by sequentially performing a plurality of processing operations on an FPD display panel substrate such as liquid crystal or plasma. is there.

  For example, as an example of the processing step, (1) a terminal cleaning step for cleaning the TAB pasting portion at the end of the display panel, (2) an anisotropic conductive film (ACF = Anisotropic Conductive Film) at the end of the display panel after cleaning (3) Mounting process for mounting TAB and IC by positioning the wiring on the display panel at the position where ACF is pasted, (4) By thermocompression bonding the mounted TAB, Crimping process for fixing, (5) Inspection process for inspecting the position and connection state of the mounted TAB and IC, (6) PCB process for attaching and mounting PCB with ACF on the opposite side of the TAB display panel (multiple processes) ) Etc. Furthermore, the number of processing devices, the processing unit for rotating the display panel, and the like are required depending on the number of sides of the display panel to be processed and the number of TABs and ICs to be processed.

  The display panel module assembling apparatus continuously arranges the processing work devices for performing these processing work steps, and carries the display panel peripheral mounting process by transporting the display panel by the display panel transporting means between them. .

  Patent document 1 is a well-known example which shows an example of a structure of a display panel module assembly apparatus. In Patent Literature 1, a work table is disposed at a processing work position, and a display panel is carried into and out of the work table disposed at each processing work position by sucking the display panel from the back side. An apparatus configuration comprising means is disclosed. In this configuration, the display panel is transported between processing work tables for performing each process by a plurality of transport means that reciprocate. In general, the processing work table into which the display panel is carried in holds the display panel and can be adjusted to the width, length, horizontal rotation direction, etc. of the display panel. Each processing operation is carried out.

  In this method, the display panel is delivered between a transport unit that holds the display panel by suction from above and a work table that holds the display panel from below.

  When transported by suction holding from the top of the display panel, there is a risk that the display panel may come off the suction pad and fall in the event of a power failure or unexpected situation during transport. Furthermore, since the suction conveyance system from above generates a force to widen the gap between the two glass substrates constituting the display panel, there is a risk of damaging the display panel. Particularly, a large panel or a thin panel is damaged so that the panel cannot be transported by suction from above. For this reason, it is necessary to perform the changeover operation between the conveying means and the processing means only from the lower side of the display panel.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration of a holding unit that holds and changes the display panel only from below the display panel. As means for holding the display panel during processing work, means for holding the vicinity of the center of the display panel is disclosed, and the support portion of the panel can be expanded in accordance with the size of the display panel to be processed. . At the time of conveyance, the display panel holding means at the time of processing work is held by a pair of conveyance arms arranged so as to sandwich the display panel holding means. Depending on the display panel size, the interval between the pair of transfer arms arranged so as to sandwich the display panel holding means is also widened.

  This method of delivering the display panel between the first holding member that holds the center of the display panel and the pair of second holding members that sandwich the first holding member is not limited to the display panel, and the object is transported from below. This method is widely used in general.

  Under such circumstances, the display panel module assembling apparatus is required to have a high processing position positioning accuracy at the time of processing work. Therefore, it is necessary to hold the display panel more stably at the time of processing the display panel. For this purpose, the processing work table side is a holding means that widely holds the outside from the center of the display panel, and the holding means that transports the display panel between the work tables is held so as to sandwich the outside of the holding area of the processing work table. Generally, it is composed of arms.

  Patent Document 3 is an example of a configuration of a display panel module assembling apparatus that performs conveyance by such a change-over operation from the lower side of the display panel. In this apparatus, the work table at the processing work position holds the display panel from the center. Display panel conveyance between work tables is composed of a pair of holding means for holding both sides of the display panel from the lower surface.

  Patent Document 4 is another example of the configuration of the display panel module assembling apparatus that performs conveyance by a change-over operation from the lower side of the display panel. Also in this apparatus, the work table at the processing work position holds the display panel from the center. The display panel is transferred between the work tables by holding the lower surfaces on both sides of the display panel with the work table sandwiched between the U-shaped transfer arms.

  In Patent Document 5, a work table is disposed between transport means including a pair of belt conveyors, and the lower surfaces of both sides of the display panel are held and transported by the belt conveyor. In each processing work position, a method is disclosed in which the vicinity of the center of the display panel is held by a work table and the display panel is positioned during the processing work.

  Patent Document 6 discloses a work table disposed at a processing work position, unlike a work table that holds the vicinity of the center of the display panel and a general method of transporting the display panel by a transport unit that holds the outside of the work table. A transport positioning method is also disclosed in which the table itself can also serve as a transport mechanism for the display panel. In this method, the display panel substrate is held at the time of processing work, and the work table for positioning and processing work is formed in a comb shape, so that the display panel substrate can be directly delivered and transferred between adjacent work tables. There is no need for a transfer means between work tables, and there is an advantage that the apparatus configuration is simple and the cost can be easily reduced.

JP 2004-6467 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-21987 JP 2006-222287 A Japanese Patent No. 3781604 JP 2003-76290 A JP 2007-99466 A

  As mentioned above, transportation by suction holding from the top of the display panel may cause the display panel to fall off the suction pad and drop in the event of a power failure or unexpected situation during transportation, Damage to the display panel. Therefore, in a large panel or a thin panel, it is necessary to carry out delivery from the lower side of the display panel.

  In the display panel module assembling apparatus, since a high processing position positioning accuracy is required at the time of processing work, it is necessary to hold the display panel more stably at the time of processing the display panel. For this reason, the work table that performs the processing work holds the lower surface of the display panel widely from the vicinity of the center of the display panel toward the outside. The display panel is transferred between the work tables by holding the lower surfaces on both sides of the display panel that are outside the work table holding area.

  Patent Documents 3 to 5 are various configuration examples of the display panel module assembling apparatus based on the holding and delivering operation from the lower surface of the display panel. These structures require a multi-axis movable work stage for positioning the display panel at each processing work position, and a transport means for carrying the display panel into and out of the work stage. The number of axes in the part is large, the structure is complicated, and the device is expensive. Furthermore, it is necessary to change the interval between the holding area of the work stage and the holding arm that holds the lower surfaces on both sides of the display panel during conveyance according to the size of the display panel that performs the processing operation.

  In the configuration of Patent Document 3, the display panel is brought into and out of the work table from the transfer means, the carry-out position, and the processing work position are different. The work table needs to be moved to the display panel loading position after the processing operation after unloading the processed display panel at the unloading position, receive the new display panel, move to the processing position and perform post-positioning processing work is there. For this reason, time is required for carrying in and out of the display panel other than processing.

  According to Patent Document 4, the display panel is transported by a U-shaped arm on the opposite side of the processing table with respect to the work table, so that the display panel can be carried out and carried in from the work stage almost simultaneously. It is what I did. Since the conveying means is disposed on the opposite side of the processing apparatus with respect to the work table, the apparatus width tends to increase. Furthermore, when applied to a display panel module assembling apparatus for a large display panel, it is difficult to access the work table and the processing unit, and problems in maintenance are likely to occur.

  The configuration of Patent Document 5 can carry out and carry in the display panel after processing work substantially simultaneously, and the device width is not larger than necessary with respect to the maximum size of the display panel to be processed. . However, when changing the display panel size, it is necessary to change the pitch of the conveyor belt, which makes the operation very complicated.

  The configuration of Patent Document 6 is different from Patent Documents 3 to 5, and the work table at the processing work position is comb-shaped to hold the lower surface of the display panel widely from the center of the display panel toward the outside, and adjacent The display panel can be directly transferred between the working tables. Since this system is configured only with a work table, it is configured only with a movable shaft necessary for positioning operation during processing work, and a relatively simple structure can be realized.

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 6, the work table moves downstream after the processing operation of the display panel, and moves to the upstream side after delivering the processed display panel to the downstream work table. After receiving the display panel to be processed next, it is necessary to return to the processing work position and perform the processing work. For this reason, it takes time to carry in and out the display panel before and after the processing operation, and there is a problem that the assembly efficiency of the display panel module is poor.

  Furthermore, even in the conventional configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 5, when changing the processing side of the display panel, the display panel is rotated after moving to the work stage. The holding time becomes longer and the work efficiency is lowered.

  Further, the display panel module assembling apparatus connects a plurality of types of processing work devices, and various processing operations are continuously performed on the display panel. In the configuration of the processing work apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, the processing work time varies depending on the contents of the processing work. For this reason, the processing work device for a short-time process waits for the end of the processing work device for a time-consuming process, and the conveyance interval of the display panel is limited by the processing work device for the time-consuming process, In the processing work apparatus having a short process time, the work is stopped.

  In order to operate each processing work device more efficiently, a large number of processing work devices in a time-consuming process are connected to a processing work device in a short-time process so that the tact balance of each processing process is achieved. It is possible. However, this method has a problem that the number of processing work apparatuses to be connected increases, and the entire length of the display panel module assembling apparatus becomes very long and complicated.

  The present invention provides a display panel transport means capable of realizing a display panel transport and positioning operation in a display panel module assembling apparatus at high speed with a simple apparatus configuration. Further, the present invention provides a display panel module assembling apparatus that can improve the operation efficiency of each processing work by increasing the processing work efficiency of each processing work apparatus by reducing the processing work time of each processing work apparatus. In addition, it can easily handle a wide range of display panel sizes.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a display panel module assembling apparatus that solves the above-mentioned problems without increasing the apparatus size such as the entire apparatus length or the apparatus width.

  In order to achieve the above object, one feature of the present invention is that each processing work device or processing work position is uniformly provided from the processing edge on the processing side of the display panel in order to hold the display panel to be processed. A processing edge holding and fixing means that holds the inner side of the distance parallel to the processing edge and is elongated in the processing edge direction, and holds and fixes the entire processing edge, and a display panel opposite to the processing edge with respect to the processing edge holding and fixing means. The object of the present invention is to provide non-process area holding means comprising at least one holding member for holding the lower surface of the display panel so that the lower surface area is elongated in the direction orthogonal to the display panel processing side direction.

  Further, a plurality of display panel transport positioning means capable of reciprocating between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions and capable of positioning the display panel to the processing work device or the processing work position and rotating the display panel. Arranged. The display panel holding means for holding for holding the display panel during transfer in the display panel transfer positioning means holds the display panel lower surface area on the opposite side of the display panel processing side with respect to the processing side holding and fixing means. Configured.

  The non-processing area holding means is a piece protruding long in the direction perpendicular to the processing side direction in the movable area of the display panel holding means during transportation, leaving a space through which the columnar member supporting the display panel holding means during transportation can pass. In addition to the holding beam configuration, the non-process area holding means and the display panel holding means at the time of transportation are configured to have a relief structure for preventing mutual contact during display panel delivery.

  The non-process area holding means is movable in at least one of a direction orthogonal to the processing edge holding and fixing means, a parallel direction, and a gravity direction, and displays the display panel holding means during transport. The holding position can be varied according to the size of the panel and the position of the side to be processed.

  In the above-mentioned configuration, the display panel attitude detecting means is disposed at a position on the processing panel side of the processing edge holding and fixing means and in the vicinity of the processing edge holding and fixing means, and the display panel that has been transferred by the display panel transfer positioning means. The display panel posture is controlled so that the processing side holding and fixing means can be positioned and delivered.

  In addition, in at least one or more of the processing work apparatuses in the display panel module assembling apparatus, a mechanism unit that performs each processing work is unitized, and at least two or more processing units are provided on one side of one display panel. The processing work is performed at the same time.

  Further, the plurality of processing units include a processing unit position correcting unit that corrects a relative position between the processing side of the display panel and the processing unit, and detects a processing side posture of the display panel that performs processing. And a processing unit position correction amount calculating means for calculating the position correction amount of each processing unit based on the detection result of the display panel posture detecting means.

  Further, the plurality of processing units are provided with operating means movable in a direction parallel to the processing side direction of the display panel, and by providing processing unit operation timing control means, processing operations in the plurality of processing units and the display panel substrate The configuration is such that the operation timing of the shift movement operation for shifting between the processing positions of the sides is controlled.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, in order to hold the display panel to be processed at each processing work device or processing work position, a uniform distance inside the processing side edge on the processing side of the display panel is provided. By providing the processing edge holding and fixing means that is elongated in the processing edge direction and is held and fixed over the entire processing edge, the substrate processing edge can be securely fixed and held over the entire processing edge.

  Further, the display panel lower surface area opposite to the display panel processing edge with respect to the processing edge holding fixing means is long in the direction orthogonal to the display panel processing edge direction and includes at least one holding member for holding the display panel lower surface. By providing the non-processing area holding means, it is possible to stably hold a wide range of display panel sizes.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the display panel is transported between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions, and the display panel is positioned to the processing work device or the processing work position only by the display panel transport positioning means. Therefore, the number of movable axes can be made relatively small.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the transfer display panel holding means can be moved to each upstream processing work device or processing work position that receives the next display panel while each processing work is being performed. It becomes possible. Further, since the display panel transport between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions is performed simultaneously, at once, or synchronously by a plurality of the display panel transport positioning means, without reducing work efficiency, It is possible to efficiently carry in / out operations to the processing work position. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the display panel can be rotated when the display panel is transported between the processing work positions. Therefore, even when the processing side of the display panel is changed, a simple and highly efficient transport processing work is realized. it can.

  Further, in the above configuration, the display panel holding means for holding for holding the display panel at the time of transfer in the display panel transfer positioning means is a lower surface of the display panel on the opposite side of the display panel processing side with respect to the processing side holding and fixing means. It is configured to keep the area wide. Further, the non-processing area holding means protrudes long in a direction orthogonal to the processing side direction in the movable area of the display panel holding means during transportation, leaving a space through which the columnar member supporting the display panel holding means during transportation can pass. Configured as a cantilever. The non-process area holding means and the transporting display panel holding means are configured to have a relief structure for preventing mutual contact during display panel delivery. With these configurations, the display panel can be stably held both when the display panel is held for transport and when it is held for processing, and a wide range of display panel sizes can be supported.

  In addition, the non-processing area holding means can be moved in at least one of a direction perpendicular to the processing edge holding and fixing means, a parallel direction, and a direction of gravity, and the display panel holding means during transport is processed. By adopting a configuration in which the holding position can be changed according to the size of the display panel to be processed and the position of the side to be processed, it is possible to cope with a wide range of display panel sizes from small plates to large plates.

  Further, in the above configuration, the display panel posture detecting means is arranged at a position close to the processing side holding and fixing means on the display panel processing side of the processing side holding and fixing means, and the display that has been transferred by the display panel transfer positioning means. By controlling the orientation of the display panel of the panel, it is possible to perform the positioning and delivery operation to the processing edge holding and fixing means with high accuracy.

  According to the above configuration of the present invention, the mechanism unit that performs each processing operation in the display panel module assembling apparatus is unitized, and at least two processing units simultaneously perform processing operations on one side of one display panel. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the slow processing work device. Further, according to the above configuration, the plurality of processing units include the processing unit position correcting unit that corrects the relative position between the processing side of the display panel and the processing unit, and detects the processing side posture of the display panel that performs processing. Since the display panel posture detection unit and the processing unit position correction amount calculation unit for calculating the position correction amount of each processing unit described above based on the detection result of the display panel posture detection unit are provided, one process of the same display panel Positioning processing can be performed independently with respect to the side, and simultaneous processing by the plurality of processing units can be performed.

  In addition, according to the above configuration, the plurality of processing units are provided with movable means movable in a direction parallel to the processing side direction of the display panel, and the processing operation and the processing position of the display panel processing side in the plurality of processing units are provided. By providing the processing unit operation timing control means for controlling the operation timing of the shift movement operation that shifts between them, it becomes possible to prevent interference such as a collision of a plurality of processing units performing processing operations. Simultaneous processing by a plurality of processing units can be performed on the processing side.

  By adjusting the number of processing units arranged at each processing work device or processing position, it becomes possible to reduce the processing work time of each processing work device, improve the operating efficiency of each processing work, and display panel It becomes a display panel module assembling apparatus that can be configured to shorten the overall length of the module assembling apparatus.

  As a result, according to the configuration of the present invention, there is provided a display panel transport means capable of realizing the display panel transport and positioning operation in the display panel module assembling apparatus at high speed with a simple device configuration. Further, the present invention provides a display panel module assembling apparatus that can improve the operation efficiency of each processing work by increasing the processing work efficiency of each processing work apparatus by reducing the processing work time of each processing work apparatus. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is easy to cope with a wide range of display panel sizes from a small plate to a large plate. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display panel module assembling apparatus having the various features described above without increasing the apparatus size such as the entire apparatus length and the apparatus width.

  These and other features of the present invention will be further described in the following sections.

It is a figure for demonstrating the basic composition of the display panel conveyance apparatus of embodiment of this invention, and the display panel module assembly apparatus using the same. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 for explaining a state when the display panel substrate is transported. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 for explaining a state when the display panel substrate is fixed. It is the figure which looked at the conveyance system of FIG. 1 from the front side, and is a figure for demonstrating the stand-by position of the display panel holding means at the time of conveyance. In relation to the embodiment of the present invention, in three substrate sizes, the processing area, the holding area width by the processing edge holding and fixing means, and the area that can be held by the display panel holding means or the non-processing area holding means during transportation will be described. It is a figure for doing. It is a figure explaining one Example of the arrangement | positioning relationship of the process edge holding | maintenance fixing means at the time of delivery in the process work position of the large-sized display panel which can be processed to four sides, a non-process area holding means, and the display panel holding means at the time of conveyance. . It is a figure explaining one Example of the arrangement | positioning relationship of the process side holding | maintenance fixing means at the time of delivery in the processing work position of the medium size display panel which can be processed to 3 sides, a non-process area holding means, and the display panel holding means at the time of conveyance. . It is a figure explaining one Example of the arrangement | positioning relationship of the processing edge holding | maintenance fixing means at the time of delivery in the processing work position of the small display panel which can be processed to two sides, a non-process area holding means, and the display panel holding means at the time of conveyance. . It is a figure which shows one Example of the reference mark provided in the display panel. It is a top view of the vicinity of the processing edge holding and fixing means according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a view for explaining a method of positioning the display panel on the processing edge holding and fixing means. It is a side view of the vicinity of the processing edge holding and fixing means of the embodiment of the present invention, and is a view for explaining a method of positioning the display panel on the processing edge holding and fixing means. It is a figure for demonstrating the holding method of the display panel from which size differs by the process edge holding | maintenance fixing means of embodiment of this invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram for explaining a system in which a plurality of processing units work simultaneously on one display panel. In embodiment of this invention, it is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the processing work apparatus which requires an ultrahigh precision positioning process. It is a figure which shows one Example of the positioning mechanism part structure of the processing unit in the processing work apparatus which requires a super high-precision positioning process. It is a figure for demonstrating one Example of the control part structure in the display panel conveying apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining one Example of the basic control system in the display panel conveying apparatus of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 are diagrams showing an embodiment for explaining the basic configuration of the display panel transport device of the present invention and the display panel module assembly device using the same. 1 is an upper view of the apparatus (Z direction), FIGS. 2 and 3 are side views of the apparatus (X direction), and FIG. 4 is a view of the conveyance system of the apparatus viewed from the front (Y direction).

  FIG. 1 schematically shows four of the continuous processing work apparatuses A to D of the display panel module assembling apparatus for explanation. In the apparatus shown in the figure, the display panel 4 is transferred between the processing work apparatuses A to D in order from the left to the right in the figure, and various processing operations are performed on the periphery of the display panel to obtain an IC, a TAB, or the like. It is the apparatus which performs mounting assembly work of. The two processing work devices A and B on the left side in the figure are devices that perform processing work on the long side (source side) of the display panel, and the two processing work devices C and D on the right side are short sides of the display panel. This is a device that performs processing on the side (gate side).

  In the drawing, the display panel 4 is shown in a two-dot chain line in a state where it is held at the processing work position of each processing work device. The letters A to D in the parentheses in the text or after the numerals of the respective symbols shown in the figure are symbols indicating the processing work apparatuses concerned. Regarding the transfer device, in order to perform a transfer operation between the two processing work devices, the upstream processing work device symbol and the downstream working device symbol are shown in a format such as “(AB)”. Furthermore, the lower case letters (a to f, etc.) after the numbers of the respective codes indicate the respective constituent parts obtained by dividing each object of the same code into a plurality of parts.

  In the figure, the processing work device group upstream of the processing work device A and the downstream processing device group of the processing work device D are omitted. The entire display panel module assembling apparatus includes (1) a terminal cleaning process for cleaning the TAB attaching part at the end of the display panel, and (2) an ACF for attaching an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) to the end of the display panel after cleaning. Process, (3) Mounting process in which TAB or IC is mounted by positioning with display panel wiring at the position where ACF is pasted, (4) Crimping process in which the mounted TAB or IC is fixed by ACF film by thermocompression bonding In addition, there are (5) PCB processing steps (consisting of a plurality of processing steps) in which PCB is attached and mounted on the opposite side of the TAB display panel with ACF, etc., and there are processing work devices such as various inspection devices. Depending on the number of sides or the like, a plurality of processing work devices are connected. Needless to say, what kind of processing work apparatuses need to be connected in what order depends on the configuration of the display panel module that performs the assembling work.

  The present invention provides a highly productive display panel transport apparatus and a display panel module assembly apparatus using the same by transporting and processing the display panel between these various connected processing apparatuses with high efficiency. Is.

  In this embodiment, the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 and the non-processing area holding means 5 are arranged in each processing work device or processing work position in order to hold the display panel to be processed.

  The processing edge holding and fixing means 3 is a member that is longer than the maximum processing edge length of the assumed display panel size, and is parallel to the processing edge and processed within a uniform distance from the processing edge on the processing edge side of the display panel 4. It is a member that is elongated in the side direction and is held and fixed over the entire processing side to correct distortion of the display panel in the processing region. The processing edge holding and fixing means 3 has a configuration in which the display panel fixing surface is a rigid flat surface, a plurality of air suction ports are provided in the fixing flat portion, and the display panel 4 is sucked and fixed to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 by air suction. did. By securing the vicinity of the processing side of the display panel to the processing side holding and fixing means 3 by air suction or the like, the flatness of the display panel on the processing side can be ensured even in the display panel 4 having undulations. Is possible. The processing operation in each processing apparatus is performed on the processing side portion of the display panel protruding from the processing side holding and fixing means 3 to the processing apparatus side.

  The non-process area holding means 5 is a member that holds the display panel lower surface area on the opposite side of the display panel process side with respect to the process side holding and fixing means 3 and displays it longer in the direction orthogonal to the display panel process side direction. It comprises a plurality of members that hold the lower surface of the panel. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the configuration in which the display panel at the processing work position is held by the six members 5a to 5f is shown. The non-processing area holding unit 5 is a member that holds the non-processing area of the display panel 4 wide to keep the display panel 4 substantially horizontal and assists the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 to fix and hold the display panel. .

  By disposing a member for holding and fixing the display panel parallel to the processing side and a holding member for holding the lower surface of the display panel long in a direction perpendicular to the processing side, it is possible to hold a display panel in a relatively wide size range.

  In the apparatus of this embodiment, by using the display panel holding method, it is possible to hold display panels of various sizes with high accuracy and stability at each processing work position. As a result, it is possible to perform processing operations on display panels of various sizes with high accuracy and stability.

  Further, in this embodiment, the display panel 4 is conveyed by reciprocating between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions, and the display panel positioning and display panel to the processing work position of the processing work device are performed. Display panel conveyance positioning means capable of rotating the image is provided. The display panel transport positioning means, together with the X axis movable means 6 for transporting the display panel between the processing work devices, the Y axis movable means 7 perpendicular to the display panel transport direction, and the Z axis capable of changing the height of the display panel A rotation movable means 8 and a θ-axis rotation movable means 9 capable of changing the rotation position of the display panel, and a display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance for holding the display panel are constituted. The conveying display panel holding means 10 is configured to be supported by an arm 11 extending from the θ-axis rotating movable means 9 and to hold display panels of different sizes by varying the arm length.

  The transport display panel holding means 10 is configured to hold the display panel lower surface area inside the holding position of the processing edge holding and fixing means, and is arranged at the processing work position by rotating the display panel 4. Further, it is possible to fix the delivery side to the processing side holding and fixing means 3. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which all four sides are possible as the processing sides of the display panel 4 is disclosed. As a result, the processing edges can be transported and fixed to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 arranged at the processing work position without changing the display panel 4 or the like for all four sides of the display panel 4. The display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance of the present embodiment is configured to support the vicinity of the center of the display panel 4 in order to enable processing for all four sides of the display panel. Of course, when the number of processing sides is less than four, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the processing side is held in a portion other than that is also possible.

  2 and 3 are schematic views when the apparatus of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the side. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the display panel 4 is lifted in order to transport the display panel 4 between the processing work apparatuses. FIG. 3 shows that the display panel 4 is processed by the processing work apparatus in order to perform the processing work. The situation where it is placed on the holding and fixing means 3 and the non-process area holding means 5 is shown. The display panel 4 that has completed the prescribed processing at the processing work position of each processing work device is moved up with the processing side holding and fixing means 3 as shown in FIG. From the non-process area holding means 5, it is transported to each downstream processing work apparatus or processing work position while being lifted upward. For example, the processing work apparatus A → B, B → C, and C → D in FIG. The display panel 4 after the transfer is delivered to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 and the non-processing area holding means 5 as shown in FIG. 3 when the display panel holding means 10 of the display panel transfer positioning means is lowered. . Thereafter, the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer of the display panel transfer positioning means passes below the non-process area holding means 5 and moves to the receiving position of the upstream display panel 4. The processing operation of the processing edge of the display panel 4 is performed by fixing and holding the substrate by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 and the non-processing area holding means 5. For this reason, the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer of the display panel transfer positioning means passes under the non-processing area holding means 5 to the receiving position of the upstream display panel 4 during the processing operation of the display panel processing side. It is possible to perform a return movement operation. In the case of FIG. 1, the movement from the processing work apparatus B → A, C → B, D → C is the return movement operation of the display panel holding means 10 during transport of the display panel transport positioning means. This makes it possible to realize efficient transport of the display panel 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the display panel transport positioning unit has a Y-axis movable unit 7 orthogonal to the X-axis movable unit 6 disposed across two adjacent processing devices. Further, the Z-axis rotation movable means 8 in the vertical direction is further disposed thereon, and the θ-axis rotation movable means 9 is disposed thereon, and the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance is further held by the arm 11 thereon. In order to carry in the display panel from the upstream processing work position and carry out the display panel to the downstream processing work position, it is necessary to dispose the two display panel holding means 10 during transport in the same processing work device or processing work position. is there. For this reason, in the illustrated embodiment, the X-axis movable means 6 (also referred to as an X-axis movable guide) is arranged in a staggered manner and at the lowest layer. The Y-axis movable means 7 can be disposed above the Z-axis rotational movable means 8 in principle, but since a member cannot be disposed within the movable range of the Y-axis movable guide, it is movable next to the X axis. The Y-axis movable means 7 whose range is increased is preferably arranged immediately above the X-axis movable means. The Z-axis rotation movable means 8 can be arranged above the θ-axis rotation movable means 9 in principle, but the inertia weight during rotation increases, and the vibration stop time after the rotation operation is taken into consideration. The θ-axis rotation movable means 9 is preferably arranged immediately above. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the display panel transport positioning means is configured as such.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the X-axis movable means 6 is arranged in a staggered manner, which is because each display panel transport positioning means has an independent configuration. In other words, the X-axis movable means 6 is divided into independent structures within the movable range for each display panel holding means 10 during conveyance in each display panel conveyance positioning means.

  In the display panel module assembling apparatus, since the display panel transport positioning means is arranged in the X direction, the X-axis movable means 6 can be shared between adjacent display panel transport positioning means. In principle, a configuration in which one X-axis movable means 6 is shared by each display panel transport positioning means over the entire length of the display panel module assembling apparatus can be considered. In this way, the X-axis movable means or the X-axis movable guide in the transport system in the entire display panel module assembling apparatus can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

  However, the movable range of each display panel holding means 10 in the display panel module assembling apparatus is about several meters. For this reason, when the X-axis movable means 6 of the adjacent display panel transport positioning means is integrally formed, the X-axis movable guide becomes very long. Of course, it is possible to connect the X-axis movable guide to form a long X-axis movable guide, but in this case, it is important to ensure the division position and division accuracy so as to satisfy the requirements such as conveyance accuracy. It becomes.

  1 to 4 disclose a configuration in which independent X-axis movable means 6 are arranged in a staggered manner for each display panel transport positioning means, taking into account the ease of explanation. As an actual configuration, it is necessary to determine the length of the X-axis movable means 6 in consideration of the above-mentioned cost and the division position of the X-axis movable guide and the ease of ensuring the accuracy at the time of connection.

  As a means for moving the X axis and the Y axis, a general slide stage mechanism such as a linear motor or a ball screw can be applied as a means for linearly moving the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance. The Z-axis movable means can be directly driven by a linear motor or a ball screw, but the required movable distance is shorter than the X-axis and Y-axis, so the mechanism part in the height direction is made thinner. In view of the above, it is desirable to use various general methods for converting horizontal movement using a wedge or the like into lifting movement. The rotational movement of the θ axis can be easily configured with a motor and a speed reducer. Since the display panel transport positioning means of the present embodiment needs to perform positioning delivery to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 with high accuracy, the position coordinate and rotational coordinate accuracy can be improved by using a servo motor or a linear scale. Needless to say, it is necessary to secure.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, in order to prevent interference between the display panel holding means 10 of the adjacent display panel transfer positioning means and the display panel 4 held thereon, in each adjacent processing work device or processing work position. The transport operation of the display panel holding unit 10 during transport needs to be performed at the same timing. The display panel module assembling apparatus is composed of a number of processing work devices or processing work positions. Therefore, a large number of display panel transport positioning means are required, and in order to perform high-speed continuous transport, it is necessary to transport the display panel to the downstream side at the same timing. However, when a large number of display panel transport positioning means are moved completely at the same time, there is a problem that the required current during the acceleration / deceleration operation of the movable means becomes extremely large. In order to cope with this, in addition to a method for securing an instantaneous maximum current by using a capacitor or the like in the drive circuit of each transport system, the transport means operation timing between adjacent units is slightly increased from the downstream side toward the upstream side. A method of delaying is also effective. The acceleration / deceleration time of the transport means that requires the instantaneous maximum current is short with respect to the operating distance and time of the transport means. Therefore, by giving a slight delay so that they do not overlap, the maximum required current for the entire device Can be kept small. This eliminates the need for a large-capacity capacitor or the like in the drive circuit of the transport system.

  Since the acceleration time of the display panel conveyance positioning means is about several tens to several hundreds msec, the delay time of the movable timing of the actual adjacent display panel conveyance positioning means is suitably several tens to several hundreds msec. Determined by taking into account the acceleration / deceleration time of the transport system, the number of units operating simultaneously, and the maximum current required at that time. In the display panel transport device of the present invention and the display panel module assembling device using the display panel transport device, a short device configuration is achieved by transporting between adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions at substantially the same timing at a substantially shortest distance. Can realize high-speed conveyance.

  Next, a measure for preventing the collision of the display panel holding means 10 during transport in the display panel transport positioning means in the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the configuration of the present embodiment, since the two display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer are arranged at the same processing work apparatus or processing work position, the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer in the adjacent display panel transfer positioning means. Even if the transport operation is performed at the same timing, there is a risk of causing a collision. The collision of the display panel holding means 10 during transportation that moves at high speed causes great damage to the apparatus, and it is necessary to take sufficient preventive measures.

  In the apparatus of the present embodiment, in order to prevent a collision accident, the position coordinates of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transport with respect to the drive signal for controlling the display panel transport positioning means are monitored, and the drive signal and the display at the time of transport are displayed. A method is provided in which the apparatus is stopped as an abnormality if there is a difference exceeding the specified value in the position coordinates of the panel holding means 10. Furthermore, in addition to measures to prevent this soft collision accident, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, the stop position and the standby position of the display panel holding means 10 during transport in the display panel transport positioning means are upstream of the display panel transport. The operation control of the display panel conveyance positioning means is performed so that the position is intermediate between the two processing work devices on the side and the downstream side or the processing work position.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the standby position of the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance. The display panel holding means 10 (B-C) at the time of transfer located at the center in the drawing is a display panel holding means at the time of transfer that holds the display panel during the transfer between the processing work positions of the processing work apparatus B and the processing work apparatus C. 10 (B-C). After the display panel is delivered to the processing work position of the downstream processing work device C in the display panel transport positioning means, the display panel holding means 10 (BC) during transport is the processing work position of the upstream processing work device B. Rather than returning to the above, the apparatus is temporarily stopped and waited at an intermediate position between two processing work apparatuses or processing work positions on the upstream side and the downstream side shown in the figure. Then, in accordance with the processing work end timing of the upstream processing work apparatus B, the display panel transport positioning means is controlled so that the display panel holding means 10 (BC) during transport starts to move. There is a non-interference area between adjacent display panel conveyance positioning means at an intermediate position between the processing work positions of the upstream processing work apparatus B and the downstream processing work apparatus C. By holding the display panel holding means 10 (B-C) at the time of transfer at the position shown in the figure, the display panel holding means 10 (AB) at the time of the upstream display panel transfer positioning means and the downstream side display panel holding means 10 (B-C) Contact with the display panel holding means 10 (CD) during transport in the display panel transport positioning means is prevented, and it is safe even when the display panel holding means 10 (BC) during transport stops due to an unexpected failure or the like. Sex is secured. In FIG. 4, the display panel holding means 10 (A-B) on the upstream side and the downstream side 10 (C-D) on the upstream side and the downstream side are displayed on the display panel holding means 10 (A-B). However, the state which adjoined is shown with the dashed-two dotted line.

  When the non-interference area 14 with the adjacent display panel transport positioning unit is narrower than the width of the display panel holding unit 10 during transport, the display panel holding unit 10 during transport during standby between the adjacent display panel transport positioning units 10 A method of providing a difference in the position in the height direction at is effective. According to this method, even when the non-interference area 14 with the adjacent display panel transport positioning means is narrow, it is possible to reliably prevent the display panel holding means 10 from contacting each other during transport. In FIG. 4, an example of a state in which a step is provided between the display panel holding means 10 (BC) during conveyance stopped at the standby position and the display panel holding means 10 (AB) at the upstream side. Indicates.

  Even when the standby position of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer is set to an intermediate position between adjacent processing work positions, the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer is moved from the standby position as soon as possible according to the processing work end timing of each processing work device. Needless to say, it is possible to completely prevent the occurrence of time loss by starting the movement to the display panel receiving position downstream in the display panel conveyance direction.

  In each display panel transport positioning means in one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 4, independent X-axis movable means 6 are arranged in a staggered manner. However, as described above, a configuration in which the X-axis movable unit 6 is shared between adjacent display panel conveyance positioning units can also be considered.

  Even in such a case, there is a non-interference area 14 with the movable allowable range of each display panel holding means 10 at the time of transport and with the adjacent display panel transport positioning means. For this reason, the above-mentioned control method in which the non-interference area 14 located near the middle of the processing work apparatus is set as the standby position of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance is a measure for preventing contact between adjacent display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance. A certain effect can be expected. In addition to this, in the configuration in which the X-axis movable unit 6 is shared between adjacent display panel transport positioning units, the movable range of each display panel holding unit 10 during transport is limited by a mechanical or electrical stopper mechanism. This is important as a measure for preventing contact between adjacent display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance. The mechanical stopper is an overrun prevention mechanism or the like by installing a physical abutting member, and the electrical stopper is an overrun detection feedback system by a sensor or an X-axis movable means for each display panel conveyance positioning means. Such as making them independent.

  The display panel holding means 10 during transport in the display panel transport positioning means of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is arranged radially on the columnar Z-axis rotation movable means 8 and θ-axis rotation movable means 9. It is held by the overhanging arm 11.

  The non-processing area holding means 5 arranged at each processing work position is long in the direction orthogonal to the processing side direction in the movable area of the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance, leaving a space through which the columnar portion can pass. By adopting a protruding cantilever structure, the lower surface of the display panel can be held widely. In order to deliver the display panel transported from the upstream processing work position to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 at the downstream processing work position, the non-processing is performed at the position where the display panel holding means 10 during transport is lowered. It goes without saying that the area holding means 5 and the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance need to be configured in a shape having a relief structure for preventing mutual contact during display panel delivery.

  Next, a method for dealing with the processing side of the display panel and various display panel sizes at the processing work apparatus position in the present embodiment will be described.

  In the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the two upstream processing work devices A and B are devices that perform processing work on the long side (source side) of the display panel. These two processing work devices C and D are devices that perform processing work on the short side (gate side) of the display panel. As shown in the figure, the non-processing area holding means 5 arranged in each processing apparatus has different holding positions depending on the processing direction of the display panel. Therefore, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, the non-process area holding means 5 is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to and parallel to the process side holding and fixing means. If the non-processing area holding means 5 is configured to be variable in position, it is possible to easily realize processing of different display panel sides with a single processing device. That is, the processing work device AB that performs processing on the long side (source side) of the display panel 4 in FIG. 1 can be used by switching to processing processing on the short side (gate side), or on the contrary. It is also possible to cause the processing work on the long side (source side) to be performed by the processing work apparatus CD that performs the processing work on the short side (gate side) of the panel.

  Furthermore, if the position changing operation of the non-processing area holding means 5 is automatically controlled, the processing operation on the long side (source side) and the processing operation on the short side (gate side) can be performed with only one processing unit. It becomes. That is, after the processing operation on the long side (source side), the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance lifts and rotates the display panel, changes the position of the non-processing area holding means 5 to the short side, and again processes the processing side. By delivering to the holding and fixing means, it is possible to process a plurality of sides with one processing work device. If this operation is repeated, in principle, one processing work for the four sides of the display panel can be completed by one processing work device. Of course, in this case, the processing time for four processing operations and the rotation and rearrangement of the display panel three times are required, so that the processing operation time becomes long. For this reason, it is usually preferable to connect a plurality of processing work devices in accordance with the required processing work time.

  Automation of the position changing operation of the non-process area holding means 5 can be realized relatively easily by a combination of a general linear actuator and the like.

  Furthermore, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present embodiment, a method for dealing with display panels having large and different sizes from small plates to large plates will be described.

  In the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, on the processing side of the display panel, in order to correct the distortion of the display panel in the processing area, a uniform distance inside from the processing side edge is parallel to the processing side and the processing side. A processing edge holding and fixing means 3 that is elongated in the direction and holds the entire processing edge is provided. The display panel holding and delivery operations by the non-process area holding means 5 and the display panel holding means 10 during transport use the lower side area of the display panel 4 excluding the processing side and the holding area in the processing side holding and fixing means 3. Done.

  FIG. 5 shows processing sides (four sides of S1, S2, G1, G2) and processing side holding and fixing means 3 for holding and fixing the display panel during processing for the display panel 4 having three different sizes. The holding fixed area width 15 and the non-processing area holding means 5 and the display panel holding area 16 that can be used for display panel holding and delivery operations by the display panel holding means 10 during transportation are schematically shown. . In FIG. 5, the display panel holdable area 16 that can be used for display panel holding and delivery operations by the non-process area holding means and the display panel holding means during conveyance is indicated by hatching. For example, reference numeral 15a-S1 in the drawing represents the holding and fixing area width on the S1 side of the large display panel substrate (a). Reference numeral 15b-G1 denotes a holding and fixing region width on the G1 side of the medium-sized display panel substrate (b). Others are the same.

  The holding and fixing area width 15 by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 assumed in the present invention is naturally affected by the apparatus specifications such as the contents of each processing operation and the maximum size of the display panel to be processed. However, assuming a processing operation in a general display panel module assembling apparatus, it is possible if the processing side holding and fixing means 3 fixes a position of about 100 mm from the processing side end. Even if an extreme configuration is taken into consideration, the area necessary for fixing and holding by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 is about several tens to 200 mm or less from the edge of the processing edge. Actually, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present embodiment, the design and arrangement of the holding and fixing position by the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is examined even when the maximum processing display panel size is considered to be equivalent to 50 to 60 inches. It was about 100mm from the edge.

  FIG. 5 shows a) a large display panel substrate: 32 inch wide class, b) medium panel size substrate: 20 inch wide class, c) small panel when the holding and fixing area by the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is 100 mm from the processing edge. Size substrate: A 13-inch class, in which an area in which the display panel holding means 10 can hold the display panel 4 is drawn.

  In the a) 32-inch wide class in the figure, the holding and fixing area width 15 can be secured on the four sides of the source side and the gate side by holding the center of the display panel 4 with the display panel holding means 10 during transport. However, in the case of b) 20-inch wide class and c) 13-inch class with a small display panel size, if a holding and fixing area with a width of 100 mm is secured on all four sides, the non-process area holding means 5 and the display panel holding means 10 during transport It is difficult to secure the display panel holdable area 16 used for holding the display panel 4 and for the delivery operation.

  In such a small display panel 4, as shown in the figure, b) in the 20-inch wide class, the source 1 side and the gate 2 side, and c) in the 13-inch class, the source 1 side, the gate 1 side, and the processing side. If the location and the number of the display panel are defined, the display panel module holding device 16 of the present invention can hold the display panel 4 by the non-processing area holding means 5 and the display panel holding means 10 during transport and can hold the display panel 16 used for the delivery operation. Can be secured.

  As described above, the display panel transport device of the present invention and the display panel module assembling apparatus using the display panel are intended for high-speed and high-precision processing work particularly for large and thin display panels. By limiting the number, it is possible to extend the applicable range from an ultra-large display panel corresponding to 50 to 60 inches to a small panel of a few tens of inches class.

  The required area of the display panel holdable area 16 used for holding or delivering the display panel 4 by the non-process area holding means 5 or the display panel holding means 10 during transport is an external force due to acceleration applied to the display panel during various operations. Depending on the suction holding force of the display panel 4, the display panel can be stably held and delivered if the width of the display panel 4 is approximately half or more.

  The display panel sizes of a) 32-inch wide class, b) 20-inch wide class, and c) 13-inch class in FIG. 5 can be held at half the width of the display panel, assuming a 100 mm wide holding and fixing area. Near the minimum display panel size.

  That is, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present embodiment, the maximum number of processing sides of the 32-inch wide class or more is 4 sides, the maximum number of processing sides of the 32 to 20 inch wide class is 3 sides, and the maximum processing for the display panel size of 20 inches or less. By setting the number of sides to two, it is possible to cope with processing operations up to 13 inches. In reality, in such a small and medium class display panel substrate, there is almost no need for processing operations such as four-side processing or three-side processing, and in practice, the limitation of the number of processing sides becomes a problem. Absent.

FIG. 6 shows an arrangement relationship of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3, the non-processing area holding means 5 and the transfer display panel holding means 10 when the large display panel 4 capable of processing up to four sides is delivered at the processing work position. It is a figure explaining an Example. The display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance is widened so as to widely hold up to the four corners of the region 16 excluding the peripheral part of the display panel 4 held by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. As described above, the non-processing region holding unit 5 secures a gap through which the columnar portion supporting the display panel holding unit 10 at the time of transport can pass and the display panel 4 held by the display panel holding unit 10 at the time of transport. It is placed at a position that avoids the holding area. The arrows in FIG. 6 support the column-shaped portion entry / exit path 17 _IN that supports the display panel holding means 10 during transfer in the display panel transfer positioning means on the display panel carry-in side and the display panel holding means 10 during transfer on the display panel carry-out side. The entry / exit path 17 _OUT of the columnar portion is shown.

FIG. 7 shows the arrangement relationship of the processing side holding and fixing means 3, the non-processing area holding means 5 and the transporting display panel holding means 10 when the medium size display panel 4 capable of processing up to three sides is delivered at the processing work position. It is a figure explaining one Example. Since the display panel size is small and the holdable area 16 by the transport display panel holding means 10 is narrow, the four transport display panel holding means 10 are smaller than those in FIG. Further, during the processing operation on the long side of the display panel (FIG. 7a), only the both sides of the display panel are held by the processing side holding and fixing means 3 and the non-processing area holding means 5, but the short side of the display panel 4 Since the side width is narrow, the display panel 4 can be held sufficiently stably even in the illustrated holding form. At the time of processing the short side of the display panel, the non-process area of the display panel extends long from the process side holding and fixing means 3, so that the non-process side must be held by the non-process area holding means 5. As in FIG. 6, the arrows in FIG. 7 indicate the entry / exit path 17 _IN of the columnar portion that supports the display panel holding means 10 and the transfer on the display panel carry-out side. A column-shaped entry / exit path 17 _OUT that supports the display panel holding means 10 is shown.

  FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3, the non-processing area holding means 5 and the display panel holding means 10 at the time of delivery at the processing work position of a small display panel capable of processing up to two sides. It is a figure explaining an Example. Since the display panel size is small, the four display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance are brought into close contact with each other, and only the two processing sides for processing are held so as to protrude from the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance. As shown in the figure, the holding area by the non-processing area holding means 5 in this case is only the processing edge vicinity area portion where processing is not performed.

However, in the small display panel, the deflection of the display panel due to its own weight is small, and the display panel 4 can be held sufficiently stably. The arrows in FIG. 8 indicate, as in FIGS. 6 and 7, the entry / exit path 17 _IN of the columnar portion that supports the display panel holding means 10 during transport in the display panel transport positioning means on the display panel carry-in side and the display panel carry-out side The column-shaped portion approaching / exiting path 17 _OUT that supports the display panel holding means 10 during transport is shown.

  As described above, in the display panel transport apparatus and the display panel module assembly apparatus using the display panel transport apparatus according to the present invention, the non-processing area holding means 5 and the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transport are arranged in each processing work device or processing work position. By changing the position, it is possible to cope with display panels having large and different sizes from a small plate to a large plate. The variable mechanism of the non-processing area holding means 5 can be expected to have the following effects in addition to the above-described switching operation of the display panel processing side and the correspondence to various display panel sizes.

  For example, if the non-processing area holding means 5 is configured to be movable in the up and down direction, it is necessary to carry the display panel 4 between the display panel holding means 10 and the non-processing area holding means 5 during the transfer operation. The movable distance in the vertical direction of the display panel holding means 10 can be reduced, and the effect of improving the display panel moving operation speed and simplifying the movable mechanism can be expected.

  Further, when the display panel 4 is not held, the non-processing area holding means 5 is moved and retracted, so that the rotatable area of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance is expanded. In the configuration of the present invention, the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance and the non-processing area holding means 5 are intricately arranged in a three-dimensional manner to prevent contact during operation. For this reason, during a rotation operation requiring a wide area, the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transport is the peripheral member such as the non-process area holding means 5 or the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transport. It is necessary to perform a rotation operation after moving to a position where it does not come into contact. By retracting the non-processing area holding means 5, if the rotatable area of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transportation is enlarged, the movement to the rotation position of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transportation becomes unnecessary or at least shortened. . However, since the installation of the retraction mechanism of the non-process area holding means 5 leads to a complicated configuration, the adoption or non-use of the retraction mechanism can be determined in consideration of the complexity of the retraction structure, the necessary cost, and the effects described above. is necessary.

  The display panel transport apparatus and display panel module assembly apparatus described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 are an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the vicinity of the processing side of the display panel is fixed and held by the processing side holding and fixing means 3, and the holdable area 16 excluding the holding and fixing area by the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is displayed on the display panel holding means 10 during transport. And non-process area holding means 5 is characterized in that it is conveyed while being held. In addition, the display panel holding means 10 during transport and the non-process area holding means 5 have a comb-like shape that prevents mutual interference, thereby realizing stable holding of the display panel both during processing and during transport holding. Yes. Furthermore, the display panel at the time of processing work can be used together with the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 by using the non-processing area holding means 5 that is substantially orthogonal to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 or by moving the non-processing area holding means 5. Realizes a wide range of display panel sizes.

  The embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 is merely an example, and the shapes of the display panel holding means 10 and the non-processing area holding means 5 at the time of conveyance and the configurations such as their movable ranges are shown in FIGS. In addition to the present embodiment described above, various types are conceivable. In particular, the device specifications such as the corresponding display panel size range and the position and number of processing edges influence the configuration. It goes without saying that the detailed structure in an actual apparatus needs to be designed in accordance with the target specification by applying the design concept of the present invention.

  Next, a method of positioning the display panel 4 on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 by the display panel holding means 10 during transfer in the display panel transfer apparatus and display panel module assembly apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  In general, a reference mark is provided on a processing side and a processing portion of the display panel 4. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference mark provided on the display panel 4. As the reference mark, an end mark 18 indicating the reference position of the end of the display panel and a mounting position mark 19 indicating the mounting position of TAB, IC, or the like are formed. There are various forms of the fiducial mark, and there can be various forms such as “■”, “T”, “−−”, “V” in addition to “+” and “•” shown in the figure.

  In the display panel transport device and the display panel module assembling device of the present invention, the display panel transport positioning means for transporting the display panel between the processing work devices or the processing work positions includes the movable means of the X, Y, Z, and θ axes. Have. When the display panel 4 is conveyed from upstream to downstream processing work devices or processing work positions, the display panel reference marks such as reference numerals 18 and 19 are detected by a CCD camera or the like to calculate the orientation of the display panel 4. Then, after the position is corrected by the display panel transport positioning means, it is transferred to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 for holding and fixing the processing edge of the display panel 4 so that the display panel 4 can be moved to the processing work position with high accuracy. Positioning and fixing becomes possible.

  FIGS. 10 and 11 are views showing an embodiment of the configuration in the vicinity of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 in order to explain the method of positioning the display panel 4 on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 in the present invention. FIG. 10 is a top view and FIG. 11 is a side view.

  In order to deliver and fix the display panel 4 to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 with high accuracy, the reference on the processing edge side indicated by reference numerals 18 and 19 provided on the display panel 4 as close to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 as possible. It is preferable to detect the mark. In the apparatus of this embodiment, a display panel reference mark detection means 20 comprising a light source and a CCD camera is installed between the processing work mechanism section of each processing work apparatus and the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 provided on the front surface thereof. An end mark indicated by reference numeral 18 disposed at both ends of the display panel substrate is detected. The coordinate position and orientation of the display panel can be calculated by extracting the reference mark from the image detected by the display panel reference mark detection means 20 by pattern matching and calculating the coordinate position.

  In order to detect the reference marks indicated by reference numerals 18 and 19 on the display panel processing side corresponding to various display panel sizes, the display panel reference mark detection means 20 needs to move in the processing side direction (X direction). is there. Also in this embodiment, the X-direction movable means indicated by reference numeral 22 is provided in two sets of detection means for detecting end marks indicated by reference numeral 18 at both ends of the display panel 4. In FIG. 10a), the display panel reference mark detection means 20L / R arranged on the left and right sides detect the end marks indicated by reference numeral 18 arranged on the left and right sides of the display panel. The situation of changing the position on the display panel 4W having a wide processing side width is schematically shown.

  An end mark indicated by reference numeral 18 of the display panel carried by the display panel transport positioning means is detected by the display panel reference mark detection means 20 to correct the display panel posture, and the height is increased to the processing work position of the processing work apparatus. An embodiment of the process of positioning with accuracy will be described.

  First, the display panel reference mark detection means 20L / R is made to wait in advance at a location corresponding to the position and width of the end mark indicated by reference numeral 18 on the left and right of the display panel to be processed. Then, the display panel 4 is transported to a position where the end mark indicated by reference numeral 18 can be detected by the display panel reference mark detection means 20 provided in the vicinity of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 by the display panel transport positioning means. At the same time, the display panel is temporarily placed on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. Thereafter, the display panel reference mark detection means 20 detects end mark positions indicated by reference numeral 18 provided at both ends of the display panel 4, and calculates the exact coordinate position and orientation of the display panel 4. Based on the calculation result, the position and orientation of the display panel are corrected, and the display panel is moved to a predetermined processing work position of the processing work device. Finally, the display panel 4 is sucked by the suction suction port 23 for fixing the display panel provided on the surface of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3, and the processing work by the processing work device is started. The display panel transport positioning unit releases the suction suction and separates the display panel, and then moves the display panel holding unit 10 during transport to the standby position.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the end mark 18 provided on the display panel 4 is present at the outer edge of the display panel processing side. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the display panel arrangement position for detecting the reference mark and the display panel arrangement position for performing a predetermined processing operation need to be different positions. However, it goes without saying that it is advantageous in terms of positioning accuracy of the display panel that the detection position of the end mark 18 and the display panel position where the processing operation is performed are close.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the display panel reference mark detection means 20 is installed between the processing work mechanism of the processing work apparatus and the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 so as to be close and sandwiched. Thus, the display panel after detecting the reference mark can be accurately positioned at the processing work position with the minimum movement distance in the Y-axis direction. The actual moving distance depends on the mounting size of the display panel reference mark detection means 20, but considering the dimensions of an existing CCD camera or the like, about several tens of mm is sufficient.

  Further, depending on the type of processing work such as IC or TAB mounting processing, processing work may be performed only on a part of the display panel processing side. In the case of such a processing operation for only a part of the processing side, the display panel reference mark detection means 20 may be able to be incorporated in the processing work mechanism unit. In this case, the movement of the display panel after detecting the reference mark of the display panel 4 indicated by reference numerals 18 and 19 can be performed only for the correction operation, so that it is possible to fix the display panel positioning to the processing work position with higher accuracy. .

  In order to perform each processing operation with high accuracy in the configuration of the present embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the processing operation position of the processing apparatus and the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 that fixes the display panel 4 is important. Therefore, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 is integrated with the processing work mechanism of the processing work apparatus.

  Further, in the apparatus of this embodiment, the display panel reference mark detection means 20 is calibrated with the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 as a reference. The applied method is that the reference mark portions 25 are provided at both ends of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 and the reference mark portions 25 are detected by the display panel reference mark detection means, whereby the detection position of the display panel reference mark detection means 20 is detected. A method of calibrating coordinates is applied. Various methods such as a method of using the detection position coordinates of the display panel reference mark detection unit 20 based on the processing edge holding and fixing unit 3 as a calibration unit are conceivable.

  In this way, by using the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 as an absolute reference for the processing work position of the processing work device, the display panel 4 can be positioned and fixed with high precision at the processing work position. It is possible to realize a simple processing work operation.

  Further, the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 according to the present invention can be expected to have an effect other than positioning and fixing the display panel 4 to the processing work position with high accuracy.

  The processing edge holding / fixing means 3 of the present invention fixes and holds the entire area near the display panel processing edge during processing work, so that the display panel holding means 10 during transport located on the opposite side to the processing edge holding / fixing means 3. In addition, there is an effect of blocking the influence of the position accuracy error such as the height direction of the non-processing area holding means 5 on the processing side where the processing operation of the display panel is performed.

  Thereby, it is possible to configure the accuracy in the height direction of the display panel holding means 10 and the non-processing area holding means 5 of the transfer positioning means with a relatively large margin. Position accuracy in the height direction or the like is allowed as long as the elasticity of the display panel 4 itself and the elastic deformation of the holding portions of the display panel holding means 10 and the non-processing area holding means 5 at the time of conveyance are included. The display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance needs to suck and hold the display panel 4 by a method such as air suction, but by using an elastic body such as a rubber pad for the suction portion, the elasticity of the display panel 4 can be relatively easily achieved. Holding is possible.

  Since the display panel module assembling apparatus is a large apparatus, it is necessary to unitize various mechanisms and configure the apparatus by combining them. However, the unit division between the parts that need to ensure relative accuracy causes problems such as difficulty in adjustment for ensuring relative position accuracy during assembly work. If the present invention is applied, it becomes possible to secure a margin in the relative position accuracy on the processing work device side, the transport device side, and the counter-processing side holding side with the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 as a boundary. Even if the processing work device side, the transport device side, and the non-process side holding side are configured as separate units, there is an advantage that the alignment adjustment work at the time of combination becomes relatively easy. Of course, by integrating the processing side holding and fixing means 3 and the processing apparatus side, the undulation on the processing panel side required for each processing operation is corrected and the flatness is ensured even though the configuration is simple. As described above, it is possible to perform highly accurate processing.

  Next, a method for fixing and holding the display panel 4 by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a method for fixing and holding the display panel 4 by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 of the present invention. The processing side holding and fixing means 3 needs to fix and hold the display panels 4 of various sizes within a specified range. The dashed-dotted line in FIG. 12 indicates the arrangement when the long side of the maximum size display panel substrate 4W is the processing side, and the broken line indicates the arrangement when the short side of the minimum size display panel substrate 4N is the processing side. The processing side holding and fixing means 3 needs to be configured to be longer than the maximum length of the processing side of the display panel substrate to be transported in order to smoothly hold the entire processing side of the display panel substrate to be fixed.

  The surface of the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is provided with a suction hole denoted by reference numeral 23 for sucking the substrate during processing. Unlike the suction portion such as the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance, the suction portion of the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 needs to smooth the processing side by removing the swell of the display panel 4 and the like. Therefore, the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 is configured by directly processing the suction holes and grooves indicated by reference numeral 23 on a smooth body such as a metal surface processed smoothly.

  In the case of a small display panel 4N, the display panel 4N comes into contact with only a part of the suction holes indicated by reference numeral 23 provided in the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. In this case, there arises a problem that a large amount of air flows from the suction holes denoted by reference numeral 23 that is not attracted to the display panel 4N, and the suction force of the suction holes denoted by reference numeral 23 that attracts the display panel 4N is reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the suction chamber indicated by reference numeral 26 below the suction hole indicated by reference numeral 23 formed in the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is divided into a plurality of parts. A negative pressure system 28 supplied from a suction pump or the like is connected to the divided suction chambers 26 a to 26 c through an opening / closing valve 27. Then, the open / close valve 27 is controlled according to the size of the display panel to be processed, the suction chamber indicated by reference numeral 26 that generates negative pressure is selected, and only the suction holes indicated by reference numeral 23 in the area where the display panel 4N exists are sucked. It was configured as follows. As a result, the suction can be performed only in the area corresponding to the display panel size, and a stable holding force of the display panel 4 can be obtained. In FIG. 12, the opening / closing valve 27 is installed in the suction chamber 26 immediately below the suction hole indicated by reference numeral 23. However, the opening / closing valve 27 is preferably installed in the suction chamber 26 as close to the suction hole indicated by reference numeral 23 as much as possible. . When the opening / closing valve 27 is installed at a position away from the suction hole indicated by reference numeral 23 or the suction chamber 26 via a pipe or the like, a time delay occurs in the suction operation after the valve switching, and due to pressure loss in the pipe, Problems such as the suction pressure tend to become unstable are likely to occur.

  The processing edge holding / fixing means 3 described above is for explaining one form of the processing edge holding / fixing means 3 in the present invention. In the processing work process, other members necessary for the process can be substituted. It is. For example, in the main crimping process, the entire processing side of the display panel 4 is sandwiched from above and below by a lower blade and an upper blade, and heated and pressurized. In such a process having a fixing member that supports the processing side of the display panel 4 from the lower surface, the lower blade can be used as the processing side holding and fixing means 3 in the present invention. In this case, apart from the lower blade, it is necessary to fix the display panel 4 by means such as suction. However, if the conveyance is held until the substrate is sandwiched by the upper blade, it may not be necessary to dispose the fixing means for the display panel substrate.

  Next, a description will be given of an increase in processing efficiency and a further increase in processing tact time by applying the display panel transport device and the display panel module assembly device of the present invention. In the display panel module assembling apparatus, devices that perform a plurality of processing operations are connected, and various processing operations are continuously performed on the display panel. Naturally, there is a difference in the processing time of each processing work process. The processing work device for a short process waits for the end of the processing work device for a time-consuming process. Since the transfer interval of the display panel is limited by the processing work apparatus in a process that takes a long time, the processing work apparatus in a process having a short time generates a time during which the work is stopped.

  In order to operate each processing work device more efficiently, a large number of processing work devices in a time-consuming process are connected to a processing work device in a short-time process so that the tact balance of each processing process is achieved. It is possible. However, in this method, the number of processing work devices to be connected increases, and there arises a problem that the entire length of the display panel module assembling device becomes very long.

  Processing operations in the display panel module assembling apparatus are broadly classified into “processing operation steps that require a plurality of processes for one processing side” and “processing operation steps that allow batch processing for one processing side”. “Processing process that requires multiple processing on one processing side” is a process that performs individual processing for each TAB or IC mounting position, such as attaching a small side of ACF or mounting a TAB or IC. Corresponds to that. On the other hand, the “processing work process capable of batch processing for one processing side” includes an ACF process for batch-bonding to a pasting region, a TAB or IC batch heat-pressing process with a long crimp blade after mounting, and the like.

  Among these, the process with a long processing work time is basically a processing work process that requires a plurality of processes on one processing side. For this reason, as a method for speeding up a processing work device having a long processing work time, a plurality of processing unit mechanisms are arranged in one processing work device or at a processing work position, and the display panel processing side is processed simultaneously by them. Is simple and effective.

  A processing work apparatus A in FIG. 1 is a processing work apparatus that moves a single processing work unit mechanism 1 (A) and performs a plurality of processes. On the other hand, the processing work apparatus B schematically shows a processing work apparatus in which two processing work unit mechanisms 1a (B) and 1b (B) are arranged and can simultaneously perform work processing at two locations. is there. When the processing work time of each processing work unit mechanism 1a (B), 1b (B) of the processing work device B is doubled with respect to the processing work unit mechanism 1 (A) of the processing work device A, such a configuration By doing so, it becomes possible to improve the working efficiency of the entire display panel module assembling apparatus.

  In the display panel transport device and the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, such simultaneous processing work by arranging a plurality of processing units in one processing work device or at a processing work position can be realized relatively easily. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a processing work apparatus in which a plurality of processing work unit mechanisms 1 are arranged. Each processing work unit mechanism 1 has only the X-axis movable means 2 of the processing unit in the X-axis direction. In the embodiment in FIG. 13, the movable means in the X-axis direction or the X-axis movable guide 2 is the same in the two processing work unit mechanisms 1. Of course, it is possible to apply independent movable means or X-axis movable guide 2 for each processing unit mechanism by disposing each movable means or X-axis movable guide 2 in the Y direction. The method is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

  As described above, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 for positioning and fixing the display panel 4 is disposed in front of each processing work mechanism. The display panel transported by the display panel transport positioning unit 29 is fixed and held on the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 with a specified accuracy.

  For this reason, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, the positional relationship between the display panel 4 and each processing unit only needs to be adjusted in advance if the relative positional relationship between each processing work unit mechanism 1 and the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is adjusted. There is no need to detect and control. That is, it is not necessary to detect the relative position with respect to the display panel for each processing operation and for each processing unit. As described above, the display panel transport device and the display panel module assembly device can relatively easily realize simultaneous processing work by a plurality of processing units in one processing work device or at a processing work position.

  Next, a method for performing further high-precision processing in the display panel transport device and the display panel module assembly device of the present invention will be described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 9, the display panel 4 is generally provided with a mounting position mark 19 indicating a mounting position of TAB, IC, etc., together with an end mark 18 indicating the end of the display panel. In the embodiment of the present invention described above, not the mounting position mark 19 but the end mark 18 is detected, and the display panel 4 is positioned on the processing side holding and fixing means 3. There are the following reasons for this.

  In general, a small mark is used as the mounting position mark 19 with respect to the end mark 18. This is for positioning the mounting position of TAB, IC, etc. with high accuracy. However, in order to detect a small mark, it is necessary to increase the resolution of the image detection apparatus. On the other hand, the display panel 4 is conveyed with a positional error of about several hundred μm to several mm. For this reason, the mark position of the display panel processing edge when the display panel 4 is positioned and fixed to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 varies within this range. When a wide range of image detection is performed with a high-resolution image detection apparatus for detecting small marks, the number of pixels required for the detection means increases, and the cost of the detection means increases. Furthermore, much time is required for calculation time for pattern matching processing and coordinate conversion processing in the detected image processing. As described above, in consideration of the cost and the speed of image detection / coordinate conversion, it is often preferable to detect the end marks 18 at both ends of the processing side than the mounting position mark 19. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the end marks 18 at both ends of the processing side are detected.

  Of course, it is possible to correct the display panel position by the display panel transport positioning means 29 using the mounting position marks 19 at both ends of the processing side, and to fix the delivery position to the processing side holding and fixing means 3. However, a slight delivery error also occurs in the display panel delivery operation of the display panel delivery positioning means 29 from the display panel holding means during transportation to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. Since high-accuracy detection exceeding this error is substantially meaningless, it is desirable to determine the resolution of the mark to be detected in consideration of the conveyance accuracy, delivery accuracy, required positioning accuracy, etc. on the mechanism side.

  In the display panel transport apparatus and the display panel module assembling apparatus using the same in the previous embodiment, the end marks 18 at both ends of the display panel processing side are detected and controlled, and the display panel 4 is positioned and fixed to the processing side holding and fixing means 3. The possible accuracy is about 100 μm to several tens of μm. However, in some processing operations (such as high-precision mounting processing operations such as TAB and IC) in the display panel module assembling apparatus, extremely high positioning accuracy of about 10 μm to several μm or less may be required. Hereinafter, a method for realizing the processing operation with such extremely high positional accuracy in the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a processing work apparatus that requires ultra-high-precision positioning processing of around 10 μm to several μm or less. The embodiment of FIG. 14 shows a configuration in which two processing work unit mechanisms 1 are arranged as in FIG. In a display panel module assembling apparatus, a processing operation for mounting a TAB or an IC, which generally requires the highest accuracy, often requires a long processing time because it requires processing to a large number of processing locations. Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 14, two processing work unit mechanisms 1 are arranged. Of course, as described above, even in a processing work apparatus that requires ultra-high accuracy positioning, the number of processing unit mechanisms may be determined in consideration of the balance of the processing work times.

  In the processing work apparatus of the present embodiment, in order to achieve ultra-high-precision positioning, each processing work unit mechanism 1 in the processing work apparatus independently detects the mounting position mark 19 on the display panel, and each process. A function for accurately recognizing and positioning the mounting position to be processed for each work unit mechanism 1 is provided.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a processing unit mechanism for realizing such a function. The processing work unit mechanism 1 includes a reference mark detection unit 30 including a light source for detecting a reference mark on the display panel, a CCD camera, and the like, and an XYZθ movable unit 31 for moving the entire processing unit in the XYZ and θ directions. The processing unit calculates the correction amount of the processing unit from the reference mark position information detected from the CCD camera by the processing position correction unit 32, and corrects the processing position by the XYZθ movable unit 31, thereby correcting the display panel processing side. Processing operations such as ACF pasting and TAB loading are performed at the above specified positions.

  In the display panel transport apparatus and the display panel module assembly apparatus of the present invention, the display panel 4 is positioned and fixed to the processing side holding and fixing means 3 with an accuracy of about 100 μm to several tens of μm by the display panel transport positioning means 29. Therefore, it is not necessary to enlarge the image detection range of the reference mark detection unit 30 mounted on the processing unit mechanism that performs high-accuracy positioning. That is, in order to realize high-precision positioning, it is not necessary to extremely increase the number of necessary pixels even when the reference mark of the display panel is detected with high resolution. This is advantageous in terms of the cost of the detection means, and has the effect of shortening the calculation time for image processing, and is advantageous in terms of high-speed processing.

  As described above, the display panel transport device and the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention using the display panel transport positioning means 29 and the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 are configured as a multi-processing unit and an ultra-high precision positioning of the processing work device 24. Corresponding to has many advantages.

  In the processing work apparatus having the processing unit comprising the reference mark detection means 30, the processing position correction means 32 and the XYZθ movable means 31 described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, basically, the inside of the processing work apparatus. The mounting position mark 19 of the display panel 4 can be detected and processed by correcting the position only by the processing unit. Therefore, a configuration in which the end mark 18 of the display panel 4 described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 is detected, and the display panel 4 is positioned on the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 by the display panel transport positioning unit 29 is provided. It can be omitted.

  However, in this case, the display panel posture conveyed to the processing edge holding and fixing unit 3 by the display panel conveyance positioning unit 29, that is, the display panel posture at the processing position varies. As a result, the image detection range required for the reference mark detection means 30 for detecting the mounting mark mounted on the processing unit side is widened. In the reference mark detection means 30 of the processing unit that detects the small mounting mark 19 as compared with the end mark 18 of the display panel 4, the number of required pixels may be extremely large. This adversely affects the cost of the reference mark detection means 30 mounted on the processing unit side, the calculation time of image processing, and the like.

  Whether or not the configuration for positioning the display panel 4 on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 by the display panel transport positioning means 29 by detecting the end mark 18 of the display panel 4 is omitted in terms of cost and processing speed. It is necessary to evaluate and judge.

  Next, regarding the simultaneous processing method of the display panel processing side in which a plurality of processing unit mechanisms are arranged in one processing work apparatus or processing work position described with reference to FIGS. The method will be described in more detail.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the X-axis operating means is arranged at the bottom. This is because the moving distance becomes the longest because the X axis is a movable means in a direction parallel to the processing side of the display panel substrate. Further, by adopting such a configuration, the X-axis guide rail indicated by reference numeral 2 can be shared by the plurality of processing work unit mechanisms 1 provided in the processing work apparatus.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the X-axis movable means 2 is used for both the purpose of moving the processing work unit mechanism 1 between the processing positions of the processing side of the display panel and the purpose of positioning at each processing position. . In order to achieve both movement between processing positions that require high-speed movement and positioning to processing positions that require high-precision movement, it is possible to move the processing work unit mechanism 1 between processing positions on the display panel processing side. A method is also conceivable in which fine adjustment X-axis moving means for positioning to a high-precision processing position is provided together with the moving means of other axes on the X-axis having a large distance. Actually, since a plurality of X-axis movable means are required, it is necessary to select a configuration in consideration of cost, required accuracy, required moving speed, and the like.

  Next, a control method for a plurality of processing units will be described.

  In a method in which a plurality of processing work unit mechanisms 1 simultaneously perform processing work on one display panel 4, it is necessary to operate the processing units at a short distance. In particular, when processing a small display panel or a display panel having a short processing side, it is necessary to operate the processing units as close as possible. For this reason, problems such as interference and collision between processing units may occur during the processing operation. Therefore, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, in order to avoid collision between the processing units, a plurality of processing units that perform processing operations on the processing sides of the same display panel are driven in synchronization with each other so that the operation timings of the processing units are synchronously driven. Processing unit operation timing control means for controlling the operation timing of the processing unit mechanism is provided. An example of the basic control procedure for each processing unit by the processing unit operation timing control means is as follows.

  (1) Processing position information and a movement command are transmitted to each processing unit from the processing unit operation timing control means. (2) When the movement is completed, each processing unit reports the movement completion to the processing unit operation timing control means. (3) The processing unit operation timing control means instructs each processing unit to start processing work. (4) When each processing unit finishes the prescribed processing work, it reports the work end to the processing unit operation timing control means. (5) The processing unit operation timing control means instructs each processing unit to move to the next processing position. When an abnormality occurs during each processing work or movement operation, the processing unit operation timing control means stops the next work or movement processing by reporting the fact to the processing unit operation timing control means. It is possible to prevent the processing unit from colliding.

  As described above, each processing unit is provided with the processing unit operation timing control means of each processing unit together with the substrate mark detection and processing position correction means, and for the first time, a plurality of processing units are arranged in the processing work apparatus. The processing efficiency of the two display panels 4 can be improved.

  16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment of the control method of the display panel transport device and the display panel module assembly device using the same according to the present invention. In FIG. 16, A- 1 to A- 4 indicate each processing work device 46, and B- 1 to B- 4 transport a display panel held in front of each display panel processing work device 46. The hour display panel holding means 10 is shown. B-1 to B-4 indicated by broken lines indicate the positions of the display panel holding means 10 during transport after the display panel is transported. As described above, the transport display panel holding means 10 moves in a straight line in front of the processing device 46, but for convenience of illustration, the position of the transport display panel holding means 10 after transport indicated by a broken line. Is shown below the position of the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance before conveyance. Actually, the alternate long and short dash lines written at the center of the display panel holding means 10 during transportation before and after transportation coincide with each other.

  Each transport display panel holding means 10 in each display panel transport positioning means 29 is driven by an independent driving device 44 (M-1 to M-5). As the drive device, general linear drive means such as a linear motor or a ball screw system can be used. S-1 to S-5 in the figure are sensors 45 that detect the coordinate position of the display panel holding means 10 (B-1 to B-5) during conveyance.

  In the control device of this embodiment, system operation timing control means 37 (MC) for controlling the basic operation timing of the entire device system is arranged at the highest level. Below that, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) and each processing work apparatus control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-4) are arranged.

  Next, a display panel transport operation control method in this control system will be described. As a basic operation, first, the system operation timing control unit 37 (MC) transmits a transfer operation start signal 40 to the display panel transfer operation control unit 41 (BC-1). In response to this, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) drives each display panel holding means 10 in each display panel transport positioning means 29 to transport the display panel at the downstream processing work position. Start operation. After the transport of the display panel 4 to the upstream processing work position and the positioning and fixing operation to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 are completed, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) is a system operation timing control means 37 ( A display panel conveyance end signal 38 is transmitted to MC). Thereafter, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) moves the display panel holding means 10 during transport to the standby position and then stops it.

  In response to the display panel conveyance end signal 38, the system operation timing control means 37 (MC) transmits each processing work start signal 36 simultaneously to each processing work apparatus control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-4). Receiving each processing work start signal 36, each processing work device control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-4) starts each prescribed processing work. Each processing work device control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-4) sends a processing work end notice signal 35p to the system operation timing control means 37 before a predetermined time before each predetermined processing work is completely finished. To (MC).

  The system operation timing control means 37 (MC) receives each processing work end notice signal 35p, and transmits a transfer operation start notice signal 40P to the display panel transfer operation control means 41 (BC-1). In response, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) moves the display panel holding means 10 during transport from the standby position to the downstream processing work position in advance. After the preliminary movement to the downstream processing work position of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance is completed, the display panel conveyance operation control means 41 (BC-1) sends a preliminary movement completion signal 38P to the system operation timing control means 37 (MC). Send.

  Further, each processing work device control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-4) transmits each processing work completion signal 35 to the system operation timing control means 37 (MC) after completion of each predetermined processing work.

  Upon receiving the advance movement completion signal 38P and each processing work end signal 35, the system operation timing control means 37 (MC) transmits the next transfer operation start signal 40 to the display panel transfer operation control means 41 (BC-1). To do. By repeating this, the display panel transport by the display panel transport positioning means 29 and the processing work operation in each processing work device are continuously controlled.

  By determining the timing of the processing work end notice signal 35p in accordance with the time required for the preliminary movement from the standby position of the display panel holding means 10 during transport to the downstream processing work position, efficient continuous transport and continuous processing are performed. Work can be realized.

  In the control means of the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present embodiment, in addition to the above, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) and each processing work apparatus control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-4) are transported. Various status signals during operation and processing operations, error information when an abnormality occurs, and the like are transmitted to the system operation timing control means 37 (MC).

  As the status signal of the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1), the reception of the display panel 4 from the downstream processing side holding and fixing means 3 is completed, the display panel is being transported, the display panel is being positioned, and the upstream processing. The display panel holding means 10 is fixed to the side holding and fixing means 3, the display panel holding means 10 is being moved to the standby position, the standby position at the standby position, the movement from the standby position to the downstream processing work position, and the like. The status signal of each processing work device control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-4) includes various status signals according to the contents of each processing work, in addition to the processing work end notice signal 35p. It was comprised so that it might transmit to the control means 37 (MC).

  The display panel module assembling apparatus is composed of many various work processing apparatuses and many display panel conveyance positioning means 29. In order to operate the display panel module assembling apparatus safely and efficiently, it is necessary to comprehensively monitor and manage the operation timing of these many processing work devices 46 and the display panel transport positioning means 29 in real time. is there.

  In the configuration of this embodiment, various status signals and error information from the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) and each processing work apparatus control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-4) are collectively managed. By arranging the system operation timing control means 37 (MC) for monitoring and controlling the operation of the entire system, a safe and highly efficient operation of the display panel module assembly apparatus is realized.

  Further, the processing for shifting the acceleration / deceleration timing between the respective transporting units can be easily performed by the display panel transporting operation control unit 41 (BC-1). The details of communication signals in other various operating situations are omitted because they depend on the functions and operation modes of each processing work device, but it is important to carefully determine the necessary functions and operation modes. Needless to say.

  In FIG. 16, blocks UC-1 to UC-3 are described in A-2 of the processing work device 46. A-2 of the processing work device 46 in the figure shows a configuration having a plurality of processing unit mechanisms in the processing work device described with reference to FIGS. The blocks UC-1 to UC-3 are the control means 39 of these processing unit mechanisms. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the processing work apparatus A-2 has a configuration in which three processing unit mechanisms can be arranged.

  Thus, in the configuration having the plurality of processing work unit mechanisms 1 in the processing work device 46, each processing unit mechanism control means 39 (UC-1) is subordinate to each processing work device control means 34 (AC-2). To UC-3), and control of operation timing and the like is performed by each processing work device control means 34 (AC-2).

  FIG. 17 shows the system operation timing control means 37 (MC), the display panel transfer operation control means 41 (BC-1), and each processing work apparatus control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-3) in the embodiment of FIG. ..) Is a diagram for explaining an embodiment related to the exchange of basic control signals.

  First, in response to the rising of the transport / positioning operation control signal 47 of the system operation timing control means 37, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) raises the transport / positioning operation signal 49 to display the display panel 4. Start the transfer / positioning operation. After the display panel transport / positioning operation ends, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) raises the transport / positioning operation signal 49. Thereafter, the display panel transfer operation control means 41 (BC-1) moves the transfer display panel holding means 10 to the standby position.

  In response to the fall of the transfer / positioning operation signal 49, the system operation timing control means 37 lowers the transfer / positioning operation control signal 47 and raises each processing work device control signal 48.

  Each processing work device control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-3...) Receives the rising of each processing work device control signal 48 and receives a processing work signal 50 (AC-1 to AC-3...). ) To start each processing operation. Each processing work device control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-3...) Outputs a processing work end notice signal 50P (AC-1 to AC-3...) T seconds before the processing work ends. Start up. Each processing work device control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-3...) Receives the processing work end notice signal 50P (AC-1 to AC-3. Both medium signals 50 (AC-1 to AC-3...) Are lowered.

  The system operation timing control means 37 receives the rise of the processing work end notice signal 50P (AC-1 to AC-3...) Of each processing work device control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-3...). Then, the transport system advance movement control signal 47P is raised.

  The display panel transfer operation control means 41 (BC-1) receives the rise of the transfer system advance movement control signal 47P, raises the transfer system advance movement operation signal 49P, and also displays the display panel holding means 10 at the standby position during transfer. Is moved to the display panel receiving position of the downstream processing work apparatus. After the movement is completed, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) lowers the transport system preliminary movement operation signal 49P.

  The system operation timing control unit 37 includes a transfer system advance movement operation signal 49P of the display panel transfer operation control unit 41 (BC-1) and each of the processing work device control units 34 (AC-1 to AC-3...). After confirming the fall of the processing work signal 50 (AC-1 to AC-3...), The transfer / positioning operation control signal 47 is raised to start the next transfer / positioning operation of the display panel 4. By repeating this, a series of conveyance and each processing operation are controlled continuously.

  When an operation failure occurs in the display panel transfer positioning unit 29 (transfer display panel holding unit 10) or each processing work device 46, each processing work end signal 35 including error occurrence information is sent to the system operation timing control unit 37. Send. Further, the system operation timing control means 37 (MC) includes a display panel transfer end signal 38 from the display panel transfer operation control means 41 (BC-1) and each processing work apparatus control means 34 (AC-1 to AC-3. If each processing work end signal 35 from... Is not transmitted within a specified time, a method such as determining a system error is also conceivable.

  In addition to the embodiments of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a method is also conceivable in which each processing work device control means 34 independently controls the drive of each display panel transport positioning means 29. In this case, since the plurality of processing work device control means 34 controls the plurality of display panel transport positioning means 29, it is difficult to accurately match the movement timing between the display panel transport positioning means 29. For this reason, a measure for preventing a collision between the display panel holding means 10 at the time of the adjacent display panel transfer positioning means 29 is required.

  When each processing work device control means 34 performs drive control of each display panel transport positioning means 29 independently, the collision prevention between the display panel holding means 10 during transport in the adjacent display panel transport positioning means 29 is easily realized. An example of a control method that can be performed will be described below.

  During the operation of the display panel transport positioning means 29, when moving the display panel holding means 10 during transport to the downstream side, when moving it from the transport panel display holding means 10 at the most downstream side to the upstream side, By sequentially moving the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance on the side, collision between adjacent display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance can be prevented easily and reliably. In other words, when moving the display panel holding means 10 during transport to the downstream side, first, the processing work device control means 34 for controlling the display panel transport positioning means 29 at the most downstream side moves the display panel holding means 10 during transport downstream. The movement information is transmitted to the processing work device control means 34 'for controlling the adjacent upstream display panel conveyance positioning means 29, and sequentially transferred to the downstream side of the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance. It is a method to move. The same applies to the case where the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transport is moved to the upstream side. The processing panel control means 34 for controlling the display panel transport positioning means 29 at the most upstream side moves the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transport upstream. The movement information is transmitted to the processing work device control means 34 'for controlling the adjacent downstream display panel conveyance positioning means 29, and the movement of the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance is sequentially moved toward the upstream side. It is a method to do.

  The movement information transmitted by the processing work device control means 34 may be movement completion information of the transfer display panel holding means 10, but in this case, the movement operation of the transfer display panel holding means 10 in the entire display panel module takes time. It will take. In order to realize the moving operation of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer in the entire display panel module at a higher speed, the movement information transmitted by the processing work device control means 34 is used as the movement start information of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer. Better to do. Thereby, the processing work device control means 34 can start the movement of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transportation within a range where there is no risk of collision with the adjacent display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer. It is possible to reduce the movement operation time of the display panel holding means 10 during conveyance.

  In this method, since the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transportation does not move simultaneously, there is no concern that the necessary maximum current during acceleration / deceleration of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transportation becomes extremely large. Further, the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1) is not necessary.

  However, in this method, the operation waiting time of the display panel transfer positioning unit 29 becomes uncertain and the operation delay of the display panel transfer positioning unit 29 is inferior to the method using the display panel transfer operation control unit 41 (BC-1). Time tends to be longer. When it is necessary to reciprocate the display panel module assembling apparatus or the display panel transport positioning means 29 composed of a large number of processing work devices in a shorter time, or when it is necessary to guarantee the transport time of the display panel, etc. This method is disadvantageous compared to the method using the display panel transport operation control means 41 (BC-1).

  As described above, according to the present invention, the display panel can be conveyed and positioned in the display panel module assembling apparatus at high speed with a simple apparatus configuration. In the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, it is relatively easy to cope with a wide range of display panel sizes from small plates to large plates. Furthermore, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, the processing unit mechanism of each processing work apparatus has a plurality of processing units and expandability to high precision.

  The present invention provides a display panel module assembling apparatus that is highly adaptable to various panels and that can perform high-precision processing at high speed.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above description, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea.

1 Processing unit mechanism (A to D: Processing unit)
2 X-axis movable means of processing unit 3 Processing side holding and fixing means (A to D: processing work device)
4 Display panels (A to D: processing equipment / W: wide panel, N: narrow panel)
5 Non-processing area holding means (A to D: processing work device)
6 X-axis movable means 7 Y-axis movable means 8 Z-axis rotationally movable means 9 θ-axis rotationally movable means 10 Display panel holding means 11 at the time of conveyance of the positioning means 11 Display panel holding means support arm 12 at the time of conveyance of the positioning means Support housing for the non-processing area holding means on the side (AD: processing work device)
13 Area of each display panel conveyance positioning means (A to D: upstream-downstream processing work device)
14 Non-interference area of conveyance positioning means (A to D: upstream-downstream processing work device)
15 Holding / fixed area width 16 Holdable area 17 Entrance / exit path of column-shaped portion that supports display panel holding means during transport (IN: display panel carry-in side, OUT: display panel carry-out side)
18 End mark 19 indicating the reference position of the end of the display panel 19 Mounting position mark 20 indicating the mounting position of TAB, IC, etc. Reference mark detecting means (L, R: left / right position / 1, 2: position) of the display panel
21 Range of motion of reference mark detection means of display panel (L, R: left side, right side)
22 Movable means or guide (X axis) of reference mark detection means of display panel
Reference numeral 23: Reference mark portions (L, R: left side, right side) provided at both ends of the processing side holding and fixing means )
26 Suction chamber formed inside processing side holding and fixing means (a, b, c: suction chamber area / L, R: left side, right side)
27 Open / close valves provided in the processing side holding and fixing means (a, b, c: open / close valve types / L, R: left side, right side corresponding to the area of the suction chamber)
28 Negative pressure system 29 supplied from a suction pump or the like 29 Display panel transport positioning means (consisting of reference numerals 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
30 High-precision positioning processing unit display panel reference mark detection means 31 XYZθ movable means 32 for moving the entire high-precision positioning processing unit 32 Processing position correction means 33 of the high-precision positioning processing unit Between each processing work device control means and each processing work device Control communication signal 34 of each processing work device control means (AC-1 to AC-4)
35 Each processing work end signal (including error signals and status signals during processing work, etc.)
36 Each processing work start signal 37 System operation timing control means (MC)
38 Display panel conveyance end signal [P: Advance movement completion signal]
(Including error signals and status signals during transfer work, etc.)
39 Processing unit mechanism control means (UC-1 to UC-3) in the processing work apparatus
40 Transfer operation start signal [P: Notice signal]
41 Display panel transfer operation control means (BC-1)
42 Operation signal 43 of each driving display panel holding means driving signal 43 Detection signal 44 such as the coordinate position of each conveying display panel holding means Each driving display panel holding means driving apparatus (M-1 to M-5)
45 Sensors (S-1 to S-5) for detecting the coordinate positions of the display panel holding means B-1 to B-5 during transport
46 Processing Work Device 47 Transport / Positioning Operation Control Signal [P: Advance Movement Control Signal]
48 Each processing work device control signal 49 Transport positioning operation signal [P: Prior movement operation signal]
50 Processing work in progress signal [P: Processing work end notice signal]

Claims (24)

In a display panel module assembling apparatus that mounts electronic components by sequentially transporting a display panel between a plurality of continuous processing work devices or processing work positions and sequentially performing various processing work on the edge of the display panel.
In order to hold the display panel to be processed in each processing work device or processing work position, a uniform distance inside from the processing edge on the processing side of the display panel is elongated parallel to the processing side and in the processing side direction. The processing edge holding and fixing means that holds and fixes the entire side and the display panel lower surface area on the opposite side of the processing panel holding edge with respect to the processing edge holding and fixing means is displayed long in the direction orthogonal to the display panel processing edge direction. Non-processing area holding means comprising at least one holding member for holding the lower surface of the panel, and reciprocating between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions, and the processing work device or the processing work While comprising a plurality of display panel transport positioning means capable of positioning the display panel to a position, the display panel transport positioning means, Serial processing side holding the display panel module assembly apparatus characterized by comprising a conveying time of display panel holding means for holding the display panel lower surface area on the opposite side of the display panel processing sides with respect to the fixed unit.   2. The non-process area holding means according to claim 1, wherein the non-process area holding means is perpendicular to the display panel process side direction in the movable area of the display panel holding means during transport from the process side holding and fixing means side or the counter-process side. A display panel module assembling apparatus, characterized in that the display panel module assembling apparatus protrudes long and is a holding means for holding the display panel.   3. The transporting display panel holding means is supported by a columnar member having a cross section smaller than an outer peripheral area of a display panel holding area held by the transporting display panel holding means, and each processing operation is performed. The non-processing area holding means for holding the display panel during the processing operation at the apparatus or at the processing work position leaves a space through which the columnar member supporting the display panel holding means at the time of transport can pass, and displays during the transfer. An apparatus for assembling a display panel module, wherein the display panel module assembly apparatus is configured so as to project in a movable region of the panel holding means.   2. The at least one of the non-processing area holding means provided at each processing work device or processing work position according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a direction perpendicular to the processing edge holding and fixing means, a parallel direction, and a gravitational direction. A display panel module assembling apparatus comprising a movable means movable in the direction of.   5. The non-processing area holding means provided in each processing work device or processing work position according to claim 4, wherein the installation position and the display panel holding position are variable according to the size of the display panel to be processed and the processing side length. An apparatus for assembling a display panel module, which is possible.   2. The lower surface of the display panel according to claim 1, wherein a display panel is transported between the processing work devices or processing work positions and a display panel transport positioning means for positioning the display panel to the processing work device or the processing work position. The display panel holding means during transport includes a variable mechanism that can change the holding position of the display panel according to the size of the display panel to be processed and the position of the side to be processed. Assembly equipment.   2. The display panel holding means in the display panel transfer positioning means according to claim 1, wherein the display panel holding means at the time of holding each process from above the non-processing area holding means provided at each processing work device or processing work position when holding the display panel. When the display panel is not held, the display panel processing of each processing work device is performed from below each processing work device or the non-processing area holding means provided at the processing work position when the display panel is not held. A display panel module assembling apparatus, wherein the display panel module is moved into and out of position.   2. The display panel holding means in the display panel transfer positioning means according to claim 1, wherein the display panel holding means at the time of transfer prevents contact with the non-process area holding means that protrudes in the travel area of the display panel holding means at the time of transfer when the display panel is delivered. A display panel module assembling apparatus, wherein a relief area is formed.   2. The display panel holding means of the display panel transfer positioning means according to claim 1, wherein the display panel holding means at the time of transfer is substantially at an intermediate position between adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions capable of transferring the display panel when the display panel is not held. A display panel module assembling apparatus, wherein the display panel module is controlled to stop and wait.   2. The display according to claim 1, wherein the display panel is transported to a processing work apparatus or a processing work position by the display panel transport positioning means on the display panel processing side of the processing side holding and fixing means in the vicinity of the processing side holding and fixing means. The display panel attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of the panel substrate is provided, and the display panel conveyance positioning means controls the display panel attitude and holds the processing side according to the detection result of the display panel attitude by the display panel attitude detecting means. A display panel module assembling apparatus, wherein the display panel is positioned and delivered to a fixing means.   2. The process work holding device according to claim 1, wherein the processing edge holding and fixing means of each processing work device or processing work position is configured so that a display panel can be delivered to and from a plurality of display panel transport positioning means. Display panel module assembly device.   The processing side holding and fixing means according to claim 1, wherein the processing side holding and fixing means holds a uniform distance inside from the processing side end of the processing side of the display panel, is elongated in the processing side direction and parallel to the processing side, and covers the entire processing side. A display panel module assembling apparatus comprising a suction port for vacuum-sucking the display panel.   2. The lower surface of the display panel according to claim 1, when the display panel is transported by the display panel transport positioning means for transporting the display panel between the processing work devices or processing work positions and positioning the display panel to the processing work device or the processing work position. The display panel module assembly apparatus, wherein the holding display panel holding means for holding comprises a suction port for vacuum-sucking the display panel on a holding surface of the display panel.   2. The display panel transport positioning means according to claim 1, wherein the display panel transport positioning means is a drive means in a perpendicular direction, a vertical direction, and a rotational direction on a plurality of the processing work devices or a transport means having a long direction extending between the processing work positions. A display panel module assembling apparatus characterized by having a laminated structure.   2. The processing unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one processing work device or processing work position includes a plurality of processing units that simultaneously perform processing work on the processing side of the display panel fixed to the processing side holding and fixing means. A display panel module assembling apparatus.   The processing unit according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit that performs a processing operation on a processing side of a display panel fixed to the processing side holding and fixing means at at least one of the processing work devices or processing work positions, and The processing unit includes a processing unit position correcting unit that corrects a relative position between the processing side of the display panel and the processing unit, a display panel posture detecting unit that detects a processing side posture of a display panel substrate that performs processing, A display panel module assembly apparatus comprising processing unit position correction amount calculation means for calculating a position correction amount of each processing unit based on a detection result of the display panel attitude detection means.   17. The display panel module according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the processing unit that performs processing on the processing side of the display panel includes operating means movable in a direction parallel to the processing side direction of the display panel. Assembly equipment.   16. The display panel module according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of processing units that simultaneously perform processing operations on one side of one display panel have operating means that can move in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the processing units. Assembly equipment.   16. The processing unit operation timing control means for controlling the operation timing of the shift operation for shifting between the processing operation and the processing position of the substrate side in the plurality of processing units for simultaneously processing one side of one display panel. A display panel module assembling apparatus.   17. The processing unit according to claim 15, wherein the processing unit includes a correction unit for each processing unit position in at least one of the width direction, the thickness direction, the length direction, and the rotation direction of each axis of the display panel. In addition, the display panel module assembling apparatus, wherein the processing unit having the position correcting unit is disposed on a movable unit movable in a processing side direction of the display panel substrate. In the display panel transport device that sequentially transports the display panel to a plurality of predetermined work positions,
The predetermined work position includes
In order to hold the display panel, a predetermined side holding fixing is performed so that the inside of a uniform distance from the edge of the predetermined side of the display panel is parallel to the predetermined side and elongated in the predetermined side direction, and is held and fixed over the entire predetermined side. Means,
A display comprising at least one holding member for holding the display panel lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the display panel predetermined side direction with respect to the display panel lower surface area opposite to the predetermined side of the display panel. A panel lower surface holding means,
While reciprocally moving between the adjacent predetermined work positions, and having a plurality of display panel transport positioning means capable of positioning the display panel to the predetermined work position,
The display panel transport positioning means comprises a display panel holding means during transport for holding a display panel lower surface region opposite to the predetermined side of the display panel with respect to the predetermined side holding and fixing means. .   23. The display panel lower surface holding means according to claim 21, wherein the display panel lower surface holding means is long in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined side direction of the display panel within the movable area of the display panel holding means during transport from the predetermined side holding and fixing means side or the opposite side. A display panel transport device that is a holding means that protrudes and holds the display panel.   In Claim 22, the said display panel holding | maintenance means at the time of conveyance is supported by the columnar member of a cross section smaller than the outer peripheral area of the display panel holding | maintenance area | region hold | maintained by the said display panel holding | maintenance means at the time of conveyance. The display panel lower surface holding means for holding the display panel is arranged so as to project into a movable region of the display panel holding means during transportation, leaving a space through which the columnar member supporting the display panel holding means during transportation can pass. A display panel transport device characterized by being configured. In a display panel module assembling method for mounting electronic components by sequentially transporting a display panel between a plurality of continuous processing work devices or processing work positions and sequentially performing various processing operations on the edge of the display panel,
In order to hold the display panel to be processed in each processing work device or processing work position, a uniform distance inside from the processing edge on the processing side of the display panel is elongated parallel to the processing side and in the processing side direction. Hold and fix over the entire side,
Holding the display panel lower surface region opposite to the display panel processing side with at least one holding member that holds the display panel lower surface long in the direction orthogonal to the display panel processing side direction,
Reciprocating between each adjacent processing work device or processing work position, positioning the display panel to the processing work device or the processing work position,
A display panel module assembling method, wherein a display panel lower surface region opposite to the display panel processing side is held.

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