JP2020164282A - Panel transfer system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a panel transfer system for transferring display panels to a plurality of processing devices, in which the panel transfer system can be reduced in size even if comprising for each processing device a panel carrier for transferring a display panel to be carried to a processing device and a display panel to be carried from a processing device.SOLUTION: A panel transfer system comprises panel carriers 7, 8 for transferring liquid-crystal panels respectively for processing devices 3, 4. The panel carrier 7, 8 comprises a panel transfer mechanism 35, 55 for transferring a display panel to be carried to the processing device 3, 4 and a display panel to be carried from the processing device 3, 4, and a panel elevation mechanism 37 for ascending/descending the display panel. The panel transfer mechanism 35, 55 comprises a rest member 41, 61 on which the display panel is placed and a slide mechanism 42, 62 that horizontally moves the rest member 41, 61. The panel transfer mechanism 35 and the panel transfer mechanism 55 are deviated in position vertically.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a panel transport system that transports a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel.

Conventionally, an inspection system including an inspection device for lighting inspection of a liquid crystal panel is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The inspection system described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of inspection devices, a carry-in side conveyor (carry-in side conveyor) for transporting liquid crystal panels carried into the plurality of inspection devices, and a liquid crystal panel carried out from the plurality of inspection devices. It is equipped with a carry-out side conveyor (carry-out side conveyor). The plurality of inspection devices are arranged in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel by the conveyor. Further, the carry-in side conveyor and the carry-out side conveyor are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel by the conveyor.

JP-A-2017-198499

In the inspection system described in Patent Document 1, since the liquid crystal panels carried into a plurality of inspection devices are conveyed by a common carry-in side conveyor, if the carry-in side conveyor fails, the liquid crystal panels are applied to all of the plurality of inspection devices. It will not be possible to carry it in. Further, in the inspection system described in Patent Document 1, since the liquid crystal panels carried out from the plurality of inspection devices are conveyed by a common carry-out side conveyor, if the carry-out side conveyor fails, the liquid crystal displays are displayed from all of the plurality of inspection devices. The panel cannot be carried out.

In the inspection system described in Patent Document 1, if the carry-in side conveyor is installed for each processing device and the carry-out side conveyor is installed for each processing device (that is, the same number of carry-in side conveyors and carry-out side conveyors as a plurality of inspection devices are installed). It is possible to solve the above problem by installing the liquid crystal panel to each of the plurality of inspection devices by using each of the plurality of carry-in side conveyors and the carry-out side conveyor. However, in this case, the inspection system may become large.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is that in a panel transport system that transports a display panel to a plurality of processing devices that process the display panel, a display that conveys the display panel that is carried into the processing device and that is carried out from the processing device. An object of the present invention is to provide a panel transfer system capable of miniaturization even if a panel transfer device for transporting panels is provided for each processing device.

In order to solve the above problems, the panel transfer system of the present invention includes a plurality of panel transfer devices that transfer the display panel to each of the plurality of processing devices that process the display panel, and the panel transfer device processes the display panels. A panel transport mechanism for transporting the display panel carried into the device and the display panel carried out from the processing device, and a panel for carrying the display panel into the processing device and carrying out the display panel from the processing device. It is equipped with a carry-in / carry-out mechanism and a panel elevating mechanism for raising and lowering the display panel. The panel transport mechanism includes a mounting member on which the display panel is mounted and a slide mechanism for linearly moving the mounting member in the horizontal direction. The panel loading / unloading mechanism includes a first panel gripping portion that grips the display panel, the first panel gripping portion is arranged above the mounting member, and the panel elevating mechanism is mounted on the mounting member. The display panel was raised and delivered to the first panel gripping portion, and the display panel received from the first panel gripping portion was lowered and mounted on the mounting member, and the moving direction of the mounting member was set to the first direction. Assuming that the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the vertical direction is the second direction, the plurality of panel transfer devices are arranged along the first direction, and the panel transfer mechanisms of the plurality of panel transfer devices are arranged in the vertical direction. The panel loading / unloading mechanisms included in the plurality of panel transporting devices are arranged in a displaced state, and are characterized in that they are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction.

In the panel transport system of the present invention, each of the plurality of panel transport devices for transporting the display panel to each of the plurality of processing devices transports the display panel carried into the processing device and displays the display panel carried out from the processing device. A panel transport mechanism for transporting the panel is provided, and the panel transport mechanism includes a mounting member on which the display panel is mounted and a slide mechanism for linearly moving the mounting member in the horizontal direction. .. Therefore, in the present invention, in each of the plurality of panel transfer devices, the transfer of the display panel carried into the processing device and the transfer of the display panel carried out from the processing device are carried out by using a common mounting member and a slide mechanism. It will be possible to do.

Therefore, in the present invention, the mounting member and the slide mechanism for transporting the display panel carried into the processing device and the mounting member and the sliding mechanism for transporting the display panel carried out from the processing device are panel-conveyed. It is possible to reduce the size of the panel transfer device as compared with the case where the device is provided. Further, in the present invention, since it is possible to miniaturize a plurality of panel transfer devices, the panel transfer system transports the display panel carried into the processing device and the display panel carried out from the processing device. Even if a panel transfer device is provided for each processing device, the panel transfer system can be miniaturized.

Further, in the present invention, since the panel transfer mechanisms included in the plurality of panel transfer devices are arranged in a state of being displaced from each other in the vertical direction, it becomes easy to arrange the plurality of panel transfer mechanisms. Further, in the present invention, the panel transport device includes a panel elevating mechanism for raising and lowering the display panel, and the panel elevating mechanism is the first of the panel loading / unloading mechanism for raising the display panel mounted on the mounting member. Since the display panel received from the first panel gripping portion is lowered and mounted on the mounting member while being handed over to the panel gripping portion, even if a plurality of panel transport mechanisms are mutually in the vertical direction, in the vertical direction. It is possible to deliver the display panel at the same height to each of the plurality of panel loading / unloading mechanisms arranged at the same position. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to make the configuration of the panel loading / unloading mechanism of the plurality of panel transporting devices a common configuration, and it is possible to simplify the configuration and control of the panel loading / unloading mechanism.

Further, in the present invention, since it is possible to deliver the display panel to each of the plurality of panel loading / unloading mechanisms arranged at the same position in the vertical direction at the same height, the plurality of panel loading / unloading mechanisms It becomes possible to deliver the display panel at the same height between each of the above and each of the plurality of processing devices. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to make the configuration of the delivery portion of the display panel of the plurality of processing devices common.

In the present invention, for example, the panel loading / unloading mechanism includes a main body portion that holds the first panel grip portion up and down and rotatably, and a grip portion elevating mechanism that raises and lowers the first panel grip portion with respect to the main body portion. It is provided with a grip portion rotating mechanism that rotates the first panel grip portion with respect to the main body portion with the vertical direction as the axial direction of rotation.

In the present invention, it is preferable that at least a part of the plurality of panel transport mechanisms arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the vertical direction are arranged at the same position in the second direction. With this configuration, even if the panel transfer system includes a plurality of panel transfer devices arranged along the first direction, the panel transfer system can be miniaturized in the second direction.

In the present invention, the plurality of panel transport mechanisms arranged so as to be offset from each other in the vertical direction are arranged at the same position in the second direction, and the plurality of panel loading / unloading mechanisms arranged at the same position in the vertical direction are the first. It is preferable that they are arranged at the same position in two directions. With this configuration, even if the panel transfer system includes a plurality of panel transfer devices arranged along the first direction, the panel transfer system can be further miniaturized in the second direction.

In the present invention, the panel elevating mechanism includes a second panel grip portion that grips the display panel, and the second panel grip portion displays before the display panel is delivered to the first panel grip portion and from the first panel grip portion. Before receiving the panel, it is preferable to rise to a standby position higher than the position where the mounting member is arranged in the vertical direction and wait. With this configuration, the cycle time of the panel transfer device can be shortened.

In the present invention, the panel transfer system includes a panel supply unit that supplies a display panel before being processed by a processing device, and a panel delivery mechanism that receives a display panel supplied from the panel supply unit and mounts it on a mounting member. The panel delivery mechanism includes a third panel grip portion that grips the display panel, a first grip portion slide mechanism that raises and lowers the third panel grip portion, and a second panel grip portion that moves the third panel grip portion in the second direction. It is preferable that the display panel is mounted on a mounting member having a gripping portion slide mechanism and a plurality of panel transporting devices. With this configuration, even if the plurality of panel transport mechanisms are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the vertical direction, the display panel can be delivered to the plurality of panel transport mechanisms using a common panel delivery mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the panel transfer system.

In the present invention, the panel supply unit includes, for example, a conveyor that conveys a display panel.

In the present invention, for example, the panel supply unit includes a panel supply mechanism that receives the display panel mounted on the conveyor and supplies it to the panel delivery mechanism, and the conveyor conveys the display panel toward one side in the first direction. When viewed from the first direction, the conveyor and the panel transfer mechanism are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction, the conveyor and the panel delivery mechanism are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction, and the panel supply mechanism is arranged adjacent to the conveyor and the panel. It is located above the panel delivery mechanism.

In the present invention, the panel transfer system includes a panel collecting unit in which the display panel after being processed by the processing apparatus is collected, one of the first directions is the third direction, and the opposite direction of the third direction is the fourth direction. Then, the panel collecting unit is arranged at the end of the panel transfer system in the third direction, the plurality of processing devices are arranged in the first direction, and the panel transfer mechanism included in the plurality of panel transfer devices is a processing device. The panel transport device that transports the processed display panel to the panel collection unit and at least conveys the display panel to the processing device arranged on the fourthmost direction side of the plurality of processing devices is the first. It is preferable to include a plurality of panel transfer mechanisms arranged in the direction and a panel transfer mechanism for delivering the display panel from one of the two adjacent panel transfer mechanisms in the first direction to the other. With this configuration, in the panel transport device that transports the display panel to the processing device arranged on the fourthmost direction side, compared with the case where the display panel is transported to the panel collection unit by one panel transport mechanism. Therefore, the cycle time of this panel transfer device can be shortened.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the panel transport system includes a dustproof cover arranged between the slide mechanism and the mounting member in order to prevent dust from adhering to the display panel mounted on the mounting member. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent dust generated by the slide mechanism from adhering to the display panel mounted on the mounting member.

In the present invention, the panel transfer system preferably includes a suction mechanism that sucks air in the space where the slide mechanism is arranged. With such a configuration, it is possible to more effectively prevent dust generated by the slide mechanism from adhering to the display panel mounted on the mounting member.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the panel transport system includes a detection mechanism for detecting whether or not the display panel is mounted on the mounting member at the stop position of the mounting member. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the panel transfer system based on the detection result of the detection mechanism. Further, in this configuration, in order to detect whether or not the display panel is mounted on the mounting member at the stop position of the mounting member, the display panel is mounted on the mounting member by the detection mechanism. It becomes possible to accurately detect whether or not there is.

In the present invention, the processing device is, for example, an inspection device for lighting inspection of a display panel.

As described above, in the panel transport system for transporting the display panel to a plurality of processing devices that process the display panel, the panel transport system transports and processes the display panel carried into the processing device. Even if each processing device is provided with a panel transfer device for transporting the display panel carried out from the device, the panel transfer system can be miniaturized.

It is a perspective view of the panel transfer system and the processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the panel transfer system and the processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the structure of the panel transfer system shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the part E of FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the operation of the panel supply mechanism shown in FIG. It is a front view for demonstrating the structure of the panel transfer system from the FF direction of FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the operation of the panel delivery mechanism shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the G part of FIG.

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

(Outline configuration of panel transfer system)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel transfer system 1 and inspection devices 3 and 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the panel transfer system 1 and the inspection devices 3 and 4 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the panel transfer system 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part E in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of the robot 17 shown in FIG.

The panel transfer system 1 of this embodiment is used by being incorporated in a production line of a relatively small liquid crystal display used in a portable device or the like. The panel transport system 1 transports the liquid crystal panel 2 which is a display panel. Specifically, the panel transport system 1 carries in the liquid crystal panel 2 into the inspection devices 3 and 4 for inspecting the liquid crystal panel 2 and carries out the liquid crystal panel 2 from the inspection devices 3 and 4. Further, the panel transfer system 1 carries in the liquid crystal panel 2 to the two inspection devices 3 and 4 and carries out the liquid crystal panel 2 from the two inspection devices 3 and 4. The liquid crystal panel 2 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The inspection devices 3 and 4 of this embodiment are processing devices that process the liquid crystal panel 2.

The panel transfer system 1 includes a plurality of panel transfer devices 7 and 8 that transfer the liquid crystal panel 2 to the inspection devices 3 and 4. The panel transfer system 1 of this embodiment includes two panel transfer devices 7 and 8. That is, the number of panel transfer devices 7 and 8 included in the panel transfer system 1 is equal to the number of inspection devices 3 and 4. Each of the two panel transfer devices 7 and 8 conveys the liquid crystal panel 2 to each of the two inspection devices 3 and 4. Specifically, the panel transfer device 7 conveys the liquid crystal panel 2 to the inspection device 3, and the panel transfer device 8 conveys the liquid crystal panel 2 to the inspection device 4. As described above, the panel transfer system 1 includes panel transfer devices 7 and 8 for each of the inspection devices 3 and 4.

Further, the panel transfer system 1 is supplied from the panel supply unit 10 for supplying the liquid crystal panel 2 before being inspected by the inspection devices 3 and 4 (that is, before being processed by the inspection devices 3 and 4) and the panel supply unit 10. The panel delivery mechanism 11 that receives the supplied liquid crystal panel 2 and delivers it to the panel transfer devices 7 and 8, and the liquid crystal panel after being inspected by the inspection devices 3 and 4 (that is, after being processed by the inspection devices 3 and 4). It is provided with a panel collecting unit 12 from which 2 is collected.

The two inspection devices 3 and 4 are arranged in the horizontal direction. In the following description, the X direction of FIG. 1 and the like, which is the arrangement direction of the two inspection devices 3 and 4, is defined as the "front-back direction", and the Y direction of FIG. ". Further, the X1 direction side of FIG. 1 etc., which is one side in the front-rear direction, is the "front" side, and the X2 direction of FIG. 1 etc., which is the opposite side, is the "rear" side, and is one side in the left-right direction. The Y1 direction side of the above is the "right" side, and the opposite side, the Y2 direction side of FIG. 1 and the like, is the "left" side.

The inspection devices 3 and 4 are arranged in this order from the front side to the back side. That is, the inspection device 3 is arranged on the front side, and the inspection device 4 is arranged on the rear side. The inspection devices 3 and 4 are lighting inspection devices for lighting inspection of the liquid crystal panel 2. In the inspection devices 3 and 4, for example, the two panel mounting portions 13 on which the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted, the holding portion holding the two panel mounting portions 13, and the vertical direction as the axial direction of rotation are used. It is provided with a rotation mechanism for rotating the holding portion and a housing in which the inside becomes a dark room during a lighting inspection of the liquid crystal panel 2.

Inside the housing, a backlight and a camera for inspecting the lighting of the liquid crystal panel 2 are installed. For example, two liquid crystal panels 2 are mounted on the panel mounting portion 13. The rotation mechanism is such that one of the two panel mounting portions 13 is arranged outside the housing and the other panel mounting portion 13 is arranged inside the housing. , One panel mounting portion 13 is arranged inside the housing, and the panel holding portion is rotated between the position where the other panel mounting portion 13 is arranged outside the housing. The panel mounting portion 13 arranged outside the housing is arranged on the right side of the housing.

The panel supply unit 10 is arranged on the right side of the inspection device 3 and is arranged at the front end portion of the panel transfer system 1. The panel supply unit 10 includes a conveyor 16 that conveys the liquid crystal panel 2, and a robot 17 as a panel supply mechanism that receives the liquid crystal panel 2 mounted on the conveyor 16 and supplies it to the panel delivery mechanism 11. The conveyor 16 conveys the liquid crystal panel 2 toward the rear side. The panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged behind the conveyor 16. That is, the conveyor 16 and the panel delivery mechanism 11 are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. Further, the panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged between the inspection device 3 and the inspection device 4 in the front-rear direction. The specific configuration of the panel delivery mechanism 11 will be described later.

The conveyor 16 is a roller conveyor. The conveyor 16 is composed of a plurality of divided conveyors 18 to 22 that are divided in the front-rear direction. For example, the conveyor 16 is composed of five split conveyors 18-22. The split conveyors 18 to 22 are arranged in this order from the front side to the rear side. The split conveyors 18 to 22 can be individually driven. The conveyor 16 may be a belt conveyor.

The robot 17 is arranged above the conveyor 16 and the panel delivery mechanism 11. Specifically, the robot 17 is arranged above the split conveyors 20, 21 and the panel delivery mechanism 11. The robot 17 is a so-called two-axis orthogonal robot, and moves the panel grip portion 23 that sucks and grips the liquid crystal panel 2 from above, the slide mechanism that raises and lowers the panel grip portion 23, and the panel grip portion 23 in the front-rear direction. It is equipped with a slide mechanism. The panel gripping portion 23 grips the two liquid crystal panels 2. The two liquid crystal panels 2 gripped by the panel gripping portion 23 are arranged in the front-rear direction.

The robot 17 grips one liquid crystal panel 2 transported to the split conveyor 21 and one liquid crystal panel 2 transported to the split conveyor 22 by the panel gripping portion 23 (see FIG. 5A). After raising the panel grip portion 23, the panel grip portion 23 is moved to the rear side to supply the two liquid crystal panels 2 to the panel delivery mechanism 11 (see FIG. 5 (B)). That is, the panel gripping portion 23 reciprocates in the front-rear direction between a position where the liquid crystal panel 2 can be received from the split conveyors 21 and 22 and a position where the liquid crystal panel 2 can be delivered to the panel delivery mechanism 11. As described above, the split conveyors 18 to 22 can be driven individually, and the split conveyor 21 and the split conveyor 22 are driven individually, and the two liquid crystal panels 2 are attracted to the panel gripping portion 23. Align.

The panel collecting unit 12 is arranged at the rear end of the panel transport system 1. Further, most of the panel collecting unit 12 is arranged behind the inspection device 4. The panel collection unit 12 includes a plurality of tray arrangement units 27 in which trays 26 (see FIG. 2) are stacked in a plurality of stages, a conveyor 28 that conveys the liquid crystal panel 2, and conveyors from the panel transfer devices 7 and 8. A robot 29 that conveys the liquid crystal panel 2 to the tray 28 and a robot 30 that conveys the liquid crystal panel 2 from the conveyor 28 to the tray 26 are provided. In FIG. 3, the tray arrangement portion 27 is not shown.

The tray 26 houses the liquid crystal panel 2 after the inspection by the inspection devices 3 and 4. The tray 26 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and a recess for accommodating the liquid crystal panel 2 is formed on the upper surface of the tray 26. A plurality of liquid crystal panels 2 are housed in the tray 26 in a state where they do not overlap in the vertical direction. The tray arranging unit 27 includes a tray elevating mechanism for elevating and lowering the tray 26.

The conveyor 28 is a roller conveyor. The conveyor 28 conveys the liquid crystal panel 2 toward the rear side. The conveyor 28 is arranged at the same position as the conveyor 16 in the left-right direction. The upper end of the roller of the conveyor 28 and the upper end of the roller of the conveyor 16 are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction. The conveyor 28 may be a belt conveyor.

The robot 29 is arranged above the rear ends of the panel transfer devices 7 and 8 and the front end of the conveyor 28. The robot 29 is a so-called three-axis orthogonal robot, and has a panel grip portion 31 (see FIG. 3) that sucks and grips the liquid crystal panel 2 from above, a slide mechanism that raises and lowers the panel grip portion 31, and a panel grip portion 31. It includes a slide mechanism for moving the panel grip portion 31 in the front-rear direction and a slide mechanism for moving the panel grip portion 31 in the left-right direction. The panel gripping portion 31 grips the two liquid crystal panels 2. The robot 29 receives the inspected liquid crystal panel 2 from the panel transfer devices 7 and 8, and places the liquid crystal panel 2 on the front end of the conveyor 28.

The robot 30 is arranged at the rear end of the conveyor 28 and above the tray arrangements 27. The robot 30 is a so-called three-axis orthogonal robot, and has a panel grip portion 32 (see FIG. 3) that sucks and grips the liquid crystal panel 2 from above, a slide mechanism that raises and lowers the panel grip portion 32, and a panel grip portion 32. It includes a slide mechanism for moving the panel grip portion 32 in the front-rear direction and a slide mechanism for moving the panel grip portion 32 in the left-right direction. The panel gripping portion 32 grips one liquid crystal panel 2.

The robot 30 receives the inspected liquid crystal panel 2 from the rear end of the conveyor 28, and accommodates the liquid crystal panel 2 in the tray 26 arranged at the uppermost stage of the tray arrangement portion 27. Specifically, the robot 30 conveys the liquid crystal panel 2 after the inspection to the tray arranging unit 27 selected according to the inspection results of the inspection devices 3 and 4, and arranges the liquid crystal panel 2 after the inspection at the uppermost stage of the tray arranging unit 27. The liquid crystal panel 2 is housed in the tray 26.

(Configuration of panel transfer device and panel delivery mechanism)
FIG. 6 is a front view for explaining the configuration of the panel transfer system 1 from the FF direction of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of the panel delivery mechanism 11 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the G portion of FIG.

The panel transfer devices 7 and 8 are arranged on the right side of the inspection devices 3 and 4. Further, the panel transfer devices 7 and 8 are arranged on the left side of the conveyors 16 and 28 when viewed from the front-rear direction. The panel transfer devices 7 and 8 are arranged along the front-rear direction. The panel transport device 7 includes a panel transport mechanism 35 for transporting the liquid crystal panel 2 carried into the inspection device 3 and transporting the liquid crystal panel 2 carried out from the inspection device 3. Further, the panel transfer device 7 includes a robot 36 as a panel loading / unloading mechanism for loading / unloading the liquid crystal panel 2 into the inspection device 3 and unloading the liquid crystal panel 2 from the inspection device 3, and a panel elevating / lowering mechanism for raising / lowering the liquid crystal panel 2. It includes mechanisms 37 to 39.

The panel transfer device 7 of this embodiment includes a plurality of panel transfer mechanisms 35. Specifically, the panel transfer device 7 includes two panel transfer mechanisms 35 (see FIG. 3). The two panel transport mechanisms 35 are arranged in the front-rear direction. The two panel transport mechanisms 35 are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. In the following description, when the two panel transfer mechanisms 35 are distinguished from each other, the panel transfer mechanism 35 arranged on the front side is referred to as "panel transfer mechanism 35A", and the panel transfer mechanism 35 arranged on the rear side is referred to as "panel transfer mechanism 35A". Panel transport mechanism 35B ".

The panel transport mechanism 35 includes a mounting member 41 on which the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted, and a slide mechanism 42 that linearly moves the mounting member 41 in the horizontal direction. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the panel transport mechanism 35 and the conveyor 16 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The mounting member 41 is formed in a flat plate shape. The mounting member 41 is arranged so that the thickness direction and the vertical direction of the mounting member 41 coincide with each other. The mounting member 41 is arranged below the conveyor 16.

Two liquid crystal panels 2 can be mounted on the mounting member 41. The mounting member 41 is formed with a notch 41a through which the panel gripping portions 44 and 64, which will be described later, pass when the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted on the mounting member 41. The notch portions 41a are formed at two locations with a gap in the front-rear direction. Further, the notch portion 41a is formed from the right end surface of the mounting member 41 toward the left side.

The slide mechanism 42 is attached to the frame 43 of the panel transfer system 1. The slide mechanism 42 reciprocates the mounting member 41 in the front-rear direction. That is, the front-rear direction is the moving direction of the mounting member 41. The front-rear direction (X direction) of this embodiment is the first direction which is the moving direction of the mounting member 41. Further, the left-right direction (Y direction) is a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the up-down direction. Further, the rear direction (X2 direction) is the third direction, which is one of the first directions, and the front direction (X1 direction) is the fourth direction, which is the opposite direction of the third direction.

The slide mechanism 42 includes, for example, a motor, a pulley and a belt that are rotated by the power of the motor, and a guide mechanism that guides the mounting member 41 in the front-rear direction. The left end of the mounting member 41 is attached to the slide mechanism 42. The slide mechanism 42 may be provided with a ball screw instead of the pulley and the belt.

As will be described later, the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged at a position where the rear end portion of the panel transport mechanism 35A and the front end portion of the panel transport mechanism 35B are arranged in the front-rear direction. The mounting member 41 of the panel transport mechanism 35A is movable in the front-rear direction between the position where the panel mounting portion 13 is arranged and the position where the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged. The slide mechanism 42 of the panel transport mechanism 35A is installed between a position slightly in front of the position where the panel mounting portion 13 is arranged in the front-rear direction and a position where the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged in the front-rear direction. Has been done.

Further, the mounting member 41 of the panel transport mechanism 35B can move between the position where the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged and the position where the robot 29 is arranged in the front-rear direction. The slide mechanism 42 of the panel transport mechanism 35B is installed between the position where the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged in the front-rear direction and the position slightly behind the position where the robot 29 is arranged in the front-rear direction. There is.

The panel transport mechanism 35 transports the liquid crystal panel 2 received from the panel delivery mechanism 11 to the front side to a position where it can be delivered to the robot 36. Specifically, the panel transport mechanism 35A transports the uninspected liquid crystal panel 2 received from the panel delivery mechanism 11 to the front side to a position where it can be delivered to the robot 36. Further, the two panel transport mechanisms 35 transport the inspected liquid crystal panel 2 carried out from the inspection device 3 to the rear side to a position where it can be delivered to the robot 29. That is, the panel transport mechanism 35 transports the liquid crystal panel 2 after being inspected by the inspection device 3 to the panel recovery unit 12.

The panel elevating mechanism 37 is arranged at the same position as the panel mounting portion 13 in the front-rear direction. Further, the panel elevating mechanism 37 is arranged on the right side of the slide mechanism 42. The panel elevating mechanism 37 includes a panel grip portion 44 as a second panel grip portion that grips the liquid crystal panel 2, and a slide mechanism 45 that moves the panel grip portion 44 in the vertical direction. The panel elevating mechanism 37 of the present embodiment includes two panel gripping portions 44 formed in a flat plate shape. The panel grip portion 44 is arranged so that the thickness direction and the vertical direction of the panel grip portion 44 coincide with each other. The panel gripping portion 44 sucks and grips the liquid crystal panel 2 from below. The two panel grip portions 44 are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

The slide mechanism 45 includes, for example, a motor, a ball screw having a screw shaft that rotates by the power of the motor and a nut member that engages with the screw shaft, and a guide mechanism that guides the panel grip portion 44 in the vertical direction. .. The right end of the panel grip 44 is attached to the slide mechanism 45. The panel grip portion 44 can be moved upward from the position where the mounting member 41 is arranged in the vertical direction. Further, the panel gripping portion 44 is movable in the vertical direction above the position where the mounting member 61 described later is arranged. Further, the panel gripping portion 44 is movable in the vertical direction below the position where the mounting member 41 is arranged.

The robot 36 grips the panel 46 as the first panel grip that grips the liquid crystal panel 2, the main body 47 that holds the panel grip 46 up and down and rotatably, and the panel grip with respect to the main body 47. It includes a grip portion elevating mechanism for raising and lowering the portion 46, and a grip portion rotating mechanism for rotating the panel grip portion with respect to the main body portion 47 with the vertical direction as the axial direction of rotation. The main body portion 47 is arranged at the same position as the panel mounting portion 13 in the front-rear direction. That is, the main body 47 is arranged at the same position as the panel elevating mechanism 37 in the front-rear direction. Further, the main body portion 47 is arranged on the left side of the panel mounting portion 13 and is arranged on the upper side of the left end portion of the slide mechanism 42.

The panel grip portion 46 is arranged above the mounting member 41. The panel gripping portion 46 sucks and grips the liquid crystal panel 2 from above. The robot 36 of this embodiment includes two panel gripping portions 46. The two panel grip portions 46 are arranged at a pitch of 180 ° with respect to the center of the main body portion 47 when viewed from above. The two panel grips 46 are connected by a connecting member 48. The panel gripping portion 46 grips the two liquid crystal panels 2. The grip portion elevating mechanism and the grip portion rotating mechanism are housed inside the main body portion 47. When viewed from above, the grip portion rotating mechanism rotates the two panel grip portions 46 with the center of the main body portion 47 as the center of rotation.

The panel elevating mechanism 37 holds the two liquid crystal panels 2 before inspection mounted on the mounting member 41 which is stopped at the position where the panel mounting portion 13 is arranged in the front-rear direction from the lower side of the panel grip portion 44. After grasping with, the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection are raised by a predetermined amount. Specifically, the panel elevating mechanism 37 raises the two liquid crystal panels 2 above the mounting member 61 described later. The robot 36 grips the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection gripped by the panel gripping portion 44 by the panel gripping portion 46, and the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection mounted on the panel mounting portion 13. Is gripped by the panel gripping portion 46, the panel gripping portion 46 is raised by a predetermined amount, and then the panel gripping portion 46 is rotated by 180 °.

After that, the robot 36 mounts the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection gripped by the panel gripping portion 46 on the panel mounting portion 13. Further, the robot 36 places the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection gripped by the panel grip portion 46 on the panel grip portion 44. That is, the panel elevating mechanism 37 receives the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection gripped by the panel grip portion 46 from the panel grip portion 46 and grips them by the panel grip portion 44. After that, the panel elevating mechanism 37 lowers the panel grip portion 44 to mount the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection on the mounting member 41.

In this way, the panel elevating mechanism 37 raises the liquid crystal panel 2 before inspection mounted on the mounting member 41 and delivers it to the panel gripping portion 46, and the liquid crystal panel 2 after inspection received from the panel gripping portion 46. Is lowered and mounted on the mounting member 41. In the present embodiment, the panel grip portion 44 is located at a position where the mounting member 41 is arranged in the vertical direction before the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered to the panel grip portion 46 and before the liquid crystal panel 2 is received from the panel grip portion 46. Also rises to a high standby position and is waiting. The standby position is higher than the position where the mounting member 61 described later is arranged in the vertical direction. Further, the standby position is, for example, a vertical position when the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered between the panel grip portion 44 and the panel grip portion 46 (that is, the liquid crystal display between the panel elevating mechanism 37 and the robot 36). The position is 20 (mm) lower than the vertical position when the panel 2 is delivered.

The panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged at a position where the rear end portion of the panel transport mechanism 35A and the front end portion of the panel transport mechanism 35B are arranged in the front-rear direction. Further, the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged on the right side of the slide mechanism 42. The panel elevating mechanism 38 is configured in the same manner as the panel elevating mechanism 37. That is, the panel elevating mechanism 38 includes two panel gripping portions that attract and grip the liquid crystal panel 2 from below, and a slide mechanism 45 that moves the panel gripping portions in the vertical direction.

The panel grip portion of the panel elevating mechanism 38 can be moved upward from the position where the mounting member 41 is arranged in the vertical direction, and is lower than the position where the mounting member 41 is arranged in the vertical direction. It is possible to move to. The panel elevating mechanism 38 receives the liquid crystal panel 2 from the mounting member 41 of the panel transport mechanism 35A that is stopped at the position where the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged in the front-rear direction. After that, the panel elevating mechanism 38 raises and lowers the panel gripping portion, and delivers the liquid crystal panel 2 to the mounting member 41 of the panel transport mechanism 35B which is stopped at the position where the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged in the front-rear direction. The panel elevating mechanism 38 of the present embodiment is a panel delivery mechanism that delivers the liquid crystal panel 2 from the panel transport mechanism 35A adjacent in the front-rear direction to the panel transport mechanism 35B.

The panel elevating mechanism 39 is arranged at a position where the robot 29 is arranged in the front-rear direction. Further, the panel elevating mechanism 39 is arranged on the right side of the slide mechanism 42. The panel elevating mechanism 39 is configured in substantially the same manner as the panel elevating mechanism 37. That is, the panel elevating mechanism 39 includes two panel gripping portions that attract and grip the liquid crystal panel 2 from below, and a slide mechanism 45 that moves the panel gripping portions in the vertical direction.

The panel grip portion of the panel elevating mechanism 39 can be moved upward from the position where the mounting member 41 is arranged in the vertical direction, and is lower than the position where the mounting member 41 is arranged in the vertical direction. It is possible to move to. Further, the panel gripping portion of the panel elevating mechanism 39 can be moved upward in the vertical direction from the position where the mounting member 61 described later is arranged.

The panel elevating mechanism 39 receives the liquid crystal panel 2 from the mounting member 41 of the panel transport mechanism 35B that is stopped at the position where the robot 29 is arranged in the front-rear direction. After that, the panel elevating mechanism 39 raises the panel grip portion above the mounting member 61 described later, and delivers the liquid crystal panel 2 to the robot 29. In this embodiment, the height of the liquid crystal panel 2 when the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered from the panel elevating mechanism 39 to the robot 29 and the liquid crystal panel 2 when the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered between the panel elevating mechanism 37 and the robot 36. The height of the liquid crystal panel 2 is the same.

In this way, the panel transport mechanism 35A transports the liquid crystal panel 2 received from the panel elevating mechanism 37 to the rear side to a position where it can be delivered to the panel elevating mechanism 38. That is, the slide mechanism 42 of the panel transport mechanism 35A is a mounting member in the front-rear direction between a position where the liquid crystal panel 2 can be received from the panel elevating mechanism 37 and a position where the liquid crystal panel 2 can be delivered to the panel elevating mechanism 38. Move 41 back and forth. Further, the panel transport mechanism 35B transports the liquid crystal panel 2 received from the panel elevating mechanism 38 to the rear side to a position where it can be delivered to the panel elevating mechanism 39. That is, the slide mechanism 42 of the panel transport mechanism 35B is a mounting member in the front-rear direction between a position where the liquid crystal panel 2 can be received from the panel elevating mechanism 38 and a position where the liquid crystal panel 2 can be delivered to the panel elevating mechanism 39. Move 41 back and forth.

The panel transfer device 8 is configured in substantially the same manner as the panel transfer device 7. In the following description of the configuration of the panel transfer device 8, the same components as those of the panel transfer device 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the configuration of the panel transfer device 8 is mainly focused on the differences from the panel transfer device 7. Will be explained. The panel transfer device 8 includes one panel transfer mechanism 55 for transporting the liquid crystal panel 2 carried into the inspection device 4 and for transporting the liquid crystal panel 2 carried out from the inspection device 4. Further, the panel transfer device 8 includes a robot 36 and panel elevating mechanisms 37 and 39.

The panel transport mechanism 55 includes a mounting member 61 on which the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted, and a slide mechanism 62 that linearly moves the mounting member 61 in the horizontal direction. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the panel transport mechanism 55 and the conveyor 16 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The mounting member 61 is configured in substantially the same manner as the mounting member 41. The left end of the mounting member 61 is attached to the slide mechanism 62.

The slide mechanism 62 is attached to the frame 43 of the panel transfer system 1. The slide mechanism 62 reciprocates the mounting member 61 in the front-rear direction. The slide mechanism 62 is configured in substantially the same manner as the slide mechanism 42. However, the amount of movement of the mounting member 61 by the slide mechanism 62 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the amount of movement of the mounting member 41 by the two slide mechanisms 42 in the front-rear direction, and the length of the slide mechanism 62 in the front-rear direction. The length is shorter than the total length of the two slide mechanisms 42 in the front-rear direction.

The mounting member 61 is movable in the front-rear direction between the position where the panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged and the position where the robot 29 is arranged. The slide mechanism 62 is installed between the position where the panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged in the front-rear direction and the position where the robot 29 is arranged in the front-rear direction. The rear end portion of the slide mechanism 62 is arranged on the front side of the rear end portion of the slide mechanism 42.

The panel transport mechanism 55 transports the liquid crystal panel 2 before inspection received from the panel transfer mechanism 11 to the rear side to a position where it can be delivered to the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 8. Further, the panel transport mechanism 55 transports the inspected liquid crystal panel 2 carried out from the inspection device 4 to the rear side to a position where it can be delivered to the robot 29. That is, the panel transport mechanism 55 transports the liquid crystal panel 2 after being inspected by the inspection device 4 to the panel recovery unit 12.

The panel transport mechanism 55 is arranged so as to be displaced from the panel transport mechanism 35 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the panel transport mechanism 55 is arranged above the panel transport mechanism 35. Further, at least a part of the panel transfer mechanism 55 and at least a part of the panel transfer mechanism 35 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the panel transport mechanism 55 and the panel transport mechanism 35 are arranged at the same positions in the left-right direction.

Specifically, the mounting member 61 and the mounting member 41 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction, and the slide mechanism 62 and the slide mechanism 42 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction. That is, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the mounting member 61 is arranged directly above the mounting member 41, and the slide mechanism 62 is arranged directly above the slide mechanism 42. Further, the mounting member 61 is arranged below the rollers of the conveyor 16.

The robot 36 of the panel transfer device 8 is arranged at the same position as the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 7 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The main body 47 of the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 8 is arranged at the same position as the panel mounting portion 13 of the inspection device 4 in the front-rear direction. The panel elevating mechanism 37 of the panel transport device 8 is arranged at the same position as the panel mounting portion 13 of the inspection device 4 in the front-rear direction. Further, the panel elevating mechanism 37 is arranged at the same position as the panel elevating mechanism 37 of the panel transport device 7 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The panel grip portion 44 of the panel transfer device 8 can be moved upward from the position where the mounting member 61 is arranged in the vertical direction. Further, the panel grip portion 44 is movable in the vertical direction below the position where the mounting member 61 is arranged.

In the panel transfer device 8, the panel elevating mechanism 37 is mounted on the mounting member 61 which is stopped at the position where the panel mounting portion 13 of the inspection device 4 is arranged in the front-rear direction. After the panel 2 is gripped by the panel gripping portion 44 from below, the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection are raised by a predetermined amount. The robot 36 grips the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection gripped by the panel gripping portion 44 by the panel gripping portion 46, and the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection mounted on the panel mounting portion 13. Is gripped by the panel gripping portion 46, the panel gripping portion 46 is raised by a predetermined amount, and then the panel gripping portion 46 is rotated by 180 °.

After that, the robot 36 mounts the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection gripped by the panel gripping portion 46 on the panel mounting portion 13. Further, the robot 36 places the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection gripped by the panel grip portion 46 on the panel grip portion 44. That is, the panel elevating mechanism 37 receives the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection gripped by the panel grip portion 46 from the panel grip portion 46 and grips them by the panel grip portion 44. After that, the panel elevating mechanism 37 lowers the panel grip portion 44 to mount the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection on the mounting member 61.

In this way, the panel elevating mechanism 37 of the panel transport device 8 raises the liquid crystal panel 2 before inspection mounted on the mounting member 61 and delivers it to the panel gripping portion 46, and also receives the inspection received from the panel gripping portion 46. The rear liquid crystal panel 2 is lowered and mounted on the mounting member 61. In this embodiment, the height of the liquid crystal panel 2 when the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered between the panel elevating mechanism 37 and the robot 36 in the panel transfer device 8 and the panel elevating mechanism 37 and the robot 36 in the panel transfer device 7. The height of the liquid crystal panel 2 when the liquid crystal panel 2 is handed over is the same height.

Similar to the panel transfer device 7, in the panel transfer device 8, the panel grip portion 44 is in the vertical direction before the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered to the panel grip portion 46 and before the liquid crystal panel 2 is received from the panel grip portion 46. It rises to a standby position higher than the position where the mounting member 61 is arranged and stands by. The standby position is, for example, a vertical position when the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered between the panel grip portion 44 and the panel grip portion 46 (that is, the liquid crystal panel 2 between the panel elevating mechanism 37 and the robot 36). Is 20 (mm) lower than the vertical position when the is delivered.

The panel elevating mechanism 39 of the panel transfer device 8 is arranged at a position where the robot 29 is arranged in the front-rear direction. Further, the panel elevating mechanism 39 is arranged on the front side of the panel elevating mechanism 39 of the panel transport device 7. In the panel transport device 8, the panel gripping portion of the panel elevating mechanism 39 can be moved upward from the position where the mounting member 61 is arranged in the vertical direction, and the mounting member 61 is arranged in the vertical direction. It is possible to move below the position.

The panel elevating mechanism 39 of the panel transfer device 8 receives the liquid crystal panel 2 from the mounting member 61 that is stopped at the position where the robot 29 is arranged in the front-rear direction. After that, the panel elevating mechanism 39 raises the panel grip portion above the mounting member 61 and delivers the liquid crystal panel 2 to the robot 29. Also in the panel transport device 8, the height of the liquid crystal panel 2 when the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered from the panel elevating mechanism 39 to the robot 29 and the delivery of the liquid crystal panel 2 between the panel elevating mechanism 37 and the robot 36 are performed. The height of the liquid crystal panel 2 is the same as that of the liquid crystal panel 2.

In this way, the panel transport mechanism 55 transports the liquid crystal panel 2 received from the panel elevating mechanism 37 to the rear side to a position where it can be delivered to the panel elevating mechanism 39. That is, the slide mechanism 62 reciprocates the mounting member 61 in the front-rear direction between a position where the liquid crystal panel 2 can be received from the panel elevating mechanism 37 and a position where the liquid crystal panel 2 can be delivered to the panel elevating mechanism 39. ..

As described above, the panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged between the inspection device 3 and the inspection device 4 in the front-rear direction. Further, the panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged on the right side of the slide mechanisms 42 and 62. The panel delivery mechanism 11 is a so-called two-axis orthogonal robot, and has a panel grip portion 64 as a third panel grip portion that grips the liquid crystal panel 2 and a slide mechanism as a first grip portion slide mechanism that raises and lowers the panel grip portion 64. It includes 65 and a slide mechanism 66 as a second grip portion slide mechanism for moving the panel grip portion 64 in the left-right direction.

The panel delivery mechanism 11 of this embodiment includes two panel gripping portions 64 formed in a flat plate shape. The panel grip portion 64 is arranged so that the thickness direction and the vertical direction of the panel grip portion 64 coincide with each other. The panel gripping portion 64 sucks and grips the liquid crystal panel 2 from below. The two panel grip portions 64 are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The slide mechanism 65 includes, for example, a motor, a ball screw having a screw shaft that rotates by the power of the motor and a nut member that engages with the screw shaft, and a guide mechanism that guides the panel grip portion 64 in the vertical direction. .. The right end of the panel grip 64 is attached to the slide mechanism 65.

The slide mechanism 66 includes, for example, a motor, a ball screw having a screw shaft that rotates by the power of the motor and a nut member that engages with the screw shaft, and a guide mechanism that guides the panel grip portion 64 in the left-right direction. .. A lower end of a fixed-side component of the slide mechanism 65 is attached to the slide mechanism 66. The panel grip portion 64 can be moved upward from the position where the mounting member 61 is arranged in the vertical direction. Further, the panel grip portion 64 can be moved downward from the position where the mounting member 41 is arranged in the vertical direction. The panel grip portion 64 is arranged at a position where the mounting members 41 and 61 are arranged in the left-right direction and a position where the mounting members 41 and 61 are arranged on the right side of the position where the mounting members 41 and 61 are arranged (specifically, in the left-right direction). It is movable between the conveyor 16 and the position where the robot 17 is arranged).

The panel delivery mechanism 11 has two panels from the robot 17 before inspection in a state where the panel grip portion 64 is arranged at a position where the conveyor 16 and the robot 17 are arranged in the left-right direction (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4). After receiving the liquid crystal panel 2 and gripping it with the panel gripping portion 64, the panel gripping portion 64 is moved to a position where the mounting members 41 and 61 are arranged in the left-right direction (see FIG. 7A). After that, the panel delivery mechanism 11 lowers the panel grip portion 64 and mounts the two liquid crystal panels 2 before inspection on the mounting member 41 which is stopped at the position where the panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged in the front-rear direction. Place (see FIG. 7B).

Alternatively, the panel delivery mechanism 11 moves the panel grip portion 64 to a position where the mounting members 41 and 61 are arranged in the left-right direction, and then lowers the panel grip portion 64 so that the panel delivery mechanism 11 moves in the front-rear direction. The two liquid crystal panels 2 before inspection are placed on the mounting member 61 that is stopped at the arranged position. That is, the panel delivery mechanism 11 receives the liquid crystal panel 2 supplied from the panel supply unit 10 and mounts it on the mounting members 41 and 61.

As shown in FIG. 8, in order to prevent dust generated by the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 from adhering to the liquid crystal panel 2 mounted on the mounting members 41 and 61 on the frame 43 of the panel transport system 1. The dustproof cover 68 is fixed. The dustproof cover 68 is formed, for example, by bending a thin steel plate into a predetermined shape. The dustproof cover 68 is arranged between the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 and the mounting members 41 and 61. Further, the dustproof cover 68 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the movable parts of the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 and the mounting members 41 and 61. Further, the dustproof cover 68 is arranged in the entire installation range of the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 in the front-rear direction, for example.

As shown in FIG. 8, the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 are arranged in a space surrounded by the frame 43 and the dustproof cover 68. The panel transfer system 1 includes a suction mechanism 69 that sucks air in the space where the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 are arranged. The suction mechanism 69 is, for example, an exhaust pump. Further, the panel transfer system 1 includes a detection mechanism 70 for detecting whether or not the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted on the mounting members 41 and 61 at the stop positions of the mounting members 41 and 61 ( (See FIG. 3). The detection mechanism 70 is, for example, an optical sensor. The detection mechanism 70 is arranged, for example, in the front-rear direction at a position where the panel delivery mechanism 11 is installed and a position where the panel elevating mechanisms 37 to 39 are installed.

(Operation of panel transfer device and panel delivery mechanism)
When the panel delivery mechanism 11 receives the two liquid crystal panels 2 before inspection from the robot 17, the panel delivery mechanism 11 moves the liquid crystal panels 2 to the positions where the mounting members 41 and 61 are arranged in the left-right direction, for example, in the front-rear direction. The two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection are mounted on the mounting member 41 that is stopped at the position where the panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged. When the two liquid crystal panels 2 are mounted on the mounting member 41, the panel transport mechanism 35 transports the liquid crystal panel 2 forward to a position where it can be delivered to the robot 36. That is, the panel transport mechanism 35 moves the mounting member 41 on which the two liquid crystal panels 2 are mounted to the position where the panel mounting portion 13 is arranged in the front-rear direction and stops it.

After that, the panel elevating mechanism 37 grips and mounts the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection mounted on the mounting member 41 which is stopped at the position where the panel mounting portion 13 is arranged in the front-rear direction. It is raised above the member 61. The robot 36 grips the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection gripped by the panel gripping portion 44 by the panel gripping portion 46, and the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection mounted on the panel mounting portion 13. Is gripped by the panel gripping portion 46, the panel gripping portion 46 is raised by a predetermined amount, and then the panel gripping portion 46 is rotated by 180 °.

After that, the robot 36 mounts the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection gripped by the panel grip portion 46 on the panel mounting portion 13, and the two liquid crystals after the inspection gripped by the panel grip portion 46. The panel 2 is placed on the panel grip portion 44. After that, the panel elevating mechanism 37 lowers the panel gripping portion 44, and mounts the two liquid crystal panels 2 after the inspection on the mounting member 41 of the panel transport mechanism 35A.

After that, the panel transport mechanism 35A moves the mounting member 41 on which the two liquid crystal panels 2 are mounted to the position where the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged in the front-rear direction. When the mounting member 41 of the panel transport mechanism 35A moves to the position where the panel elevating mechanism 38 is arranged in the front-rear direction and stops, the panel elevating mechanism 38 raises and lowers the panel gripping portion and moves the panel elevating mechanism 38 in the front-rear direction. The liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered to the mounting member 41 of the panel transport mechanism 35B that is stopped at the position where the 38 is arranged.

After that, the panel transport mechanism 35B moves the mounting member 41 on which the two liquid crystal panels 2 are mounted to the position where the robot 29 is placed in the front-rear direction and stops the robot 29. After that, the panel elevating mechanism 39 receives the two liquid crystal panels 2 mounted on the mounting member 41 at the panel gripping portion, raises the panel gripping portion, and delivers the liquid crystal panel 2 to the robot 29. By repeating the above operation, the panel transfer device 7 carries the liquid crystal panel 2 into the inspection device 3 and carries out the liquid crystal panel 2 from the inspection device 3.

Further, when the panel delivery mechanism 11 places the two liquid crystal panels 2 before the inspection received from the robot 17 on the mounting member 61 which is stopped at the position where the panel delivery mechanism 11 is arranged in the front-rear direction, The panel transfer device 8 performs the same operation as the panel transfer device 7, carries the liquid crystal panel 2 into the inspection device 4, and carries out the liquid crystal panel 2 from the inspection device 4. However, since the number of the panel transfer mechanism 55 included in the panel transfer device 8 is one, the panel transfer device 8 does not deliver the liquid crystal panel 2 in the middle of the transfer process of the liquid crystal panel 2 by the panel transfer mechanism 55. ..

(Main effect of this form)
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the panel transfer device 7, the transfer of the liquid crystal panel 2 carried into the inspection device 3 and the transfer of the liquid crystal panel 2 carried out from the inspection device 3 are carried out by the common mounting member 41. And the slide mechanism 42 is used. Therefore, in this embodiment, the mounting member and the slide mechanism for transporting the liquid crystal panel 2 carried into the inspection device 3 and the mounting member and the slide mechanism for transporting the liquid crystal panel 2 carried out from the inspection device 3 Compared with the case where the panel transfer device 7 is provided with the above, the panel transfer device 7 can be miniaturized.

Similarly, in the present embodiment, in the panel transfer device 8, the transfer of the liquid crystal panel 2 carried into the inspection device 4 and the transfer of the liquid crystal panel 2 carried out from the inspection device 4 are carried out by a common mounting member 61 and a slide mechanism 62. Therefore, the panel transfer device 8 can be miniaturized. Further, in the present embodiment, since the two panel transfer devices 7 and 8 can be miniaturized, even if the panel transfer system 1 includes the panel transfer devices 7 and 8 for each of the inspection devices 3 and 4. The panel transfer system 1 can be miniaturized. Further, in the present embodiment, since the panel transfer mechanism 35 and the panel transfer mechanism 55 are arranged in a state of being displaced from each other in the vertical direction, the panel transfer mechanisms 35 and 55 can be easily arranged.

In this embodiment, the panel transport devices 7 and 8 include a panel elevating mechanism 37, and the panel elevating mechanism 37 raises the liquid crystal panel 2 mounted on the mounting members 41 and 61 to grip the panel of the robot 36. The liquid crystal panel 2 received from the panel gripping portion 46 is lowered and placed on the mounting members 41 and 61 while being handed over to the portion 46. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the panel transfer mechanism 35 and the panel transfer mechanism 55 are displaced from each other in the vertical direction, the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 7 and the robot of the panel transfer device 8 are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction. The liquid crystal panel 2 can be delivered at the same height as the 36. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 7 and the configuration of the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 8 can be made common, and the configuration and control of the robot 36 can be simplified. Becomes possible.

Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 2 can be delivered to and from the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 7 and the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 8 arranged at the same position in the vertical direction at the same height. , The liquid crystal panel 2 can be delivered and delivered at the same height between the robots 36 of the panel transfer devices 7 and 8 and each of the inspection devices 3 and 4. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the panel mounting portion 13 of the inspection device 3 and the configuration of the panel mounting portion 13 of the inspection device 4 can be made common.

In this embodiment, at least a part of the panel transport mechanism 35 and at least a part of the panel transport mechanism 55 arranged so as to be offset from each other in the vertical direction are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the panel transfer system 1 includes two panel transfer devices 7 and 8 arranged along the front-rear direction, the panel transfer system 1 can be miniaturized in the left-right direction. .. In particular, in this embodiment, the panel transfer mechanism 35 and the panel transfer mechanism 55 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction, and the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 7 and the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 8 are located at the same position in the left-right direction. Since they are arranged, the panel transfer system 1 can be further miniaturized in the left-right direction.

In the present embodiment, the panel delivery mechanism 11 mounts the liquid crystal panel 2 on the mounting member 41 and also mounts it on the mounting member 61. That is, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered to the two panel transfer mechanisms 35 and 55 by using the common panel delivery mechanism 11. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the panel transfer mechanism 35 and the panel transfer mechanism 55 are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the vertical direction, the configuration of the panel transfer system 1 can be simplified.

In the present embodiment, the panel gripping portion 44 of the panel transport device 7 has the mounting member 41 in the vertical direction before the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered to the panel gripping portion 46 and before the liquid crystal panel 2 is received from the panel gripping portion 46. It rises to a standby position higher than the position where it is placed and stands by. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cycle time of the panel transfer device 7 can be shortened. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the panel grip portion 44 of the panel transfer device 8 is placed in the vertical direction before the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered to the panel grip portion 46 and before the liquid crystal panel 2 is received from the panel grip portion 46. Since the member 61 rises to a standby position higher than the position where the member 61 is arranged and stands by, the cycle time of the panel transfer device 8 can be shortened.

In this embodiment, the panel transfer device 7 includes two panel transfer mechanisms 35A and 35B that are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and a panel elevating mechanism 38 that delivers the liquid crystal panel 2 from the panel transfer mechanism 35A to the panel transfer mechanism 35B. .. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the panel transport mechanism 35A mounts the liquid crystal panel 2 mounted on the mounting member 41 up to the position where the panel mounting portion 13 is arranged in the front-rear direction when the liquid crystal panel 2 is delivered to the panel elevating mechanism 38. The placing member 41 can be returned. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cycle time of the panel transfer device 7 can be shortened as compared with the case where the liquid crystal panel 2 is transferred to the panel collection unit 12 by one panel transfer mechanism 35.

In this embodiment, the dustproof cover 68 is arranged between the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 and the mounting members 41 and 61. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the dust generated by the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 from adhering to the liquid crystal panel 2 mounted on the mounting members 41 and 61. Further, in the present embodiment, since the suction mechanism 69 for sucking the air in the space where the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 are arranged is installed, the dust generated by the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 is placed on the mounting members 41 and 61. It becomes possible to more effectively prevent the liquid crystal panel 2 from being attached to the liquid crystal panel 2 to be placed.

In the present embodiment, the panel transfer system 1 includes a detection mechanism 70 for detecting whether or not the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted on the mounting members 41 and 61 at the stop positions of the mounting members 41 and 61. There is. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the panel transfer system 1 from malfunctioning based on the detection result of the detection mechanism 70. Further, in the present embodiment, in order to detect whether or not the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted on the mounting members 41, 61 at the stop position of the mounting members 41, 61, the mounting member 41, by the detection mechanism 70, It is possible to accurately detect whether or not the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted on the 61.

(Other embodiments)
The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be carried out without changing the gist of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the panel transport mechanism 55 may be arranged below the panel transport mechanism 35. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the panel transport mechanism 35 and the panel transport mechanism 55 may be displaced in the left-right direction. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 7 and the robot 36 of the panel transfer device 8 may be displaced in the left-right direction. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the number of the panel transfer devices 7 and 8 included in the panel transfer system 1 may be 3 or more.

In the above-described embodiment, the panel transfer device 7 may include three or more panel transfer mechanisms 35 arranged in the front-rear direction. In this case, the panel transfer device 7 includes a plurality of panel elevating mechanisms 38 according to the number of panel transfer mechanisms 35. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the panel transfer device 8 may include two panel transfer mechanisms 55 arranged in the front-rear direction. In this case, the panel transport device 8 includes a panel elevating mechanism 38. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the number of panel transport mechanisms 35 included in the panel transport device 7 may be one. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the panel transfer system 1 transports the liquid crystal panel 2 supplied from the panel supply unit 10 to the panel transfer device 7 and the liquid crystal panel 2 supplied from the panel supply unit 10. A panel delivery mechanism to be delivered to the device 8 may be individually provided.

In the above-described embodiment, the robot 36 may be a vertical articulated robot, a horizontal articulated robot, or a parallel link robot. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the panel delivery mechanism 11 may be a vertical articulated robot, a horizontal articulated robot, or a parallel link robot. Further, in the above-described form, the slide mechanisms 42 and 62 may be linear motors. In this case, the dustproof cover 68 and the suction mechanism 69 become unnecessary.

In the above-described embodiment, the panel supply unit 10 may include a mounting member on which the liquid crystal panel 2 is mounted and a slide mechanism for sliding the mounting member in the front-rear direction instead of the conveyor 16. Further, the panel supply unit 10 may include a cassette or a tray in which a plurality of liquid crystal panels 2 are housed instead of the conveyor 16. In this case, the robot 17 takes out the liquid crystal panel 2 from the cassette or tray and supplies it to the panel delivery mechanism 11.

In the above-described form, the inspection devices 3 and 4 may be inspection devices other than the lighting inspection device. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the panel transfer devices 7 and 8 convey the liquid crystal panel 2 to the inspection devices 3 and 4, but the panel transfer devices 7 and 8 convey the liquid crystal other than the inspection devices 3 and 4. The liquid crystal panel 2 may be conveyed to a processing device that performs a predetermined process on the panel 2. Further, in the above-described form, the display panel transported by the panel transport devices 7 and 8 may be a display panel other than the liquid crystal panel 2. For example, the display panel transported by the panel transport devices 7 and 8 may be an organic EL panel.

1 Panel transfer system 2 Liquid crystal panel (display panel)
3, 4 Inspection equipment (processing equipment)
7, 8 Panel transfer device 10 Panel supply unit 11 Panel delivery mechanism 12 Panel collection unit 16 Conveyor 17 Robot (panel supply mechanism)
35, 55 Panel transport mechanism 36 Robot (panel loading / unloading mechanism)
37 Panel elevating mechanism 38 Panel elevating mechanism (panel delivery mechanism)
41, 61 Mounting member 42, 62 Slide mechanism 44 Panel grip (second panel grip)
46 Panel grip (first panel grip)
47 Main body 64 Panel grip (3rd panel grip)
65 Slide mechanism (1st grip slide mechanism)
66 Slide mechanism (second grip slide mechanism)
68 Dust cover 69 Suction mechanism 70 Detection mechanism X 1st direction X1 4th direction X2 3rd direction Y 2nd direction

Claims (13)

A plurality of panel transporting devices for transporting the display panel to each of the plurality of processing devices for processing the display panel are provided.
The panel transport device transports the display panel carried into the processing device, and also carries a panel transport mechanism for transporting the display panel carried out from the processing device, and carrying the display panel into the processing device. A panel loading / unloading mechanism for carrying out the display panel from the processing device and a panel raising / lowering mechanism for raising and lowering the display panel are provided.
The panel transport mechanism includes a mounting member on which the display panel is mounted and a slide mechanism for linearly moving the previously described mounting member in a horizontal direction.
The panel loading / unloading mechanism includes a first panel gripping portion that grips the display panel.
The first panel grip portion is arranged above the above-mentioned placing member.
The panel elevating mechanism raises the display panel mounted on the above-mentioned mounting member and delivers it to the first panel grip portion, and lowers the display panel received from the first panel grip portion to describe the above. Place it on the placement member
Assuming that the moving direction of the above-mentioned placing member is the first direction and the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the vertical direction is the second direction,
The plurality of panel transfer devices are arranged along the first direction.
The panel transport mechanism included in the plurality of panel transport devices is arranged so as to be offset from each other in the vertical direction.
A panel transport system characterized in that the panel carry-in / carry-out mechanisms included in the plurality of panel transport devices are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction. The panel loading / unloading mechanism includes a main body portion that holds the first panel grip portion so as to be able to move up and down and rotatably, a grip portion elevating mechanism that raises and lowers the first panel grip portion with respect to the main body portion, and a vertical direction. The panel transport system according to claim 1, further comprising a grip portion rotating mechanism for rotating the first panel grip portion with respect to the main body portion in the axial direction of rotation. The panel transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the plurality of panel transport mechanisms arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the vertical direction is arranged at the same position in the second direction. The plurality of panel transport mechanisms arranged so as to be offset from each other in the vertical direction are arranged at the same position in the second direction.
The panel transport system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of panel loading / unloading mechanisms arranged at the same position in the vertical direction are arranged at the same position in the second direction. The panel elevating mechanism includes a second panel gripping portion that grips the display panel.
In the second panel gripping portion, the pre-described members are arranged in the vertical direction before the display panel is delivered to the first panel gripping portion and before the display panel is received from the first panel gripping portion. The panel transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the panel transport system rises to a standby position higher than the position and stands by. It is provided with a panel supply unit that supplies the display panel before being processed by the processing apparatus, and a panel delivery mechanism that receives the display panel supplied from the panel supply unit and places it on the above-mentioned mounting member.
The panel delivery mechanism includes a third panel grip portion that grips the display panel, a first grip portion slide mechanism that raises and lowers the third panel grip portion, and a third panel grip portion that moves the third panel grip portion in a second direction. 2. The panel transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a gripping portion slide mechanism, wherein the display panel is mounted on the previously described mounting members included in the plurality of the panel transport devices. The panel transfer system according to claim 6, wherein the panel supply unit includes a conveyor that conveys the display panel. The panel supply unit includes a panel supply mechanism that receives the display panel mounted on the conveyor and supplies it to the panel delivery mechanism.
The conveyor conveys the display panel toward one side in the first direction.
When viewed from the first direction, the conveyor and the panel transfer mechanism are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction.
The conveyor and the panel delivery mechanism are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction.
The panel transfer system according to claim 7, wherein the panel supply mechanism is arranged above the conveyor and the panel delivery mechanism. A panel collecting unit for collecting the display panel after being processed by the processing device is provided.
If one of the first directions is the third direction and the opposite direction of the third direction is the fourth direction,
The panel recovery unit is located at the end of the panel transfer system in the third direction.
The plurality of processing devices are arranged in the first direction.
The panel transport mechanism included in the plurality of panel transport devices transports the display panel after being processed by the processing device to the panel collection unit.
At least, the panel transporting device for transporting the display panel to the processing device arranged on the most fourth direction side of the plurality of processing devices is a plurality of the panel transporting mechanisms arranged in the first direction. The panel transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a panel transfer mechanism for delivering the display panel from one of the two adjacent panel transfer mechanisms in the first direction to the other. .. 1. From claim 1, wherein a dustproof cover arranged between the slide mechanism and the above-mentioned mounting member is provided in order to prevent dust from adhering to the display panel mounted on the above-mentioned mounting member. 9. The panel transfer system according to any one of 9. The panel transfer system according to claim 10, further comprising a suction mechanism for sucking air in a space in which the slide mechanism is arranged. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a detection mechanism for detecting whether or not the display panel is mounted on the previously described placing member at a stop position of the previously described placing member. Panel transfer system. The panel transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the processing device is an inspection device for lighting inspection of the display panel.

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