JP5386238B2 - Panel substrate transfer device and display panel module assembly device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a so-called TAB (mounting IC) around a display panel substrate (display cell substrate) of an FPD (Flat Panel Display) such as liquid crystal or plasma, COF (Chip on Film), and FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). The present invention relates to a display panel module assembling apparatus for mounting a tape automated bonding (PCB) connection and a peripheral board (PCB = Printed Circuit Board). More specifically, the present invention relates to a configuration and 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 attachment portion at the end of the display panel substrate, (2) an anisotropic conductive film (ACF = Anisotropic Conductive at the end of the display panel substrate after cleaning) (3) Mounting process for mounting TAB and IC by positioning with wiring on the display panel substrate side at the position where ACF is pasted, (4) By thermocompression bonding the mounted TAB, Crimping process for fixing with an ACF film, (5) Inspection process for inspecting the position and connection status of the mounted TAB and IC, and (6) PCB process for attaching and mounting a PCB on the side opposite to the display panel substrate side of the TAB. (Multiple steps). 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 apparatuses for performing these processing work steps, and carries the peripheral mounting process of the display panel board by transferring the display panel board by the panel board transfer means between them. It is.

  Patent document 1 is a well-known example which shows an example of a structure of a display panel module assembly apparatus. In Patent Document 1, a work table is disposed at a processing work position, and the display panel substrate is sucked from the back surface to carry the display panel board into and out of the work table disposed at each processing work position. An apparatus configuration comprising means is disclosed. In this configuration, the display panel substrate is transported between the 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 substrate is carried in holds the display panel substrate and can be adjusted to the width, length, horizontal rotation direction, etc. of the display panel substrate. Each processing operation is performed by positioning the position.

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

  Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which the display panel substrate is transported, held and held only from below the display panel. In this method, the display panel substrate is supported from below by a U-shaped hand, and the panel substrate is carried into and out of the work table.

  Patent document 3 is a well-known example which shows another example of a structure of a display panel module assembly apparatus. Patent Documents 1 and 2 include a work table that holds and positions a display panel substrate at a processing work position, and a transport unit that transports the display panel substrate between the work tables. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 integrally forms a work table for holding and positioning a display panel substrate and a conveying means for conveying the panel substrate. 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.

  Patent Document 4 is another embodiment in which a work table for holding and positioning a display panel substrate and a transport means for transporting the panel substrate are integrated. In this system, the panel substrate transport means for transporting the display panel substrate from the upstream processing work position to the downstream processing work position directly positions the display panel substrate at the processing work position. This method has an advantage that the apparatus configuration is simple and the cost can be easily reduced, and the transfer time can be shortened because the panel substrate is directly transferred between the processing work positions by one table.

JP 2004-6467 A JP-A-8-26475 JP 2007-99466 A JP 2007-150077 A

  In the configuration of Patent Document 1, since the conveyance is performed by suction holding from the top of the display panel substrate, 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 transportation. . Furthermore, since the suction conveyance system from above generates a force to widen the gap between the two glass substrates constituting the display panel substrate, there is a possibility of damaging the display panel substrate. In particular, since a large panel or a thin panel has a large damage, the panel substrate cannot be transported by suction from above. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out the transfer operation between the transport means and the processing means only from the lower side of the display panel substrate.

  In the configuration of Patent Document 2, a display panel substrate is transported, held, and held by a U-shaped hand only from below the display panel. By holding the display panel substrate from below, there is little risk that the panel substrate will fall off the suction pad in the event of a power failure during transportation or unforeseen circumstances.

  However, there are some problems in this method. First, a work table for holding and positioning the display panel at the processing work position and a panel substrate transporting means for transporting the display panel between the work tables are required, and the apparatus configuration is complicated and easy to increase in size. Since a work table is provided in front of the processing work mechanism and a transport mechanism is provided in front of the work table, the width of the apparatus tends to increase. In particular, it is disadvantageous for a large panel substrate, and the distance from the front surface of the apparatus to the processing work position becomes large, and problems remain from the work surface such as maintenance.

  Further, the transfer operation of the panel substrate between the processing work positions requires a holding operation of the panel substrate between the work table and the transfer means, and there is a problem that a transfer time loss occurs. In this method, it is necessary that the position for moving the panel substrate between the work table and the conveying means is a position where the maximum size panel substrate corresponding to the apparatus can be delivered. Even during processing of a small panel substrate, it is necessary to move the display panel substrate once to the position for changing the panel substrate of the largest-sized panel substrate. For this reason, in an apparatus corresponding to a wide range of substrate sizes from a large plate to a small plate, a conveyance time loss that occurs when the small plate is conveyed is particularly large.

  Needless to say, the separate structure of the work table and the conveying means is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

  As described above, the configuration of Patent Document 2 has problems in terms of complexity, increase in size, cost, and maintainability and loss of processing time. In particular, this problem is significant when considering a wide range of panel substrate sizes from large plates to small plates.

  In the configuration of Patent Document 3, the work table is formed in a comb shape so that the display panel substrate can be directly transferred and transferred between adjacent work tables. This method eliminates the need for conveying means between work tables, and has the advantage that the apparatus configuration is simple and the cost can be easily reduced.

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 3, the work table moves to the downstream side 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.

  In the configuration of Patent Document 4, the panel substrate transport means for transporting the display panel substrate from the upstream processing work position to the downstream processing work directly positions the display panel substrate at the processing work position. This method has an advantage that the apparatus configuration is simple and the cost can be easily reduced, and the transfer time can be shortened because the panel substrate is directly transferred between the processing work positions by one table.

  However, since it is necessary to arrange the display panel substrate holding means at the processing work position while avoiding the movable range of the panel substrate transport means, the problem that the display panel substrate holding during the processing work tends to become unstable. Have In particular, when processing the short side of a large panel substrate, the interval between the display panel substrate holding means installed at both ends of the panel substrate is widened, the center portion of the panel substrate is bent, and the display panel substrate is not retained. It has the problem of becoming stable. Furthermore, considering the correspondence to various panel substrate sizes, it is necessary not only to change the position of the holding means at both ends of the panel substrate, but also to change the width and movable range of the conveying means, substantially, It must be said that it is difficult to flexibly cope with various panel substrate sizes.

  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 devices to be connected increases, the entire length of the display panel module assembling apparatus becomes very long and complicated, and the cost becomes high. .

  The present invention provides a panel substrate transfer device capable of handling a large panel substrate and a display panel module assembly device using the same. In particular, the present invention provides a panel substrate transport means capable of realizing a wide range of display panel transport and positioning operations from a large panel substrate to a small plate 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.

  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 total apparatus length and the apparatus width.

  In order to achieve the above object, each processing work device or processing work position has a processing edge within a uniform distance from the processing edge on the processing side of the display panel substrate in order to hold the display panel substrate to be processed. And a processing edge holding and fixing means for holding and fixing the entire processing edge, and a display panel substrate lower surface area on the opposite side of the display panel substrate processing edge with respect to the processing edge holding and fixing means. And at least one non-processing area holding means for supporting the suspension from above.

  Furthermore, while reciprocally moving between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions, the display substrate substrate positioning to the processing work device or the processing work position and the rotation operation of the display panel substrate are possible. A plurality of means were arranged. The panel substrate holding means for holding for holding the display panel substrate during transfer in the panel substrate transfer positioning means holds the lower surface area of the display panel substrate on the opposite side of the processing panel substrate processing side with respect to the processing side holding and fixing means. Configured to do.

  The non-processing area holding means is configured to cause the lower surface of the non-processing edge of the display panel substrate to be viewed from above the panel surface at at least one display panel substrate position fixed and held by the processing edge holding and fixing means during each processing operation. The holding means for holding the display panel substrate with the suspended arm-shaped holding member is configured to be retractable above the upper surface of the display panel substrate when the display panel substrate is not held.

  Further, the non-processing area holding means is configured to be capable of changing the installation position and the holding position of the display panel substrate by the arm-shaped holding member according to the size, processing side length, processing position, etc. of the panel substrate to be processed. .

  Further, a panel substrate posture detecting means is disposed at a position on the display panel substrate processing 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 substrate transferred by the panel substrate transfer positioning means The posture is controlled, and the processing side holding and fixing means is configured to be able to perform positioning delivery.

  The display panel substrate transfer and processing operation using the processing edge holding and fixing means, the non-process area holding means, the panel substrate transfer positioning means, the panel substrate attitude detecting means, and the like are performed in the following procedure. did.

Step 1: The display panel substrate is transported to a downstream processing work position by the panel substrate transport positioning means.
Step 2: The panel orientation is detected, and the display panel substrate is positioned at the processing work position.
Step 3: Each processing work operation is started after the processing side of the display panel substrate is fixed and held by the processing side holding and fixing means.
Step 4: The non-process area holding means descends and holds the lower surface of the edge of the non-process side of the display panel substrate.
Step 5: The panel substrate transport positioning means descends and retreats and moves to the upstream side.
Step 6: The panel substrate transfer positioning means for carrying out enters from the lower surface of the display panel substrate, and holds and fixes the display panel substrate.
Step 7: The holding member of the non-process area holding means is retracted and raised.
Step 8: After the processing operation is finished, the display panel substrate is unfixed by the processing side holding and fixing means.
Return to Step 1 and repeat.

  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 configuration of the present invention, in each processing work device or processing work position, in order to hold the display panel substrate to be processed, a uniform distance inside from the processing edge on the processing side of the display panel substrate, By providing a processing edge holding and fixing means that is elongated in the processing edge direction and parallel to the processing edge, and holds and fixes the entire processing edge, the display panel substrate processing edge can be securely fixed and held throughout the processing edge. Become.

  According to another configuration of the present invention, at least one non-process area holding means for holding the display panel substrate lower surface area on the opposite side of the process panel holding process side with respect to the process side holding and fixing means is provided. In addition, according to the size of the panel substrate to be processed, the processing side length, the processing position, etc., the installation position of the non-processing area holding means and the holding position of the display panel substrate by the arm-shaped holding member can be varied. Thus, various panel substrate processing operations can be performed.

  According to another configuration of the present invention, since the display panel substrate is transported and rotated and positioned to the processing work position only by the panel substrate transport positioning means, the number of movable axes of the drive mechanism portion is relatively reduced. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified, and a small-sized and easy-to-maintain apparatus configuration can be realized.

  According to still another configuration of the present invention, the display panel substrate is held by the arm-shaped holding member suspended from above the panel surface for holding the display panel substrate during the processing operation of the non-processing area holding means. At the same time, when the display panel substrate is not held, the holding member can be retracted above the upper surface of the display panel substrate. As a result, since there are no obstacles in the movable range of the panel substrate transport positioning means for holding and transporting the display panel substrate from below, operations such as display panel substrate transport and rotation between each processing work position are performed. It is possible to perform a transport operation on the shortest or optimal transport path according to the size. Thereby, a high-speed display panel substrate transfer positioning operation can be realized.

  According to still another configuration of the present invention, since the switching operation of the panel substrate transfer positioning means including the holding operation by the non-processing area holding means is performed during each processing operation, a highly efficient display panel module assembly is performed. An apparatus can be provided.

  According to still another configuration of the present invention, by providing the processing edge holding and fixing means, it becomes possible to eliminate the influence on the vicinity of the processing edge due to the switching operation of the panel substrate transport positioning means. Even if the switching operation of the panel substrate transport positioning means is performed, it is possible to perform a processing operation in the vicinity of the processing edge of the stable display panel substrate.

  According to still another configuration of the present invention, a panel substrate attitude detecting unit is arranged at a position on the display panel substrate processing side of the processing side holding and fixing unit and in the vicinity of the processing side holding and fixing unit, and the panel substrate transfer By controlling the posture of the display panel substrate conveyed by the positioning means, the positioning and delivery operation to the processing edge holding and fixing means can be performed with high accuracy.

  Furthermore, according to still another configuration of the present invention, the mechanism unit for performing each processing operation in the display panel module assembling apparatus is unitized, and at least two processing units are provided on one side of one display panel. By adopting a configuration in which processing work is performed at the same time, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of a slow processing work device. In addition, a plurality of processing units include processing unit position correcting means for correcting the relative position between the processing side of the display panel and the processing unit, and panel substrate attitude detecting means for detecting the processing side attitude of the display panel that performs processing Since the processing unit position correction amount calculating means for calculating the position correction amount of each processing unit is provided according to the detection result of the display panel posture detecting means, for one processing side of the same display panel substrate, Positioning processing can be performed independently, and simultaneous processing by the plurality of processing units is possible.

  According to still another configuration of the present invention, the plurality of processing units are provided with movable means movable in a direction parallel to the processing side direction of the display panel substrate, and the processing operation and the display panel in the plurality of processing units are provided. By providing the processing unit operation timing control means that controls the operation timing of the shift movement operation that shifts and moves between the processing positions of the substrate processing side, it becomes possible to prevent interference such as collision of multiple processing units that perform processing work. Thus, simultaneous processing work by a plurality of processing units can be performed on one processing side of the same display panel substrate.

  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, for example, it is possible to provide a panel substrate transfer means capable of realizing a wide range of display panel transfer and positioning operations from a large panel substrate to a small plate at high speed with a simple apparatus configuration. be able to. Further, it is possible to improve the processing work efficiency of each processing work device by reducing the processing work time of each processing work device, and to provide a display panel module assembling apparatus capable of improving the operating efficiency of each processing work. Can do. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display panel module assembling apparatus having the above-described various characteristics without increasing the apparatus size such as the total apparatus length and the apparatus width.

It is a figure for demonstrating the basic composition of the panel board | substrate conveyance apparatus in this embodiment, and the display panel module assembly apparatus using the same. It is a side view of FIG. 1, and is a figure for demonstrating the state at the time of a process and conveyance of a display panel board | substrate. It is a front view of FIG. 1, and is a figure for demonstrating the state at the time of a process and conveyance of a display panel board | substrate. It is a figure for demonstrating one Example (linear motion type) of the non-process area | region holding means 5 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating one Example (rotary type) of the non-process area | region holding means 5 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the holding | maintenance area | region by the process edge holding | maintenance fixing means and the holding | maintenance area | region by a display panel holding | maintenance means at the time of conveyance in the different board | substrate size in this invention embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the basic conveyance operation of the display panel board | substrate in this invention embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the reference mark provided in the display panel in this invention embodiment. It is a top view of the vicinity of the processing edge holding and fixing means in 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 in 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 in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the system in which several processing units work simultaneously with respect to the display panel of 1 sheet in this invention embodiment. It is a figure explaining the processing work apparatus structure which requires the super high-precision positioning process in this invention embodiment. 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 the super high-precision positioning process in this invention embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating one Example of the control part structure in the panel board | substrate conveying apparatus in this invention embodiment. It is a figure explaining one Example of the basic control system in the panel board | substrate conveying apparatus in this invention embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The meanings of the symbols used in the explanation are as described in the explanation of the symbols to be described later, but they may be omitted for convenience of explanation or may be changed to be similar expressions. For example, the letters A to D in parentheses after the numerals of the respective symbols shown in the text or 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)”. Further, 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 numbered code into a plurality of parts.

  FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are diagrams showing an embodiment for explaining the basic configuration of a panel substrate transfer device of the present invention and a display panel module assembly device using the same. 1 is an upper view (Z direction) of the apparatus, FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus (X direction), and FIG. 3 is a view of the conveyance system of the apparatus as 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 of FIG. 1, various processing operations are performed on the periphery of the display panel substrate while sequentially transporting the display panel substrate 4 from the left to the right in the figure between the processing work apparatuses A to D, and the IC It is a device that performs assembly work such as TAB and TAB. In FIG. 1, the two processing work devices A and B on the left side are devices that perform processing work on the long side (source side) of the display panel substrate, and the two processing work devices C and D on the right side are display panel substrates. This is a device that performs processing on the short side (gate side).

  In FIG. 1, the display panel substrate 4 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in a state of being held at the processing work position of each processing work device. In FIG. 1, () A to C after each numeral of the reference numerals are symbols indicating related processing work apparatuses.

  In FIG. 1, the processing work device group upstream of the processing work device A and the downstream device group of the processing work device D are omitted. As a whole of the display panel module assembly apparatus, (1) a terminal cleaning process for cleaning the TAB attachment part at the edge of the display panel substrate, (2) an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) is attached to the edge of the display panel substrate after cleaning. ACF process, (3) Mounting process for mounting TAB and IC by positioning with display panel substrate wiring at the position where ACF is pasted, (4) Fixing with ACF film by thermocompression bonding of mounted TAB and IC In addition to (5) a PCB processing step (consisting of a plurality of processing steps) for attaching and mounting a PCB with ACF or the like on the side opposite to the TAB display panel side, a processing work device such as various inspection devices is provided. Yes, according to the number of processing sides and 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 panel substrate transfer device and a display panel module assembly device using the same by transferring and processing the display panel substrate between these various connected processing devices with high efficiency. To do.

  In the present invention, the display panel substrate 4 is transported by a panel substrate transport positioning means for positioning the display panel substrate 4 to the processing work position together with a direct transport operation between two adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions. Is called. The panel substrate transfer positioning means reciprocates the transfer panel substrate holding means 10 for holding the display panel substrate between adjacent processing work apparatuses or processing work positions, thereby processing the display panel substrate 4 from upstream to downstream. Conveys sequentially toward the work position.

  Constituent members and mechanism units related to the panel substrate transfer positioning means, the upstream processing work device symbol and the downstream working device symbol of the operation range are appended to each reference code in a format such as “(AB)”. In FIG. 1, processing on the further upstream side of the processing work apparatus A is performed together with three panel substrate transfer positioning means that operate between the processing work apparatuses (AB), (BC), and (CD). Of the two panel substrate transfer positioning means for carrying in the display panel substrate from the working device (to A) and unloading the display panel substrate to the processing work device further downstream of the processing work device D (D to) Some are shown.

  1 shows a state in which the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of conveyance in the panel substrate conveyance positioning in FIG. Therefore, the transported panel substrate holding means 10 (D˜) of the panel substrate transport positioning means for carrying out the display panel substrate to the processing work apparatus further downstream of the processing work apparatus D is not shown in FIG. .

  The display panel substrate 4 according to the present invention is transported between successive processing work apparatuses by causing the plurality of panel substrate transport positioning means arranged in a row to be transported and positioned substantially simultaneously. .

  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 at a uniform distance from the processing edge on the processing edge side of the display panel substrate 4. It is a member that is elongated in the processing side direction and is held and fixed over the entire processing side to correct distortion or swell of the display panel in the processing region. The processing edge holding and fixing means 3 has a structure in which the display panel fixing surface is a rigid flat surface, and a plurality of air suction ports are provided in the fixing flat portion, and the display panel substrate 4 is sucked and fixed to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 by air suction. It was. Even in the display panel substrate 4 having distortion or undulation by adsorbing and fixing 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 plane of the display panel substrate 4 on the processing side side It becomes possible to ensure the sex. 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 the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer in the panel substrate transfer positioning means. Even when retracted, it is a member that keeps the display panel substrate 4 substantially horizontal and assists the fixing and holding of the display panel by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3.

  The non-processing area holding means 5 has an arm structure suspended from the upper surface of the apparatus, and has a structure in which a holding arm is inserted and supported on the lower surface of the edge of the non-processing side of the display panel substrate. The non-processing area holding means 5 has a movable mechanism that can be retracted above the processing height and transport height of the display panel substrate when the display panel substrate is not held. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows a configuration in which the display panel of the processing work position is held by three non-processing area holding means 5a to 5c. 2 (a) and 3 (a) show a state in which the display panel substrate is held by the non-process area holding means 5, and FIGS. 2 (b) and 3 (b) show the non-process area holding means. Reference numeral 5 denotes a state of being retracted upward.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the non-process area holding means 5. 4A shows a state where the display panel substrate 4 is held, and FIG. 4B shows a state where the display panel substrate 4 is retracted. 4 includes a mechanism 13 for sliding the holding arm 12 in the horizontal direction and a suspension member 14 capable of moving the entire arm in the vertical direction. These movable mechanisms can be constituted by general actuators such as an air cylinder and a motor.

  The edge portion of the non-processed side of the display panel substrate that protrudes from the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer in the panel substrate transfer means hangs down from the display panel holding surface of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer due to its own weight deflection or the like. . The amount of sagging due to deflection is affected by the thickness of the panel substrate and the amount of protrusion. Furthermore, in display panel substrates mounted around TAB, PCB, and the like, depending on the presence or absence of the holding mechanism and the structure thereof, consideration must be given to the sagging of the tips of these members.

  For this reason, when the display panel substrate is held by the non-process area holding means 5 of FIG. 4, than the processing side holding fixing means 3 holding the display panel substrate 4 or the substrate holding surface of the panel substrate transfer means, It is necessary to push the holding arm 12 to the lower side of the edge of the display panel substrate on the lower side of several mm to several cm and then push it up to a specified height.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the non-process area holding means 5. FIG. 5A shows a state where the display panel substrate 4 is held, and FIG. 5B shows a state where the display panel substrate 4 is retracted. The non-process area holding means 5 in FIG. 5 is composed of an L-shaped or U-shaped arm-shaped holding member 12 and an rotation driving means 15 for rotating the rotation axis about an axis parallel to the display panel substrate side to be held. Yes. With this structure, it is possible to hold the display panel substrate edge lower surface and retreat the arm-shaped holding member above the display panel substrate only by rotating the holding member 12 by the rotation driving means 15. For this reason, it is not necessary to arrange vertically movable means such as the non-process area holding means 5 of FIG. In this method, since the holding member 12 is moved so as to push up the display panel substrate from the bottom to the top, it is not necessary to consider the above-described drooping of the panel end.

  In the configuration of this embodiment, the holding position of the display panel substrate can be changed by changing the installation position of the non-processing region holding means 5. In general, since there are almost no other structures on the upper side of the display panel transport surface of the apparatus, the degree of freedom with respect to the arrangement position of the non-processing area holding means 5 is high. The substrate holding position can be selected according to the processing position.

  The suspension structure from above the non-process area holding means 5 can be easily realized by providing a general beam structure on the upper side of the apparatus. By appropriately arranging and configuring the beam structure, various display panels can be held with high accuracy and stability, and processing operations can be performed with high accuracy and stability.

  Next, a description will be given of the panel substrate transfer positioning means of the present invention for carrying, rotating and positioning the display panel substrate between processing work positions.

  In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the display panel substrate 4 is transported by reciprocating between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions, and the processing work of the processing work device is performed. There is provided a panel substrate transfer positioning means capable of positioning the display panel substrate to a position and rotating the display panel substrate. The panel substrate transfer positioning means, together with the X axis movable means 6 for transferring the display panel between the processing work apparatuses, the Y axis movable means 7 perpendicular to the display panel transfer direction, and the height of the display panel can be varied. Along with the axis moving means 8 and the θ axis moving means 9 capable of changing the rotational position of the display panel, it is composed of a panel substrate holding means 10 during transport for holding the display panel. The carrying panel substrate holding means 10 is configured to be supported by an arm 11 protruding from the θ-axis movable means portion 9 and to stably hold display panels having different sizes by changing the arm length.

  First, a description will be given of the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 in the panel substrate transport positioning means of the present invention.

  The transfer panel substrate 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 the display not held by the transfer panel substrate holding means 10. Using the edge region of the panel substrate 4, delivery fixing is performed on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 disposed at the processing work position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the display panel substrate 4 is held by the panel substrate holding means 10 during transportation in a state where all the edge regions of the display panel substrate 4 are open. If the holding position of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transportation is set in this way, the display panel substrate 4 is rotated by the θ-axis movable means portion 9 so that the processing operation for all four sides of the display panel substrate 4 becomes possible. . With the transfer of the display panel substrate from the upstream to the downstream processing work apparatus, the processing edge switching operation of the display panel substrate 4 within the same processing work apparatus can be easily performed without interposing the holding operation of the display panel substrate 4 or the like. It can be carried out.

  The transport panel substrate holding means 10 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is configured to support the vicinity of the center of the display panel substrate 4 in order to enable processing on all four sides of the display panel substrate. This is not limited to the case where the number of is less than 4 sides, and a configuration in which the processing side is held in a portion other than the side is also possible.

  FIG. 6 shows processing edge holding and fixing means for holding and fixing a display panel during processing (four sides of S1, S2, G1, and G2) for three types of display panel substrates 4 having different sizes. 3 schematically shows a fixed area 17 by 3 and a display panel substrate area 18 that can be held by the panel board holding means 10 during transport. In FIG. 6, the display panel substrate area 18 that can be used for display panel holding and delivery operations by the non-process area holding means and the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 is indicated by hatching. For example, reference numeral 17a-S1 in the figure represents the holding and fixing area width on the S1 side of the large display panel substrate (a). Reference numeral 17b-G1 denotes a holding and fixing region width on the G1 side of the medium-sized display panel substrate (b). Reference numeral 18a denotes a display panel substrate area which can hold the large display panel substrate (a). Others are the same.

  The width 17 of the fixed holding area by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 assumed in the present invention is affected by device 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 side holding and fixing means 3 is about several tens to 200 mm or less from the end of the processing side. Actually, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present embodiment, the maximum processing display panel size is considered to be equivalent to 50 to 60 inches, and in each processing work apparatus, the holding and fixing position by the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is shown on the drawing. As a result of examining the arrangement of the members, mounting was possible as long as the maximum was about 100 mm from the processing edge.

  FIG. 6 shows (a) large display panel substrate: 32 inch wide class, (b) medium panel size substrate: 20 inch wide class, when the holding and fixing area by the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is 100 mm from the processing edge. ) Small panel size substrate: An area in which the display panel substrate 4 can be held by the panel substrate holding means 10 during transportation in the 13-inch class.

  6A, in the 32-inch wide class, the holding and fixing areas 15 can be secured on the four sides on the source side and the gate side by holding the center of the display panel substrate 4 with the panel substrate holding means 10 during transportation. It is. 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 panel substrate holding during transportation It becomes difficult to secure the display panel substrate region 16 used for holding or delivering the display panel substrate 4 by the means 10.

  In such a small display panel substrate 4, as shown in FIG. 6, (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 and the gate 1 If the location and number of sides and processing sides are defined, the display panel used for holding and delivering the display panel substrate 4 by the non-process area holding means 5 and the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention. The substrate area 18 can be secured.

  As described above, the panel substrate transfer device of the present invention and the display panel module assembling apparatus using the same 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 substrate region 18 used for holding and delivering the display panel substrate 4 by the non-process region holding means 5 and the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 is an external force due to an acceleration applied to the display panel during various operations. Although depending on the suction holding force of the display panel substrate 4, if the width approximately half or more of the display panel substrate 4 can be sucked and held, the display panel holding and delivery operations can be stably performed.

  The display panel sizes of (a) 32-inch wide class, (b) 20-inch wide class, and (c) 13-inch class in FIG. 6 are half the width of the display panel assuming a 100 mm wide holding and fixing area. Near the minimum display panel size that can be held.

  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, this limitation on the number of processing sides becomes a problem. Absent.

  Further, as described above, the holding area of the non-processing area holding means 5 is the edge lower surface portion of the non-processing side of the display panel substrate. That is, among the processing edges in FIG. 6 and the area 17 secured as the area for holding and fixing the display panel at the time of processing, the area is not held by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 at the time of each processing operation.

  When the number of processing sides of the display panel substrate is two, the region that can be held by the holding region of the non-processing region holding unit 5 is only a part of one side of the display panel substrate. However, in the present display panel substrate, a substrate having few processing variables generally has a small panel size, and even a part of the display panel substrate can sufficiently hold the display panel substrate 4 horizontally.

  However, this does not apply to cases where the display panel substrate's rigidity is greatly reduced, such as when the display panel substrate becomes thinner or materials other than glass are used in the future. In such a low-rigidity display panel substrate 4, when the holding area of the non-processing area holding means 5 is small and the holding of the substrate by the non-processing area holding means 5 becomes unstable, the non-processing area holding is performed. A configuration in which a part of the holding arm 12 of the means 5 enters the display panel substrate area 18 that can be held by the panel substrate holding means 10 during conveyance and supports the display panel is also conceivable. In this case, it is necessary that the holding arm 12 of the panel substrate holding means 10 and the non-process area holding means 5 at the time of conveyance have a comb-like shape that avoids mutual collision.

  As described above, in the panel substrate transport apparatus and the display panel module assembly apparatus using the panel substrate transport apparatus according to the present invention, the non-processing area holding means 5 and the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 arranged at each processing work device or processing work position. By changing the holding position of the display panel substrate, it is possible to cope with display panels having large and different sizes from small plates to large plates. As described above, in the configuration of the present invention, the non-processing area holding means 5 is a suspension structure from above, so that the degree of freedom of the installation position is high.

  Next, the structure of the movable part of the panel substrate transport positioning means of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the panel substrate transfer positioning means arranges the Y-axis movable means 7 orthogonal to the X-axis movable means 6 arranged across two adjacent processing work apparatuses. The Z-axis movable means 8 in the vertical direction is further disposed thereon, and the θ-axis rotating means 9 is further disposed thereon, and the panel substrate holding means 10 is held by the arm 11 during the transfer. 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 transport panel substrate holding means 10 in the same processing work device or processing work position. is there. For this reason, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the X-axis movable means and the X-axis movable guide 6 are arranged in a staggered manner and at the lowest layer. In principle, the Y-axis movable means 7 can be disposed above the Z-axis movable means 8, but the Y-axis movable means 7 having the largest movable range after the X-axis is directly above the X-axis movable means. It is preferable to arrange in. The Z-axis movable means 8 can be disposed above the θ-axis rotating means 9 in principle, but the inertia weight at the time of rotation increases, and considering the vibration stop time after the rotating operation, θ The shaft movable means 9 is preferably arranged directly above. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the panel substrate transport positioning means is configured as such.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the X-axis movable means and the X-axis movable guide 6 are arranged in a staggered manner because each panel substrate transfer positioning means has an independent configuration. That is, the X-axis movable means and the X-axis movable guide 6 are divided into independent structures within the movable range for each panel substrate holding means 10 during conveyance in each panel substrate conveyance positioning means.

  Since the display panel module assembly apparatus has the panel substrate transfer positioning means arranged in the X direction, the X axis movable means or the X axis movable guide 6 can be shared between adjacent panel substrate transfer positioning means. It is. In principle, a configuration in which one X-axis movable means or X-axis movable guide 6 is shared by each panel substrate transfer 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 of 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 the panel substrate holding means 10 during each transfer in the display panel module assembling apparatus is about several meters. For this reason, when the X-axis movable means or the X-axis movable guide 6 of the adjacent panel substrate transport positioning means is integrally configured, 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 is.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a configuration in which the X-axis movable means and the X-axis movable guides 6 are arranged in a staggered manner for each panel substrate transfer positioning means is disclosed in consideration of the explanation. As an actual configuration, the configuration and length of the X-axis movable means and the X-axis movable guide 6 are determined in consideration of the above-mentioned cost and the division position of the X-axis movable guide and the ease of ensuring accuracy at the time of connection. It is necessary.

  As a means for moving the X axis or 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 panel substrate 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 panel substrate transport positioning means of this 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.

  Next, the basic operation of the panel substrate transfer apparatus of the present invention and the display panel module assembly apparatus using the same will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a basic transfer operation of the display panel substrate, and is a schematic view of the transfer between the processing work apparatuses B and C of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front. The basic operation of the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention is as follows.

  Step 1: The display panel substrate that has been processed by the upstream processing work apparatus B is lifted upward from the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 (B) by the panel substrate holding means 10 being lifted by the panel board transfer positioning means. Then, it is conveyed to each downstream processing work device C.

  In FIG. 7, the operation of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of conveyance is shown by a solid arrow 20a (B-C). In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the transfer operation of the display panel substrate 4 between the processing work apparatuses A → B, B → C, and C → D.

  Prior to the operation of Step 1, before each processing operation is completed, the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 for unloading the display panel substrate 4 suctions and holds the non-processed area of the display panel being processed. As shown in FIG. 7, the non-processing area holding means 5 has already completed the upward evacuation. As a result, the transfer operation of the display panel substrate 4 to which the processing work has been completed to the downstream processing work position can be performed immediately after the completion of each processing work.

The upstream processing work apparatus B in the embodiment of FIG. 7 is a long side (source side) processing work, and the downstream processing work apparatus C is a short side (gate side) processing work. is there. In the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, when the processing side needs to be switched, there is no problem in performing the rotation operation 21a during the transfer operation 20a between the processing work apparatuses.
Step 2: The panel posture of the display panel substrate conveyed to the downstream processing work position C is detected by the panel substrate posture detecting means provided in the vicinity of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 (C). Based on the panel orientation detection data, the display panel substrate is positioned at an appropriate processing work position by the panel substrate transport positioning means. The details of the positioning mechanism and operation of the display panel substrate by the panel substrate attitude detection means provided at each processing work position will be described later.
Step 3: The display panel substrate 4 transported and positioned by each downstream processing work apparatus C is fixed and held by the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 (C) on the downstream side when the panel substrate holding unit 10 is lowered during transfer. Thereafter, the processing work operation in each processing work device is started.
Step 4: The display panel substrate is fixedly held by the processing edge holding and fixing means 3, and after the processing operation is started, the non-processing area holding means 5 is lowered to hold the lower surface of the edge of the non-processing edge of the display panel substrate. In FIG. 7, a state where the non-processing area holding means 5 of the processing work apparatus C is lowered and the lower surface of the non-processing side of the display panel substrate is held is indicated by a broken line. Although not shown, the same applies to the non-processing area holding means 5 in other processing work apparatuses.
Step 5: After the non-process area holding means 5 holds the lower surface of the edge of the display panel substrate 4, the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transfer of the panel substrate transfer positioning means releases the panel suction fixing. At the time of transfer, the display panel holding means 10 descends and passes through the lower side of the holding member of the non-processing area holding means 5 to the receiving position of the display panel substrate 4 in the upstream processing work apparatus B.

  In FIG. 7, a solid line arrow 20b (BC) indicates the return operation of the panel substrate holding means 10 during conveyance. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the return movement operation of the panel substrate holding means 10 during transfer between the processing work apparatuses B → A, C → B, and D → C.

The upstream processing work apparatus B in the embodiment of FIG. 7 is a long side (source side) processing work, and the downstream processing work apparatus C is a short side (gate side) processing work. is there. For this reason, the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 needs to perform the rotation operation 21b (BC) during the return movement operation 20b (BC). In the apparatus of the present invention, there is no obstacle around the display panel holding means 10 at the time of conveyance which has been lowered to the lower side of the holding member of the non-process area holding means 5, and the rotation action 21b during the return movement action 20b (BC). There is no problem in performing (BC).
Step 6: The transported panel substrate holding means 10 that has passed through the lower side of the holding member of the non-processing area holding means 5 and moved to the receiving position of the display panel substrate 4 in the upstream processing work apparatus B is moved up to process The display panel substrate 4 is held from the lower surface of the display panel substrate 4 that is being processed by the work apparatus B, and is then fixed by suction.
Step 7: After the display panel substrate 4 is sucked and fixed by the transport panel substrate holding means 10 for carrying out the display panel substrate 4 being processed, the holding member of the non-processing area holding means is retracted from the lower surface of the display panel substrate. At the same time, it is raised upward.
Step 8: Before the processing operation is completed, the display panel substrate 4 is sucked and fixed by the carrying-out panel substrate holding means 10 and the holding member of the non-processing area holding means is raised above the apparatus, and the processing operation is completed. Thereafter, the fixing of the display panel substrate by the processing side holding and fixing means is released.

  Returning to Step 1, the display panel substrate to be transferred from the upstream processing work apparatus to each of the downstream processing work apparatuses is transferred. In FIG. 7, the outline of the operation of the display panel holding means 10 at the time of transport is indicated by a solid arrow 20, and the movement of the display panel substrate 4 transported thereby is indicated by a dashed arrow 19.

  As described above, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, the switching operation of the panel substrate transfer positioning means including the holding operation by the non-processing area holding means is performed during each processing work operation. As a result, it is possible to realize a highly efficient assembly operation of the display panel module only by the transfer operation time of the display panel substrate between the processing work positions and the processing work time.

  Further, since there is almost no obstacle in the movable range of the panel substrate transfer positioning means for transferring the display panel substrate 4, operations such as transfer and rotation of the display panel substrate between the processing work positions are the shortest according to the substrate size. Alternatively, high-speed conveyance with an optimal conveyance path can be performed.

  As described above, the fastest display panel module assembling apparatus can be realized by applying the present invention.

  Next, problems and countermeasures for extracting and operating the high productivity of the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention to the maximum will be described.

  In the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, in order to efficiently assemble the display panel substrate, the display panel substrate that has been processed at each processing work position is simultaneously transported to the downstream processing work position. It is necessary to. If the transfer timing of the display panel substrate 4 is not simultaneous, a state in which there is no display panel substrate 4 to be processed at some processing work positions occurs, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency.

  However, the display panel module assembling apparatus is composed of a large number of processing work devices or processing work positions, and a large number of panel substrate transport positioning means for transporting the display panel substrate between them. If a large number of panel substrate transport positioning means are to be moved completely simultaneously, the problem arises that the required current during the acceleration / deceleration operation of the movable means becomes extremely large. In order to cope with this, a method of securing an instantaneous maximum current using a capacitor or the like in the drive circuit of each transport system is effective.

  As another measure for this problem, a method of delaying the operation timing of the conveying means between adjacent units by a minute time from the downstream side toward the upstream side is also effective. The acceleration / deceleration time of the conveying means that requires the instantaneous maximum current is short with respect to the operating distance and time of the conveying means. Therefore, the required maximum current of the entire device is kept small by giving a delay that does not overlap. It becomes possible. This eliminates the need for a large-capacity capacitor or the like in the transport system drive circuit.

  Since the acceleration time of the panel substrate transfer positioning unit is about several tens to several hundreds msec, the delay time of the movable timing of the actually adjacent panel substrate transfer positioning unit is suitably about 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. Such a delay in timing hardly affects the operation efficiency of the display panel module assembling apparatus.

  Next, an operation method utilizing the high versatility of the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  The panel substrate transport positioning means in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention has X, Y, Z-axis movable means and θ-axis rotation means, and free panel transport with almost no obstacle in the movable range. Positioning operation is possible. Therefore, it is sufficiently possible to sequentially perform processing on a plurality of sides such as processing on the long side (source side) and the short side (gate side) at one processing work position.

  As an actual operation, until the last processing operation is performed at the processing operation position, the display panel substrate holding means 10 in the panel substrate transfer positioning unit that has carried the display panel substrate 4 into the processing operation position, It is necessary to carry out processing while holding the substrate. The non-processing area holding means 5 may be installed only at the last processing work position, that is, the position where the panel substrate holding means 10 is retracted during transfer.

  Thus, in the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, one processing operation for the four sides of the display panel substrate can be performed by only one processing work apparatus. 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. Such equipment operation is not desirable for mass production panel assembly work for high-volume mass production at high speed, but changing the combination of display panel module assembly equipment processing work equipment such as prototype panel production and small lot production. It is effective in that it can be eliminated.

  Next, a measure for preventing the collision of the panel substrate holding means 10 during transport in the panel substrate transport positioning means in the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the configuration of this embodiment, since the two transport panel substrate holding means 10 are arranged in the same processing work apparatus or processing work position, the transport panel substrate holding means 10 in the adjacent panel substrate transport positioning means is used. There is a danger of causing a collision. In the apparatus of the present invention, in order to prevent a collision, the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transport is controlled so that the movement between the upstream processing work position and the downstream work position is basically performed at substantially the same timing. .

  However, the collision of the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 that moves at a high speed causes great damage to the apparatus, and further measures for preventing the collision are necessary. Therefore, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, the position coordinates of the panel substrate holding means 10 during conveyance with respect to the drive signal for controlling the panel substrate conveyance positioning means are monitored, and the drive signal and the position coordinates of the panel substrate holding means 10 during conveyance are monitored. A function that stops the entire device as an abnormality is installed if a difference greater than the standard occurs. Thereby, even if the movement timing of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transportation is shifted, collision can be prevented in advance.

  Next, the standby position of the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 in the panel substrate transport positioning means of the present invention will be described.

  The panel substrate holding means 10 during transport in the panel substrate transport positioning means of the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention basically stops at the processing work position on the upstream side or downstream side. Since the number of processing panel substrate holding means 10 is almost equal to the number of processing work positions, the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 is always present at the processing work position. If the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer is in the processing work position, access to each processing work apparatus unit from the front side of the apparatus is hindered, and the maintainability when an apparatus trouble occurs is deteriorated.

  Therefore, the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention is configured so that it can be stopped at the intermediate position in addition to the upstream or downstream processing work position as the stop position of the panel substrate holding means 10 during transfer. did. By stopping the panel substrate holding means 10 during conveyance at this position, the maintainability when a device trouble or the like occurs is greatly improved.

  Furthermore, an intermediate position between the processing work positions of the upstream processing work apparatus B and the downstream processing work apparatus C is also a non-interference area 23 between adjacent panel substrate transfer positioning means. By allowing the panel substrate holding means 9 during transport to stand by at this position, collision with the upstream and downstream transport panel substrate holding means 9 can be prevented, so the degree of freedom of operation of each transport panel substrate holding means 9 Increase.

  For example, by utilizing the intermediate stop position at the time of start-up adjustment of the apparatus, it becomes possible to individually operate the processing work apparatus and the panel substrate transfer positioning means, and the work efficiency is greatly improved.

  The display panel module assembling apparatus connects devices that perform a plurality of different processing operations, 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. In particular, when a plurality of processing operations are performed with one processing device as described above, there is a large difference in the processing time of each processing operation step.

  For this reason, even if the operation of the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 for transporting the display panel substrate is performed at the same timing, the return operation timing of the transporting panel substrate holding means 10 is not the same. In such a case, it can also be used as a standby position until the work of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of downstream transport at the downstream processing work position is completed.

  Next, a method of positioning the display panel substrate 4 on the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 by the transporting panel substrate holding unit 10 will be described.

  In general, reference marks are provided on the processing side and the processing portion of the display panel substrate 4. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference mark provided on the display panel substrate 4. As a reference mark, a mounting position mark 25 indicating a mounting position of TAB, IC or the like is formed together with an end mark 24 indicating a reference position of the display panel end. There are various forms of the fiducial mark, and there can be various forms such as “■”, “T”, “−−”, “V” in addition to “+” and “•” shown in FIG.

  In the panel substrate transport apparatus and the display panel module assembly apparatus of the present invention, the panel substrate transport positioning means for transporting the display panel between the processing work devices or the processing work positions includes the movable means for the X, Y, Z, and θ axes. Have. When the display panel substrate 4 is transported from the upstream to the downstream processing work devices or processing work positions, the orientation of the display panel substrate 4 is calculated by detecting the reference marks 24 and 25 of the display panel with a CCD camera or the like. Then, after correcting the position by the panel substrate transfer positioning unit, the processed substrate is transferred to the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 that holds and fixes the processing side of the display panel substrate 4, thereby increasing the height of the display panel substrate 4 to the processing work position. Accurate positioning and fixing are possible.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams 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 substrate 4 on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 in the present invention. FIG. 9 is a top view and FIG. 10 is a side view.

  In order to deliver and fix the display panel substrate 4 to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 with high accuracy, reference marks 24 and 25 on the processing edge side provided on the display panel substrate 4 as close to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 as possible. Is preferably detected. In the apparatus of the present embodiment, a display panel reference mark detection means 26 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 24 arranged 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 26 by pattern matching and calculating the coordinate position.

  In order to detect the reference marks 24 and 25 on the display panel processing side corresponding to various display panel sizes, the display panel reference mark detection means 26 needs to move in the processing side direction (X direction). Also in this embodiment, the movable means 28 in the X direction is provided in the two sets of detection means for detecting the end mark 24 at both ends of the display panel substrate 4. In FIG. 9A, in order to detect the end marks 24 arranged on the left and right sides of the display panel, the display panel reference mark detecting means 26L / R arranged on the left and right sides display the display panel substrate 4N having a narrow processing side width. The situation where the position is changed on the display panel substrate 4W having a wide processing side width is schematically shown.

  The display panel end mark 24 carried by the panel substrate transfer positioning means is detected by the display panel reference mark detection means 26, the display panel attitude is corrected, and the processing work apparatus is positioned with high accuracy. An example of the process of performing will be described.

  First, the display panel reference mark detection means 26L / R is made to wait in advance at a location corresponding to the position and width of the end marks 24 on the left and right of the display panel to be processed. The panel substrate transport positioning unit transports the display panel substrate 4 to a position where the end mark 24 can be detected by the display panel reference mark detection unit 26 provided in the vicinity of the processing edge holding and fixing unit 3. A display panel is temporarily placed on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. Thereafter, the display panel reference mark detection means 26 detects the positions of the end mark 24 provided at both ends of the display panel substrate 4, and calculates the exact coordinate position and orientation of the display panel substrate 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 substrate 4 is sucked by the display panel fixing suction suction port 29 provided on the surface of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3, and the processing work by the processing work device is started.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the end mark 24 provided on the display panel substrate 4 is present at the outer edge of the display panel processing side. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the display panel placement position for detecting the reference mark and the display panel substrate placement 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 substrate 4 that the position where the end mark 24 is detected and the position of the display panel substrate where processing is performed are close.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the display panel reference mark detection means 26 is installed so as to be close and sandwiched between the processing work mechanism section of the processing work apparatus and the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. As a result, the display panel substrate 4 after the detection of the reference mark can be accurately positioned at the processing work position with a 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 26, 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 work for only a part of the processing side, the display panel reference mark detection means 26 may be able to be incorporated in the processing work mechanism unit. In this case, since the movement of the display panel substrate 4 after detecting the reference marks 24 and 25 on the display panel substrate 4 can be performed only for the correction operation, 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 side holding and fixing means 3 that fixes the display panel substrate 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 26 is calibrated with the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 as a reference. In the applied method, the reference mark portions 31 are provided at both ends of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3, and the reference mark portions 31 are detected by the display panel reference mark detection means 26, thereby detecting the display panel reference mark detection means 26. A method of calibrating position coordinates is applied. Various methods such as a method using a calibration jig or the like are conceivable as the calibration means based on the detection position coordinates of the display panel reference mark detection means 26 based on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3.

  Thus, by using the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 as an absolute reference for the processing work position of the processing work apparatus, the display panel substrate 4 can be positioned and fixed at the processing work position with high accuracy. Accurate processing operation can be realized.

  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 substrate 4 to the processing work position with high accuracy.

  The processing edge holding / fixing means 3 of the present invention also has an effect of blocking the influence on the processing edge due to fluctuations and errors generated on the display panel substrate surface in the non-processing edge region. The fluctuation is assumed to be a mechanical force or vibration generated on the display panel substrate due to the exchange operation of the panel substrate holding means 10 and the non-process area holding means 5 during the transfer performed during the processing operation. Position error in the height direction of the panel substrate holding means 10 and the non-process area holding means 5 is considered.

  The processing edge holding and fixing means 3 according to the present invention is fixed and held across the entire processing edge, and is elongated in the processing edge direction and parallel to the processing edge at a uniform distance from the processing edge on the processing edge side of the display panel substrate. . For this reason, the mechanical force or vibration generated in the display panel substrate due to the holding operation performed on the opposite side of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 with respect to the processing edge blocks the influence on the processing edge during the processing operation. It is possible.

  Furthermore, the height position of the display panel substrate in the processing side region is also determined by the processing side holding and fixing means 3 of the present invention that fixes the vicinity of the processing side. For this reason, it is possible to configure the accuracy in the height direction of the display panel holding means 10 during transport and the non-process area holding means 5 with a margin. Positional accuracy in the height direction and the like is allowed as long as the elasticity of the display panel substrate 4 itself and the elastic deformation of the holding portions of the panel substrate holding means 10 and the non-processing area holding means 5 at the time of conveyance are within the allowable range. The transport panel substrate holding means 10 needs to suck and hold the display panel substrate 4 by a method such as air suction. However, the display panel substrate 4 can be relatively easily used by using an elastic body such as a rubber pad for the suction portion. It becomes possible to maintain the elasticity.

  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 substrate 4 by the processing side holding and fixing means 3 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a method for fixing and holding the display panel substrate 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 panel substrates 4 of various sizes within a specified range. In FIG. 11, the one-dot chain line 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 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 4 to be fixed.

  A suction hole 29 is provided on the surface of the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 for sucking the substrate during processing. Unlike the suction part such as the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of conveyance, the suction part of the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 needs to smooth the processing side by removing the waviness of the display panel substrate 4. For this reason, the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 is configured by directly processing the suction holes 23 and the grooves on a rigid body such as a smooth metal surface.

  In the case of a small display panel substrate 4N, the display panel substrate 4N contacts only a part of the suction holes 29 provided in the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. In this case, there is a problem that a large amount of air flows from the suction holes 29 that are not attracted to the display panel substrate 4N, and the suction force of the suction holes 29 that are attracted to the display panel substrate 4N is reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the suction chamber 32 under the suction hole 29 formed in the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is divided into a plurality of parts. A negative pressure system 34 supplied from a suction pump or the like is connected to the divided suction chambers 32 a to 32 c through the opening / closing valve 33. Then, the open / close valve 33 is controlled according to the size of the display panel to be processed, the suction chamber 32 that generates negative pressure is selected, and only the suction holes 29 in the area where the display panel substrate 4N exists are sucked. As a result, the suction can be performed only in the area matched to the display panel size, and a stable holding force of the display panel substrate 4 can be obtained. In FIG. 12, the opening / closing valve 33 is installed in the suction chamber 32 directly below the suction hole 29, but it is desirable that the opening / closing valve 33 be installed in the suction chamber 32 as close as possible to the suction hole 29. When the opening / closing valve 33 is installed at a position away from the suction hole 29 or the suction chamber 32 via a pipe or the like, a time delay occurs in the suction operation after switching the valve, and the suction pressure is reduced due to pressure loss in the pipe. Problems such as instability 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 pressure bonding process, the entire processing side of the display panel substrate 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 substrate 4 from the entire bottom 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 substrate 4 by means such as suction. However, if the conveyance is held until the substrate is sandwiched between the upper blades, it may not be necessary to dispose the display panel substrate fixing means.

  Next, a description will be given of an increase in processing efficiency and a further increase in processing tact time by applying the panel substrate transfer apparatus and the display panel module assembly apparatus 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 system, the number of processing work apparatuses to be connected increases, and there arises a problem that the entire length of the display panel module assembling apparatus 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 treatments for one processing side” is a process of performing individual processing work at each TAB or IC mounting position, such as attaching a small side of ACF or mounting a TAB or IC. And so on. 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 shows a processing work apparatus that moves one processing 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 unit mechanisms 1a (B) and 1b (B) are arranged and capable of processing work at two locations at the same time. . When the processing work time of each processing unit mechanism 1a (B), 1b (B) of the processing work device B is doubled with respect to the processing unit 1 (A) of the processing work device A, such a configuration is adopted. Thus, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the entire display panel module assembling apparatus.

  In the panel substrate transfer apparatus 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. 12 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a processing work apparatus in which a plurality of processing unit mechanisms 1 are arranged. Each processing unit mechanism 1 is configured to have only the movable means 2 in the X-axis direction. In the embodiment in FIG. 12, the X-axis direction movable means or the X-axis movable guide 2 is the same in the two processing 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 substrate 4 is disposed in front of each processing work mechanism. The display panel transported by the panel substrate transport positioning unit 35 is fixed and held by 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 substrate 4 and each processing unit only needs to be adjusted in advance if the relative positional relationship between each processing unit mechanism 1 and the processing side holding and fixing means 3 is adjusted in advance. There is no need to control the detection. 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 panel substrate transfer device and the display panel module assembling apparatus 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 panel substrate transfer apparatus and the display panel module assembly apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 8, the display panel substrate 4 is generally provided with a mounting position mark 25 indicating a mounting position of TAB, IC, etc., together with an end mark 24 indicating the end of the display panel. In the embodiment of the present invention described above, not the mounting position mark 25 but the end mark 24 is detected, and the display panel substrate 4 is positioned on the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. There are the following reasons for this.

  In general, a small mark is used as the mounting position mark 25 with respect to the end mark 24. 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 substrate 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 side edge when the display panel substrate 4 is positioned and fixed to the processing side 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 24 at both ends of the processing side than the mounting position mark 25. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the end marks 24 at both ends of the processing side are detected.

  Of course, it is possible to correct the display panel position by the panel substrate transport positioning means 29 using the mounting position marks 25 at both ends of the processing side, and to transfer and fix the position to the processing side holding and fixing means 3. However, even when the display panel is transferred from the panel substrate holding means to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 during the transfer of the panel substrate transfer positioning means 35, some transfer error occurs. 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 panel substrate transfer apparatus of the previous embodiment and the display panel module assembly apparatus using the same, the end mark 24 at both ends of the display panel processing side is detected and controlled to position the display panel substrate 4 on the processing side holding and fixing means 3. The precision that can be fixed 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. 13 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. 13 shows a configuration in which two processing 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 shown in FIG. 13, two processing 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 unit mechanism 1 in the processing work apparatus independently detects the mounting position mark 25 of the display panel, and each processing unit. A function for recognizing and positioning the mounting position to be processed for each mechanism 1 with high accuracy is provided.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a processing unit mechanism for realizing such a function. The processing unit 1 is provided with a reference mark detection unit 36 including a light source for detecting a reference mark on the display panel, a CCD camera, and the like, and an XYZθ operation unit 37 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 38, and corrects the processing position by the XYZθ movable unit 37, 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 panel substrate transport apparatus and the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention, the display panel substrate 4 is positioned and fixed to the processing side holding and fixing means 3 by the panel substrate transport positioning means 35 with an accuracy of about 100 μm to several tens of μm. Therefore, it is not necessary to enlarge the image detection range of the reference mark detection means 36 mounted on the processing unit mechanism that performs high-precision positioning so much. 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 panel substrate transfer apparatus and the display panel module assembling apparatus of the present invention using the panel substrate transfer positioning means 35 and the processing edge holding and fixing means 3 are integrated into a plurality of processing units 1 and an ultrahigh precision positioning of the processing work apparatus 30. There are many advantages in responding to conversion.

  In the processing work apparatus 30 having the processing unit 1 including the reference mark detecting means 36, the processing position correcting means 38, and the XYZθ movable means 37 described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, basically, processing work is performed. Only the processing unit 1 in the apparatus can detect the mounting position mark 25 on the display panel substrate 4 and correct the position for processing. Therefore, the end mark 18 of the display panel substrate 4 described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 is detected, and the display substrate 4 is positioned on the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 by the panel substrate transport positioning unit 29. Can be omitted.

  However, in this case, the display panel substrate posture transferred to the processing edge holding and fixing unit 3 by the panel substrate transfer positioning unit 35, that is, the display panel substrate posture at the processing position varies. As a result, the image detection range required for the reference mark detection means 36 for detecting the mounting mark mounted on the processing unit side is widened. The reference mark detection means 36 of the processing unit that detects a small mounting mark 25 as compared with the end mark 24 of the display panel substrate 4 may extremely increase the number of pixels required. This adversely affects the cost of the reference mark detection means 36 mounted on the processing unit side, the calculation time of image processing, and the like.

  Whether or not to omit the configuration of detecting the end mark 24 of the display panel substrate 4 and positioning the display panel substrate 4 on the processing side holding and fixing unit 3 by the panel substrate transfer positioning unit 35 depends on the cost and processing speed. It is necessary to evaluate and judge comprehensively.

  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 device or processing work position described with reference to FIGS. The method will be described in more detail.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the X-axis operating means is disposed at the lowest position. 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, with this configuration, the X-axis guide rail 2 can be shared by the plurality of processing unit mechanisms 1 provided in the processing work apparatus.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the X-axis movable means 2 is used both for the purpose of moving the processing unit mechanism 1 between the processing positions of the processing side of the display panel and for the purpose of positioning at each processing position. A movable distance for moving the processing unit mechanism 1 between processing positions on the display panel processing side in order to achieve both movement between processing positions that require high-speed movement and positioning to a processing position that requires high-precision movement. In addition to the large X-axis, a method of providing fine-tuning X-axis moving means for positioning to a high-precision processing position together with other axis moving means is also conceivable. Actually, since a plurality of X-axis moving 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 units 1 simultaneously perform processing operations on one display panel substrate 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.

  Step 1: Processing position information and a movement command are transmitted to each processing unit from the processing unit operation timing control means. Step 2: When each processing unit completes the movement, it reports the completion of movement to the processing unit operation timing control means. Step 3: The processing unit operation timing control means instructs each processing unit to start processing work to the processing unit. Step 4: When each processing unit finishes the prescribed processing work, it reports the work end to the processing unit operation timing control means. Step 5: The processing unit operation timing control means commands 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 panel substrates 4 can be improved.

  FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment of the control system of the panel substrate transfer device of the present invention and the display panel module assembly device using the same.

  In FIG. 15, A- 1 to A- 4 indicate each processing work device 52, and B- 1 to B- 4 denote transport-time panels that transport the display panel held in front of each processing work device 52. The substrate holding means 10 is shown. B-1 to B-4 indicated by broken lines indicate positions of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transport after the display panel is transported. As described above, the transport panel substrate holding means 10 moves substantially linearly in front of the processing apparatus 52, but for convenience of illustration, the position of the transport panel substrate holding means 10 after transport indicated by a broken line. Is shown below the position of the panel substrate holding member 10 at the time of conveyance before conveyance. Actually, the alternate long and short dash lines written at the center of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of conveyance before and after the conveyance coincide.

  Each transport panel substrate holding means 10 in each panel substrate transport positioning means 35 is driven by an independent driving device 50 (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 FIG. 15 are sensors 51 that detect the coordinate positions of the panel substrate holding means 10 (B-1 to B-5) during transport.

  In the control apparatus of this embodiment, system operation timing control means 43 (MC) for controlling the basic operation timing of the entire apparatus system is arranged at the highest level. Below that, display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) and each processing work device control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-4) are arranged.

  Next, a display panel transport operation control method in this control system will be described. The basic operation of the display panel substrate transfer and processing operations is as follows.

  First, the system operation timing control unit 43 (MC) transmits a transfer operation start signal 46a to the display panel transfer operation control unit 47 (BC-1). Upon receiving the transfer operation start signal 46a, the display panel transfer operation control means 47 (BC-1) performs the following series of operation control. (1) Drive each panel substrate holding means 10 in each panel substrate transport positioning means 35 to transport the display panel at the upstream processing work position to the downstream processing work position. (2) The display panel reference mark detection means 26 detects the end mark 24 of the display panel and corrects the display panel posture. (3) The display panel substrate is sucked and fixed to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. After the above series of operations is completed, the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) transmits a display panel transport end signal 44a to the system operation timing control means 43 (MC).

  Next, the system operation timing control means 43 (MC) receives the display panel transfer end signal 44a, and simultaneously sends each processing work start signal 42 to each processing work apparatus control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-4). Send. Receiving each processing work start signal 42, each processing work device control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-4) starts control of each specified processing work operation.

  Further, the system operation timing control means 43 (MC) receives the display panel transfer end signal 44a and transmits a transfer system return operation start signal 46b to the display panel transfer operation control means 47 (BC-1). The display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) that has received the transport system return operation start signal 46b performs the following series of operation control. (1) The non-process area holding means is lowered to hold the lower surface of the edge of the non-process side of the display panel substrate. (2) The adsorption of the display panel substrate by the panel substrate transfer positioning unit is released, and the panel substrate transfer positioning unit is lowered and retracted, and then the panel substrate holding unit 10 during transfer is returned to the upstream processing work position. (3) At the time of transport, the panel substrate holding means 10 enters from the lower surface of the display panel substrate being processed, and holds and fixes the display panel substrate. (4) The holding member of the non-process area holding means is retracted and raised. After the above series of operations is completed, the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) transmits a transport system return operation end signal 44b to the system operation timing control means 43 (MC).

  Each processing work device control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-4) also sequentially sends each processing work completion signal 41 to the system operation timing control means 43 (MC) after the completion of each predetermined processing work. .

  The transport system return operation end signal 44b from the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) and the processing work completion signals 41 from the processing work apparatus control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-4) are received. The system operation timing control means 43 (MC) transmits the next transfer operation start signal 46a to the display panel transfer operation control means 47 (BC-1). By repeating this, it is possible to continuously control the transfer of the display panel substrate 4 by the panel substrate transfer positioning means 35 and the processing work operation in each processing work device.

  In the control means of the display panel module assembling apparatus of this embodiment, in addition to the above, the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) and the processing work device control means 40 (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 43 (MC).

  The status signal of the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) includes completion of receiving the display panel substrate 4 from the downstream processing edge holding and fixing means 3, display panel transport, display panel positioning, and upstream processing edge. The display panel fixing to the holding and fixing means 3 is completed, the substrate is being held by the non-processing area holding means, the panel substrate holding means 10 is being moved back during transfer, and the retreating of the non-processing area holding means is completed.

  In addition to the processing work end signal 41, the status signals of the processing work device control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-4) include various status signals according to the contents of each processing work, and system operation timing control. It was comprised so that it might transmit to the means 43 (MC).

  The display panel module assembling apparatus is composed of many various work processing apparatuses and many panel substrate transfer positioning means 35. 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 52 and the panel substrate transfer positioning means 35 in real time. is there.

  In the configuration of this embodiment, various status signals and error information from the display panel transfer operation control means 47 (BC-1) and each processing work apparatus control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-4) are collectively managed. By arranging the system operation timing control means 43 (MC) for monitoring and controlling the operation of the entire system, a safe and highly efficient operation of the display panel module assembling apparatus is realized.

  Further, the process of shifting the acceleration / deceleration timing between the respective transporting units can be easily performed by the timing control by the display panel transporting operation control unit 47 (BC-1). The details of communication signals in other various operating situations depend on the functions and operating modes of each processing work device and will be complicated, but will be omitted. However, it is important to carefully determine the required functions and operating modes. Needless to say.

  In FIG. 15, the blocks UC-1 to UC-3 are described in A-2 of the processing work device 52. A-2 of the processing work device 52 in FIG. 15 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 indicate the control means 45 of these processing unit mechanisms. FIG. 15 of the present embodiment assumes a configuration in which the processing work apparatus A-2 has three processing unit mechanisms arranged therein.

  Thus, in the configuration having the plurality of processing unit mechanisms 1 in the processing work device 52, each processing unit mechanism control means 45 (UC-1 to UC-1) is subordinate to each processing work device control means 40 (AC-2). UC-3) is arranged, and operation timing and the like are controlled by each processing work device control means 40 (AC-2).

  FIG. 16 shows the system operation timing control means 43 (MC), the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1), and each processing work apparatus control means 40 (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 conveyance / positioning operation control signal 53a of the system operation timing control means 43, the display panel conveyance operation control means 47 (BC-1) raises the conveyance / positioning operation signal 55 to display the display panel substrate. 4 conveyance / positioning operation is started. After the display panel transport / positioning operation ends, the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) falls the transport / positioning operation signal 55. Thereafter, the display panel transfer operation control means 47 (BC-1) moves the transfer panel substrate holding means 10 to the standby position.

  In response to the fall of the transfer / positioning operation signal 55, the system operation timing control means 43 causes the transfer / positioning operation control signal 53b to fall and also raises each processing work device control signal 54.

  Each processing work device control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-3...) Receives a rising edge of each processing work device control signal 54 and receives a processing work signal 56 (AC-1 to AC-3...). ) To start each processing operation.

  Further, the system operation timing control means 43 raises each processing work device control signal 54 and raises the transport system return operation control signal 53b. The display panel transfer operation control means 47 (BC-1) receives the rise of the transfer system return operation control signal 53b, raises the transfer system return operation signal 55b, and starts the transfer system return operation.

  Each processing work device control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-3...) Lowers the processing work in-progress signal 56 (AC-1 to AC-3...) After completion of each predetermined processing work. Further, the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) falls the transport system return operation signal 55b after the transport system return operation is completed.

  The system operation timing control means 37 is connected to each processing work device control means 40 (AC-1 to AC-3...) Along with the fall of the transfer system return operation signal 55b of the display panel transfer operation control means 47 (BC-1). ) Of the processing operation signal 56 (AC-1 to AC-3...) Is confirmed, and then the conveyance / positioning operation control signal 53a is raised to carry out the next conveyance / positioning operation of the display panel substrate 4. Let it begin. By repeating this, a series of conveyance and each processing operation are controlled continuously.

  The start timing of the transport system return operation may be any time after the display panel substrate 4 is fixed to the processing edge holding and fixing means 3. However, as is clear from the above-described control procedure, the transfer system return operation is not completed before the processing work of all the processing work devices is completed. A waiting operation occurs in the work device.

  In order not to cause a wasteful waiting time for the processing work device, it is necessary to control the start timing of the transport system return operation so that the transport system return operation is completed before the completion of the processing work of the slowest processing work device. is there.

  For this purpose, it is necessary that the time for the transport system return operation is shorter than the processing work time of the slowest processing work device. Although the processing work time of the processing work apparatus varies depending on the contents of the processing work, it is basically longer than the above-described transport system return operation.

  In order to control the operation of each processing work apparatus with less waiting time, the processing time of each processing work apparatus is made closer by using a technique such as simultaneous processing by the plurality of units, and the processing time of each processing work apparatus It is important to make an operation control plan so that the transport system return operation is completed in a short time.

  When an operation failure occurs in the panel substrate transfer positioning unit 35 (panel substrate holding unit 10 during transfer) or each processing work device 52, error occurrence information 41e is transmitted to the system operation timing control unit 43. Further, the system operation timing control means 43 (MC) includes a transfer positioning end signal 44a and a transfer system return operation end signal 44b from the display panel transfer operation control means 47 (BC-1), and each processing work apparatus control means 40 (AC -1 to AC-3...)) Is not transmitted within a specified time, a method of determining a system error is also conceivable.

  In addition to the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a method is also conceivable in which each processing work device control means 40 independently controls the drive of each panel substrate transport positioning means 35. In this case, since the plurality of processing work apparatus control units 40 control the plurality of panel substrate transfer positioning units 35, it is difficult to accurately match the movement timing between the panel substrate transfer positioning units 35. For this reason, a measure for preventing a collision between the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer in the adjacent panel substrate transfer positioning means 35 is required.

  When each processing work device control means 40 independently controls the driving of the panel substrate transport positioning means 35, the collision prevention between the panel substrate holding means 10 during transport in the adjacent panel substrate transport positioning means 35 is easily realized. An example of a control method that can be performed will be described below.

  During the operation of the panel substrate transfer positioning means 35, when moving the panel substrate holding means 10 during transfer to the downstream side, when moving from the panel substrate holding means 10 at the most downstream side to the upstream side, By sequentially moving the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transport, the collision between the adjacent panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transportation can be prevented easily and reliably. That is, when moving the transported panel substrate holding means 10 to the downstream side, first, the processing work device control means 40 that controls the most downstream panel substrate transport positioning means 35 moves the transported panel substrate holding means 10 downstream. The movement information is transmitted to the processing work device control means 40 'for controlling the adjacent upstream panel board transfer positioning means 35, and sequentially transferred to the downstream side of the panel board holding means 10 during transfer. It is a method to move. The same applies to the case where the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer is moved to the upstream side, and the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer from the processing work apparatus control means 40 ′ that controls the panel substrate transfer positioning means 35 on the most upstream side. The movement information is transmitted to the processing work apparatus control means 40 ′ for controlling the adjacent downstream panel board conveyance positioning means 35, and the movement of the panel board holding means 10 during conveyance sequentially toward the upstream side. It is a method to do.

  The movement information transmitted by the processing work device control means 40 'may be movement completion information of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer. In this case, it takes time to move the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer in the entire display panel module. It will take. In order to realize the moving operation of the panel substrate 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 apparatus control means 40 'is used as the movement start information of the panel substrate holding means 10 at the time of transfer. Is better. As a result, the processing apparatus control means 40 'can start moving the panel substrate holding means 10 during transportation within a range where there is no risk of collision with the adjacent panel board holding means 10 during transportation. It becomes possible to keep the movement operation time of the panel substrate holding means 10 during the transfer short.

  In this system, since the panel substrate holding means 10 during transport does not move simultaneously, there is no concern that the necessary maximum current during acceleration / deceleration of the panel substrate holding means 10 during transport will become extremely large. Further, the display panel transport operation control means 47 (BC-1) is not required.

  However, in this method, the operation waiting time of the panel substrate transfer positioning unit 35 becomes uncertain and the operation delay of the panel substrate transfer positioning unit 35 is delayed as compared with the method using the display panel transfer operation control unit 47 (BC-1). Time tends to be longer. When it is necessary to reciprocate the display panel module assembling apparatus or the panel substrate transport positioning means 35 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 47 (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 large plates to small 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.

1 Processing unit mechanism (A to D: Processing unit)
2 X-axis movable means or movable guide of processing unit (AD: processing work device)
3 processing edge 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 part of conveyance positioning means (A to D: upstream-downstream processing work device)
7 Y-axis movable part of conveyance positioning means (A to D: upstream-downstream processing work device)
8 Z-axis rotation movable part of conveyance positioning means (A to D: upstream-downstream processing work device)
9 θ-axis rotation movable part of conveyance positioning means (A to D: upstream-downstream processing work device)
10 Panel substrate holding means during transport of transport positioning means [AD: upstream-downstream processing work apparatus]
11 Panel substrate holding means supporting arm during conveyance of conveyance positioning means [AD: upstream-downstream processing work apparatus]
12 Holding arm for non-process area holding means (slide type / rotary type)
13 A mechanism for sliding the holding arm 12 in the horizontal direction 14 A suspension member 15 for moving the whole non-processing area holding means in the vertical direction 15 A rotating means for a rotating type holding arm rotating shaft 16 A suspension part for a rotating type non-processing area holding means 17 Processing side and holding area width by processing side holding and fixing means (S1, S2, G1, G2: processing side)
18 Area that can be held by display panel holding means during transfer or non-process area holding means 19 Movement of display panel substrate being transferred (AD: upstream-downstream processing work device)
20 Moving operation of display panel holding means 10 during transfer (a: transfer operation, b: return operation / AD: upstream-downstream processing work device)
21 Rotating operation of display panel holding means 10 during transport (a: transport operation, b: return operation / AD: upstream-downstream processing work device)
22 Movable range of display panel holding means 10 during conveyance (A to D: upstream-downstream processing work device)
23 Non-interference area between adjacent panel substrate transport positioning means 24 End mark 25 indicating the reference position of the display panel end Mounting position mark 26 indicating the mounting position of TAB, IC, etc. Display panel reference mark detecting means (L, (R: Left / right position / 1, 2: Position)
27 Range of motion of reference mark detection means of display panel (L, R: left side, right side)
28 Movable means or guide (X axis) of reference mark detection means of the display panel
29 Display side fixing suction / suction port 30 on the processing side holding and fixing means surface Processing work mechanism portion of the processing work apparatus and its region 31 Reference mark portions (L, R: left and right sides) provided at both ends of the processing side holding and fixing means )
32 Suction chamber formed inside processing side holding and fixing means (a, b, c: suction chamber area / L, R: left side, right side)
33 Open / close valves provided in the processing side holding and fixing means (a, b, c: open / close valve types corresponding to the suction chamber region / L, R: left side, right side)
34 Negative pressure system 35 supplied from a suction pump or the like 35 Panel substrate transfer positioning means (consisting of symbols 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
36 Display panel reference mark detection means 37 of the high-precision positioning processing unit 37 XYZθ movable means 38 for moving the entire high-precision positioning processing unit 38 Processing position correction means 39 of the high-precision positioning processing unit 39 Between each processing work device control means and each processing work device Control communication signal 40 for each processing work device control means (AC-1 to AC-4)
40 'Each processing work device control means 41 when there is no display panel transfer operation control means 41 Each processing work end signal (e: error signal)
42 Each processing work start signal 43 System operation timing control means (MC)
44 Display panel transfer end signal (a: Panel transfer fixing operation, b: Return operation) (including various error signals and status signals during transfer work, etc.)
45 Processing unit mechanism control means (UC-1 to UC-3) in the processing work apparatus
46 Transfer operation start signal (a: Panel transfer fixing operation, b: Return operation)
47 Display panel transfer operation control means (BC-1)
48 Operation signal of driving device for panel substrate holding means at each transport 49 Detection signal 50 such as coordinate position of panel substrate holding device at each transport 50 Driving device (M-1 to M-5) of panel substrate holding device at each transport
51 Sensors (S-1 to S-5) for detecting the coordinate positions of the panel substrate holding means B-1 to B-5 during transport
52 Processing Work Device 53 Transport / Positioning Operation Control Signal (a: Panel transport fixing operation, b: Return operation)
54 Each processing device control signal 55 Transport / positioning operation signal (a: Panel transport fixing operation, b: Return operation)
56 Processing signal

Claims (30)

In a display panel module assembling apparatus that mounts electronic components by sequentially transporting a display panel substrate 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 substrate.
In order to hold the display panel substrate to be processed in each processing work device or processing work position, a uniform distance inside the processing edge on the processing side of the display panel substrate is elongated in the processing side direction parallel to the processing side. A processing edge holding and fixing means for holding and fixing the entire processing edge, and at least one or more supporting the display panel substrate lower surface area on the opposite side of the processing edge holding and fixing means from above. And non-processing area holding means,
While reciprocally moving between each of the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions, and having a plurality of panel substrate transport positioning means capable of positioning the display panel substrate to the processing work device or the processing work position,
The panel substrate transfer positioning means comprises a display panel substrate holding means for holding a display panel substrate lower surface area on the opposite side of the processing panel holding processing side with respect to the processing edge holding and fixing means. Module assembly equipment. In claim 1,
The non-processing region holding means is at least one display panel substrate position fixed and held during each processing operation by the processing edge holding and fixing means.
An apparatus for assembling a display panel module, comprising a holding means for holding a display panel substrate with an arm-shaped holding member in which a lower edge of the non-processed side of the display panel substrate is suspended from above the panel surface. In claim 2,
The display panel module assembly apparatus, wherein the arm-shaped holding member in the non-processing region holding means can be retracted above the upper surface of the display panel substrate when the display panel substrate is not held. In claim 3,
The non-process area holding means, together with a movable means for moving the arm-shaped holding member into and out of the edge lower surface area of the display panel substrate,
An apparatus for assembling a display panel module, comprising means for moving the non-processing area holding means in the vertical direction for retracting the display panel substrate upward. In claim 3,
The non-processing area holding means has an arm-like holding member rotating means around an axis parallel to the panel side to be held,
A display panel module assembling apparatus characterized in that, by this rotating means, the lower surface of the display panel substrate edge is held by the arm-shaped holding member and the arm-shaped holding member is retracted above the display panel substrate. In claim 1,
The non-processing area holding means provided in each processing work device or processing work position is a display panel with an installation position and an arm-like holding member according to the size, processing side length, processing position, etc. of the panel substrate to be processed. A display panel module assembling apparatus characterized in that a holding position of a substrate can be varied. In claim 1,
The lower surface of the display panel substrate is held during transfer by the panel substrate transfer positioning means for transferring the display panel substrate between the processing operation devices or processing operation positions and positioning the display panel substrate to the processing operation device or the processing operation position. The transporting panel substrate holding means comprises a variable mechanism capable of changing the holding position of the display panel substrate in accordance with the size of the panel substrate to be processed and the position of the side to be processed. apparatus. In claim 1,
The panel substrate holding means at the time of transfer in the panel substrate transfer positioning means is arranged so that each of the processing panel holding holding means provided at each processing work apparatus or processing work position from above the display panel substrate holding surface when holding the display panel substrate. While entering and retracting to the display panel substrate processing position of the processing work device,
When the display panel substrate is not held, each processing work device or the processing edge holding and fixing means provided at each processing work position enters and retracts to the display panel substrate processing position of each processing work device from below the display panel substrate holding surface. A display panel module assembling apparatus. In claim 1,
The panel substrate holding means at the time of transfer in the panel substrate transfer positioning means is provided with a relief area for preventing contact at the time of delivery of the display panel substrate with the arm-shaped holding member in the non-process area holding means. A display panel module assembling apparatus. In claim 1,
The non-processing area holding means holds the display panel substrate by allowing the display panel substrate holding member to enter the lower surface area of the edge of the display panel substrate after the display panel substrate is positioned and fixed to the processing side holding and fixing means. Along with the edge holding means
The display panel module assembly is controlled so that the holding member of the display panel substrate is retracted from the lower surface area of the edge of the display panel substrate before the display panel substrate is positioned and fixed to the processing edge holding and fixing unit. apparatus. In claim 1,
The panel substrate holding means at the time of transfer in the panel substrate transfer positioning means is configured to move away from the transferred display panel substrate and hold the display panel substrate to be transferred next while holding the display panel substrate by the non-process area holding means. A display panel module assembling apparatus that controls to perform a holding operation. In claim 1,
Along with processing operations in each processing work device,
The operation of holding and retracting the display panel substrate by the non-processing area holding means and the operation of holding and retracting the display panel substrate by the panel substrate holding means during transfer are performed only when the display panel substrate is fixed by the processing edge holding and fixing means. A display panel module assembling apparatus which is controlled to be performed. In claim 1,
The transporting panel substrate holding means of the panel substrate transport positioning means is configured to be able to stop and wait at a substantially intermediate position in addition to the processing work position for transporting the display panel. Display panel module assembly device. In claim 1,
The position of the display panel substrate that has been transported to the processing work apparatus or processing work position by the panel substrate transport positioning means on the display panel substrate processing side of the processing edge holding and fixing means, in proximity to the processing edge holding and fixing means And a panel substrate posture detection means for detecting
According to the detection result of the display panel substrate posture by the panel substrate posture detection unit, the panel substrate transfer positioning unit controls the display panel substrate posture and positions and delivers the display panel substrate to the processing side holding and fixing unit. Display panel module assembly equipment. In claim 1,
The display side substrate is configured such that the processing side holding and fixing means at each processing work device or processing work position is configured to be able to deliver the display panel substrate to and from a plurality of panel substrate transfer positioning means. Module assembly equipment. In claim 1,
The processing side holding fixing means holds a uniform distance inside from the processing side end on the processing side side of the display panel substrate in parallel with the processing side and in the processing side direction, and holds the entire processing side.
A display panel module assembling apparatus comprising a suction port for vacuum-sucking a display panel substrate. In claim 1,
The lower surface of the display panel substrate is held during the transfer by the panel substrate transfer positioning means for transferring the display panel substrate and positioning the display panel substrate to the process operation device or the processing operation position between the processing operation devices or the processing operation positions. The display panel module assembling apparatus, wherein the transporting panel substrate holding means comprises a suction port for vacuum-sucking the display panel substrate on the holding surface of the display panel substrate. In claim 1,
The panel substrate transport positioning means has a stack structure in which a plurality of the processing work devices or a transport means having a long direction extending between the processing work positions and a driving means in a perpendicular direction, a vertical direction, and a rotation direction are stacked thereon. A display panel module assembling apparatus. In claim 1,
A plurality of processing units that simultaneously perform processing operations are provided on the processing sides of the display panel substrate fixed to the processing side holding and fixing means in at least one of the processing operation devices or processing operation positions. Display panel module assembly device. In claim 1,
A processing unit for performing a processing operation on the processing side of the display panel substrate fixed to the processing side holding and fixing means at at least one of the processing operation devices or processing operation positions;
The processing unit includes a processing unit position correcting unit that corrects a relative position between the processing side of the display panel substrate and the processing unit, and
Panel substrate posture detection means for detecting the processing edge posture of the display panel substrate to be processed;
A display panel module assembling 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 panel substrate posture detection means. In claim 20,
Wherein the processing unit position correction means, the processing units, the display panel module assembly apparatus which comprises an operating means movable in a direction parallel to the processing side direction of the display panel substrate. In claim 19,
A display panel module assembling apparatus characterized in that a plurality of processing units that simultaneously perform processing operations on one side of one display panel substrate have operating means movable in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of processing units. . In claim 19,
And a processing unit operation timing control means for controlling the operation timing of the shift operation for shifting between the processing operation in the plurality of processing units for simultaneously processing one side of one display panel substrate and the processing position of the substrate side. A display panel module assembling apparatus. In claim 20,
The processing unit position correction means changes the position in at least one of the width direction, the thickness direction, the length direction and the rotation direction of each axis with respect to the display panel substrate of the processing unit ,
The display panel module assembling apparatus, wherein the processing unit is disposed on a movable means movable in a processing side direction of the display panel substrate. In claim 19,
  A display panel module assembling apparatus comprising operating means capable of moving the processing unit in a direction parallel to a processing side direction of the display panel substrate. In claim 19,
  Processing unit position correcting means for correcting the position in at least one of the width direction, the thickness direction, the length direction and the rotation direction of each axis with respect to the display panel substrate of the processing unit;
  The display panel module assembling apparatus, wherein the processing unit is disposed on a movable means movable in a processing side direction of the display panel substrate. In a panel substrate transfer device that sequentially transfers a display panel substrate to a plurality of predetermined work positions,
  In order to hold the display panel substrate at the predetermined work position, a uniform distance inside from a side edge on the predetermined side of the display panel substrate is elongated parallel to the predetermined side and in the predetermined side direction, over the entire predetermined side. Predetermined side holding and fixing means for holding and fixing;
  The display panel substrate lower surface area opposite to the display panel substrate processing side with respect to the predetermined side holding and fixing means is provided with at least one non-processing area holding means for supporting from the upper side,
  Reciprocating between adjacent predetermined work positions,
  A plurality of panel substrate transfer positioning means capable of positioning the display panel substrate to the predetermined work position;
  The panel substrate transport positioning means comprises a panel substrate holding means during transport for holding a lower surface area of the display panel substrate opposite to the predetermined side of the display panel substrate relative to the predetermined side holding and fixing means. Conveying device. In claim 27,
  The non-process area holding means is configured to place the lower surface of the non-process edge of the display panel substrate from above the panel surface at at least one display panel substrate position fixed and held by the predetermined side holding and fixing means during each processing operation. A panel substrate transport apparatus, wherein the panel substrate transport device is a holding means for holding a display panel substrate by a suspended arm-shaped holding member. In claim 28,
  The panel substrate transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arm-shaped holding member in the non-processing region holding means can be retracted above the upper surface of the display panel substrate when the display panel substrate is not held. In a display panel module assembling method for mounting electronic components by sequentially transporting a display panel substrate 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 substrate,
  During processing at each processing work device or processing work position, in order to hold the display panel substrate to be processed, a uniform distance inside from the processing side edge of the processing side of the display panel substrate is parallel to the processing side and in the processing side direction. At least one holding member that is elongated and is held and fixed over the entire processing side, and suspends the lower surface area of the display panel substrate edge on the opposite side of the processing panel substrate processing side from the processing side holding and fixing position from above. While holding the display panel substrate with
  When the display panel substrate is transported between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions, the transport that holds the lower surface area of the display panel substrate and reciprocates and moves between the adjacent processing work devices or processing work positions. A display panel module assembling method characterized in that the display panel substrate is transported and positioned to the processing work device or the processing work position by means.

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