JPH10260424A - Inspecting device for liquid crystal display panel and inspecting method using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the inspecting device which can inspect the display state of a liquid crystal display panel formed in a curved shape with high reliability and has specific flexibility and is easily manufactured and the inspecting method which uses the device. SOLUTION: An inspecting device 10 is the inspecting device for the liquid crystal display panel which is formed in the curved shape, and this liquid crystal display panel includes a couple of flexible substrates which face each other across liquid crystal and electrode terminals formed on the flexible substrates. The inspecting device 10 includes a mount part 22 having a mount surface 24 curved in conformity with the curved shape of the liquid crystal display panel, a circuit board 50 as a driving signal supply part for driving the liquid crystal display panel for display, and a rubber connector 62 forming a connector part for connecting the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal panel mounted on the mount part 22 to the circuit board 50. The rubber connector 62 has a conductive part 66 forming terminals brought into contact with the said electrode terminals along the curved surface where the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal panel are formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for inspecting a liquid crystal display panel and a method for inspecting a liquid crystal display panel using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In various electronic devices such as telephones, portable telephones, pagers, and electronic organizers, liquid crystal display devices are widely used as display units for displaying visible information.

In such a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal display panel is provided with a liquid crystal driving IC and, if necessary, ancillary equipment such as a backlight and a casing. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, a liquid crystal display panel 210 serving as a display surface is incorporated in a horizontal shape in the electronic device 200 to form a display unit.

[0004] Such a liquid crystal display panel is generally manufactured by bonding a pair of substrates on which a plurality of transparent electrodes are formed with a sealant with a gap therebetween, and sealing the liquid crystal in the gap. The liquid crystal display panel manufactured as described above is usually inspected for the display state of the screen such as the response speed and the contrast. This inspection is performed by bringing the terminal portions of the plurality of electrodes formed on the substrate into contact with the terminal portions of the drive signal supply unit for driving and displaying the liquid crystal display panel on the inspection device side. In order to ensure reliability, it is necessary to surely make contact between terminal portions of a plurality of electrodes formed on a substrate and terminal portions of a drive signal supply unit for driving and displaying a liquid crystal display panel.

On the other hand, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for a display surface of such an electronic device to display a curved surface from the viewpoint of pursuit of a wide feeling and development in design. Therefore, as a structure that meets such a demand, the electronic device 20
A liquid crystal display panel 210 in which a convex lens member 220 is incorporated above the display surface is used (see FIG. 10).

However, in the above-described structure, although a wide feeling can be obtained visually, the area of the display portion is not actually wide. Therefore, a proposal has been made to mold the liquid crystal display panel itself into a curved surface (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-18801).
No. 5, JP-A-59-140422).

Therefore, an inspection device for inspecting the display state of the liquid crystal display panel formed into a curved surface in this manner is required. As such an inspection apparatus, there is a case where the terminal side of the drive signal supply unit of the inspection apparatus is manufactured as a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel. However, if the terminal portion of the inspection device cannot be surely made to correspond to the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel, a display failure may occur. Therefore, in order to ensure the reliability of the inspection, it is necessary to ensure that the terminal portion of the inspection device corresponds to the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel. In addition, the above-described configuration cannot cope with a slight change in the curvature of the liquid crystal display panel, so that there is a problem that the versatility is extremely poor.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to perform a reliable display state inspection on a liquid crystal display panel formed into a curved surface, and furthermore, it is easy to manufacture. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display panel inspection apparatus having a predetermined versatility and an inspection method using the same.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inspection apparatus for a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: a pair of flexible substrates opposed to each other with a liquid crystal interposed therebetween; A plurality of electrode terminals formed on a substrate, including a liquid crystal display panel inspection device molded into a curved shape, a mounting portion having a mounting surface according to the curved shape of the liquid crystal display panel, A drive signal supply unit that drives and displays the liquid crystal display panel, and a connector unit that connects the drive signal supply unit with a plurality of electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel mounted on the mounting unit, The connector section has a plurality of terminals that follow the curved surface on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed and come into contact with the plurality of electrode terminals.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the liquid crystal display panel is mounted on the mounting portion and the connector portion is brought into contact with the curved surface on which the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel are formed, the connector portion is formed. The plurality of terminals follow the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel on which the electrode terminals are formed, and the plurality of electrode terminals are connected to the plurality of terminals. Then, the plurality of electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel and the drive signal supply unit are connected and connected via the connector unit, and the display state of the liquid crystal display panel is inspected.

As described above, since the connector portion has a plurality of terminals that follow the curved surface on which the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel are formed, the connection between the electrode terminals formed on the curved surface and the terminals of the connector portion is provided. Is reliably performed by following the terminals, and the reliability of the display inspection can be ensured. Also,
It is possible to cope with a change in the curvature of the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel without applying an excessive load to the electrode terminals, and it has versatility. Further, since the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel and the drive signal supply section are connected and conductive via the connector section, it is not necessary to form the drive signal supply section side with a curved surface, and the manufacture thereof is easy.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, a plurality of the connector portions are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals with a non-conductive portion interposed therebetween, and a portion of the connector portion forms the terminal. And an elastic connector that follows a curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed by elastic deformation.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the connector portion includes an elastic connector having a conductive portion forming a terminal, the elastic connector is provided with an electrode of the liquid crystal display panel due to its elastic deformation. The terminal can follow the curved surface on which the terminal is formed. This follow-up ensures that the terminals of the elastic connector and the electrode terminals are in contact with each other, and that the reliability of the display inspection can be ensured and that the liquid crystal display panel can cope with a change in the curvature of the curved surface. it can.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the inspection apparatus of the first aspect, a plurality of the connector portions are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals on the surface of the non-conductive film, and a part forms the terminal. The liquid crystal display panel includes a flexible film that follows a curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the connector portion includes a flexible film having a conductive portion forming a terminal, the flexible film is formed of a liquid crystal by the flexibility. It can follow the curved surface on which the electrode terminals of the display panel are formed. This follow-up ensures that the terminals of the flexible film and the electrode terminals are brought into contact with each other, ensuring the reliability of the display inspection and responding to changes in the curvature of the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel. Can be.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the inspection apparatus according to the third aspect, the flexible film and the plurality of the liquid crystal display panels are provided on opposite sides of the mounting portion with the flexible film interposed therebetween. A shape following member that is in contact with the curved surface on which the electrode terminal is formed.

Here, the shape-following member means that when the flexible film contacts a curved surface on which a plurality of electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel are formed, the flexible film follows the shape of the curved surface. , A member having a function of bringing a flexible film into contact with a curved surface of a liquid crystal display panel on which a plurality of electrode terminals are formed.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the flexible film can be brought into contact with the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel by following the shape of the curved surface on which the electrode terminals are formed by the shape following member. Therefore, the flexible film can easily and more reliably follow the curved surface on which the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel are formed, and the reliability of the display inspection can be further secured.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the inspection apparatus of the first aspect, the connector portion is provided with a plurality of conductive connector pins which are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval and each part forms the terminal. Urging means for urging each of the plurality of connector pins toward the electrode terminal, wherein the plurality of connector pins are formed with the plurality of electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel by an urging force. It is characterized by following a curved surface.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the connector portion includes a plurality of conductive connector pins which are urged toward the electrode terminals by the urging means and form terminals. However, the urging force can follow the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel on which the electrode terminals are formed. Then, the contact between the connector pins and the electrode terminals is ensured by this follow-up, so that the reliability of the display inspection can be ensured and the change in the curvature of the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel can be coped with.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the inspection apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the placement section includes a positioning section for positioning the liquid crystal display panel. Features.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the liquid crystal display panel can be easily mounted at an accurate position on the mounting portion, and the electrode terminal and the terminal of the connector portion due to a positional shift at the time of inspection. This can prevent poor contact with the display device, so that the reliability of the display inspection can be further improved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inspection method using the inspection apparatus for a liquid crystal display panel according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the connector portion is separated from the mounting portion side. In this state, the step of mounting the liquid crystal display panel on the mounting section, and causing the plurality of terminals of the connector section to follow the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed. A step of contacting the electrode terminal to connect the terminal to the circuit board for inspection, and a step of inspecting a display state of the liquid crystal display panel.

According to the present invention, the connection between the electrode terminal formed on the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel and the terminal of the connector can be reliably performed by following the terminal, and the display inspection can be performed. An inspection method that can ensure reliability can be obtained.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an inspection apparatus 10 for a liquid crystal display panel according to Embodiment 1.

The inspection apparatus 10 performs a display inspection of a liquid crystal display panel formed into a curved surface. First, a liquid crystal display panel to be inspected by the inspection apparatus 10 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the liquid crystal display panel 100, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the structure of the liquid crystal display panel 100. The liquid crystal display panel 100 has a first substrate 102 and a second substrate 104 that are arranged to face each other. The first substrate 102 and the second substrate 104 are made of a transparent and flexible polymer film such as a polyethylene terephthalate film or a polybutylene terephthalate film. Transparent electrodes 106 and 108 are formed on the inner surfaces of the first substrate 102 and the second substrate 104, respectively. Each of these transparent electrodes 106 and 108 is formed of an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film or another transparent conductive material, and has a predetermined pattern. Further, a film of, for example, polyimide or the like is formed as an alignment layer 110 on the transparent electrodes 106 and 108, and is subjected to an alignment process.

The first substrate 102 and the second substrate 104 are bonded to each other with a predetermined gap, that is, a so-called cell gap, by an annular sealing member 112 provided around the board, and a liquid crystal 114 is sealed in the gap. . Further, in order to maintain a constant cell gap, fine particles having a uniform particle size, such as silicon dioxide, are dispersed as the spacer material 116.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, one end of the second substrate 104 extends beyond the end of the first substrate 102, and a terminal portion is formed on the inner surface of this portion. An electrode terminal 120 is formed. The transparent electrode 106 on the first substrate side and the transparent electrode 108 on the second substrate side are electrically connected by a conductive material 118. As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal display panel 100 having such a configuration is formed into a convex curved surface shape using heat, ultraviolet light, a predetermined jig, or the like. Therefore, the inner surface on the end side of the second substrate 104 (hereinafter referred to as the surface on which the electrode terminals 120 are formed).
The electrode terminal forming surface 122 is also curved.

The liquid crystal display panel 100 has the above configuration as a basic configuration, and further includes a deflection plate and a reflection plate on the outer surfaces of the first substrate 102 and the second substrate 104 as necessary. It may be.

The liquid crystal display panel 100 is provided with a liquid crystal driving circuit for driving the liquid crystal display panel 100 to form a liquid crystal display device, and is incorporated in various electronic devices such as a telephone, a portable telephone, an electronic organizer, a pager and the like for display. Form a screen.

The inspection apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment has a base 12 and a rotating part 14 connected to the base 12 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range around the connection part.

A mounting section 22 is provided on the upper surface of the base section 12. The mounting portion 22 is a curved surface base made of, for example, resin, and has a curved surface portion corresponding to the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel 100 on an upper surface thereof. Then, the curved surface portion becomes the mounting surface portion 24 of the liquid crystal display panel 100.

The mounting section 22 is provided on the liquid crystal display panel 10.
The positioning unit 26 is provided for performing positioning when placing 0. As shown in FIG. 1, the positioning portion 26 is
4 comprises a frame protruding above. Positioning unit 26
Is adapted to the size and thickness of the liquid crystal display panel 100.

The rotating section 14 has a pair of arms 30, 30 rotatably supported by the base section 12, and a handle 32 connecting the ends of the arms 30, 30. A pair of arms 3
Reference numerals 0 and 30 are arranged at predetermined intervals, and a support plate 40 is attached to predetermined positions of the pair of arms 30 and 30 over both arms. An opening 34 is formed between the support plate 40 and the handle 32. The opening 34 is used for visually inspecting the display state at the time of display inspection.

The rotating portion 14 rotates in a direction approaching the base 12 by pushing down the handle portion 32, and rotates in a direction away from the base portion 12 by pushing up the handle portion 32.

On the support plate 40, a drive signal supply circuit board 50 (hereinafter, referred to as a circuit board 50), which is a drive signal supply section for driving the liquid crystal display panel 20 for display, is mounted. The circuit board 50 is connected to a power supply (not shown).

At a predetermined position of the support plate 40, a connector is provided. The connector portion is composed of a rubber connector 62 which is supported at both ends by a pair of mounting portions 42, 42 protruding from the support plate 40, and disposed between the mounting portions 42, 42.

The rubber connector 62 is made of an elastic material and, as shown in FIG. 2A, has a plurality of conductive portions 66 arranged at predetermined intervals with a non-conductive portion 64 interposed therebetween.

The end surface 68 of the rubber connector 62 on the support plate 40 side is formed in a planar shape. On the end surface 68 side of the support plate 40, the plurality of conductive portions 66 It is connected and conductive with the terminal.

Further, the support plate 40 of the rubber connector 62
The end face opposite to the side end face 68 has a concave curved surface shape. The concave curved surface serves as a contact surface 70 with the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 at the time of display inspection. On the contact surface 70 side, the plurality of conductive portions 66 In addition, it functions as a plurality of terminals connected to the electrode terminals 120 of the liquid crystal display panel 100. Note that the contact surface 70 substantially corresponds to the curved surface of the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100.

As described above, the rubber connector 62 is connected to the liquid crystal display panel 1 mounted on the mounting portion 22 during the display inspection.
The electrical connection between the electrode terminals 120 and the connection terminal portions of the circuit board 50 is performed. The installation position of the rubber connector 62 is set on the mounting portion 22 by the movement of the support plate 40 due to the rotation of the rotating portion 14. The electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the mounted liquid crystal display panel 100 and the contact surface 7 of the rubber connector 62
0 is set at a position where it can make contact.

Next, an inspection method for inspecting the display state of the liquid crystal display panel 100 using the inspection apparatus 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the liquid crystal display panel 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 22 of the inspection device 10.
FIG. 2A shows the rubber connector 62 and the electrode terminal forming surface 1.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a state before contact with the rubber connector 62 and the electrode terminal forming surface 122.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the contact is made.

First, the handle portion 32 (see FIG. 1) is pushed up to separate the rubber connector 62 supported by the support plate 40 from the mounting portion 22 on the base 12. Then, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is placed in the positioning section 26 on the placement section 22. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is connected to the electrode terminal forming surface 1 of the liquid crystal display panel 100.
22 is arranged upward and toward the connection side of the rotating part 14 and the base 12.

Then, the handle portion 32 is pushed down, and the rotating portion 14 is rotated toward the base portion 12 so that the rubber connector 62 is rotated.
Contact surface 70 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 with a predetermined contact pressure. Here, the predetermined contact pressure refers to a pressure at which the rubber connector 62 is elastically deformed and an excessive load is not applied to the electrode terminal 120.

When the contact surface 70 of the rubber connector 62 and the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 come into contact with each other at a predetermined contact pressure, the rubber connector 62 is moved to the position shown in FIG.
It is compressed in the vertical direction shown in FIG. Then, the conductive portion 66 follows the electrode terminal formation surface 122,
The plurality of electrode terminals 120 and the conductive part 66 are connected. At this time, the conductive portion 66 is securely connected to the electrode terminal 120 on the liquid crystal display panel 100 side by the elastic restoring force of the rubber connector 62.

As a result, the electrode terminals 120 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the terminal portions of the circuit board 50 are connected and conductive via the rubber connector 62, and a driving signal is supplied to the liquid crystal display panel 100 to A visible image is displayed in the display area. Then, the display state is changed to the opening 3.
4 (see FIG. 1) and visually inspect for inspection.

As described above, the transparent electrode 106 on the first substrate and the transparent electrode 108 on the second substrate are electrically connected by the conductive material 118. Therefore, the electrode terminals 120 formed on the electrode terminal forming surface 122 which is the inner surface of the second substrate 104 are connected to the terminal portions of the circuit board 50.
When the continuity is achieved, a liquid crystal drive signal can be sent to both the transparent electrodes 106 and 108.

As described above, according to the inspection apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, since the rubber connector 62 which is an elastic body is provided, the plurality of conductive portions 66 of the rubber connector 62 are formed by the elastic deformation. Electrode terminal formation surface 122
And the connection with the electrode terminal 120 can be reliably performed. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel 1 having a curved shape
For 00, a display inspection while ensuring the reliability of the inspection can be easily performed. Further, since it is possible to cope with a slight change in the curvature of the liquid crystal display panel 100 without applying an excessive load to the electrode terminals 120, versatility is high.

Further, since the electrode terminals 120 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the terminal portions of the circuit board 50 are connected via the rubber connector 62, it is not necessary to form the terminal side of the circuit board into a curved surface. Its manufacture is easy.

Since the mounting portion 22 has the mounting surface portion 24 corresponding to the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel 100, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is reliably supported, and the rubber connector 6 is provided.
2 can be prevented from being deformed or damaged at the time of contact, and the connection reliability can be increased.

The mounting section 22 has the positioning section 26 so that the liquid crystal display panel 100 can be mounted on the mounting section 2.
The electrode terminal 120 and the rubber connector 6 can be easily placed at an accurate position on the
Since the contact failure with the second conductive portion 66 can be prevented, the reliability of the inspection can be further improved.

In the first embodiment, the rubber connector 62 is used as the connector portion. However, if the connector portion has elasticity and has a function of following the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 by its elastic deformation. The material is not limited.

The contact surface 70 of the rubber connector 62
Is a concave curved surface substantially corresponding to the curved surface of the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100. However, if it can follow the electrode terminal forming surface 122, the concave curved surface is not necessarily required. However, considering the contact with the electrode terminal 120, the contact surface 70 is preferably a curved surface substantially corresponding to the curved surface of the electrode terminal forming surface 122.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a liquid crystal display panel inspection apparatus 16 according to Embodiment 2.
The inspection device 16 differs from the inspection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the connector portion is formed of a flexible film and that the inspection device 16 includes a shape following member 90. The same members as those of the inspection device 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted.

In the inspection device 16, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector portion is made of a flexible film (hereinafter, referred to as a flexible film connector 80). The flexible film connector 80 has a plurality of conductive portions arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals on a nonconductive film having flexibility, for example, a polyester film. The plurality of conductive portions function as a plurality of terminals connected to the electrode terminals 120 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 at the time of display inspection. And
One end is connected to and electrically connected to the plurality of connection terminal portions of the circuit board 50 attached to the support plate 40 by thermocompression bonding, and the other end is a free end.

The flexible film connector 8 of the support plate 40
The shape following member 90 is attached to the lower position of the other end of the zero. The shape following member 90 is preferably made of an elastic material, and a contact surface 92 of the flexible film connector 80 is a concave curved surface. This contact surface 9
2 substantially corresponds to the curved surface of the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100. Flexible film connector 80
The other end of the flexible film connector 80 extends so as to cover the contact surface 92.
The electrode terminal forming surface 1 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 mounted on the mounting portion 22 by the movement of the support plate 40 due to the rotation of
22 and the other end of the flexible film connector 80 are set at positions where they can come into contact with each other.

Next, an inspection method for inspecting the display state of the liquid crystal display panel 100 using the inspection device 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A and 4B.

FIG. 4A shows a flexible film connector 8.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a state before contact between the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the flexible film connector 80 and the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100. FIG.

First, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is placed on the mounting portion 22 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, with the handle portion 32 being pushed up and the flexible film connector 80 being separated from the mounting portion 22 on the base 12. It is placed in the upper positioning section 26.

Then, the handle portion 32 is depressed, and the rotating portion 14 is rotated toward the base portion 12 so that the contact surface 92 of the shape following member 90 contacts the electrode terminal forming surface 1 of the liquid crystal display panel 100.
22 is brought into contact with a predetermined contact pressure. Then, as shown in FIG. 4A, the flexible film connector 80 located between the shape following member 90 and the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 is moved to the contact surface of the shape following member 90. The conductive portion of the flexible film connector 80 and the electrode terminal 120 are connected and conducted according to the electrode terminal forming surface 122 due to its flexibility.

As a result, the electrode terminals 120 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the connection terminal portions of the circuit board 50 are electrically connected via the flexible film connector 80, and a driving signal is supplied to the liquid crystal display panel 100. Liquid crystal display panel 10
A visible image is displayed in the 0 display area. Then, the display state is visually observed through the opening 34 (see FIG. 3) to perform inspection.

As described above, according to the inspection device 16 according to the second embodiment, since the flexible film connector 80 having the flexibility is provided, the flexibility of the flexible film connector The plurality of conductive portions of the liquid crystal display 80 follow the curved surface 122 on which the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel 100 are formed, so that the connection with the electrode terminals 120 can be reliably performed. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel 10 having a curved shape
For 0, the screen display inspection that ensures the reliability of the inspection can be easily performed.

Further, since the flexible film connector 80 can follow and contact the shape of the curved surface 122 on which the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel 100 are formed by the shape following member 90, the flexible film connector 80 can be formed. Can easily and more reliably follow the curved surface 122 on which the electrode terminals are formed, and the reliability of inspection can be further improved. If the shape following member 90 is made of an elastic material,
It is possible to easily cope with a slight change in the curvature of the liquid crystal display panel 100.

Further, the inspection apparatus 16 according to the second embodiment
According to the embodiment described above, the inspection apparatus for the curved liquid crystal display panel 100 has high versatility, is easy to manufacture, and can be provided with a positioning portion to further enhance the reliability of the inspection. 1 is the same as the inspection apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

As means for bringing the flexible film connector 80 into contact with the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100, a flexible component such as the shape following member 90 is prepared instead of a flexible component. The film connector 80 may be arranged with a predetermined tension so as to be in contact with the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100.

(Embodiment 3) The inspection apparatus for a liquid crystal display panel according to Embodiment 3 is the same as the inspection apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 1 except that the configuration of the connector part is different. The same members as those of the inspection device 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Regarding the configuration of the connector portion which is the difference, FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The connector part provided in the inspection apparatus according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of connector pin parts 140 arranged at predetermined intervals.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a state before contact between the connector pin portion 140 and the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 100, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which contacted with the electrode terminal formation surface 122. FIG. 5C is a front view showing the connector pin section 140.

The connector pin portion 140 includes a sheath portion 132,
The biasing means 1 such as a spring, for example, housed in the sheath 132
34, and a conductive pin main body 130 serving as a connector pin, which is urged by the urging means 134 in a direction protruding from the sheath portion 132. The pin body 130 functions as a plurality of terminals connected to the electrode terminals 120 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 at the time of display inspection.

The plurality of connector pins 140 are arranged as shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), one end is connected and conductive to a plurality of connection terminal portions of the circuit board 50 mounted on the support plate 40. The pin body 130 is urged toward the electrode terminals 120 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 with the support plate 40 and the mounting portion 22 facing each other.

As an inspection method for inspecting the display state of the liquid crystal display panel 100 using the inspection apparatus according to the third embodiment, first, the handle portion 32 (see FIG. 1) is pushed up,
The liquid crystal display panel 100 is placed in the positioning part 26 on the placement part 22 in a state where the connector pin part 140 is separated from the placement part 22 as in the first embodiment.

Then, the handle portion 32 is pressed down, and the connector pin portion 140 is brought close to the mounting portion 22 so that the plurality of pin bodies 130 are in contact with each other over the length direction of the electrode terminal forming surface 122 of the liquid crystal display panel 20. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, each of the plurality of biased pin bodies 130 comes into contact with the electrode terminal 120 so that the protruding length from the sheath portion 132 appropriately resists the biasing force. By being adjusted, the plurality of pin bodies 130 can be adjusted.
Follows the electrode terminal formation surface 122 and the plurality of pin bodies 13
0 and the electrode terminal 120 are connected and conductive.

As a result, the electrode terminals 120 of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the circuit board 50 are
Of the liquid crystal display panel 1
00 is supplied with a drive signal, and a visible image is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display panel 100. Then, the display state is visually observed through the opening 34 (see FIG. 1) to perform inspection.

As described above, according to the inspection apparatus of the third embodiment, since the connector pin portion 140 having the biased pin main body 130 is provided, a plurality of conductive pins are provided by the biasing force. The pin body 130 follows the curved surface 122 on which the electrode terminals of the liquid crystal display panel 100 are formed,
Connection with the electrode terminal 120 can be reliably performed. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the screen display inspection on the liquid crystal display panel 100 having the curved surface shape while ensuring the reliability of the inspection.

Further, the curved liquid crystal display panel 100
As in the inspection apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, the inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment has a high versatility, is easy to manufacture, and can further increase the reliability of the inspection by including a positioning unit.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. It is.

For example, the connector section may be any connector that has a plurality of terminals that follow the electrode terminal forming surface of the liquid crystal display panel and is in contact with the plurality of electrode terminals. Not limited.

The positioning portion provided in the mounting portion is not limited to the frame body. For example, various types such as a projecting portion provided on a curved base serving as the mounting portion serving as a stopper, a positioning line, and the like can be applied. . Also, in addition to the frame body surrounding all sides,
It may be a part surrounding it. In this case, there is an advantage that the liquid crystal display panel can be easily removed after the inspection.

Further, in the inspection apparatus, a rotary type using a lever has been described as a means for separating and approaching the connector section and the mounting section. However, for example, as shown in FIG. The support part 150 provided with the connector and the support part 152 provided with the connector part may be arranged to face each other, and provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

In the embodiment, the case where the liquid crystal display panel curved in a convex shape is used as the device to be inspected has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to the case where the liquid crystal display panel curved in a concave shape is used as the device to be inspected. Such an inspection device is applied.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an inspection device for a liquid crystal display panel according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing a state before a rubber connector and an electrode terminal forming surface are in contact with each other, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the rubber connector and the electrode terminal forming surface are in contact with each other.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an inspection device for a liquid crystal display panel according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing a state before contact between a flexible film connector and an electrode terminal forming surface, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view showing the flexible film connector and an electrode terminal formation. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which contacted the surface.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a state before contact between a connector pin portion and an electrode terminal forming surface, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a connector pin portion and an electrode terminal forming surface are in contact with each other. FIG. 1C is a front view showing a connector pin portion.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a modification of the inspection device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a liquid crystal display panel.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a basic configuration of a liquid crystal display panel.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state where a liquid crystal display panel is mounted on a mounting portion of the inspection device.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional example of an electronic device incorporating a liquid crystal display panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 16 Inspection device 22 Placement part 24 Placement surface part 26 Positioning part 50 Circuit board for supplying drive signal 62 Rubber connector (elastic connector) 64 Non-conductive part 66 Conductive part 80 Flexible film connector 90 Shape following member 100 Liquid crystal display panel 102 First substrate 104 Second substrate 120 Electrode terminal 122 Electrode terminal formation surface 130 Pin body (connector pin) 134 Energizing means 140 Connector pin portion

Claims (7)

[Claims] An inspection apparatus for a liquid crystal display panel formed into a curved shape, including a pair of flexible substrates opposed to each other with a liquid crystal interposed therebetween, and a plurality of electrode terminals formed on the flexible substrate. A mounting portion having a mounting surface following the curved shape of the liquid crystal display panel; a driving signal supply portion for driving and displaying the liquid crystal display panel; and the liquid crystal display panel mounted on the mounting portion A plurality of electrode terminals and a connector section for connecting the drive signal supply section, wherein the connector section contacts the plurality of electrode terminals following a curved surface on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed. An inspection apparatus for a liquid crystal display panel having a plurality of terminals. 2. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein the connector has a plurality of conductive portions which are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals with a non-conductive portion therebetween and partially form the terminals. An inspection apparatus for a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: an elastic connector that follows a curved surface on which the plurality of electrode terminals of the panel are formed. 3. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion has a plurality of conductive portions arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals on a surface of a non-conductive film and a part of which forms the terminal. An inspection apparatus for a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: a flexible film that follows a curved surface on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed. 4. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 3, wherein the flexible film and the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed are provided on the opposite side of the mounting portion with the flexible film interposed therebetween. An inspection device for a liquid crystal display panel, comprising a shape following member to be brought into contact. 5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector section includes a plurality of conductive connector pins that are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals and a part of each of the connector sections forms the terminal. Urging means for urging toward the electrode terminal side, wherein the plurality of connector pins follow a curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed by an urging force. Inspection equipment for liquid crystal display panels. 6. The liquid crystal display panel inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the placement section includes a positioning section for positioning the liquid crystal display panel. 7. An inspection method using the inspection device for a liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion is separated from the mounting table side.
Placing the liquid crystal display panel on the mounting table; and causing the plurality of terminals of the connector portion to follow the curved surface of the liquid crystal display panel on which the plurality of electrode terminals are formed and contact the electrode terminals. Connecting the terminal and the circuit board for inspection, and inspecting the display state of the liquid crystal display panel.