KR102289252B1 - Apparatus and Method for Continuously Supplying Optical Film - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection tape is affixed only on one side of an optical film, and a series of operation|movement of an optical film continuous supply apparatus is automated.
The optical film continuous supply apparatus adsorb|sucks the optical film in use by the 1st fixing member and 1st adsorption|suction means in a 1st fixed cutting unit, and by the conveyance side fixing member and conveyance side adsorption member in a fixed connection unit. In a fixed state, the optical film in use is cut, and the fixed connection unit is moved just above the second fixed cutting unit, and by the connecting tape sticking moving means provided on one side of the optical film, the seam of the optical film is It affixes, and the optical film in use and the optical film for exchange are connected.

Description

Optical film continuous supply device and optical film continuous supply method {Apparatus and Method for Continuously Supplying Optical Film}

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to the manufacturing system of an optical display device. Specifically, It is related with the optical film continuous supply apparatus in the manufacturing system of an optical display device.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, in an optical display device typified by a display, an optical display panel in which an optical film is bonded to a glass substrate is used. In order to manufacture such an optical display panel efficiently, the optical film continuous supply apparatus which supplies an optical film continuously to the bonding process installed in the conveyance path of a glass substrate is needed.

In response to such a necessity, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical display device manufacturing system 30 as shown in FIG. 1 . This system 30 includes a liquid crystal cell supply device (not shown), a liquid crystal cell transport device 12 for transporting the liquid crystal cell 2, an optical film continuous supply device, and a pair of bonding rollers, not shown. The carrier film which consists of the not-illustrated cutting device which puts a cut line in the optical film from the bonding apparatus formed and the optical film continuous supply apparatus according to the size of the liquid crystal cell 2, and the carrier film roller which collect|recovers a carrier film It is a structure provided with a collection|recovery device and an accumulation device (not shown).

When the residual amount of the optical film 10 of the 1st feeding unit 1 in use decreases, this optical film continuous supply apparatus will stop feeding operation|movement of this 1st feeding unit 1, and this 1st feeding unit ( The optical film 10 is adsorbed and fixed by the adsorption|suction part in the optical film connection part 3 on the side of 1), and, while the cutting|disconnection bonding part 5 of this 1st feeding-out unit 1 side is attached to the optical film ( 10) is cut, and the adhesive tape is affixed at the position which covers the cut edge part of the cut optical film 10 so that the bonding surface may be exposed about half.

Further, prepared for replacement, the optical film 20 is fed out from the second feeding unit 11 formed by winding the same optical film 20 as the optical film 10, and an optical film connecting part on the replacement side ( With respect to the optical film 20 by 13) and the cutting|disconnection bonding part 15, similarly to the said optical film 10, it cuts and bonds together.

Finally, the cut end of the optical film 10 and the cut end of the optical film 20 are arranged in a matching relationship, and the adhesive tape on the end side of the optical film 10 and the optical film 20 are Optical films are connected by the adhesive tape on the side of an edge part.

Here, each of the 1st feeding unit 1 and the 2nd feeding unit 11 is horizontally movable with respect to winding-center direction 1a, 11a of an optical film, and isolates a predetermined distance according to the conveyance direction of a liquid crystal cell. to be added together Moreover, an optical film continuous supply apparatus is the 1st feeding unit 1, the optical film connection part 3 and the cutting|disconnection bonding part 5 by the side of the 1st feeding unit 1, and the 2nd feeding unit 11, , it consists of the optical film connection part 13 on the side of the 2nd feeding unit 11, the cutting|disconnection bonding part 15, etc.

As mentioned above, according to the optical film continuous supply apparatus disclosed in patent document 1, compared with the case where optical films are connected by an operator, production efficiency is improved very much, and although the movement range of a roll can be made small, the optical film In order to affix an adhesive tape on both surfaces, the connection means of an optical film is complicated, the tape for both surfaces is needed, and it takes time to connect an optical film.

Corresponding to the above problems in Patent Document 1, for example, in Patent Document 2, an optical film roll in use cut by holding parts 36a and 36b as shown in FIG. The tape T is affixed only on one side thereof while simultaneously holding the edge portion B of the optical film 10 from (not not shown) and the edge portion F of the optical film from the optical film roll R2 for replacement. Although the connection means for connecting by doing this is disclosed, a specific configuration regarding the connection means is not disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-154340 Publication No. 2013-210521

This invention was made in view of the problem in the said conventional apparatus, The objective is a series of optical film continuous supply apparatus while being able to stick an adhesive tape with respect to only one surface of an optical film in connection of an optical film. It is to provide an optical film continuous supply device capable of reducing the manufacturing time of an optical display device by automating the operation of the optical display device.

This invention is an optical film continuous supply apparatus provided with the 1st feeding unit for continuously supplying an optical film in the system which bonds an optical film to a glass substrate, and manufactures an optical display device, and a 2nd feeding unit, Use 1st adsorption means which is arrange|positioned on the downstream side of the feeding direction of the optical film from the said 1st feeding|feeding unit in the middle, and adsorb|sucks the said optical film just before the optical film is cut|disconnected, the said 1st adsorption|suction means sandwiching the said optical film; When the first fixing member disposed oppositely, the first cutting means for cutting the optical film in a state in which the optical film is adsorbed, and the optical film of the first feeding unit become a predetermined remaining amount, the first adsorption means and the first fixing member and a first fixed cutting unit having a first vertical movement means for simultaneously raising the first cutting means to a predetermined height; , a second adsorption means for adsorbing the optical film immediately before the optical film is cut, a second fixing member disposed to face the second adsorption means by sandwiching the optical film, and cutting the optical film in an adsorbed state a second cutting means and a second vertical movement means for simultaneously raising the second adsorption means, the second fixing member, and the second cutting means to a predetermined height when the optical film of the second feeding unit becomes a predetermined remaining amount; , a second fixed cutting unit comprising: a downstream side in the feeding direction of the optical film from the first fixed cutting unit, disposed directly above the first fixed cutting unit, and immediately before the optical film is cut a transport-side adsorption means adjacent to the adsorption means for adsorbing the optical film; a transport-side fixing member disposed to face the transport-side adsorption means by sandwiching the optical film; Connection tape affixing means for connecting the cut end of the optical film for exchange in the adsorption fixed state raised to a predetermined height, and the optical film in use In a state in which the optical film at the place to be cut is adsorbed and fixed, conveying side left/right moving means for moving the conveying side suction means, the conveying side fixing member, and the connecting tape affixing means by a predetermined distance directly above the second cutting means; , a fixed connection unit comprising, wherein the first cutting means further includes a moving means for the first cutting means which is installed horizontally along the width direction of the optical film and moves a cutter for cutting the optical film, , The cutter of the first cutting means is arranged to be substantially flush with the upper surface of the first adsorption means, and the second cutting means is installed horizontally along the width direction of the optical film and cuts the optical film A moving means for a second cutting means for moving the cutter is further provided, wherein the cutter of the second cutting means is arranged to be substantially flush with an upper surface of the second suction means, and the connecting tape attaching means includes the optical and a connecting tape attaching moving unit installed horizontally along the width direction of the film and moving a connecting tape feeding unit for connecting tape set, wherein the cutter of the first cutting unit and the connecting tape of the fixed connecting unit include: In the case of cutting to the optical film, it is located on the same direction side of the optical film, and in the case of connection of the optical film and the replacement optical film, the cutter of the second fixed cutting unit and the connecting tape of the fixed connecting unit are the optical It is to provide an optical film continuous supply device, characterized in that located on the same direction side of the film.

The above-mentioned optical film continuous supply apparatus WHEREIN: Preferably, the said connection tape sticking means is further equipped with the pressing means which presses the said connection tape fed out from the said connection tape feeding part to an optical film.

Preferably, the pressing means is a sticking roller operated by a cylinder or a spring.

Preferably, the connecting tape attaching means further includes a connecting tape guide roller on the downstream side of the attaching roller in the attaching direction of the connecting tape, wherein the pasting has been completed between the attaching roller and the connecting tape guide roller. The cutter for connection tapes which cuts a connection tape is further provided.

Preferably, each of the first vertical movement means, the second vertical movement means, and the conveyance-side horizontal movement means is a guide rail, a ball screw, or a rack & pinion.

Preferably, when the optical film of the first feeding unit becomes a predetermined remaining amount, the first fixed cutting unit is lifted, the first fixed cutting unit is adsorbed and fixed by the first adsorbing means and the first fixed member, and the cutter of the first cutting unit is used. cutting by, lifting of the second fixed cutting unit, adsorption fixing by the second adsorption means and the second fixing member, cutting by a cutter of the second cutting means, movement of the fixed connection unit, the conveying side It further comprises a control unit which controls so that adsorption|suction fixation by an adsorption|suction means and the said conveyance side fixing member, sticking by the said connection tape sticking means, and cutting|disconnection with the cutter for connection tapes may be performed automatically.

Moreover, this invention is an optical film continuous supply method which supplies continuously the optical film bonded to a glass substrate, The optical film feeding process for use which feeds out the optical film in use from a 1st feeding unit, The optical film for exchange This set 2nd feeding unit is prepared, the optical film for replacement is adsorbed and fixed by a 2nd adsorption|suction means and a 2nd fixing member, and the edge part is cut with the 2nd cutting means of a 2nd fixed cutting unit, If it is detected that the waiting|standby process of waiting for a subsequent connection and the optical film in use in the said 1st feeding unit become a predetermined residual quantity, the stop process of stopping the said optical film feeding process for use, and 1st fixed cutting The unit is raised to a predetermined height, and when the first adsorption means is adjacent to the carrying-side adsorption means of the fixed connection unit, the first adsorption means and the first fixing member adsorb and fix the optical film in use, while the carrying-side adsorption means and An adsorption-fixing step of adsorbing and fixing the optical film in use as a conveying-side process member, and passing the gap between the conveying-side adsorption means and the first adsorption means while the cutter of the first cutting means moves the first cutting moving means. When it is detected that the cutting process of cutting|disconnecting the optical film in use, and the cutting|disconnection of the optical film in use is complete, a 1st fixed cutting unit descends in the state which adsorbed and fixed the optical film in use with a 1st adsorption|suction means and a 1st fixing member. a return step of returning and releasing the adsorption fixing unit; and a moving step of moving the fixed connection unit a predetermined distance toward the second feeding unit side in a state in which the optical film in use cut by the conveying side adsorption means and the conveying side fixing member is adsorbed and fixed. And, when the fixed connection unit is located directly above the second fixed cutting unit, the second fixed cutting unit adsorbs and fixes the optical film for replacement, and a lifting step of rising to a predetermined height; and the second adsorption of the second fixed cutting unit. When the means is adjacent to the conveying-side suction means of the fixed connection unit, the connection tape sticking means of the fixed connection unit is activated. and a connection step of performing a connection while moving along the seam of the optical film in use and the optical film for replacement, and the connection tape affixing means is returned, and the suction fixing in the fixed connection unit and the second fixed cutting unit is released, and a supply step of supplying an optical film for replacement, providing an optical film continuous supply method.

Preferably, in the said connection process, it connects, pressing a connection tape along the said seam with a pressing means.

Preferably, between the said connection process and the said supply process, the cutting process of cutting a connection tape is further provided.

Preferably, the said optical film feeding process for use, the said waiting|standby process, the said stopping process, the said adsorption|suction fixing process, the said cutting process, the said return process, the said moving process, the said raising process, the said The connection process and the said supply process are performed automatically by a control unit.

According to the optical film continuous supply apparatus in the manufacturing system of the optical display device which concerns on this invention, a connection tape can be affixed only on one side of an optical film, Furthermore, a series of operation|movement of an optical film continuous supply apparatus can be automated Therefore, cost reduction and high productivity improvement are achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is sectional drawing which shows a part of the manufacturing system of the conventional optical display device.
2 : is a perspective view which shows the conventional optical film connection means.
3 : is sectional drawing which shows a part of the manufacturing system of the optical display apparatus in this invention.
4 : is a figure which shows the detailed structure of the optical film continuous supply apparatus in FIG.
Fig. 5 (a) is a partial enlarged view showing the mutually facing pasting connection of the cut end of the optical film when the fixed connection unit and the second feeding unit viewed from the first feeding unit side are vertically adjacent; 5(b) is a side view of FIG. 5(a).
Fig. 6(a) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and pasting operation of the connecting tape pasting means in the fixed connecting unit, and Fig. 6(b) is a schematic view showing the cutting operation of the connecting tape after the pasting operation has been completed.
7(a)-(f) is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of optical film continuous supply operation|movement.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 . Incidentally, the drawings are for explaining the present invention in detail, and do not limit the present invention. In addition, the shape, size, arrangement|positioning relationship, etc. which are shown in drawing are only an illustration, and do not limit this invention.

In the following embodiment, the case where the liquid crystal cell 2 is used as an example of a glass substrate is demonstrated.

[Configuration of manufacturing system of optical display device]

3 : is sectional drawing which shows a part of the manufacturing system 30 of the optical display device which concerns on this invention. The manufacturing system 30 feeds out from the optical film in use (1st optical film) fed out from 1st optical film roll R1 (1st roll), or 2nd optical film roll R2 (2nd roll) The optical film (2nd optical film) for the replaced (unused) used and the liquid crystal cell 2 from the liquid crystal cell supply apparatus which are not shown in figure are bonded together. In addition, in the following description, a 1st optical film and a 2nd optical film may be generically described as "optical film" in some cases.

In addition, as the liquid crystal cell 2, what is necessary is just to use a well-known liquid crystal cell, and the well-known liquid crystal cell which arrange|positioned the alignment film between board|substrates, such as a glass substrate, and a liquid crystal layer is mentioned. As an optical film, a polarizing film, retardation film, a brightness improving film, etc., and what laminated|stacked two or more of these are mentioned. In addition, in the 1st roll R1 and 2nd roll R2 of this invention, in order to prevent air bubbles from entering between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the carrier film, the optical film must always have the carrier film outside (the opposite side of the roll core). , that is, it is formed by winding so as to be located on the side away from the roll core).

As shown in FIG. 3, as each structure of the manufacturing system 30 of the said optical display apparatus, the liquid crystal cell supply apparatus other than the figure which supplies the liquid crystal cell 2, and the liquid crystal cell from a liquid crystal cell supply apparatus are pasted together. Consists of a liquid crystal cell conveying device 12 conveyed to the liquid crystal cell 2, an optical film continuous feeding device 9 continuously supplying an optical film to be affixed to the liquid crystal cell 2, and a pair of pasting rollers, the liquid crystal cell 2 The accumulation apparatus 8 in which the optical film of predetermined length is stored for the bonding apparatus 4 which performs the bonding process of bonding and an optical film together, and the manufacturing system of an optical display apparatus are not stopped, and optical film continuous supply Before bonding to the optical film from the apparatus 9 by the piercing device 7 which forms a piercing line for every length along the conveyance direction of the liquid crystal cell 2, and a carrier film roller, and bonding with the liquid crystal cell 2 , A carrier film collecting device 6 is provided which peels and collects the carrier film from the optical film. Here, the conveyance direction is a direction indicated by a black arrow in FIG. 3 .

Incidentally, in each of the above components, as a device other than the optical film continuous supply device 9, a well-known device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like may be used, so the configuration and arrangement relationship thereof will not be mentioned again here. does not

In FIG. 3 , a portion surrounded by a dotted line is a schematic configuration of the optical film continuous supply device 9 , and a more detailed configuration is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the optical film continuous supply apparatus 9 mainly consists of the 1st feeding unit 1 and the fixed cutting unit 100 (1st fixed cutting unit) of the 1st feeding-side optical film, A fixed connecting unit 300 (fixed connecting unit) of the optical film, a second feeding unit 11, and a fixed cutting unit 200 (a second fixed cutting unit) of the second feeding-side optical film are provided.

It is preferable that the optical film continuous supply apparatus 9 is further equipped with a control unit (not shown). In this case, a series of operation|movement of the optical film continuous supply apparatus 9 can be performed automatically, and productive efficiency is further improved. Conversely, when not provided with a control unit, a series of operation|movement of the optical film continuous supply apparatus 9 may be implemented from the judgment of an operator.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the optical film continuous supply device 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 .

[1st feeding unit and 2nd feeding unit]

The 1st feeding|feeding unit 1 and the 2nd feeding|feeding unit 11 put a predetermined distance along the said conveyance direction of the liquid crystal cell 2, and are arranged side by side, and 1st roll R1 and 2nd roll R2 are each It is an apparatus for holding, specifically, the 1st feeding unit 1 holds the 1st roll R1, the 2nd feeding unit 11 holds the 2nd roll R2, The 1st optical film and the 1st It is preferable to become a structure which can adjust the tension|tensile_strength applied to 2 optical film. In addition, by providing the tension|tensile_strength adjustment roller of the 1st feeding unit 1 and the 2nd feeding unit 11, respectively, the structure which can adjust the tension|tensile_strength applied to an optical film may be sufficient. In addition, the 1st feeding unit 1 and the 2nd feeding unit 11 are comprised so that it may have the same structure.

Here, a predetermined distance is the distance which the fixed connection unit 300 mentioned later moves to the 2nd feeding unit 11 side, and can connect a 1st optical film and a 2nd optical film.

It is preferable that the 1st feeding unit 1 is comprised so that horizontal movement is possible by the 1st moving means M1 along the winding-center direction of 1st roll R1, ie, the width direction of an optical film. Similarly, it is preferable that the 2nd feeding unit 11 is also comprised so that horizontal movement is possible by the 2nd moving means M2 along the winding-center direction of 2nd roll R2, ie, the width direction of an optical film. That is, each winding core direction of 1st roll R1 and 2nd roll R2 arranged side by side is parallel. Although it does not specifically limit with 1st and 2nd moving means M1, M2, For example, a combination of a rail and the wheel for rails, well-known structures, such as a wheel, are mentioned.

The 1st feeding unit 1 and the 2nd feeding unit 11 are comprised so that a horizontal movement is possible according to each roll core direction, The 1st roll R1 or the 2nd roll R2 by completion of use of an optical film ), the replacement becomes convenient by a simple operation of horizontally withdrawing, and the replacement operation space becomes small in the case of withdrawing in the conveying direction.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, although the optical film is shown so that an optical film may be fed through a plurality of rollers (three in FIG. 4) from the first feeding unit 1, for example, the number of rollers is limited to the illustration doesn't happen For example, when the 1st feeding unit 1 and the 2nd feeding unit 11 can adjust the tension|tensile_strength of an optical film, you may abbreviate|omit these rollers, and you may provide 1 or 3 or more as a tension adjustment roller. . In addition, it does not specifically limit also about the roller of the conveyance side (fixed connection unit side) mentioned later.

In addition, although the 1st drawing unit 1 is in use in FIG. 4 and it is shown so that the 2nd drawing unit 11 may be for exchange, it is not limited to this, You may be reversed. That is, the 1st feeding unit 1 may be for replacement|exchange, and the 2nd feeding unit 11 may be in use. Specifically, although the optical film from the 1st roll R1 of the 1st feeding unit 1 shows that it is in use, the optical film in use and the exchange from the 2nd roll R2 of the 2nd feeding unit 11 are shown. After the optical film for dragon is connected, the optical film from 2nd roll R2 of the 2 feeding|feeding unit 11 becomes the optical film in use, and from the 1st feeding unit 1 which replaced the new 1st roll of the optical film becomes the optical film for exchange.

[First fixed cutting unit and second fixed cutting unit]

Since the first fixed cutting unit 100 and the second fixed cutting unit 200 have the same structure, hereinafter, the first fixed cutting unit 100 is described as an example, and this description is the second fixed cutting unit 200 Since it also applies to, the description of the second fixed cutting unit 200 is omitted. That is, in the case of the 2nd fixed cutting unit 200, what is necessary is just to change "1st" to "2nd" in the description of the 1st fixed cutting unit 100. In addition, the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 and the 2nd fixed cutting unit 200 are not limited to being comprised similarly, You may provide each different structure.

As shown in FIG. 4, the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 is arrange|positioned on the downstream side of the feeding|feeding-out direction of the 1st optical film of the 1st feeding-out unit 1, and is arrange|positioned opposingly sandwiching the 1st optical film. The optical film fixing member 102 (1st fixing member) by the 1st feeding unit side, the optical film adsorption|suction means 103 (1st adsorption|suction means) by the 1st feeding unit side, and 1st cutting means which cut|disconnects an optical film (101) and the 1st fixing member 102, the 1st adsorption|suction means 103, and the 1st vertical movement means 104 for simultaneously moving the 1st cutting means 101 up and down a predetermined distance are provided, and it is comprised. That is, a 1st optical film passes between a 1st fixing member and a 1st adsorption|suction means via the some roller by the side of the 1st feeding-out unit mentioned above.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the first fixed cutting unit 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 .

[First vertical movement means]

The first vertical movement means 104, as described above, the first cutting means 101, the first adsorption means 103, and the first fixing member 102 to move up and down according to the flow direction of the first optical film , and as the first vertical movement means 104 ( 204 in Fig. 5(b) indicates the second vertical movement means of the second fixed cutting unit 200), for example, a guide rail, a ball screw means , or a known configuration such as a rack and pinion. In addition, a well-known thing may be employ|adopted as a drive source for driving a vertical movement.

[First fixing member]

The first fixing member 102 is an elongated bar extending along the width direction of the optical film, like the second fixing member 202 shown in Figs. 1 Arranged in pairs with the first adsorption means 103 so that the upper surface of the fixing member 102 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the first adsorption means 103 by sandwiching the first optical film, and the first cutting means ( Before cutting the 1st optical film adsorbed to the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 by 101), it is used in order to fix the 1st optical film so that the 1st optical film can be cut|disconnected smoothly. In addition, in order to fix the 1st optical film, as a fixing means, a well-known structure, such as a cylinder, which makes the elastic force by a spring representative, for example, can be employ|adopted. In addition, although a long bar is shown as the 1st fixing member 102 in FIG.5(a), if it can fix and cut|disconnect a 1st optical film together with the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 mentioned later, it is specifically limited. I never do that.

[First adsorption means]

When the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 cut|disconnects a 1st optical film with the cutter of the 1st cutting means 101 similarly to the 2nd adsorption|suction means 203, as FIG.5(a) shows, the first 1 It arrange|positions along the width direction of a 1st optical film, and the some hole for adsorption|suction is provided in the surface so that adsorption|suction holding|maintenance may be carried out. That is, the well-known structure which sucks air with a pump and adsorb|sucks hold|maintains an optical film is employable.

[First cutting means]

The 1st cutting means 101 is arrange|positioned horizontally along the width direction of the 1st optical film in the said 1st fixed cutting unit 100, The 2nd moving means 201-2 for cutting shown to Fig.5 (a). ), such as a first cutting moving means (not shown), and a cutter that moves the first cutting moving means (a cutter 201-1 of the second cutting means 201 shown in Fig. 5(a)) see) is provided. As such, the cutter cuts while moving according to the horizontally arranged first moving means for cutting, so that the first optical film can be precisely cut horizontally. In addition, as the cutter of the 1st cutting means 101, if an optical film can be cut|disconnected easily, the well-known cutter which makes the cutter of a round doll as a representative can be employ|adopted, and the 1st cutting means 101 cutter is As the driving source for moving, a known one may be employed. And, as the first and second moving means for cutting, it is preferable that the cutter moves quickly, so that it is preferable to employ a slide means. Moreover, you may employ|adopt other well-known means which can cut|disconnect an optical film, moving a cutter.

Moreover, the cutter of the 1st cutting means 101 is the same side as the 1st fixing member 102 with respect to a 1st optical film, ie, the 1st adsorption|suction means 103, as shown to FIG.4 and FIG.5(a). ) on the opposite side (left side in Fig. 4), arranged so as to be positioned on the same plane as the upper surface of the first adsorption means 103, one side in the width direction of the first optical film, that is, for the first cutting Stand by at one end of the means of transportation. In Fig.5 (a), the cutter of the 2nd cutting means 201 cuts the 2nd optical film along the 2nd moving means 201-2 for cutting from one end of the 2nd moving means 201-2 for cutting. It cut|disconnects and the other side of the width direction of a 2nd optical film, ie, the state located in the other end of the moving means 201-2 for 2nd cutting|disconnection is shown.

As mentioned above, although each structure of the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 was demonstrated, the arrangement position and structure of each structure are not limited to the above-mentioned, The change made by those skilled in the art based on the above description also belongs to the scope of this application. For example, as for the position in FIG. 4, the 1st fixing member 102 and the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 are located in the 1st fixing member 102 to the left, and the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 to the right Although shown so as to do so, the reverse may be used. In addition, the 1st cutting means 101 is not necessarily located on the same side as the 1st fixing member 102, It may be located on the same side as the 1st adsorption|suction means 103.

[Fixed connection unit]

The fixed connection unit 300 is a downstream side from the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 in the feeding direction of the 1st optical film from the 1st feeding unit 1, and is just above the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 It is placed at a predetermined height. When the fixed connection unit 300 is located directly above the first fixed cutting unit 100, in the subsequent cutting process, the first fixed cutting unit 100 rises in a straight line, and the first adsorption means 103 can be adjacent to the adsorption means 303 (carry-side adsorption means) of the transport-side optical film in good alignment. Here, the predetermined height is a distance in which the first fixed cutting unit 100 rises and the first optical film by the cutter of the first cutting means 101 can be cut.

The fixed connection unit 300 includes a carrying-side optical film fixing member 302 (carrying-side fixing member) and carrying-side adsorption means 303 disposed to face each other by sandwiching the optical film, and a cut end of the first optical film. and a connecting tape pasting means 301 for pasting the cut end of the second optical film with a connecting tape T; and a conveying-side left-right moving means 304 for moving left and right (horizontal conveying direction); there is.

Here, as the conveyance side left-right movement means 304, well-known things, such as a guide rail, a ball screw means, or a rack-and-pinion, are mentioned, for example. In addition, it is good to employ|adopt a well-known drive source for driving a left-right movement. About the structure of the conveyance-side fixed member 302 and the conveyance-side adsorption|suction means 303 in the fixed connection unit 300, the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 and the 1st in the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 are Reference may be made to the fixing member 102 , and thus will not be referred to herein again.

Further, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the connecting tape pasting means 301 is provided in the fixed connecting unit 300 and horizontally arranged along the width direction of the optical film, the connecting tape attaching moving means 301- 1) and the moving means 301-1 for attaching a connecting tape are moved, and the connecting tape feeding|feeding-out part 301-2 in which the connecting tape T is set is provided. Only the connecting tape T of the length corresponded to the width|variety of an optical film may be set in the connecting tape feeding|feeding-out part 301-2. In this case, after an optical film is connected, what is necessary is just to set the new connection tape T in the period which supplies a 2nd optical film continuously from 2nd roll R2, and the connection tape feeding|feeding-out part 301-2. In addition, as the adhesive tape T, a well-known single-sided adhesive tape can be used.

In addition, in order to improve the adhesiveness of the adhesive tape T, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to further include auxiliary sticking means provided with the sticking roller 301-6, and the sticking roller 301-6 is used to apply the drawn connecting tape T along both ends (joints) of the cut end of the optical film. Apply while pressing. The attaching roller 301-6 is pressed to the seam of an optical film by the 1st cylinder C1 (an example of a pressing means), and the connection tape pasting means 301 is sticking a connection tape, maintaining the state. By moving the moving means 301-1 for use, it moves along the joint of the optical film (the cut end of the optical film in use and the cut end of the optical film for replacement). In addition, other well-known things, such as a spring, may be employ|adopted instead of the said 1st cylinder C1.

In addition, the connection tape T which has a length which can connect repeatedly may be set in the connection tape feeding|feeding-out part 301-2. In this case, as shown to Fig.6 (a), (b), a connecting tape guide roller 301-4 is provided on the downstream side of the connecting tape pasting direction of the said attaching roller 301-6, and the said attaching roller It is preferable to further provide and comprise the cutter 301-3 for connection tapes which cut the pasted connection tape T between the 301-6 and the connection tape guide roller 301-4. Connection tape guide roller 301-4 is a roller for guiding the connection tape T so that it does not contact the cutter 301-3 for connection tapes, and the cutter 301-3 for connection tapes is a sticking roller 301 -6) and the connecting tape guide roller 301-4, respectively, from the clamp 301-5 to the attaching roller 301-6 and the connecting tape guide roller 301-4. When the connection of the optical film is finished, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the second cylinder C2 is retracted (illustrated upward), and the cutter connected to the clamp 301-5 by the attaching roller 301-6 301-3) is pressed against the connecting tape T, and the connecting tape T is cut. Here, if it is a structure which can cut|disconnect the connection tape T, it will not specifically limit about the attachment structure of the cutter 301-3 for connection tapes.

And the connection tape feeding|feeding-out part 301-2 of the connection tape sticking means 301 stands by one side of the width direction of an optical film. That is, the connection tape feeding part 301-2 of the connection tape sticking means 301 waits on the same side as the cutter of the 1st cutting means 101, and the cutter of the 2nd cutting means 201. As shown in FIG.

With reference to Fig.5 (a), (b), if description is added about the connecting tape T of the connecting tape pasting means 301, and the cutter of the 1st and 2nd fixed cutting units 100 and 200, a connecting tape Since T is fed along the seam of the optical film formed by cutting and connects, the connecting tape T and the cutters of the 1st and 2nd fixed cutting units 100 and 200 are arrange|positioned on the same horizontal line.

In addition, the conveying side adsorption|suction means 303 and the conveyance side fixing member 302 are the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 and the 1st fixing member 102 (or the 2nd adsorption|suction means 203 and the 2nd fixing member 202). )) and the first cutting means 101 (or the second cutting means 201) arranged in a one-to-one correspondence up and down so that the optical film in use (or for replacement) can be smoothly cut. Such a 1st optical film from the 1st feeding unit 1 is the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 and the 1st fixing member 102 (or the 2nd adsorption|suction means 203 and the 2nd fixing member 202) It is supplied to a bonding process through between the conveyance side adsorption|suction means 303 and the conveyance side fixing member 302.

In addition, in the figure, as for the fixing members 102, 202, 302 and the adsorption|suction means 103, 203, 303 which are arrange|positioned opposite, each adsorption|suction means is each fixed to the right side (right side in the drawing) of the optical film. Although it is shown that a member arrange|positions to the left side of an optical film, it is not limited to this, You may be reversed. In addition, the positions of the conveyance side adsorption|suction means 303 and the conveyance side fixing member 302 may be reversed.

In this application, since the connection tape sticking means 301 is provided in the side with an optical film, the connection tape T can be stuck with respect to one surface of an optical film.

[Operation of optical film continuous feeding device]

Hereinafter, the procedure of the operation|movement of the optical film continuous supply apparatus 9 is demonstrated, referring FIG.7(a)-(f).

In Fig.7 (a), 1st roll R1 is in use, and 2nd roll R2 waits for exchange. Residual amount reduces by supplying the 1st optical film fed out from 1st roll R1 of the 1st feeding unit 1 to the liquid crystal cell 2 of a predetermined number of sheets through a bonding process. When a control unit detects that the residual amount in 1st roll R1 became the minimum degree residual amount (predetermined residual amount), while stopping the operation|movement of the optical film continuous supply apparatus 9, the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 ) and the fixed connection unit 300 is operated. Here, the minimum residual quantity thinks from the viewpoint of cost reduction, and although there are few residual quantities, it is the length from the 1st feeding unit 1 to the fixed connection unit 300.

Moreover, the 2nd optical film of the 2nd roll R2 in the 2nd feeding unit 11 operates the 2nd fixed cutting unit 200 beforehand, and by the cutter of the 2nd cutting means 201, The end is cut, and it is adsorbed and fixed by the 2nd adsorption|suction means 203 and the 2nd fixing member 202, and you may wait for the subsequent pasting connection, and the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 and fixed by the control unit. You may operate the 2nd fixed cutting unit 200 together with the connection unit 300 to perform a cut and adsorption|suction fixation, and may wait for the subsequent pasting connection.

In FIG.7(b), by the control unit, the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 rises by a predetermined height according to the 1st vertical movement means 104, And the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 and 1st fixed The first optical film is adsorbed and fixed by the member 102 . At the same time, the fixed connection unit 300 also adsorbs and fixes the first optical film to the conveyance-side suction unit 303 and the conveyance-side fixing member 302 by the control unit, and When the cutter moves the first cutting moving means, the cutter of the first cutting means 101 cuts the first optical film while passing through the gap between the conveying-side adsorption means 303 and the first adsorption means 103 . do.

In FIG.7(c), if it is detected by the control unit that the cutting|disconnection of the 1st optical film in the 1st cutting means 101 is finished, the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 will be the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 ) and the first fixing member 102 descend and return to the state in which the first optical film is adsorbed and fixed. Upon return, the suction lock is opened by the control unit. And the 1st feeding unit 1 is taken out horizontally, a used roll is exchanged for a new roll from an operator, and it waits for exchange.

In FIG. 7(d) , the fixed connection unit 300 is connected to the conveying-side adsorption means 303 and the conveying-side fixing member 302 simultaneously with the return of the first fixed cutting unit 100 by the control unit. A predetermined distance is moved to the 2nd feeding unit 11 side in the state which fixed the 1st optical film by adsorption.

In Fig. 7(e), when the fixed connecting unit 300 moves a predetermined distance according to the conveying-side left/right moving means 304 and is located directly above the second fixed cutting unit 200, the second fixed by the control unit The cutting unit 200 is raised, and when the second adsorption means 203 of the second fixed cutting unit 200 is vertically adjacent to the conveyance-side adsorption means 303 of the fixed connection unit 300, it is connected by the control unit The tape affixing means 301 operates and connects the optical film in use and the optical film for replacement while moving along the seam of the optical film, and the cutter 301- for connection tapes laid on the connection tape affixing means 301 further. 3) is operated to cut the connection tape T, the connection tape pasting means 301 returns, and the suction fixing in the fixed connection unit 300 and the second fixed cutting unit 200 is opened; Operate the optical film continuous feeding device 9 .

And after a predetermined time, when it is detected by the control unit that the minimum residual quantity remains in 2nd roll R2, the operation|movement of the above-mentioned FIG.7(a)-(f) is repeated, and the 2nd roll in use The 2nd optical film of (R2) and the 1st optical film from the said replacement|exchanged new 1st roll R1 waiting for replacement are connected again. And the 2nd feeding unit 11 is moved horizontally, a used roll is replaced with a new roll by an operator, and it waits again for replacement|exchange.

In addition, each detection by the control unit may be performed by employ|adopting well-known detection means, such as a sensor.

According to the above structure and operation, in the present invention, one-sided connection is performed by the connection tape affixing means 301 arranged on only one side of the optical film, and the connection time is shortened, and the usage amount of the connection tape T is reduced. and the cost is reduced.

And since a series of operation|movements of the optical film continuous supply apparatus 9 are controlled by a control unit, the time wasted by an operator disappears, Furthermore, by performing an operation|movement automatically, production efficiency further improves.

In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Various changes are possible within the range described in each claim attached to this application, In embodiment obtained by combining the technical means disclosed in each other embodiment suitably, respectively. Also included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, the number of guide rolls in a manufacturing system, arrangement|positioning of each component, etc. are not limited to the arrangement|positioning shown in figure.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, by raising the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 by a predetermined distance, the upper surface of the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 of the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 and the fixed connection unit 300 of Although the lower surface of the conveyance side adsorption|suction means 303 was made to approach, the upper surface of the 1st adsorption|suction means 103 of the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 beforehand, without raising the 1st fixed cutting unit 100 by a predetermined distance. and the lower surface of the conveyance-side adsorption|suction means 303 of the fixed connection unit 300 may be arrange|positioned adjacent to the vertical direction.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the 2nd fixed cutting unit 200 also raises a predetermined distance, The upper surface of the 2nd adsorption|suction means of the 2nd fixed cutting unit 200, and the conveyance side adsorption|suction of the fixed connection unit 300 Although the lower surface of the means 303 was made to approach, the upper surface of the 2nd adsorption|suction means of the 2nd fixed cutting unit 200 and the fixed connection unit 300 beforehand without raising the 2nd fixed cutting unit 200 by a predetermined distance. ), the lower surface of the conveying-side adsorption means 303 may be disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the manufacturing system of this invention, on the occasion of manufacture of an optical display device, connection can be performed quickly with respect to one surface of an optical film, and the manufacturing time of an optical display device can be shortened. Accordingly, the present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing an optical display device.

Claims (10)

It is an optical film continuous supply apparatus provided with the 1st feeding unit and 2nd feeding unit for continuously supplying an optical film in the system which bonds an optical film to a glass substrate and manufactures an optical display device,
1st adsorption|suction means which is arrange|positioned at the downstream of the feeding direction of the optical film in use from the said 1st feeding unit, and adsorb|sucks the optical film just before the optical film from the said 1st feeding unit is cut|disconnected, and the said 1st A first fixing member disposed to face the first adsorption means by sandwiching the optical film from the feeding unit, and first cutting means for cutting the optical film in a state in which the optical film from the first feeding unit is adsorbed and fixed; 1st fixing provided with the 1st vertical movement means for simultaneously raising the said 1st adsorption|suction means, the said 1st fixing member, and the said 1st cutting means to a predetermined height when the optical film of the said 1st feeding unit becomes a predetermined remaining amount. a cutting unit; a second adsorption means disposed on the downstream side in the feeding direction of the optical film from the second feeding unit, and adsorbing the optical film immediately before the optical film from the second feeding unit is cut; A second fixing member disposed to face the second adsorption means by sandwiching the optical film from the second feeding unit, and second cutting means for cutting the optical film in a state in which the optical film from the second feeding unit is adsorbed and fixed. and a second fixed cutting unit comprising a second vertical movement unit for simultaneously raising the second adsorption unit, the second fixing member, and the second cutting unit to a predetermined height;
downstream of the first fixed cutting unit in the feeding direction of the optical film from the first feeding unit, disposed directly above the first fixed cutting unit, wherein the optical film from the first feeding unit is cut a conveyance-side adsorption means for adjoining the first adsorption means and adsorbing the optical film immediately before; Connection tape pasting means which attaches and connects the cut end of the optical film from the said 1st feeding unit in a fixed state, and the cut end of the optical film from the said 2nd feeding unit in an adsorption|suction fixed state raised by a predetermined height, and said 1st feeding|feeding-out When the optical film from the unit is cut, the conveying side suction means, the conveying side fixing member, and the connecting tape affixing means are transferred by a predetermined distance directly above the second cutting means in a state in which the optical film is adsorbed and fixed. A fixed connection unit having a side left and right movement means, comprising:
The first cutting means further includes a moving means for the first cutting means which is installed horizontally along the width direction of the optical film from the first feeding unit and moves a cutter for cutting the optical film from the first feeding unit. provided, wherein the cutter of the first cutting means is disposed so as to be flush with the upper surface of the first adsorption means,
The second cutting means further includes a moving means for a second cutting means which is installed horizontally along the width direction of the optical film from the second feeding unit and moves a cutter for cutting the optical film from the second feeding unit. provided, wherein the cutter of the second cutting means is arranged to be flush with the upper surface of the second adsorption means,
The connecting tape pasting means further includes a connecting tape attaching moving unit which is installed horizontally along the width direction of the optical film from the first feeding unit and moves the connecting tape feeding unit for the connecting tape set,
The cutter of the said 1 cutting means and the connection tape of the said fixed connection unit are located on the same direction side in the case of cutting|disconnection with respect to the optical film from the said 1st feeding unit, The optical film from the said 1st feeding unit, and the said 2nd feeding|feeding-out An optical film continuous feeding device, characterized in that in the case of connection of the optical film from the unit, the cutter of the second fixed cutting unit and the connecting tape of the fixed connecting unit are located on the same direction side. The method of claim 1,
The connecting tape sticking means presses the connecting tape fed out from the connecting tape feeding unit to the cut end of the optical film from the first feeding unit and the cutting end of the optical film from the second feeding unit. Optical film continuous supply device, characterized in that it further comprises. 3. The method of claim 2,
The optical film continuous supply device, characterized in that the pressing means is a sticking roller operated by a cylinder or a spring. 4. The method of claim 3,
The connecting tape pasting means further includes a connecting tape guide roller on the downstream side of the attaching roller in the attaching direction of the connecting tape, and cuts the pasted connecting tape between the attaching roller and the connecting tape guide roller. The optical film continuous supply apparatus further provided with the cutter for connection tapes to say. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Each of the first vertical movement means, the second vertical movement means, and the conveying-side left and right movement means is a guide rail, a ball screw, or a rack and pinion optical film continuous supply. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the optical film of the first feeding unit becomes a predetermined remaining amount, the first fixed cutting unit is raised, the first adsorption means and the first fixing member are adsorbed and fixed, the first cutting means is cut by a cutter, Lifting of the second fixed cutting unit, adsorption fixing by the second adsorption means and the second fixing member, cutting by a cutter of the second cutting means, movement of the fixed connection unit, the conveying side adsorption means and the The optical film continuous supply apparatus further provided with the control unit which controls so that adsorption|suction fixing by a conveyance side fixing member, sticking by the said connection tape sticking means, and cutting|disconnection by the cutter for connection tapes may be performed automatically. It is an optical film continuous supply method which continuously supplies the optical film bonded to a glass substrate,
An optical film feeding step of feeding the optical film in use from the first feeding unit;
The second feeding unit in which the optical film for replacement was set is prepared, and the optical film for replacement is adsorbed and fixed by the second adsorption means and the second fixing member, and by the second cutting means of the second fixed cutting unit A waiting step of cutting the end portion and waiting for a subsequent pasting and connecting step;
A stop step of stopping the optical film feeding step of feeding the optical film in use when it is detected that the optical film in use in the first feeding unit becomes a predetermined residual amount;
The first fixed cutting unit is raised to a predetermined height, and when the first adsorption means is vertically adjacent to the transport-side adsorption means of the fixed connection unit, the first adsorption means and the first fixing member adsorb and fix the optical film in use at the same time; an adsorption fixing step of adsorbing and fixing the optical film in use by the conveyance side adsorption means and the conveyance side fixing member;
A cutting step of cutting the optical film in use by passing a gap between the conveying-side adsorption means and the first adsorption means while the cutter of the first cutting means moves the first cutting moving means;
When it is detected that the cutting of the optical film in use has been completed, the first fixed cutting unit includes a return step of lowering the optical film in use by the first adsorption means and the first fixing member to a state where the optical film in use is adsorbed and fixed to return and release the adsorption fixation; ,
The fixed connection unit is a moving step of moving the optical film in use cut by the conveying-side adsorption means and the conveying-side fixing member by a predetermined distance to the second feeding unit side in a state where the adsorption-fixed state is adsorbed;
When the fixed connection unit is positioned directly above the second fixed cutting unit, the second fixed cutting unit adsorbs and fixes the optical film for replacement, a lifting step of raising a predetermined height;
When the second adsorbing means of the second fixed cutting unit is vertically adjacent to the conveying-side adsorption means of the fixed connecting unit, the connecting tape attaching means of the fixed connecting unit operates and moves along the seam of the optical film in use and the optical film for replacement. A pasting connection process of performing a pasting connection while doing it;
A supply process of supplying an optical film for replacement by opening the adsorption|suction fixation in a fixed connection unit and a 2nd fixed cutting unit while returning a connection tape pasting means is provided, The optical film continuous supply method characterized by the above-mentioned . 8. The method of claim 7,
The said pasting connection process WHEREIN: The optical film continuous supply method characterized by sticking-connecting, pressing the said connection tape along the said joint with a pressing means. 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8,
Between the said pasting connection process and the said supply process, the cutting process of cutting the said connection tape is further provided, The optical film continuous supply method characterized by the above-mentioned. 8. The method of claim 7,
The optical film feeding process in use, the said waiting process, the said stopping process, the said adsorption|suction fixing process, the said cutting process, the said return process, the said moving process, the said raising process, the said connection process; The optical film continuous supply method, characterized in that the supply process is performed automatically by a control unit.

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