KR20030006503A - Device and method for attaching polarizing plates - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A polarization plate attaching device and a method thereof are provided to prevent the change of parts according to the size of TFT-LCD panels, reduce the operation stopping time due to the change, and prevent the interference between a pressure roller and a PCB and between an alignment unit and the PCB. CONSTITUTION: A polarization plate attaching device includes a cell/module station(10) having a cell/module stage unit stacking TFT-LCD panels, a cell/module vacuum absorption module for keeping the panels on the stage unit by vacuum adsorption, a moving unit disposed at a lower part for the stage unit for moving the stage unit precisely in x and y axes directions, a plurality of cell/module alignment units disposed at side parts in the x and y axes directions of the stage unit for the alignment of the panels, and a lifting unit connected to the alignment units for lifting or lowering the alignment units, and a polarization plate station(20) having a polarization plate stage unit stacking polarization plates and rotating by 180° when attaching the polarization plates, a polarization plate vacuum absorption unit, polarization plate alignment units, a protecting film removing unit for removing protecting films covering the polarization plates, a rotation unit for rotating the polarization plate stage unit, and a polarization plate attaching unit for pressing the polarization plate stage unit downwardly to attach the polarization plates to the panels respectively.

Description

Device and method for attaching polarizing plates

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for attaching a polarizing plate on both sides of a TFT-LCD panel in a TFT-LCD, and more particularly, to TFT-LCD panels of various sizes ranging from 12.1 inches to 18 inches. There is no need to change parts of the device accordingly, and whether or not a printed circuit board (PCB) is attached to the panel, that is, in the state of the TFT-LCD cell as well as in the state of the TFT-LCD module The present invention relates to a polarizing plate attachment device and method capable of attaching a polarizing plate on both sides of a panel.

Recently, TFT-LCDs have been spotlighted as various display devices due to their various advantages such as miniaturization / light weight, wide viewing angle, low power consumption, and the like.

In the manufacturing process of a TFT-LCD, a TFT substrate and a color filter (CF) substrate are bonded together with a liquid crystal between them, and a TFT-LCD panel is obtained, and such a state is called a TFT-LCD cell. Subsequently, a polarizing plate is attached to such a TFT-LCD panel, a PCB is assembled through a Tape Carrier Package (TCP), and then an apparatus is attached to complete the product. Such a state is called a TFT-LCD module. In other words, the TFT-LCD module is a unit set in a state in which the TFT-LCD panel and the PCB can be electrically conductive to each other by TCP.

In general, a polarizing plate attached to both sides of a TFT-LCD panel selectively serves to allow only the light oscillating in a certain direction to be incident and transmitted to the outside, thereby assisting the TFT-LCD to exhibit a good display function.

Since the polarizer is attached to the finished product as a TFT-LCD module, there are often defects such as surface scratches, foreign matter adhesion, or detachment of the polarizer, in which case the worker has a bad polarizer. In order to improve the quality of the TFT-LCD module, a so-called repairing operation is performed, which replaces the new high-quality polarizing plate.

Conventionally, such a repairing operation has been carried out using the polarizing plate attachment device used in the TFT-LCD cell line as it is, and therefore, a situation in which the TFT-LCD panel is frequently damaged due to the interference between the pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate and the PCB has occurred. . That is, since the PCB is not yet assembled in the TFT-LCD cell state, the interference due to the interference of the PCB does not occur when the polarizing plate is attached, but such a situation occurs since the PCB is assembled in the TFT-LCD module state.

In addition, in the conventional polarizing plate attaching device, components such as the pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate and the cell stage have to be changed to a suitable model according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel. There is a disadvantage that the actual work time is reduced because of the long time. In addition, pressure rollers and cell stages must be prepared for each model, and model modification and polarizing plate attachment are very precisely made by a skilled engineer, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost, time, and manpower.

In addition, since the positioning pin installed in the cell alignment unit is fixed, there is a problem in precise positioning due to the interference between the injection hole formed in the TFT-LCD panel and the positioning pin, and interference between the positioning pin and the PCB occurs. .

In addition, when the model was changed, it was cumbersome for the operator to block or open the vacuum line on the polarizing plate stage with a tape corresponding to the changed model, and when the model was changed, the operator manually adjusted the Y axis of the cell stage from time to time. The polarizing plate attachment position had to be set.

Therefore, the object of the present invention not only solves the problems of the conventional polarizing plate attaching apparatus described above, but also needs to change the model of components such as the pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate and the cell stage even when the size of the TFT-LCD panel is different. It is to provide a polarizing plate attachment device and method capable of automatically attaching the polarizing plate on both sides of the TFT-LCD panel with only one operator.

It is another object of the present invention regardless of whether a printed circuit board (PCB) is attached to the TFT-LCD panel, i.e. without causing any obstacle in the state of the TFT-LCD cell as well as in the state of the TFT-LCD module. The present invention provides a polarizing plate attachment device and method capable of attaching a polarizing plate to an LCD panel.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing the overall configuration of a polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention,

2 is a schematic plan view of a cell / module station of the polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention;

3 is a schematic plan view of a polarizing plate station of the polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention;

4 is a perspective view schematically showing a polarizing plate attaching operation by the polarizing plate attaching device according to the present invention;

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: cell / module station

11: TFT-LCD Panel

12: Cell / Module Stage Unit

13: cell / module vacuum suction unit

14: mobile unit

15 Cell / Module Alignment Unit

20: polarizing plate station

21: polarizing plate

22: polarizing plate stage unit

23: polarizing plate vacuum suction unit

24: polarizing plate alignment unit

25: protective film removing unit

30: slit light

40: ion blower

50: operation unit

Such an object includes a cell / module stage unit which mounts a TFT-LCD panel to which a polarizing plate is attached according to the present invention on an upper surface thereof and holds the mounted TFT-LCD panel by vacuum adsorption; A cell / module vacuum suction unit for applying a vacuum to the TFT-LCD panel mounted on the cell / module stage unit; A mobile unit disposed below the cell / module stage unit to precisely control and move the cell / module stage unit in the X and Y axis directions; A plurality of cell / module alignment units arranged separately from the cell / module stage unit on the sides of the cell / module stage unit in the X-axis and Y-axis directions to align the TFT-LCD panel; A cell / module station including a lifting unit connected to the cell / module alignment unit to raise / lower the alignment unit, and a polarizing plate mounted on the upper surface to hold the mounted polarizing plate by vacuum suction, A polarizing plate stage unit which is rotatably supported at and rotated by 180 ° when the polarizing plate is attached; A polarizing plate vacuum suction unit for applying a vacuum to the polarizing plate mounted on the polarizing plate stage unit; A polarizing plate alignment unit arranged on the side of the polarizing plate stage unit to align the polarizing plate; A protective film removing unit for removing the protective film covering it from the polarizing plate; A rotation operation unit which acts on the polarizing plate stage unit and rotates the polarizing plate stage unit; And a polarizing plate stage unit which is disposed under the polarizing stage unit to press the polarizing plate stage unit downward to attach the polarizing plate to the panel when the polarizing plate stage unit is rotated 180 ° and the cell / module stage unit is moved to the lower portion of the polarizing plate stage unit. It is achieved by the polarizing plate attachment device which consists of a polarizing plate station containing a polarizing plate attachment unit.

On the other hand, the TFT-LCD panel mounted in the cell / module stage unit may be in any state of the TFT-LCD cell and the TFT-LCD module.

The mobile unit for controlling and moving the cell / module stage unit may be an X-Y robot operated by a servo mechanism including a servo motor. In addition, such an X-Y robot is preferably set to control move the cell / module stage unit with a precision of ± 0.02 mm.

The cell / module vacuum suction unit is formed by a plurality of vacuum suction holes formed in the cell / module stage unit, a plurality of vacuum suction lines respectively in communication with the vacuum suction holes, and a vacuum suction source in communication with the vacuum suction lines to provide a vacuum. Can be. In that case, a plurality of vacuum suction holes are arranged for each zone of the cell / module stage unit corresponding to the model according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel, and the plurality of vacuum suction lines are opened and closed so that a vacuum is applied correspondingly when the model is changed. It is preferable to provide each valve which becomes. In particular, such a valve is preferably a solenoid valve actuated automatically.

In addition, the cell / module vacuum suction unit may further include a sensor for detecting a vacuum leakage when a model set according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel does not match an actual working model.

The plurality of cell / module alignment units may be in the form of guide bars that are in close contact with the right-angled edges of the TFT-LCD panel to direct the alignment position of the TFT-LCD panel, the guide bar being the cell / module stage It is desirable to be arranged in three directions on the left and right sides and the front side of the unit so as to exclude interference with the PCB of the TFT-LCD panel in the module state.

In addition, such a guide bar preferably has a reference pin inserted in the center and a screw / knob provided beside and adjusting the reference pin.

The lifting unit for raising / lowering the cell / module alignment unit may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder connected to the cell / module alignment unit.

However, instead of the elevating unit for raising / lowering the cell / module alignment unit, an elevating unit for raising / lowering the cell / module stage unit is provided, and the elevating unit for raising / lowering such a cell / module stage unit is a cell / module. An optional configuration is also possible, which is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder connected to the stage unit.

The polarizing plate vacuum suction unit may be formed by a plurality of vacuum suction holes formed in the polarizing plate stage unit, a vacuum suction line in communication with the vacuum suction hole, respectively, and a vacuum suction source in communication with the vacuum suction line to provide a vacuum. In this case too, the plurality of vacuum suction holes are arranged for each zone of the polarizing plate stage unit corresponding to the model according to the size of the polarizing plate, and the plurality of vacuum suction lines are opened and closed so that the vacuum is applied accordingly when the model is changed. It is preferable to provide each. Such a valve may be a manually operated valve, but is preferably a solenoid valve operated automatically.

Further, the vacuum suction source of the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit may be a ring blower for generating vacuum.

Like the cell / module alignment unit, the polarizing plate alignment unit may be in the form of a guide bar in close contact with an edge forming a right angle of the polarizing plate to induce an alignment position of the polarizing plate. Such guide bars may be arranged only in two directions perpendicular to each other.

The protective film removing unit included in the polarizing plate station may be an adhesive tape feeder that continuously cuts and supplies an adhesive tape attached to the protective film and separating the protective film from the polarizing plate by the adhesive force accompanying it. Such protective film removing unit is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the polarizing plate stage unit in view of working efficiency.

The rotational operation unit for rotating the polarizing plate stage unit may be any rotational operation device including a rotary actuator, and it is preferable that reversible rotational operation is possible.

The polarizing plate attaching unit includes a pressure roller and a pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate to press a portion of the polarizing plate stage unit opposite to one edge of the TFT-LCD panel placed below the polarizing plate stage unit while the polarizing plate stage unit is rotated 180 °. It can be formed by a downward drive device that moves downward to press together, and such a pressure roller is preferably sized to fully press the TFT-LCD panels of various sizes. It is preferable to mount the support rollers parallel to it in the vertical direction. In addition, the material of the pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate is preferably a conductive rubber.

Further, in order to precisely adjust the parallelism of the pressure roller, it is preferable that precision dial gauges are provided at both ends of the pressure roller.

In addition, the cell / module station may further include a slit light that emits light toward the work point at the rear top thereof, and the cell / module station and the polarizing plate station are respectively blown toward the work point at the rear top thereof. A blower may be further provided.

The polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention may include a control device such as, for example, a microprocessor that automatically controls its overall operation, and the control device may be operated by an operation unit such as a touch panel.

On the other hand, another subject of the present invention is a polarizing plate attachment method by the polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to the present invention. Such a polarizing plate attachment method includes setting an origin of a cell / module stage unit according to the size of a TFT-LCD panel to which a polarizing plate is to be attached, and moving the cell / module stage unit to the set origin position by the moving unit; The TFT-LCD panel is mounted on the cell / module stage unit and aligned by the cell / module alignment unit, and the TFT-LCD panel is vacuum-adsorbed as it is aligned by the cell / module vacuum suction unit. Holding stationarily on the module stage unit; Moving the cell / module stage unit in which the TFT-LCD panel is held fixed to the cleaning position by the moving unit, and cleaning the surface of the TFT-LCD panel to which the polarizing plate is to be attached; The polarizing plate is mounted on the polarizing plate stage unit and aligned by the polarizing plate aligning unit, and the polarizing plate is vacuum-adsorbed in the aligned state by the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit and fixedly held on the polarizing plate stage unit. Making a step; Separating the protective film attached to the polarizing plate by the protective film separating unit; Rotating the polarizing plate stage unit on which the polarizing plate is held fixed by a rotational operation unit by 180 °; Elevating the cell / module alignment unit by the elevating unit; The cell / module stage unit, in which the TFT-LCD panel is held fixed, is moved by the mobile unit to a position where one edge of the TFT-LCD panel is aligned so that one edge of the TFT-LCD panel is opposite to one edge of the polarizing plate. Moving toward; Pressing down a portion of the polarizing plate stage unit opposite the one edge of the TFT-LCD panel by the polarizing plate attaching unit to bond one edge of the TFT-LCD panel and one edge of the polarizing plate; Linearly moving the cell / module stage unit in the original origin direction by the moving unit so that the polarizing plate is attached to the TFT-LCD panel entirely; After the cell / module stage unit is completely moved out of the polarizing plate station to the TFT-LCD panel unloading position, the polarizing plate stage unit is rotated by 180 ° by the rotation operation unit to return to the original position; Stopping the operation of the cell / module vacuum suction unit and removing the TFT-LCD panel with a polarizing plate attached from the cell / module stage unit moved to the TFT-LCD panel unloading position; And moving the cell / module stage unit from the TFT-LCD panel unloading position back to the origin position by the moving unit.

Such a polarizing plate attaching method according to the present invention is followed by the step of vacuum-adsorbing the TFT-LCD panel in an aligned state and holding it on the cell / module stage unit in a fixed manner, followed by the model and actual setting according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel. Fixed the TFT-LCD panel on the cell / module stage unit by setting the origin again so that the model set and the actual working model match each other based on the signal of the sensor that detects a vacuum leakage when the working model does not match. It may further comprise the step of maintaining.

Further, the vacuum suction force of the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit is preferably set to such a size that the attachment of the polarizing plate is not hindered by the vacuum adsorption of the vacuum suction unit in the step of attaching the polarizing plate to the TFT-LCD panel.

In addition, the operation of stopping the cell / module vacuum suction unit and moving the cell / module stage unit from the TFT-LCD panel unloading position back to the home position may include a sensor for detecting vacuum suction of the cell / module vacuum suction unit; It is desirable to automatically execute based on the absence of a signal detected from the sensor detecting the presence of the TFT-LCD panel.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments thereof are shown.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing the overall configuration of a polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention consists entirely of a cell / module station 10 and a polarizing plate station 20.

The cell / module station 10 includes a cell / module stage unit 12 that mounts a TFT-LCD panel 11 to which a polarizing plate is to be attached to an upper surface and holds the mounted TFT-LCD panel 11 by vacuum suction; The cell / module vacuum suction unit 13 for applying a vacuum to the TFT-LCD panel 11 mounted on the cell / module stage unit 12, the cell / module stage unit disposed below the cell / module stage unit 12 The movement unit 14 which precisely controls and moves the unit 12 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the cell / module stage unit 12 on the sides of the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the cell / module stage unit 12. And a plurality of cell / module alignment units 15, which are arranged separately from each other and perform alignment of the TFT-LCD panel 11, and are connected to the cell / module alignment unit 15 to raise the alignment units. An elevating unit (not shown) for descending.

In addition, the polarizing plate station 20 mounts the polarizing plate 21 on the upper surface, holds the mounted polarizing plate 21 by vacuum adsorption, and is rotatably supported on the rotating shaft so as to be rotated 180 ° when the polarizing plate is attached. It is arrange | positioned in the polarizing plate stage unit 22, the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit 23 which applies a vacuum to the polarizing plate 21 mounted in the polarizing plate stage unit 22, and the polarizing plate stage unit 22, and polarized. It acts on the polarizing plate alignment unit 24 which performs alignment of a plate, the protective film removal unit 25 which removes the protective film covering it from the polarizing plate 21, and the polarizing plate stage unit 21, and the polarizing plate A rotation operation unit (positioned below the polarizing plate stage unit 22 and not visible in FIG. 1) for rotating the stage unit, and disposed below the polarizing stage unit 22 so that the polarizing plate stage unit 22 is 180 ° Rotate Cell / Module When the easy unit 12 is moved to the lower part of the polarizing plate stage unit 22, the polarizing plate attaching unit which presses the polarizing plate stage unit 22 downward to attach the polarizing plate 21 to the panel 11 (also, Disposed under the polarizing plate stage unit and not visible in FIG. 1).

The cell / module stage unit 12 is in the form of a plate corresponding to the panel 11 mounted thereon.

In the polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to the present invention, the TFT-LCD panel 11 mounted on the cell / module stage unit 12 may be in any state of the TFT-LCD cell and the TFT-LCD module. That is, even in the case of the TFT-LCD module in which the PCB is assembled to the TFT-LCD panel, the polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to the present invention can be operated without any obstacle. This will be described later in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

The moving unit 14 for controlling and moving the cell / module stage unit 12 is an X-Y robot operated by, for example, a servo mechanism including a servo motor, although very schematically shown in FIG. 1. In particular, such XY robots are set to control-move the cell / module stage unit 12 with an accuracy of ± 0.02 mm to suit the tolerances (typically ± 0.35 to ± 0.5 mm) required for polarizing plate attachment operations. do.

The cell / module vacuum suction unit 13 includes a plurality of vacuum suction holes formed in the cell / module stage unit (in FIG. 1, vacuum suction holes are designated by reference numeral “13” on behalf of the cell / module vacuum suction units), A plurality of vacuum suction lines, each in communication with the vacuum suction hole 13, and a vacuum suction source in communication with the vacuum suction line to provide a vacuum (the vacuum suction line and the vacuum suction source may be arranged below the cell / module stage unit). Not visible at 1). In that case, a plurality of vacuum suction holes 13 are arranged for each zone of the cell / module stage unit 12 corresponding to the model according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11 so that the TFT-LCD panel 11 is the size thereof. To be fixed on the cell / module stage unit 12 by only the vacuum suction hole 13 in the region corresponding to the cell / module stage unit 12 according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11. There is no need to change it. For that purpose, the plurality of vacuum suction lines each have a valve that opens and closes so that a vacuum is applied correspondingly upon model change according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11. That is, in the vacuum suction hole in the area outside the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11, the vacuum suction is prevented from being made, so as to avoid the trouble that the worker has to block such vacuum suction hole with a tape or the like as in the prior art. . In particular, such a valve is a solenoid valve that is actuated automatically.

In addition, the cell / module vacuum suction unit 13 includes a sensor (not shown) which detects a vacuum leakage when a model set according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11 does not match an actual working model. Equipped. That is, when the vacuum suction is made in the vacuum suction hole 13 in the area out of the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11, the above-described sensor detects it and notifies the error, and accordingly, the TFT-LCD which is actually working It can be ensured that the vacuum suction is made only in the vacuum suction hole in the region that fits the size of the panel 11. Such a sensor may be provided in a vacuum suction line or a vacuum suction hole.

The plurality of cell / module alignment units 15 are in the form of guide bars in close contact with the edges forming the right angles of the TFT-LCD panel 11 to guide the alignment position of the TFT-LCD panel 11. Such a guide bar is arranged in three directions on the left and right sides and the front side of the cell / module stage unit 12 as shown in FIG. 1 so that interference between the TFT-LCD panel 11 and the PCB in a module state is excluded. As it is mentioned earlier with reference to Figure 2 will be described later.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, such a guide bar can be easily set to be perpendicular to an adjacent guide bar by having a reference pin inserted in the center and a screw / knob provided beside and adjusting the reference pin. desirable. In this way, the alignment operation can be easily performed by bringing the edges of the TFT-LCD panel 11 perpendicular to each other into close contact with the guide bars adjacent to each other.

The elevating unit for raising / lowering the cell / module stage unit 12 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder connected to the cell / module alignment unit 15. However, the reason for providing the lifting unit is that the cell / module stage unit 12 is moved by the cell / module alignment unit 15 when the cell / module stage unit 12 is moved toward the polarizing plate stage unit 20 during the attachment operation of the polarizing plate 21. In order to avoid disturbing movement, a lifting unit for raising / lowering the cell / module stage unit 12 is provided instead of the lifting unit for raising / lowering the cell / module alignment unit 15, and such a cell / module stage An optional configuration is also possible in which the lifting unit for raising / lowering the unit 12 is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder connected to the cell / module stage unit 12.

However, as will be described later, the cell / module stage unit 12 must be moved toward the polarizing plate station 20 at a height directly below the polarizing plate stage unit 22 rotated by 180 °. The cell / module stage unit 12 may always be fixed at such height when the 15 is raised / lowered, but at a position higher than that height when the cell / module stage unit 12 is raised / falled. Consideration should be given to aligning the cell / module alignment unit 15 arranged and then moving the cell / module stage unit 12 down to such a height and then moving towards the polarizing plate station 20.

The polarizing plate stage unit 22 also takes the form of a plate corresponding to the polarizing plate 21 mounted thereon.

The polarizing plate vacuum suction unit 23 includes a plurality of vacuum suction holes formed in the polarizing plate stage unit (in FIG. 1, the vacuum suction hole is indicated by reference numeral 23 for the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit), and the vacuum suction hole. A vacuum suction line in communication with 23, and a vacuum suction source in communication with the vacuum suction line to provide a vacuum (the vacuum suction line and the vacuum suction source are disposed under the polarizing plate stage unit and are not shown in FIG. 1). It can be formed by. As in the cell / module vacuum suction unit 13, a plurality of vacuum suction holes 23 are arranged for each zone of the polarizing plate stage unit 22 corresponding to the model according to the size of the polarizing plate 21 to be the polarizing plate 21. ) Is fixed on the polarizing plate stage unit 22 only by the vacuum suction hole 13 in the region corresponding to the size thereof, and accordingly the polarizing plate stage unit (according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11) 12) There is no need to change. To that end, the plurality of vacuum suction lines each have a valve which opens and closes so that a vacuum is applied correspondingly when changing the model according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11. Such a valve may be a manually operated valve. Preferably, the solenoid valve is automatically operated as described above.

In addition, the vacuum suction circle of the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit 23 becomes a ring blower for vacuum generation which enables the polarizing plate to be held in the polarizing plate stage unit 22 until the attachment of the polarizing plate is completed.

Like the cell / module alignment unit 15, the polarizing plate aligning unit 24 is in the form of a guide bar in close contact with an edge forming a right angle of the polarizing plate 21 to guide the alignment position of the polarizing plate. In the case of the polarizing plate 21, since interference due to the PCB does not occur as in the TFT-LCD panel 11, such guide bars may be disposed only in two directions perpendicular to each other.

The protective film removing unit 25 included in the polarizing plate station 20 is an adhesive tape feeder that continuously cuts and supplies an adhesive tape 25a attached to the protective film and separating the protective film from the polarizing plate by the adhesive force accompanying the protective film. It becomes As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that such a protective film removing unit 25 is disposed in the vicinity of the polarizing plate stage unit 22 in view of working efficiency.

The rotational operation unit for rotating the polarizing plate stage unit 22 may be any rotational operation device including a rotary actuator, and the 180 ° reverse rotation for the polarizing plate stage unit 22 and its return to its original position may be achieved. And to provide a reversible rotational operation to be achieved.

The polarizing plate attaching unit moves downward so that the pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate and the pressure roller pressurize the portion of the polarizing plate stage unit opposite the one edge of the TFT-LCD panel placed below it in the rotated state by 180 °. It is formed by a downward drive device. Since such a pressure roller and its driving device are well known in the art, a detailed description of the construction and operation thereof and the illustration in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

Such pressure rollers are sized to fully press the TFT-LCD panels of various sizes, thereby eliminating the need to change the pressure rollers according to the size of the TFT-LCD panels. In particular, in the polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention, since the pressure roller presses the polarizing plate stage unit 22 rotated by 180 degrees rather than the polarizing plate 21, it is necessary to match the size of the pressure roller to the size of the polarizing plate. none. In addition, it is preferable to mount the support roller in parallel in the vertical direction of the pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate to prevent the bending of the pressure roller and to prevent bubbles that may be generated during the attachment of the polarizing plate 21.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, in order to precisely adjust the parallelism of the pressure rollers, precision dial gauges may be installed at both ends of the pressure rollers so that the pressure rollers may be kept in parallel to allow uniform attachment of the polarizing plate. In this case, it is desirable for the precision dial gauge to provide a precision of 1/100 mm.

In addition, the cell / module station 10 further includes a slit light 30 that emits light toward the work point at the rear of the cell / module station 10 so that the surface of the TFT-LCD panel 11 to which the polarizing plate 21 is attached is attached. When cleaning, make it easy for workers to find fine dust.

In addition, the cell / module station 10 and the polarizing plate station 20 of the polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention further have an ion blower 40 which is blown toward the working point at the rear upper part thereof. Static electricity generated during handling and attachment operations can be removed. By removing the static electricity, foreign matter such as dust can be significantly prevented from adhering to the surface of the TFT-LCD panel 11. The pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate is also formed of a conductive rubber for the same reason, to prevent static electricity.

On the other hand, the polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention may include a control device such as, for example, a microprocessor that automatically controls its overall operation, in particular such a control device being operated by an operation unit 50 such as a touch panel. desirable.

The part indicated by 60 is a purification unit for maintaining the clean atmosphere of the polarizing plate attachment process.

The following describes how the TFT-LCD panel 11 is aligned by the cell / module alignment unit 15 in the cell / module station 10 with reference to FIG. 2.

2 is a schematic plan view of the cell / module station 10 of the polarizing plate attachment device according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, for example, when attaching the polarizing plate 21 to the compact TFT-LCD panel 11, the cell / module stage unit 12 is moved by the moving unit 14 to the panel 11 thereof. The origin is set to correspond to the size of. That is, the cell / module stage unit 12 is moved to the bottom of the cell / module alignment unit 15 in the form of two guide bars 15a and 15b as shown by the dotted line. In such a state, the TFT-LCD panel 11 is mounted on the cell / module stage unit 12, and the edges 11c and 11d forming the right angles of the TFT-LCD panel 11 are guide bars 15a and 15b. In order to align the TFT-LCD panel 11. In this case, the PCB 11a connected to the TFT-LCD panel 11 by the TCP 11b is positioned as shown so that the interference between the PCB 11a and the guide bars 15a and 15b does not occur. . One of the two PCBs assembled in the TFT-LCD panel 11 is a source driving PCB, and the other is a gate driving PCB. As such, the remaining two edges of the TFT-LCD panel 11 on the side connected with the PCB 11a are also positioned to be exactly aligned with the edges of the cell / module stage unit 12. That is, the PCB 11a is located outside of the cell / module stage unit 12.

On the other hand, when attaching the polarizing plate 21 to a larger TFT-LCD panel 11 ', the cell / module stage unit 12 corresponds to the arrow "A" corresponding to the size of the panel 11'. It is moved in the direction indicated by the origin point. Also in this case, the TFT-LCD panel 11 'is also mounted on the cell / module stage unit 12, and the edges 11'c and 11'd forming the right angle of the TFT-LCD panel 11' are guided. The TFT-LCD panel 11 'is aligned by bringing it into close contact with the bars 15a and 15b. Similarly, the PCB 11'a connected to the TFT-LCD panel 11 'by the TCP 11'b is positioned as shown so that interference between the PCB 11'a and the guide bars 15a and 15b is prevented. Do not happen. In this manner, the remaining two edges of the TFT-LCD panel 11 'on the side connected with the PCB 11'a are positioned to be exactly aligned with the edges of the cell / module stage unit 12. That is, the PCB 11'a is located outside of the cell / module stage unit 12.

As a result, since the portion subjected to the pressing force by the pressure roller when attaching the polarizing plate later is the edge portion of the TFT-LCD panels 11 and 11 ', the PCB 11a and 11'a located outside the pressure roller There is no fear of damage.

In such a form, the polarizing plate attaching device according to the present invention is characterized in that the PCBs 11a and 11'a of the TFT-LCD panels 11 and 11 'in the state of the TFT-LCD module are arranged in the cell / module alignment unit 15. Or it is to ensure that no interference or damage by the pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate. Of course, the panel 11 in the state of the TFT-LCD module can also be operated by the polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to the present invention without any obstacle.

In addition, when attaching the polarizing plate 21 to the opposite side of the TFT-LCD panels 11 and 11 ', the TFT-LCD panels 11 and 11' are turned upside down, and the guide bars 15b on the left side and the lower side in FIG. By the alignment of the cell / module alignment unit 15 or the polarizing plate to the polarizing plate by the PCB 11a and 11'a of the TFT-LCD panels 11 and 11 '. It can be made to be aligned without interference or damage by the.

3 is a schematic plan view of the polarizing plate station 20 of the apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the polarizing plate 21 is in the form of two guide bars 24a and 24b by edges 21a and 21b formed at right angles thereof when mounted on the polarizing plate stage unit 22. It adheres to and adheres to the polarizing plate alignment unit 24 made of. In the case of the polarizing plate 21, since there is no problem of interference due to the PCB, it is not necessary to pay attention to the remaining edge of the polarizing plate 21, and the two guide bars 24a and 24b are also sufficient.

In addition, as clearly shown in FIG. 3, the polarizing plate stage unit 22 is supported on the rotating shaft 26, so that the rotating operation unit can be rotated 180 ° to reverse rotation.

In addition, FIG. 3 shows that the vacuum suction holes 23 of the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit are arranged in zones corresponding to the size of the polarizing plate 21 to be attached. As described above, the polarizing plates 21, 21 'are vacuum-adsorbed and fixed only by the vacuum suction holes 23 in the areas shielded by each of them.

Now, the process of attaching the polarizing plate 21 to the TFT-LCD panel 21 by the polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to the present invention configured as described above will be described.

First, the cell / module stage unit 12 is set by setting the origin of the cell / module stage unit 12 by the operation unit 50 according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11 to which the polarizing plate 21 is to be attached. The moving unit 14 moves to the set home position. Subsequently, the TFT-LCD panel 11 is mounted on the cell / module stage unit 12 and aligned by the cell / module alignment unit 15 as described above, and the TFT-LCD panel 11 is cell-mounted. The vacuum is sucked in the aligned state by the module vacuum suction unit 13 and fixedly held on the cell / module stage unit 12. At that time, the vacuum suction unit 13 has already been operated so that the vacuum suction is performed only in the vacuum suction hole in the region corresponding to the size of the TFT-LCD panel 11.

Next, the cell / module stage unit 12 in which the TFT-LCD panel 11 is held fixed is moved to the cleaning position by the moving unit, and the TFT-LCD panel 11 to which the polarizing plate 21 is to be attached. Clean the side of). In that case, it is preferable to move the cell / module stage unit 12 in approximately 45 ° direction as indicated by the arrow " A " in FIG. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, since the polarizing plate 21 is aligned at the upper right side of the drawing, the TFT-LCD panel 11 fixed while being aligned to the cell / module stage unit 12 is also present. In order to attach the polarizing plate, it must be moved to the upper side of FIG. 2. In other words, the cleaning position is also the position at which the polarizing plate attachment operation is executed. The upper surface of the TFT-LCD panel 11 that has reached the cleaning position is cleaned by using an alcohol and a wiper, in which case particles of dust or the like can be easily found by the light of the slit light 30.

Subsequently, the polarizing plate 21 is mounted on the polarizing plate stage unit 22, and the polarizing plate 21 is aligned by the polarizing plate alignment unit 24, and the polarizing plate 21 is aligned by the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit 23. Vacuum adsorption is carried out in the aligned state and fixedly held on the polarizing plate stage unit 22. After that, the protective film attached to the polarizing plate 21 is separated by the adhesive tape 25a of the protective film separating unit 25, and the polarizing plate stage unit 22 in which the polarizing plate 21 is fixedly held. ) Is rotated 180 ° by the rotary operation unit.

Next, the cell / module alignment unit 15 is lifted by the elevating unit so that it is not obstructed when the cell / module stage unit 12 is subsequently moved toward the polarizing plate station 20.

Thereafter, the cell / module stage unit 12 in which the TFT-LCD panel 11 is held fixed is moved by the moving unit toward the polarizing plate station. Such a step is shown schematically in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, in the state where the polarizing plate stage unit 22 is rotated 180 °, the TFT-LCD panel 11 fixedly mounted on the cell / module stage unit 12 is the polarizing plate 21. It moves along the arrow "B" to the lower part of the polarizing plate stage unit 22 which is fixedly held. Such movement is such that the one edge of the TFT-LCD panel 11 (ie, the edge coinciding with the edge of the cell / module stage unit 12) is the one edge of the polarizing plate 21 at the bottom of the polarizing plate 21. Until it is aligned to face.

Subsequently, the portion of the polarizing plate stage unit 12 opposite the one edge of the TFT-LCD panel 11 is pressed downward by the polarizing plate attaching unit, so that the one edge of the TFT-LCD panel 11 and the polarizing plate 21 are pressed. Join the edges once. After that, the cell / module stage unit 12 is linearly moved by the moving unit 14 in the original origin direction (the direction of the arrow “C”) so that the polarizing plate 21 is entirely on the TFT-LCD panel 11. To be attached). When the cell / module stage unit 12 is completely moved out of the polarizing plate station 20 and moved to the TFT-LCD panel unloading position, the polarizing plate stage unit 22 is rotated 180 degrees by the rotation operation unit to rotate the original position. Return to The TFT-LCD panel unloading position can be in any position that is convenient for the operator to remove the TFT-LCD panel from the cell / module stage unit.

Finally, the operation of the cell / module vacuum suction unit 13 is stopped and the TFT-LCD panel to which the polarizing plate 21 is attached from the cell / module stage unit 12 moved to the TFT-LCD panel unloading position ( 11) Remove. In addition, the cell / module stage unit 12 is moved by the moving unit 14 from the TFT-LCD panel unloading position back to the origin position so that subsequent work can be continued.

In such a polarizing plate attachment method according to the present invention, the TFT-LCD panel 11 is vacuum-adsorbed in an aligned state to be fixedly held on the cell / module stage unit 12, followed by the TFT-LCD panel ( 11) Set the origin again so that the set model and the actual working model coincide with each other based on the signal of the sensor that detects the vacuum leakage when the set model does not match the actual working model according to the size of The step of holding the LCD panel 11 fixedly on the cell / module stage unit 12 may be further included. That is, to prevent work defects in advance.

Further, the vacuum suction force of the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit 23 prevents the attachment of the polarizing plate 21 in the step of attaching the polarizing plate 21 to the TFT-LCD panel 11 by the vacuum suction of the vacuum suction unit. It is desirable to set the size so that it does not.

Meanwhile, the step of moving the cell / module stage unit 12 from the TFT-LCD panel unloading position back to the origin position includes a sensor for detecting vacuum suction of the cell / module vacuum suction unit 23 and the TFT-LCD panel 11. On the basis of the absence of a signal detected from the sensor detecting the presence of a sensor, i.e., the operation of the cell / module vacuum suction unit 23 and the removal of the TFT-LCD panel 11 are preferably performed automatically. Do.

According to the apparatus and method for attaching a polarizing plate according to the present invention, it is not necessary to change parts of the apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate to a suitable model according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel to which the polarizing plate is attached, and accordingly the apparatus according to the model change. This greatly reduces downtime and significantly increases the uptime of the device, contributing to cost savings and increased productivity.

In addition, interference between the pressure roller for attaching the polarizing plate and the alignment unit which occurred when attaching the polarizing plate to the TFT-LCD panel in the state of the TFT-LCD module by the polarizing plate attaching apparatus used in the conventional TFT-LCD cell line, Since there is no interference with the PCB, the workability is improved and the defect rate is very low.

In addition, it is not necessary to prepare the parts of the device for each model, and the high precision work by an experienced engineer who is required for changing the model and attaching the polarizing plate can be replaced by simple operation by one person. As a result, cost, manpower, and time can be saved.

Claims (42)

A cell / module stage unit which mounts a TFT-LCD panel to which a polarizing plate is to be attached to an upper surface and holds the mounted TFT-LCD panel by vacuum suction; A cell / module vacuum suction unit for applying a vacuum to the TFT-LCD panel mounted on the cell / module stage unit; A mobile unit disposed below the cell / module stage unit to precisely control and move the cell / module stage unit in the X and Y axis directions; A plurality of cell / module alignment units arranged separately from the cell / module stage unit on the sides of the cell / module stage unit in the X-axis and Y-axis directions to align the TFT-LCD panel; A cell / module station connected to the cell / module align unit and including a lifting unit for raising / lowering the align unit; A polarizing plate stage unit which mounts a polarizing plate on an upper surface, holds the mounted polarizing plate by vacuum suction, is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft, and is rotated 180 degrees when the polarizing plate is attached; A polarizing plate vacuum suction unit for applying a vacuum to the polarizing plate mounted on the polarizing plate stage unit; A polarizing plate alignment unit arranged on the side of the polarizing plate stage unit to align the polarizing plate; A protective film removing unit for removing the protective film covering it from the polarizing plate; A rotation operation unit which acts on the polarizing plate stage unit and rotates the polarizing plate stage unit; And a polarizing plate stage unit which is disposed under the polarizing stage unit to press the polarizing plate stage unit downward to attach the polarizing plate to the panel when the polarizing plate stage unit is rotated 180 ° and the cell / module stage unit is moved to the lower portion of the polarizing plate stage unit. The polarizing plate attachment apparatus which consists of a polarizing plate station containing a polarizing plate attachment unit. The polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the TFT-LCD panel mounted on the cell / module stage unit is a panel in any state of the TFT-LCD cell and the TFT-LCD module. The polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving unit for controlling and moving the cell / module stage unit is an X-Y robot operated by a servo mechanism including a servo motor. The polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the X-Y robot is set to control move the cell / module stage unit with a precision of ± 0.02 mm. The cell / module vacuum suction unit is in communication with a plurality of vacuum suction holes formed in the cell / module stage unit, a plurality of vacuum suction lines respectively in communication with the vacuum suction holes, and a vacuum suction line. An apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate, characterized by being formed by a vacuum suction source providing a vacuum. 6. The polarizing plate attaching apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of vacuum suction holes are arranged for each zone of the cell / module stage unit corresponding to the model according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of vacuum suction lines each include a valve that opens and closes so that a vacuum is applied correspondingly when the model is changed. 8. A polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 7, wherein the valve is a solenoid valve actuated automatically. 6. The cell / module vacuum suction unit further comprises a sensor for detecting a vacuum leakage when a model set according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel does not match an actual working model. Polarizing plate attachment device. The cell / module alignment unit is in the form of a guide bar in close contact with a right angled edge of the TFT-LCD panel to induce an alignment position of the TFT-LCD panel. Polarizing plate attachment device. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 10, wherein the guide bar is disposed in three directions of left and right and front sides of the cell / module stage unit. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 10, wherein the guide bar includes a reference pin inserted in the center and a screw / knob provided beside and adjusting the reference pin. The polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elevating unit for raising / lowering the cell / module stage unit is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder connected to the cell / module alignment unit. The device for attaching a polarizing plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a lifting unit for raising / lowering the cell / module stage unit is provided in place of the lifting unit for raising / lowering the cell / module alignment unit. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the elevating unit for raising / lowering the cell / module stage unit is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder connected to the cell / module stage unit. The vacuum suction device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit is in communication with a plurality of vacuum suction holes formed in the polarizing plate stage unit, a vacuum suction line in communication with the vacuum suction hole, and a vacuum suction line to provide a vacuum. It is formed by the vacuum suction source, The polarizing plate attachment apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of vacuum suction holes are arranged for each zone of the polarizing plate stage unit corresponding to the model according to the size of the polarizing plate. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of vacuum suction lines each include a valve that opens and closes so that a vacuum is applied correspondingly upon model change. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the valve is a manually operated valve. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the valve is a solenoid valve actuated automatically. The apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate according to claim 16, wherein the vacuum suction circle of the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit is a ring blower for generating a vacuum. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polarizing plate alignment unit is in the form of a guide bar which is in close contact with an edge forming a right angle of the polarizing plate and induces an alignment position of the polarizing plate. . 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the guide bars are disposed in two directions perpendicular to each other. The adhesive tape according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective film removing unit included in the polarizing plate station is continuously cut and supplied with an adhesive tape attached to the protective film and separating the protective film from the polarizing plate by the adhesive force accompanying the protective film. An apparatus for attaching a polarizing plate, characterized by being a feeder. The polarizing plate attachment apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the protective film removing unit is disposed in the vicinity of the polarizing plate stage unit. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotary operating unit for rotating the polarizing plate stage unit is any rotary operating device including a rotary actuator. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 26, wherein the rotation operation unit is capable of reversible rotation operation. The polarizing plate attaching unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polarizing plate attaching unit presses a portion of the polarizing plate stage unit opposite to one edge of the TFT-LCD panel disposed below the polarizing plate stage unit while the polarizing plate stage unit is rotated by 180 degrees. A plate attaching pressure roller, and a polarizing plate attaching device, characterized in that it is formed by a downward drive device which moves downward so that the pressure roller presses as such. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 28, wherein the pressure roller is sized to fully press the TFT-LCD panels of various sizes. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 28, wherein the support roller is mounted in a direction perpendicular to the pressure roller. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 28, wherein the pressure roller is made of a conductive rubber. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 28, wherein precision dial gauges are provided at both ends of the pressure roller to precisely adjust the parallelism of the pressure roller. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the precision dial gauge can provide a precision of 1/100 mm. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cell / module station further includes a slit light that emits light toward the work point at the rear upper portion thereof. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cell / module station and the polarizing plate station further include an ion blower blown toward the working point at the rear of the cell / module station. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control device such as a microprocessor for automatically controlling overall operation of the polarizing plate attachment device. The polarizing plate attachment device according to claim 36, wherein the control device can be operated by an operation unit such as a touch panel. Setting the origin of the cell / module stage unit in accordance with the size of the TFT-LCD panel to which the polarizing plate is to be attached, and moving the cell / module stage unit to the set origin position by the moving unit; The TFT-LCD panel is mounted on the cell / module stage unit and aligned by the cell / module alignment unit, and the TFT-LCD panel is vacuum-adsorbed as it is aligned by the cell / module vacuum suction unit. Holding stationarily on the module stage unit; Moving the cell / module stage unit in which the TFT-LCD panel is held fixed to the cleaning position by the moving unit, and cleaning the surface of the TFT-LCD panel to which the polarizing plate is to be attached; The polarizing plate is mounted on the polarizing plate stage unit and aligned by the polarizing plate aligning unit, and the polarizing plate is vacuum-adsorbed in the aligned state by the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit and fixedly held on the polarizing plate stage unit. Making a step; Separating the protective film attached to the polarizing plate by the protective film separating unit; Rotating the polarizing plate stage unit on which the polarizing plate is held fixed by a rotational operation unit by 180 °; Elevating the cell / module alignment unit by the elevating unit; The cell / module stage unit, in which the TFT-LCD panel is held fixed, is moved by the mobile unit to a position where one edge of the TFT-LCD panel is aligned so that one edge of the TFT-LCD panel is opposite to one edge of the polarizing plate. Moving toward; Pressing down a portion of the polarizing plate stage unit opposite the one edge of the TFT-LCD panel by the polarizing plate attaching unit to bond one edge of the TFT-LCD panel and one edge of the polarizing plate; Linearly moving the cell / module stage unit in the original origin direction by the moving unit so that the polarizing plate is attached to the TFT-LCD panel entirely; After the cell / module stage unit is completely moved out of the polarizing plate station to the TFT-LCD panel unloading position, the polarizing plate stage unit is rotated by 180 ° by the rotation operation unit to return to the original position; Stopping the operation of the cell / module vacuum suction unit and removing the TFT-LCD panel with a polarizing plate attached from the cell / module stage unit moved to the TFT-LCD panel unloading position; And 38. A device for attaching a polarizing plate according to any one of claims 1 to 37, comprising moving the cell / module stage unit from the TFT-LCD panel unloading position back to the origin position by the moving unit. By attaching a polarizing plate. The method according to claim 38, wherein the TFT-LCD panel mounted on the cell / module stage unit is a panel in any state of the TFT-LCD cell and the TFT-LCD module. 40. The actual work and the model set according to the size of the TFT-LCD panel following the step of vacuum-adsorbing the TFT-LCD panel in the aligned state and holding it fixedly on the polarizing plate stage unit. If the model does not match, the TFT-LCD panel is fixed on the cell / module stage unit by setting the origin again so that the set model and the actual working model match each other based on the signal of the sensor that detects a vacuum leak when the model does not match. And maintaining the polarizing plate. 40. The vacuum suction force of the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the vacuum suction force of the polarizing plate vacuum suction unit is set to a size such that the attachment of the polarizing plate in the step of attaching to the TFT-LCD panel is not hindered by the vacuum suction of the vacuum suction unit. The polarizing plate attachment method characterized by the above-mentioned. 40. The cell / module vacuum suction unit according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the operation of the cell / module vacuum suction unit is stopped and the cell / module stage unit is moved from the TFT-LCD panel unloading position back to the home position. On the basis of the absence of a signal detected from the sensor detecting the vacuum suction of the sensor and the presence of the TFT-LCD panel, i.e., the operation of the cell / module vacuum suction unit is stopped and the TFT-LCD panel is removed. A polarizing plate attachment method, which is automatically executed.