TWI616289B - Suction holding member, and apparatus for suction holding and rotating a liquid crystal cell - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an adsorption member capable of improving the ratio of the effective working area of the adsorption member in accordance with the different transportation modes of the liquid crystal cell while improving the operation efficiency. The adsorption member is provided with a plurality of adsorption portions that are in contact with the surface of the liquid crystal cell, and the arrangement region of the adsorption portion in the horizontal plane has a "ten" shape. Further, the present invention provides a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device including the adsorption member.

Description

Adsorption member and liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device

The present invention relates to an adsorption member and a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device including the adsorption member.

Generally, a liquid crystal cell conveyed on a liquid crystal cell manufacturing line, for example, an optical film bonding production line for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, has a rectangular shape with long sides and short sides. Accordingly, the mode in which the liquid crystal cell is transported is also an MD method in which the long side of the liquid crystal cell is transported along the liquid crystal cell transport direction and a TD mode in which the long side of the liquid crystal cell is transported perpendicularly to the liquid crystal cell transport direction.

According to the processing requirements of the liquid crystal cell in the manufacturing steps, it is sometimes necessary to switch the transport mode between the above two transport modes on the same production line. At this time, the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device is used to first adsorb the liquid crystal cell of the production line, and then move up and down and then rotate, thereby switching the transport mode of the liquid crystal cell.

Such a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device is known. E.g, The liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 adsorbs the liquid crystal cell from above and rotates it. Further, the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device described in Patent Document 3 adsorbs and supports the liquid crystal cell from below to rotate.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Document]

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-12319

Patent Document 2: JP-A-2013-107185

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-112793

However, the above-described conventional liquid crystal cell adsorption/rotation devices each have a rectangular adsorption member having the same shape as the liquid crystal cell. At this time, in order to allow the adsorption member to respond to any of the MD and TD transportation methods, the size of the adsorption member can be increased, and the short side of the rectangular adsorption member can be made longer than the long side of the liquid crystal cell. As a result, the size of the adsorption member and the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device is increased, and the ratio of the ineffective area of the adsorption member is increased.

In addition, the rectangular adsorption member has only 180° symmetry. For example, when changing from the MD mode to the TD mode, in order to wind the front liquid crystal cell by 90° and then spirally convey the next liquid crystal cell, it can only be rotated 90. ° action. Therefore, there is room for improvement in operational efficiency.

The present invention has been made in an effort to solve the above problems, and to provide an adsorption member capable of increasing the effective working area ratio of an adsorption member and improving the operation efficiency in accordance with any of the MD and TD transportation methods. Furthermore, the present invention provides a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device including the above-described adsorption member.

Specifically, the adsorption member according to the first aspect of the present invention is for adsorbing a liquid crystal cell, and is provided with a plurality of adsorption portions that are in contact with the surface of the liquid crystal cell, and the arrangement region of the adsorption portion in the horizontal plane is "ten" shaped. .

Further, in the adsorption member according to the second aspect of the present invention, the adsorption unit is made of an elastic material. Thereby, when adsorption is performed in contact with the surface of the liquid crystal cell, the possibility of damaging the surface of the liquid crystal cell is reduced.

Further, in the adsorption member according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the adsorption member is a "ten" shape in a horizontal plane, and the adsorption portion is disposed on the adsorption plate. lower surface.

Further, in the adsorption member according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the adsorption unit is uniformly disposed on a lower surface of the adsorption plate.

Further, in the adsorption member according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the adsorption member is formed by at least two adsorption arms extending in one direction and extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. a suction frame composed of at least two adsorption arms, the adsorption frame is in a horizontal plane The shape of the envelope is a "ten" shape, and the adsorption portion is disposed on the lower surface of the adsorption arm.

Further, in the adsorption member according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the adsorption unit is uniformly disposed on the adsorption arm.

Further, in the adsorption member according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the adsorption member is formed by at least two adsorption arms extending in one direction and extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. The adsorption frame formed by at least two adsorption arms has a shape of an envelope in the horizontal plane of the adsorption frame in a "ten" shape, and the adsorption portion is disposed on an upper surface of the adsorption arm.

Further, in the adsorption member according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the adsorption unit is uniformly disposed on the adsorption arm.

According to the adsorption member of each of the above embodiments, it is possible to increase the ratio of the effective working area of the adsorption member in accordance with any of the MD and TD transportation methods, and it is possible to prevent an increase in size of the apparatus. Moreover, it is not necessary to re-wrap 90° in order to align with the next liquid crystal cell after the 90° winding, so that the operation efficiency can be improved.

Further, a ninth aspect of the present invention provides a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device capable of rotating in a state in which a liquid crystal cell is adsorbed, wherein the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device is located above a liquid crystal cell transport path, and includes: a first form to a sixth form In the adsorption member according to any one of the aspects, the adsorption unit is disposed on a lower surface of the adsorption member and faces the liquid crystal cell toward the liquid crystal cell transport path; the vacuum pump generates a negative pressure for adsorbing the liquid crystal cell; and the suction passage connects the vacuum pump to The adsorption unit is connected; The winding means rotates the adsorption member around the center of the adsorption member in a horizontal plane; and moves the member up and down to move the adsorption member up and down. According to the liquid crystal cell adsorption/rotation device of the ninth aspect, the use of the adsorption member of the present invention makes it possible to prevent an increase in the size of the apparatus by increasing the ratio of the effective working area of the adsorption member in accordance with any of the MD and TD transportation methods. Moreover, it is not necessary to re-wrap 90° in order to align with the next liquid crystal cell after the 90° winding, so that the operation efficiency can be improved.

Further, in the liquid crystal cell adsorption/rotation device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the horizontal movement means for moving the adsorption member at a level is provided. In this way, since the rotation of the liquid crystal cell can be performed, the transportation efficiency on the production line can be improved.

Further, in the liquid crystal cell adsorption/rotation device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, the intake passage is constituted by a main intake passage and a plurality of sub intake passages, and the main intake passage is One end is connected to the vacuum pump, and the other end of the main intake passage is branched into a plurality of sub-suction passages, and each sub-suction passage is connected to at least one adsorption portion, and the main intake passage and each sub-suction passage are respectively provided with Independently opened and closed valves. In this way, the actual adsorption region of the adsorption member can be flexibly arranged according to the different sizes and transport modes of the liquid crystal cells.

Further, a twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device capable of rotating in a state in which a liquid crystal cell is adsorbed, wherein the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device is located below a liquid crystal cell transport path, and includes a seventh form or an eighth form. In the above-described adsorption member, the adsorption unit is disposed on the upper surface of the adsorption member and faces the liquid crystal cell transport path and the liquid The crystal unit is opposite; the vacuum pump generates a negative pressure for adsorbing the liquid crystal cell; the suction passage connects the vacuum pump to the adsorption portion; and the winding mechanism rotates the adsorption member around the center of the adsorption member in a horizontal plane; And moving the adsorption member up and down through a gap between the conveying rollers of the liquid crystal cell conveying path. According to the liquid crystal cell adsorption/rotation device of the twelfth aspect, in the same manner as the ninth aspect, it is possible to increase the ratio of the effective working area of the adsorption member in accordance with any of the MD and TD transportation methods, and it is possible to prevent an increase in size of the device. Moreover, it is not necessary to re-wrap 90° in order to align with the next liquid crystal cell after the 90° winding, so that the operation efficiency can be improved.

Further, in the liquid crystal cell adsorption/rotation device of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the twelfth aspect further includes horizontal movement means for horizontally moving the adsorption member along a gap between the transport rollers of the liquid crystal cell transport path. In this way, since the liquid crystal cell is rotated while moving, the transport efficiency on the production line can be improved as in the tenth embodiment.

Further, in the liquid crystal cell adsorption/rotation device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, the intake passage is constituted by a main intake passage and a plurality of sub intake passages, and the main intake One end of the passage communicates with the vacuum pump, and the other end of the main intake passage branches into a plurality of sub-suction passages, and each sub-suction passage communicates with at least one adsorption portion, and is respectively disposed in the main intake passage and each sub-suction passage. There are valves that can be opened and closed independently. In this manner, according to the different sizes and transport modes of the liquid crystal cells, the adsorption member can be flexibly disposed in the same manner as the eleventh embodiment. Actual adsorption area.

A‧‧‧Liquid Cell Supply Department

B‧‧‧Liquid cell transport path

C‧‧‧First optical film transport path

D‧‧‧Second optical film transport path

E‧‧‧Liquid unit discharge

U‧‧‧Liquid Crystal Unit

BP1, 2, 3‧‧‧ liquid crystal cell position sensor

BR‧‧‧LCD unit adsorption winding device

BR1‧‧‧First liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device

BR2‧‧‧Second liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device

BR3‧‧‧The third liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device

BR-B10‧‧‧Adsorption plate

BR-B20‧‧‧Adsorption Department

BR-G‧‧‧ Inhalation pathway

BR-G10‧‧‧Main inspiratory access

BR-G20‧‧‧ sub-suction passage

BR-HT‧‧‧Up and down moving means

BR-P‧‧‧Vacuum pump

BR-R‧‧‧Rotary means

BR-ST‧‧‧Up and down moving means

BT1‧‧‧First liquid crystal cell adsorption mobile device

BR-ST10‧‧‧Guide sleeve

BR-ST20‧‧‧Sliding rod

BR-V10‧‧‧Main valve

BR-V20‧‧‧ subvalve

BT2‧‧‧Second liquid crystal cell adsorption mobile device

BR-H10‧‧‧Adsorption rack

BR-H20, 30‧‧‧ adsorption arm

BR-H40‧‧‧Adsorption Department

CF1‧‧‧First Optical Film Supply Department

CF2‧‧‧First Optical Film Cutting Department

CF3‧‧‧First Optical Film Fitting

CF4‧‧‧First Optical Film Winding

DF1‧‧‧Second Optical Film Supply Department

DF2‧‧‧Second optical film cutting section

DF3‧‧‧Second optical film bonding department

DF4‧‧‧Second optical film winding

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing the structure of an optical film bonding production line including a liquid crystal cell adsorption/spinning device of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device of the first embodiment.

3A and 3B are plan views of the adsorption plate of the first embodiment, Fig. 3A shows the state of the MD conveyance mode, and Fig. 3B shows the state of the TD conveyance mode.

4A to 4H are schematic views showing the adsorption rotation operation of the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device of a second embodiment.

6A and 6B are schematic views showing an operation of the adsorption rotational movement of the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device of the second embodiment.

7A and 7B are schematic views showing the configuration of a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device of a third embodiment.

8A and 8B are plan views of the adsorption frame of the third embodiment, Fig. 8A shows the state of the MD conveyance mode, and Fig. 8B shows the state of the TD conveyance mode.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing a gap between the conveying rollers.

10A to 10D are diagrams showing the adsorption rotation of the liquid crystal cell of the third embodiment A schematic view of the adsorption rotation operation of the device.

Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device of a fourth embodiment.

12A and 12B are schematic views of the adsorption rotational movement operation of the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device of the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following examples are merely examples of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. In addition, in the specification, "first", "second", and the like are used to distinguish terms belonging to different objects of the same type, and do not have a restrictive meaning such as the order of the conveying direction.

In addition, the "liquid crystal cell" in the specification is not limited to a liquid crystal panel, and can be understood as any substrate-shaped material to which an optical film is to be bonded in the manufacture of a display panel. In the specification, the "optical film" means, for example, any film for adjusting the optical characteristics of the display panel such as a polarizing film.

Unless otherwise specified, "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" as used in the specification mean "left", "right", and "upper" when going from the upstream side to the downstream side along the liquid crystal cell transport path. , "down" direction.

First, an optical film bonding production line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "production line") will be described as an example of a liquid crystal cell processing line having the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the production line includes a liquid crystal cell supply portion A, a liquid crystal cell transport path B, a first optical film transport path C, and a second The optical film transport path D and the liquid crystal cell discharge portion E.

The liquid crystal cell supply unit A, the liquid crystal cell transport path B, and the liquid crystal cell discharge unit E are sequentially connected. The first optical film transport path C and the second optical film transport path D are located above or below the liquid crystal cell transport path B, respectively.

The first optical film transporting path C includes a first optical film supply unit CF1 disposed on the most upstream side of the first optical film transport path C, and is supplied with the first optical film laminate; the first optical film cut-off unit CF2 is disposed at Downstream of the first optical film supply unit CF1, the first optical film laminate supplied from the first optical film supply unit CF1 is cut into a sheet having a predetermined length, and the first optical film bonding unit CF3 is disposed in the first optical The film cutting portion CF2 is disposed downstream of the liquid crystal cell transport path B, and the first optical film is bonded to one surface of the liquid crystal cell U. The first carrier film winding portion CF4 is disposed at the most downstream of the first optical film transport path C. On the side, the first carrier film after the bonding is wound.

The second optical film transport path D includes a second optical film supply portion DF1 disposed on the most upstream side of the second optical film transport path D, and is supplied to the second optical film laminate; the second optical film cut portion DF2 is disposed in the second optical film transport portion DF2. Downstream of the second optical film supply unit DF1, the second optical film laminate supplied from the second optical film supply unit DF1 is cut into a sheet having a predetermined length, and the second optical film bonding unit DF3 is disposed in the second optical The liquid crystal cell transport path B is disposed downstream of the film cut portion DF2, and the second optical film is bonded to one surface of the liquid crystal cell U. The second carrier film winding portion DF4 is disposed downstream of the second optical film transport path D. On the side, the second carrier film after the bonding is wound.

The liquid crystal unit U enters the liquid crystal single from the liquid crystal unit supply unit A Meta transport path B.

From the liquid crystal cell supply unit A side, on the liquid crystal cell transport path B, there is a first liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR1, which is located after the liquid crystal cell supply unit A, and is adsorbed into the liquid crystal cell U of the liquid crystal cell transport path B as needed. The first liquid crystal cell adsorption moving device BT1 is located on the upstream side of the first optical film bonding portion CF3, adsorbs the liquid crystal unit U, moves and adjusts to the work start position of the first optical film bonding portion CF3; The second liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR2 is located after the first optical film bonding portion CF3, and is adsorbed by the liquid crystal unit U of the first optical film bonding portion CF3 as needed; the second liquid crystal cell adsorbs the moving device BT2, which is located close to On the upstream side of the second optical film bonding portion DF3, the liquid crystal cell U is adsorbed and moved to the operation start position of the second optical film bonding portion DF3; the third liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR3 is located at the second optical The liquid crystal cell U that has passed through the second optical film bonding portion DF3 is spirally wound downstream of the film bonding portion DF3 as needed. Further, liquid crystal cell position sensors BP1, BP2, and BP3 for checking whether or not the liquid crystal cell has reached the adsorption standby position are provided in the vicinity of the first, second, and third liquid crystal cell adsorption winding devices BR1, BR2, and BR3, respectively. Further, if necessary, an inversion means for inverting the upper and lower surfaces of the liquid crystal cell is provided at a position close to the second liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR2.

The liquid crystal cell U after the optical film is bonded is discharged from the liquid crystal cell transport path B to the liquid crystal cell discharge portion E for use in the downstream step.

In the above production line, the first, second, and third liquid crystal cell adsorption winding devices BR1, BR2, and BR3 are the liquid crystal cells of the present invention. With a winding device.

<First Embodiment>

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR includes an adsorption plate BR-B10, a vacuum pump BR-P, an intake passage BR-G, a winding means BR-R, and a vertical movement means BR-ST. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR is located above the liquid crystal cell transport path B.

The adsorption plate BR-B10 is a member that directly contacts the liquid crystal cell U when the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR adsorbs the liquid crystal cell U. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of adsorption portions BR-B20 are disposed on the lower surface of the adsorption plate BR-B10, and the adsorption portion BR-B20 faces the liquid crystal cell U toward the lower side of the liquid crystal cell transport path side. When the adsorption is not performed, the adsorption plate BR-B10 is located at an upper position having a certain height from the liquid crystal cell transport path B. When the liquid crystal cell U is adsorbed, the adsorption plate BR-B10 is lowered by the vertical movement means BR-ST which will be described later, and the adsorption portion BR-B20 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the liquid crystal cell U of the liquid crystal cell transport path B. In order to prevent damage to the surface of the liquid crystal cell U, it is preferable that the adsorption portion BR-B20 is, for example, a nozzle made of an elastic material such as rubber.

3A and 3B are plan views of the adsorption plate BR-B10 when viewed upward, and the liquid crystal cells U in the MD and TD transport states are indicated by broken lines, respectively. As shown in the plan view, the shape of the adsorption plate BR-B10 becomes a "ten" shape. Adsorption plate BR-B20 of the lower surface of the adsorption plate BR-B10 The arrangement area may be a "ten" shape, but it is preferable that the adsorption portion BR-B20 is uniformly disposed on the lower surface of the adsorption plate BR-B10.

Since the adsorption portion BR-B20 is disposed in the "ten"-shaped region, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, any one of the TD and MD transport modes is housed in the arrangement region of the adsorption portion BR-B20 in plan view. Inside. In the present embodiment, any one of the TD and MD transport modes is housed in the outline of the suction plate BR-B10. Further, it is not limited to the above, and it is only necessary to align the center of the liquid crystal cell U with the center of the adsorption plate BR-B10. That is, the liquid crystal cell may protrude from the arrangement region of the adsorption portion BR-B20 or the outline of the adsorption plate BR-B10.

Therefore, the adsorption plate BR-B10 of the present embodiment can respond to both the TD and MD conveyance methods, and can reduce the ratio of the ineffective area and prevent the size of the apparatus from being larger than that of the conventional rectangular adsorption plate.

The vacuum pump BR-P can use a known product as long as it can generate a negative pressure for adsorbing the liquid crystal cell U.

The suction passage BR-G communicates the vacuum pump BR-P with the adsorption portion BR-B20, and has a main intake passage BR-G10 and a plurality of sub-suction passages BR-G20. One end of the main suction passage BR-G10 is connected to the vacuum pump BR-P, and the other end of the main suction passage BR-G10 is branched into a plurality of sub-suction passages BR-G20, respectively, and the adsorption portion BR- of the adsorption plate BR-B10. B20 is connected. Further, each of the sub-suction passages BR-G20 may be further divided into a plurality of capillary intake passages, and communicated with the adsorption portion BR-B20 via the capillary intake passage.

As shown in Fig. 2, a main valve BR-V10 is provided in the main intake passage BR-G10, and a sub-valve BR-V20 is provided in each sub-suction passage BR-G20. The main valve BR-V10 and each sub-valve BR-V20 can be independently opened and closed. By opening and closing the main valve BR-V10, the adsorption plate BR-B10 is integrally connected or blocked with the vacuum pump BR-P. Further, when the main valve BR-V10 is opened, the region in which the adsorption force is actually generated in the arrangement region of the adsorption portion BR-B20 of the adsorption plate BR-B10 can be flexibly adjusted by selectively opening and closing the sub-valve BR-V20. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 3A, the sub-suction passage BR corresponding to the adsorption portion BR-B20 in the projecting region on the upper and lower sides of the adsorption plate BR-B10 (that is, the region other than the liquid crystal cell U) -G20 is blocked by the respective sub-valve BR-V20, so that no adsorption force is generated in this region. Further, for example, in the case shown in FIG. 3B, the sub-suction passage corresponding to the adsorption portion BR-B20 in the protruding regions on the left and right sides of the adsorption plate BR-B10 (that is, the region other than the liquid crystal cell U) The BR-G20 is blocked by the respective sub-valve BR-V20, so that no adsorption force is generated in this region.

The opening and closing of the main valve BR-V10 and the sub-valve BR-V20 can be manual or automatically under the control of a computer.

The winding means BR-R causes the adsorption plate BR-B10 to be wound around the center O of the "ten" shaped adsorption plate BR-B10 in a horizontal plane. The winding means BR-R can use a conventional winding means such as a motor. Moreover, there is no limitation on the winding direction.

The up-and-down moving means BR-ST moves the adsorption plate BR-B10 up and down. The up-and-down moving means BR-ST has, for example, a guide sleeve BR-ST10 arranged in the up-and-down direction and a slide that can slide along the guide sleeve BR-ST10. Moving rod BR-ST20. Further, the vertical movement means BR-HT may be other conventional structures such as a robot arm.

Further, it is preferable that the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR has a height sensor (not shown) that detects the height of the adsorption plate BR-B10 with respect to the liquid crystal cell transport path B in order to control the distance by which the adsorption plate BR-B10 moves up and down.

In addition, the bonding relationship between the adsorption plate BR-B10, the winding means BR-R, and the vertical movement means BR-ST is not particularly limited as long as the winding operation and the vertical movement of the adsorption plate BR-B10 can be smoothly performed. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the adsorption plate BR-B10 and the sliding rod BR-ST20 are integrally fixed, and the sliding rod BR-ST20 moves up and down along the guiding sleeve BR-ST10, and the guiding sleeve BR-ST10 is rotated by means. The BR-R rotates together with the slide bar BR-ST20.

Hereinafter, an adsorption winding operation from the MD conveyance state to the TD conveyance state by the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4F.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the liquid crystal cell U is transported to the adsorption standby position of the liquid crystal cell transport path. If the liquid crystal cell position sensor provided on the production line detects that the liquid crystal cell U is transported to the adsorption standby position, the transport roller at the adsorption standby position stops rotating, and the liquid crystal unit U is stopped at the adsorption standby position. As shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B, the adsorption standby position is set to be aligned with the center of the liquid crystal cell of the MD or TD transport mode in the plan view at the center of the "ten" shaped adsorption plate. Thereby, the center of the liquid crystal cell is located at the center of the adsorption plate, and the center of the liquid crystal cell before and after the winding is not emitted. Deviation. Further, as long as the center of the liquid crystal cell is aligned with the center of the adsorption plate, the liquid crystal cell may be housed in the outline of the adsorption plate or may protrude from the contour portion.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the vertical movement means BR-ST is driven to move the adsorption plate BR-B10 downward until the adsorption portion BR-B20 comes into contact with the upper surface of the liquid crystal cell U.

Then, the main valve BR-V10 is opened, and the sub-valve BR-V20 is selectively opened, and an adsorption force is generated at the adsorption portion BR-B20 which is in contact with the upper surface of the liquid crystal cell U, and the liquid crystal cell U is adsorbed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, the vertical movement means BR-ST is driven to move the adsorption plate BR-B10 to which the liquid crystal cell U is adsorbed to the upper side to a predetermined height.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4D, the liquid crystal cell U is wound around the adsorption plate by 90° by means of a winding means (not shown). By this winding, as shown in FIG. 4G, the liquid crystal cell which was originally in the MD transport state becomes the TD transport state.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4E, the up-and-down moving means BR-ST is driven to move the adsorption plate BR-B10 downward until the liquid crystal cell U contacts the conveying roller of the liquid crystal cell conveying path. When it is judged by a sensor or the like (not shown) that the liquid crystal cell U is supported by the transport roller, the main valve BR-V10 is closed, and the adsorption of the adsorption portion BR-B20 is released.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4F, the up-and-down moving means BR-ST is driven to lift the adsorption plate BR-B10 away from the upper surface of the liquid crystal cell U. Since the adsorption plate BR-B10 has a "ten" shape, at this time, there is no need to The crystal unit U is aligned to rotate the adsorption plate BR-B10 by another 90°.

By the above operation, as shown in FIG. 4G, the winding of the liquid crystal cell U from the MD transport state to the TD transport state is performed. In addition, the winding of the liquid crystal cell U from the TD transport state to the MD transport state shown in FIG. 4H is also the same, and the repeated description is omitted here.

<Second embodiment>

Hereinafter, a liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5 .

Compared with the first embodiment, the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device BR of the second embodiment further has a horizontal moving means BR-HT. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the duplicated description is omitted for the same configuration.

The horizontal moving means BR-HT is a member that moves the adsorption plate BR-B10 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal moving means BR-HT has, for example, a guide rail BR-HT10 disposed in the horizontal direction and a sliding portion BR-HT20 slidable along the guide rail BR-HT10. In addition, the horizontal moving means BR-HT may be other conventional configurations, for example, it may be a mechanical arm driven by an electric motor.

The bonding relationship between the horizontal moving means BR-HT, the winding mechanism BR-R, and the vertical movement means BR-ST is not particularly limited as long as the adsorption plate BR-B10 can be moved in the horizontal direction, but as an example, as shown in FIG. It is shown that the sliding portion BR-HT20 can be coupled to the winding means BR-R.

Hereinafter, the adsorption winding operation of the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6B.

Compared with the first embodiment, the adsorption winding movement of the second embodiment is different in the steps shown in Figs. 4C to 4F.

Specifically, the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR first performs the operations of FIGS. 4A to 4B similar to those of the first embodiment.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the adsorption plate BR-B10 to which the liquid crystal cell U is adsorbed is raised by the vertical movement means BR-ST.

After the liquid crystal unit U leaves the conveying roller, the adsorption plate BR-B10 is rotated by 90° together with the liquid crystal unit U by the winding means BR-R, and the horizontal moving means BR-HT is driven to make the adsorption plate BR-B10 along the liquid crystal cell conveying direction. Move horizontally to the target position. That is, the liquid crystal cell U simultaneously performs the winding motion and the horizontal movement, thereby simultaneously performing the switching of the MD/TD and the horizontal movement from the adsorption standby position to the target position.

Next, when the switching of the MD/TD and the horizontal movement to the target position are completed, the adsorption plate BR-B10 is moved downward by the up-and-down moving means BR-ST, and the liquid crystal cell U is placed on the conveying roller. After the liquid crystal cell U is placed on the transport roller, the adsorption of the adsorption plate BR-B10 is released.

Then, the adsorption plate BR-B10 is raised by the up-and-down moving means BR-ST to leave the upper surface of the liquid crystal cell U, and the horizontal moving means BR-HT is driven to move the adsorption plate BR-B10 to the upper side of the adsorption standby position. Let the next liquid crystal cell stand by.

After the above actions, in the MD transport shape shown in FIG. 6B When the state is rotated to the TD transport state, the transport of the liquid crystal cell does not stop during the winding. That is, since the winding and conveying of the liquid crystal cell U are simultaneously performed, the conveying efficiency is improved as compared with the first embodiment, thereby improving productivity. Of course, the same is true from the TD transport state to the MD transport state.

<Third embodiment>

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in comparison with the first embodiment, the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device BR of the third embodiment is located below the liquid crystal cell transport path, and after the adsorption member supports the liquid crystal cell U from the lower side upward, adsorption and convolution are performed. Liquid crystal cell U.

In order to achieve this, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the adsorption member of the present embodiment is not an adsorption plate, but is composed of two adsorption arms BR-H20 and two adsorption arms BR-H30 perpendicular to the adsorption arms BR-H20. The adsorption frame BR-H10. Of course, the number of the adsorption arms BR-H20 and the adsorption arms BR-H30 is not limited to two, and can be appropriately adjusted. The number of the adsorption arms BR-H20 and the adsorption arms BR-H30 may also differ depending on the shape of the liquid crystal cell U.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment except for being located below the liquid crystal cell transport path and the configuration of the adsorbing members is different, and thus the overlapping description will be omitted.

The shape of the envelope in the horizontal plane of the adsorption frame BR-H10 constructed as described above is "ten". The adsorption portion BR-H40 is disposed on the upper surfaces of the adsorption arms BR-H20 and BR-H30 with the adsorption arms BR-H20 and BR-H30 facing upward, and is in phase with the liquid crystal unit U on the liquid crystal cell transport path. Correct. Preferably, the adsorption portion BR-H40 is uniformly disposed on the adsorption arms BR-H20 and BR-H30.

Further, it is preferable that the adsorption portion BR-H40 is, for example, a nozzle made of an elastic material such as rubber, in order not to damage the surface of the liquid crystal cell U.

As shown in FIG. 9, the conveying roller R of the liquid crystal cell conveying path B has a gap with each other in the liquid crystal cell conveying direction and the direction perpendicular to the liquid crystal cell conveying direction.

By means of the up-and-down moving means BR-ST, the adsorption arms BR-H20 and BR-H30 which are aligned in the direction in which the liquid crystal cell is transported and the direction perpendicular to the liquid crystal cell transport direction in the adsorption frame BR-H10 can smoothly pass through the gap. Thereby, the adsorption rack BR-H10 can move from below the liquid crystal cell transport path B to above the liquid crystal cell transport path B. That is, the state shown in FIG. 7A can be changed from the state shown in FIG. 7A.

Hereinafter, the adsorption winding operation of the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10A to 10D.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the liquid crystal cell U is transported to the adsorption standby position of the liquid crystal cell transport path. When the liquid crystal cell position sensor provided on the production line detects that the liquid crystal cell U is transported to the adsorption standby position, the rotation of the transport roller at the suction waiting position is stopped, and the liquid crystal unit U is stopped at the adsorption standby position. As shown in FIG. 8A or FIG. 8B, the adsorption standby position is set such that the center of the liquid crystal cell U of the MD or TD transport mode is aligned with the center of the "ten"-shaped envelope of the suction frame BR-H10 in standby.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, the up-and-down moving means BR-ST is driven to move the adsorption frame BR-H10 upward until the liquid crystal cell U is supported by the adsorption frame BR-H10 and separated upward by a certain distance from the conveying roller. At this time, the adsorption portion BR-H40 is in contact with the lower surface of the liquid crystal cell U.

Then, the main valve BR-V10 is opened, and the sub-valve BR-V20 is selectively opened, and the adsorption portion BR-H40 which is in contact with the lower surface of the liquid crystal cell U generates an adsorption force to adsorb the liquid crystal cell U.

Next, as shown in Fig. 10C, the suction frame BR-H10 is wound by 90° together with the liquid crystal unit U by means of the winding means BR-R. By this winding, for example, the liquid crystal cell U originally in the MD transport state becomes the TD transport state.

Next, the main valve BR-V10 is closed, and the adsorption of the adsorption portion BR-V40 is released. Then, as shown in Fig. 10D, the up-and-down moving means BR-ST is driven to move the suction frame BR-H10 downward to the starting position shown in Fig. 10A. When the adsorption frame BR-H10 moves below the transport path of the liquid crystal cell through the gap between the transport rollers, the liquid crystal cell U is supported by the transport roller of the liquid crystal cell transport path.

Since the adsorption frame BR-H10 has a "ten" shape, at this time, it is not necessary to rotate the adsorption frame BR-H10 by 90° in order to align with the next liquid crystal unit U.

By the above action, the liquid crystal cell is adsorbed and wound.

<Fourth embodiment>

Hereinafter, a liquid crystal cell according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The adsorption rotating device will be described.

Compared with the third embodiment, the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device BR of the fourth embodiment further includes a horizontal moving means BR-HT. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment. Therefore, overlapping descriptions are omitted for the same configuration.

The horizontal moving means BR-HT is a member that moves the suction frame BR-H10 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal moving means BR-HT has, for example, a guide rail BR-HT10 disposed in the horizontal direction and a sliding portion BR-HT20 slidable along the guide rail BR-HT10. In addition, the horizontal moving means BR-HT may also be other conventional configurations, such as a robotic arm driven by an electric motor.

The coupling relationship between the horizontal movement means BR-HT, the winding mechanism BR-R, and the vertical movement means BR-ST is not particularly limited as long as the adsorption frame BR-H10 can be moved in the horizontal direction, but as an example, as shown in FIG. It is shown that the sliding portion BR-HT20 can be coupled to the winding means BR-R.

Hereinafter, the adsorption winding operation of the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 12A to 12B.

Specifically, first, similarly to the third embodiment, the liquid crystal cell adsorption winding device BR performs the operations of FIGS. 10A to 10B.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12A, after the lower surface of the adsorption frame BR-H10 is separated upward from the conveying roller, the suction frame BR-H is rotated by 90° together with the liquid crystal unit U by the winding means BR-R, and the horizontal movement is driven. Means BR-HT makes the adsorption rack BR-H10 along the liquid crystal unit conveying direction water Move to the target position. That is, the liquid crystal cell U simultaneously performs the winding motion and the horizontal movement, whereby, as shown in FIG. 12B, the MD/TD switching and the horizontal movement from the adsorption standby position to the target position are simultaneously performed.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, since the transport rollers of the liquid crystal cell transport path have a gap in the liquid crystal cell transport direction, the slide bar BR-ST20 of the up-and-down moving means BR-ST can pass through the gap. Therefore, the adsorption frame BR-H10 can also be horizontally moved along the gap between the conveying rollers.

Next, when the switching of the MD/TD and the horizontal movement to the target position is completed, the adsorption of the adsorption frame BR-H10 is released, and the adsorption frame BR-H10 is moved to the lower side of the liquid crystal cell transport path by the up-and-down moving means BR-ST. The liquid crystal cell U is placed on a transport roller.

After moving to the lower side of the liquid crystal cell transport path, the adsorption frame BR-H10 is returned to the lower side of the adsorption standby position by the horizontal moving means BR-HT.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal unit U simultaneously performs the switching of the MD/TD and the horizontal movement from the adsorption standby position to the target position, the conveyance efficiency is improved, thereby improving the productivity.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and other modifications can be made. For example, the adsorption racks of the third and fourth embodiments can be applied to the first and second embodiments. That is, the adsorption frame can be attached to the liquid crystal cell U from above for winding. At this time, the adsorption portion may be provided on the lower surface of the adsorption frame.

Claims (14)

An adsorption member for adsorbing a liquid crystal cell is characterized in that a plurality of adsorption portions that are in contact with a surface of the liquid crystal cell are provided, and an arrangement region of the adsorption portion in a horizontal plane has a "ten" shape. The adsorption member according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the adsorption unit is made of an elastic material. The adsorption member according to the first or second aspect of the invention, wherein the adsorption member is a "d-shaped" adsorption plate in a horizontal plane, and the adsorption portion is disposed on a lower surface of the adsorption plate. The adsorption member according to claim 3, wherein the adsorption unit is uniformly disposed on a lower surface of the adsorption plate. The adsorption member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adsorption member is composed of at least two adsorption arms extending in one direction and at least two adsorption arms extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. In the adsorption frame, the shape of the envelope in the horizontal plane of the adsorption frame is "ten", and the adsorption portion is disposed on the lower surface of the adsorption arm. The adsorption member according to claim 5, wherein the adsorption unit is uniformly disposed on the adsorption arm. An adsorption member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The adsorption member is an adsorption frame composed of at least two adsorption arms extending in one direction and at least two adsorption arms extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, and the shape of the envelope of the adsorption frame in a horizontal plane In the "ten" shape, the adsorption portion is disposed on the upper surface of the adsorption arm. The adsorption member according to claim 7, wherein the adsorption unit is uniformly disposed on the adsorption arm. A liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device capable of adsorbing a state of rotation of a liquid crystal cell, wherein the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device is located above a liquid crystal cell transport path, and includes: the adsorption according to any one of claims 1 to 6. a member, wherein the adsorption portion is disposed on a lower surface of the adsorption member and faces the liquid crystal cell toward the liquid crystal cell transport path; the vacuum pump generates a negative pressure for adsorbing the liquid crystal cell; and the intake passage connects the vacuum pump to the adsorption portion; The method is such that the adsorption member is wound around a center of the adsorption member in a horizontal plane; and the vertical movement means moves the adsorption member up and down. The liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device according to claim 9, further comprising a horizontal moving means for horizontally moving the adsorption member. The liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the intake passage is constituted by a main intake passage and a plurality of sub intake passages, and one end of the main intake passage communicates with the vacuum pump, the main The other end of the inhalation passage branches into the plurality of sub-suction passages, and each sub-suction passage communicates with at least one adsorption portion, and a valve that can be independently opened and closed is provided in each of the main intake passage and each of the sub-suction passages. A liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device capable of adsorbing a state of rotation of a liquid crystal cell, wherein the liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device is located below a liquid crystal cell transport path, comprising: the adsorption member according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the adsorption The portion is disposed on the upper surface of the adsorption member and faces the liquid crystal cell toward the liquid crystal cell transport path; the vacuum pump generates a negative pressure for adsorbing the liquid crystal cell; the intake passage connects the vacuum pump to the adsorption portion; and the winding means makes the above The adsorbing member is wound in a horizontal plane around the center of the adsorbing member; and the upper and lower moving means moves the adsorbing member up and down through a gap between the conveying rollers of the liquid crystal unit conveying path. The liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device according to claim 12, further comprising: conveying the adsorption member along the liquid crystal cell transport path A horizontal moving means of horizontal movement of the gap between the rollers. The liquid crystal cell adsorption rotating device according to claim 12, wherein the intake passage is constituted by a main intake passage and a plurality of sub intake passages, and one end of the main intake passage communicates with the vacuum pump, the main The other end of the inhalation passage branches into a plurality of sub-suction passages, and each sub-suction passage communicates with at least one adsorption portion, and a valve that can be independently opened and closed is provided in each of the main intake passage and each sub-suction passage.