WO2007052881A1

WO2007052881A1 - Auto taping apparatus and method of blu mold & top sash

Info

Publication number: WO2007052881A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/002531
Authority: WO
Inventors: Doo Hwan Oh
Original assignee: Scitech Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-11-01
Filing date: 2006-06-29
Publication date: 2007-05-10

Abstract

A taping apparatus includes: an internal frame comprising a holder holding an object so that a bottom surface of the object is exposed towards a lower portion of the internal frame, and an accommodation portion providing an accommodation space which is formed in the lower portion of the holder; a tape bobbin installed in the accommodation space to accommodate a wound tape; a transfer portion comprising a guide portion which is formed along a lower portion of each corner of the held object, a separator which separates the tape withdrawn from the tape bobbin and a release film, and a guider which automatically reciprocates along the guide portion and moves the tape along the guide portion; a cutter installed in the accommodation portion to be adjacent to the guide portion and cutting the moved tape along the guide portion into a size corresponding to one corner of the object; and a vacuum absorber comprising a vacuum generator which is positioned below the tape and generates a vacuum pressure to absorb the tape, and the attachment portion attaching the tape on the bottom surface of the object by moving the absorbed tape up and down towards the object. Also, a rewinder which is formed adjacent to the tape bobbin and winds the release film may be further included. Accordingly, since the tape is automatically attached to the bottom surface of the object, an operation can be precisely and quickly performed. Also, a productivity may be improved and a manufacturing cost may be reduced.

Description

AUTO TAPING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF BLU MOLD &

TOP SASH

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an automatic taping apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a taping apparatus which can embody a precise attachment quality, i.e. can absorb an external impact, and prevent a leakage of static electricity and electromagnetic waves, contamination by foreign substances, and a bleeding in of a light source, when a back light unit (BLU) frame is assembled to a liquid crystal display (LCD) by automatically and precisely attaching a tape to a tape attachment portion of the BLU frame, the LCD, and a top sash, so as to protect the LCD which is utilized for an LCD television (LCD TV) and a computer monitor, and a method of manufacturing the taping apparatus. Background Art

[2] A liquid crystal display (LCD) generates a brightness by injecting a liquid crystal between two thin glass plates and changing an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules when supplying a power, and thereby, displays an image. In this instance, the liquid crystal has an interim property of a solid and a liquid.

[3] Unlike a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED), an organic electroluminescence (EL), an LCD is non-luminescent, i.e. a light receiving element. Accordingly, without a back light source, the LCD may not be utilized. A back light unit (BLU) in a form of a surface light source which can maintain the whole screen with a regular light is required.

[4] In a configuration of a BLU, a BLU frame made of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is fixed to an LCD using a urethane adhesive tape. Also, a tape made of a urethane rubber gasket is utilized for closely attaching the LCD to the BLU frame, thereby preventing a bleeding in of a light.

[5] The BLU is fixed to the BLU frame, and a glass plate is provided on a front surface of the BLU frame for protection. After this, the tape made of the urethane rubber gasket is also attached to an inside of a top sash, so as to prevent a bleeding in of a light which is the same as the assembly of the BLU and the LCDs. In this instance, the top sash is utilized for a square mold made of a stainless steel to protect the entire BLU.

[6] When attaching the urethane rubber gasket tape, a sufficient adhesive strength and a straightness of attachment are required to absorb an external impact and prevent a leakage of static electricity and electromagnetic waves, contamination by foreign substances, and a bleeding in of a light source. Also, a gap of more than a predetermined tolerance value must not exist in a joining portion or a connection portion.

[7] The precise process described above must be uniformly repeated to precisely and accurately attach the urethane rubber gasket tape. However, in the conventional art, an operator cuts a tape by hand, and also manually separates the cut tape, finds an attachment region and attaches the cut tape to the attachment region while giving an appropriate force to the attachment region.

[8] Accordingly, in the process of separating and attaching the tape, a non-linearity occurs and contaminants, e.g. sweat and dusts, are introduced. Also, an elasticity of the tape may cause a shrinkage of the tape and a looseness of both end portions which may unacceptably generate inferior goods. Also, a waste of the tape, an insufficiently limited quantity of output and a poor distribution of quality may acutely occur. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[9] The present invention provides a taping apparatus and method which can very precisely attach a urethane rubber gasket tape to an end meeting portion while not being affected by an adhesive strength, a straightness of the attachment, a joint portion, and an elasticity of the tape, when attaching the urethane rubber gasket tape to a BLU frame and a top sash frame.

[10] The present invention also provides a taping apparatus and method which can automatically attach a urethane rubber gasket tape, without an additional device, by changing a jig for each size, even when a size of a BLU frame is not identical to a size of a top sash frame.

[11] The present invention also provides a taping apparatus and method which can closely fix a unit frame made of a plastic using a slope type clamp and also can closely attach a tape to the unit frame since the unit frame does not bend or wind by the clamp.

[12] The present invention also provides a taping apparatus and method which can closely attach a tape to an object by providing a cushion on a top surface of a vacuum absorber.

Technical Solution

[13] According to an aspect of the present invention, a taping apparatus includes an internal frame, a tape bobbin, a rewinder, a transfer portion, a cutting portion and an attachment portion.

[14] The internal frame holds an object so that a bottom surface of the object is exposed towards a lower portion of the internal frame, and provides an accommodation space. The tape bobbin, the rewinder, the transfer portion, the cutting portion and the attachment portion may be installed in the accommodation space. In this instance, the object may indicate a BLU frame, a top sash frame, etc. The BLU indicates a reflection sheet, a diffusion sheet, a light guide plate (LGP), an LCD panel, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), a prism sheet, etc. According to another aspect of the present invention, various types of objects may be utilized.

[15] The tape bobbin is installed in the accommodation space of the internal frame and includes a wound tape in its inside so that the wound tape is sequentially unwound from the tape bobbin. In this instance, a double-sided adhesive tape may be utilized for the tape. Also, a release film may be wound together with the adhesive tape so as to protect one surface of the adhesive tape.

[16] The rewinder is installed in the accommodation space of the internal frame. The rewinder enables an automatic operation by spirally rewinding the release film when supplying, moving, absorbing and reversing the wound tape. Also, the rewinder may include a returning release film guide bar which enables the spiral winding and a driving system which rotates a tension-adjusted tape bobbin.

[17] The transfer portion is installed in the accommodation space of the internal frame, connects an end of the tape which is unwound from the tape bobbin, and moves the connected one end of the tape towards one end. Also, the transfer portion automatically moves the tape towards a guide direction, and may include a linear motion system which controls the end portion of the tape separated from the release film to match a starting point comer of the attachment portion.

[18] The cutting portion is installed in the internal frame and formed with a progress path where the tape is moved towards one end by the transfer portion. When the transfer portions moves the tape towards one end, attaches the tape via an attachment portion, and is reversed to a cutting location, the cutting portion cuts the tape into a size corresponding to one corner of the object.

[19] The attachment portion includes a vacuum generator which is positioned below the tape and generates a vacuum pressure to absorb the tape, and the attachment portion attaches the tape on the bottom surface of the object by moving the absorbed tape up and down towards the object. Accordingly, the attachment portion automatically moves up and down to attach the tape on the bottom surface of the object.

[20] In the conventional process of attaching a urethane rubber gasket tape to a BLU frame and a top sash frame, operators cut the tape by hand, and also manually separate the cut tape, find an attachment region and attach the cut tape to the attachment region while giving an appropriate force to the attachment region.

[21] Accordingly, in the process of separating and attaching the tape, the tape is not precisely attached, a non-linearity occurs and contaminants, e.g. sweats and dusts, are penetrated. Also, an elasticity of the tape may cause a shrinkage of the tape and a looseness of both end portions which may generate inferior goods. Also, a loss of the tape, a limit of the quantity of output and an inferior distribution of quality may severely occur.

[22] However, the taping apparatus according to the present invention may quickly and precisely perform an attachment process since the tape is automatically attached on the bottom surface of the object. Accordingly, when utilizing the taping apparatus, the aforementioned problems may be solved. Also, since the attachment process may be performed quickly and precisely, a productivity may be improved.

[23] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, a taping apparatus includes an internal frame, a tape bobbin, a transfer portion, a rewinder, a cutter and a vacuum absorber.

[24] The internal frame includes a holder holding an object so that a bottom surface of the object is exposed towards a lower portion of the internal frame, and an accommodation portion providing an accommodation space which is formed below the lower portion of the holder.

[25] The tape bobbin is installed in the accommodation space to accommodate a wound tape. The transfer portion includes a guide portion which is formed along a lower portion of each corner of the held object, a separator which separates the tape withdrawn from the tape bobbin and a release film, and a guider which automatically returns along the guide portion and moves the tape along the guide portion. According to another aspect of the present invention, various types of transfer units may be utilized.

[26] The rewinder is installed in the accommodation portion of the internal frame. The rewinder enables an automatic continuous operation by spirally rewinding the release frame when utilizing the wound tape. In this instance, the rewinder may include a returning release film guide bar according to a rotational speed of the rewinder and a driving system which rotates a tension-adjusted tape bobbin.

[27] The cutter is installed in the accommodation portion to be adjacent to the guide portion and cuts the moved tape along the guide portion into a size corresponding to one corner of the object.

[28] The vacuum absorber includes a vacuum generator which is positioned the tape and generates a vacuum pressure to absorb the tape, and the attachment portion attaches the tape on the bottom surface of the object by moving the absorbed tape up and down towards the object.

[29] Also, according to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a taping method of a taping apparatus, the method including: initializing the taping apparatus; fixing a back light unit (BLU) frame or a top sash frame to a jig; supplying a tape in a tape bobbin; separating a release film from the tape and fixing the separated release film; moving the tape to a starting point of a vacuum absorber to match a starting point; dropping a moving guide at a same time when vacuum absorbing the tape on one surface of the vacuum absorber; releasing the fixing of the release film, winding the release film to a rewinder, and reversing a guider; cutting the tape; reversing the guider to an original location; attaching the vacuum absorbed tape to the

BLU frame or the top sash frame; and automatically releasing the BLU frame or the top sash frame fixed to the jig.

Brief Description of the Drawings [30] The above and/or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: [31] FlG. 1 is an internal side cross-sectional view of a taping apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [32] FlG. 2 is an internal side cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of the taping apparatus of FlG. 1 ; [33] FlG. 3 is a perspective view of a taping apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[34] FlG. 4 is an internal perspective view of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3;

[35] FlG. 5 is a top view of a guide portion of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3;

[36] FlG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3;

[37] FlG. 7 is a partial side cross-sectional view for explaining a tape bobbin of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [38] FlG. 8 is a partial perspective view for explaining a motor and the tape bobbin of

FIG. 7; [39] FlG. 9 is a partial perspective view for explaining a guider of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [40] FlG. 10 is a partial perspective view for explaining a motion of a vacuum absorber of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [41] FlG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a cutter of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [42] FlG. 12 is a perspective view of the cutter of FlG. 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [43] FlG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining an alignment device of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [44] FlG. 14 is a partial perspective view for explaining a rewinder of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[45] FlG. 15 is a perspective view for explaining a vacuum absorber of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[46] FlG. 16 is a partial side cross-sectional view for explaining a fixing clamp of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[47] FlG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a tape of the taping apparatus of

FlG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[48] FlG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of attaching a tape to a frame;

[49] FlG. 19 is a partial perspective view for explaining a taping apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[50] FlG. 20 is an internal side cross-sectional view of the taping apparatus of FlG. 19.

Mode for the Invention

[51] Reference will now be made in detail to illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

[52]

[53] Embodiment 1

[54] FlG. 1 is an internal side cross-sectional view for explaining a taping apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FlG. 2 is an internal side cross-sectional view for explaining an operation of the taping apparatus of FlG. 1.

[55] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the taping apparatus includes an internal frame 110, a tape bobbin 120, a transfer portion 130, a cutting portion 140, and an attachment portion 150.

[56] The internal frame 110 holds an object so that a bottom surface of the object is exposed towards a lower portion of the internal frame, and provides an accommodation space. The tape bobbin 120, the transfer portion 130, the cutting portion 140, and the attachment portion 150 may be installed in the accommodation space. In this instance, the internal frame 110 may be in a shape of a hexahedron. Also, the internal frame 110 may hold the object on its top surface so that an adhesive tape may be attached to the object. The object may have various types of shapes. A groove corresponding to the shape of the object is formed on the top surface of the internal frame 110, and the bottom surface of the object may be exposed towards the accommodation space via the groove. Since the object attached with the adhesive tape can be attached to another case and thus, utilized as a finished product, the adhesive tape is attached to the object. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the object attached with the adhesive tape may be utilized for various uses.

[57] The tape bobbin 120 is installed in the accommodation space of the internal frame

110 and includes a wound tape T in its inside so that the wound tape T is sequentially unwound. In this instance, a double-sided adhesive tape may be utilized for the tape T. Also, a release film may be attached on one surface of the adhesive tape T to protect the same. A plurality of rollers 112 are formed adjacent to the tape bobbin 120. The adhesive tape T accommodated in the tape bobbin 120 is unwound, passing through the plurality of rollers 112. Also, since the adhesive tape T maintains a constant tension, the adhesive tape T may be linearly extended even when moving with a guider 136.

[58] The transfer portion 130 is installed in the accommodation space of the internal frame 110, connects an end of the tape which is unwound from the tape bobbin 120, and transfers the end of the tape. The transfer portion 130 is controlled to automatically move, and may include a linear motion system (not shown) which controls an end portion of the tape to match a starting comer of the attachment portion 150. Accordingly, when the transfer portion 130 moves the tape to the starting corner of the attachment portion 150 and a control signal is received from the linear motion system, the cutting portion 140 is operated. The transfer portion 130 includes a guide portion 132 and a guider 136. In this instance, the guide portion 132 is fixably provided to the accommodation space of the internal frame 110 and extended in left and right directions. An elongated guide groove 134 is formed in the guide portion 132. The guider 136 is formed adjacent to the guide portion 132 and formed with a protrusion 138 to be inserted into the guide groove 134. The guider 136 is designed so that an end portion of the tape may be automatically attached and detached. As the guider 136 attached with the tape moves along a guide direction of the guide portion 132, the tape may also be moved. In this instance, the guide direction indicates a direction of moving from an end portion of the attachment portion 150 to another end portion of the attachment portion 150.

[59] The cutting portion 140 is movably mounted to the transfer portion 130. The guider

136 supplies the tape to the attachment portion 150 so that the tape is vacuum absorbed. After this, when the guider 136 reaches a predetermined location of the end portion of the attachment portion 150 and a sensor signal is received from the linear motion system which works as an alternate current (AC) servo motor, the cutting portion 140 automatically cuts the tape. In this instance, since the cutting portion 140 is moved while being mounted to the transfer portion 130, the cutting portion 140 cuts the tape into a size corresponding to one side of the object M. Also, a location of the cutting portion 140 may be arbitrarily adjusted by a predetermined distance. [60] The attachment portion 150 is positioned below the guide portion 132 and also positioned adjacent to a bottom surface of the tape which is moved to an end of the guide portion 132 along the guider 136. The attachment portion 150 absorbs the tape onto the top surface of the attachment portion 150 using a vacuum pressure. Accordingly, the attachment portion 150 may include a vacuum generator (not shown) which generates a vacuum pressure to absorb the cut tape. The attachment portion 150 may move up and down through an attachment portion moving frame 152 to face the top surface of the internal frame 110. Accordingly, when the object M is held in a holder of the internal frame 110, the attachment portion 150 moves the tape towards the top surface of the internal frame 110, so that the tape is attached to the bottom surface of the object M.

[61] Hereinafter, an operation of the taping apparatus will be described in detail.

[62] As shown in FlG. 1, an end of the tape is withdrawn from the tape bobbin 120 and automatically attached to the guider 136. When the tape is attached to the guider 136, the guider 136 moves along a guide direction of the guide portion 132 together with the tape. Also, when the guider 136 is positioned in an end of the guide portion 132, the cutting portion 140 cuts the tape and the attachment portion 150 absorbs the cut tape onto the top surface of the attachment portion 150 using a vacuum pressure. After the attachment portion 150 absorbs the tape onto its top surface, the guider 136 is opposite to its original location (

©

). As shown in FlG. 2, the attachment portion 150 and the tape move together towards the top surface of the internal frame 110 (

®

). Accordingly, the top surface of the attachment portion 150 makes a contact with the bottom surface of the object M whereby the tape T is automatically attached onto the bottom surface of the object.

[63] In the taping apparatus according to the present invention, since the tape is automatically attached onto the bottom surface of the object and a device is utilized, an attachment process may be more precisely and quickly performed. When utilizing the taping apparatus according to the present embodiment, the tape may be straightly attached onto the bottom surface of the object. Also, a poor distribution between the tape and the object may not occur. Also, since an attachment process may be more precisely and quickly performed, a productivity may be improved.

[64]

[65] Embodiment 2 [66] FlG. 3 is a perspective view of a taping apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FlG. 4 is an internal perspective view of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3, FlG. 5 is a top view for explaining a guide portion of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3, and FlG. 6 is an internal side cross-sectional view of the taping apparatus of FlG. 3. In the present embodiment, the taping apparatus may be applied to a BLU frame or a top sash frame. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the taping apparatus may be applied to various types of objects.

[67] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, the taping apparatus includes an internal frame 210, a tape bobbin 220, a transfer portion 230, a cutter 240, and a vacuum absorber 250.

[68] The internal frame 210 includes a jig 212 which includes a fixing clamp in its center, and a holder 214 which can hold a BLU frame or a top sash frame 205. In this instance, the BLU frame or the top sash frame 205 is fixed to the jig 212 by a plurality of fixing clamps. The holder 214 includes long sides 216 and short sides 218 which are installed in up, down, left, and right position around the jig 212. Also, the holder 214 may be formed in a size corresponding to the size of the BLU frame or the top sash frame 205.

[69] The holder 214 holds the BLU frame or the top sash frame 205 which is in a shape of a square. The guide portion 232 includes a first guide 233, a second guide 234, a third guide 235, and a fourth guide 236, which are sequentially formed along four corner side portions of the object. The first guide 233 is installed on the short side 218 which is positioned above the holder 214, and the third guide 235 is installed on the short side 218 which is positioned below the holder 214. Also, the second guide 234 is installed on the long side 216 which is positioned on a left-sided portion of the holder 214, and the fourth guide 236 is installed in the long side 216 which is positioned on a right-side portion of the holder 214. Also, each phase difference is given to be a height of the first and third guides 233 and 235 on the short sides 218 and the height of the second and fourth guides 234 and 236 on the long sides 216, and an interference does not occur when the transfer portion 230 simultaneously moves the four sides. Also, the bottom surface of the BLU frame or the top sash frame 205 held in the holder 214 is exposed towards a lower portion of the internal frame 210. The tape may be attached to the exposed portion.

[70] A display portion 219 of a touch pad method is supported by one leg and formed above the holder 214. Since a user may directly contact the display portion 219 by hand and also directly input a signal, a size or quantity of the BLU frame or the top sash frame 205 may be set.

[71] An accommodation space is provided below the holder 214. A control unit and a device for automatically attaching the tape may be installed in the accommodation space. Also, side plates and doors may be formed on four side surfaces to protect the accommodation space.

[72] Also, a frame guider for each size of various BLUs or top sashes may be included so as to easily accommodate a change in the size of the BLU or the top sash with various standards. An inside frame guide or an inside pusher, and an outside pusher may be further provided.

[73] The frame guider of the BLU or the top sash, the inside pusher (not shown), the outside pusher (not shown), the vacuum absorber 250 and the cutter 240 may be mounted on a moving axis or a reference axis. Accordingly, regardless of a size of a frame, when moving the moving axis according to each size, a bobbin base 224, the tape bobbin 220, a sliding-type roller 279, a supply portion 238, a guider 237, a brake 239, the cutter 240, the vacuum absorber 250, and a rewinder 260 may operate at the same time.

[74] Also, the nine devices, i.e. the bobbin base 224, the tape bobbin 220, the sliding- type roller 279, the supply portion 238, the guider 237, the brake 239, the cutter 240, the vacuum absorber 250, and the rewinder 260, are constructed to be accommodated in a body of a machine and operate. Accordingly, any motion change which is caused by the machine operating is not exposed to an outside, and the safety of an operator can be secured.

[75] The tape bobbin 220 is accommodated in the bobbin base 224 which is installed in the reference axis and the moving axis of the long side 216 and the reference axis and the moving axis of the short side 218. Also, the wound adhesive tape T may be accommodated in the tape bobbin 220. In this instance, four tape bobbins 220 are provided in correspondence to four sides of the accommodation portion 214. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a number of the tape bobbins 220 may vary.

[76] The tape bobbin 220 includes two round plates and a connection portion which connects the two round plates. Also, the tape bobbin 220 includes the bobbin base 224 which is fixed in the internal frame 210 and accommodates the tape bobbin 220. In this instance, the bobbin base 224 fixes the tape bobbin 220 by holding the two round plates. Also, since the width of the bobbin base 224 is comparatively longer than the width between the two round plates of the tape bobbin 220, the tape bobbin 220 repeatedly moves in left and right directions in the bobbin base 224 when the tape is unwound from the tape bobbin 220. Namely, when the tape is unwound from the tape bobbin 220, the tape bobbin 220 performs an oscillating motion in left and right directions. Accordingly, the tape is withdrawn from a center of the bobbin base 224 and passes through a first roller 272. After this, the tape sequentially passes through a second roller 274, a third roller 276, and a fourth roller 278, in a zigzag shape. The adhesive tape which is held by the fourth roller 278 is inserted into the supply portion 238 and the inserted adhesive tape passes through the guider 237. In this instance, a separated poly ethylene terephthalate (PET) release film 292 is fixed to the guider 237. A urethane rubber gasket tape in which the PET release film 292 is removed is vacuum absorbed to the vacuum absorber 250. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of rollers may be further included. A tension of the tape and the tape bobbin 220 may not be over a maximum tolerance value so as to prevent extending or shrinking of the tape when the transfer portion 230 is moving.

[77] The cutter 240 is constructed to simultaneously move together with the transfer portion 230. When the guider 237 supplies the tape, a vacuum pressure absorbs the tape to the attachment portion 250. When the tape reaches a predetermined location of the attachment portion 250, a sensor signal is received from a linear motion system operating as an AC servo motor, and then the cutter 240 automatically cuts the tape. In this instance, since the cutter 240 is positioned in a starting point of the attachment portion 250, the size of the cutter 240 is identical to the size corresponding to one corner of the object M. The location of the cutter 240 may be arbitrarily adjusted by a predetermined distance. Also, a blade of the cutter may cut the tape, brushing against the corner of the vacuum absorber 250 according to a guide of a 'V'-typed wing. The blade of the cutter 240 may be formed of a detachable lock type to be easily replaceable.

[78] A 3-stage cylinder (not shown) is installed on the cutter 240. When the starting point of the tape matches the corner of the vacuum absorber 250, the cylinder presses the matching starting portion of the tape so that the tape may be easily vacuum absorbed to the vacuum absorber 250.

[79] The transfer portion 230 is installed in the accommodation space of the internal frame 210 and functions to connect an end portion of the tape, which is unwound from the tape bobbin 220, and moves the connected tape towards one end. In this instance, the transfer portion 230 is controlled to automatically move, and may include a linear motion system which controls the end portion of the tape to match the starting point corner of the vacuum absorber 250. Accordingly, when the tape is moved to the starting point corner of the vacuum absorber 250 by the transfer portion 230 and a control signal is received from the linear motion system, the cutter 240 automatically cuts the tape.

[80] The transfer portion 230 includes the guide portion 232, a separator (not shown) and the guider 237. The guide portion 232 includes the first guide 233, the second guide 234, the third guide 235, and the fourth guide 236 which are sequentially formed along four corner side portions of the holder 214. In the present embodiment, devices mounted to the first guide 233 are provided to the second through the fourth guides 234, 235 and 236, as they are. Accordingly, detailed description related thereto will be omitted. The separator is formed in the guider 237 and separates the release film and the adhesive tape from the release film tape which is supplied from the supply portion 238.

[81] The guider 237 presses and fixes the PET release film 292 which is separated from the tape, and moves to the starting point of the vacuum absorber 250 by driving the servo motor. When the tape with the PET release film 292 being removed is vacuum absorbed to the vacuum absorber 250, the guider 237 is reversed to the end point of the vacuum absorber 250. In this case, the guider 237 may be returned further than the end point of the vacuum absorber 250 by a necessary distance, so as to secure a rising space of the vacuum absorber 250 after cutting the tape. Accordingly, the driving path of the guider 237 is an addition value of the length of the vacuum absorber 250 and the necessary distance. In addition, the guider 237 is reversed after vacuum absorbing the urethane rubber gasket tape to the vacuum absorber 250, and stops at a predetermined starting location until an additionally changed tape which is wound in the tape bobbin 220 is exhausted.

[82] The brake 239 is further provided to the guider 237. In this instance, the brake 239 prevents the PET release film 292 from sliding by fixably binding the PET release film 292. The brake 239 fixes the PET release film 292 until the guider 237 advances to the starting point of the vacuum absorber 250 to absorb the adhesive tape and is returned. When returning, the guider 237 moves to a location further than the end point location of the vacuum absorber 250 by the necessary distance. Accordingly, the brake 239 releases the fixed PET release film 292 at the location further than the end point location of the vacuum absorber 250 by the necessary distance, and is braked again at the blade location of the cutter, i.e. the end point location, and fixes the PET release film 292. The entire operation described above may be automatically controlled in the linear motion system. Accordingly, the brake 239 fixes the PET release film 292 until the brake 239 initially moves to the starting point of the vacuum absorber 250, and is further returned from the starting point of the vacuum absorber 250 to a return location by the necessary distance. Also, the brake 238 releases the fixing of the PET release film 292 from the return location to the blade location.

[83] The vacuum absorber 250 is installed on the moving axes and the reference axes of the long sides 216 and the short sides 218. Two rows of the long sides 216 are provided in an upper portion and two rows of the short sides 218 are provided in a lower portion to be in a shape of a Chinese character ^r, so that the guider 237 may move the tape through a gap between the rows. When attaching the absorbed tape to the BLU frame or the top sash frame 205, the vacuum absorber 250 of the long side 216 and the absorber of the short side 218 are simultaneously or sequentially raised until a level therebetween becomes identical. Accordingly, the tape makes contact with the holder 214 and is attached on the bottom surface of the object M. After this, when the vacuum state is released, the vacuum absorber 250 is dropped to its original location.

[84] The vacuum absorber 250 absorbs the adhesive tape T on its top surface by using a vacuum pressure of a standard vacuum value which is generated in the vacuum generator. Namely, the tape which is separated from the PET release film 292 has an adhesive surface facing up, and the tape is attached to the vacuum absorber 250 by a vacuum pressure.

[85] A plurality of elevators 256 are provided to move the vacuum absorbers 250 up and down. Four elevators 256 are fixed to four comers of the holder 214. The vacuum absorber 250 may be moved up and down according to each corresponding elevator 256. A moving bar for moving the elevator 256 up and down is formed below the elevator 256 and may be installed on the bottom surface of the vacuum absorber 250.

[86] Also, the sliding-type roller 279 is further included in the supply portion 238 to control a tape tension, and the adhesive tape passes through the sliding-type roller 279. In this instance, a controlled slip of a mechanical structure is performed, so that a tension load to the adhesive tape is not over a tolerance value.

[87] When releasing the fixed tape from the guider 237, the rewinder 260 spirally rewinds the PET release film 292 in a plurality of rows, and thereby enables an automatic continuous operation. In this case, the method of enabling the spiral winding may include a release film guide bar which is adjusted according to a rotational speed of the rewinder 260 and oscillates in left and right directions, and a driving system which rotates a tension-adjusted bobbin. Also, the release film guide bar may in- teroperate with an oscillation motion of the bobbin base 224. The PET release film 292 which is wound in the rewinder 260 is removed by pulling a front cover of the rewinder 260 using a one-touch detaching method. In addition, the tension when winding the PET release film 292 to the rewinder 260 is maintained to be within the tolerance value.

[88] Also, a linear motion AC servo system (not shown) is included. A linear motion system can control a very precise linear motion moving device which is combined with a linear motion guide, a transfer block, a double width timing belt with an iron core, and a timing pulley. A location is controlled by combining the linear motion moving device and the AC servo motor. Also, the tape with the PET release film 292 removed is arranged so that its starting point and end point corners are identical to the starting point and end point of the vacuum absorber 250 by fixing the PET release film 292 to the guider 237 and the cutter 240 combined with the linear motion moving device. In addition, the linear motion AC servo system may control the long sides 216 and the short sides 218, i.e. four sides, to individually or simultaneously operate. Namely, the linear motion AC servo system may control the long sides 216 and the short sides 218 to perform a synchronous motion using their own servo motor or shaft.

[89] FlG. 7 is a partial side cross-sectional view for explaining a tape bobbin of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FlG. 8 is a partial perspective view for explaining a motor and the tape bobbin of FlG. 7.

[90] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the tape bobbin 220 is formed with a connection bar between its round plates so as to integrally connect the two round plates. The connection bar is inserted into a center of the wound tape and accommodates the wound tape. The wound tape is unwound by rotating the connection bar on a rotation axle. The tape bobbin 220 is accommodated in the bobbin base 224, and corners of the round plates are accommodated in a shift bearing 226. While the tape is being unwound, the tape bobbin 220 rotates and thus, the shift bearing 226 also rotates. In this instance, the shift bearing 226 is combined to a shift axle 227. While the tape of the tape bobbin 220 is being unwound, the shift bearing 226 automatically performs an oscillation motion to left and right sides along the shift axle 227 (

©

). Accordingly, the tape is withdrawn from the center of the bobbin base 224 at all times and passes through the first roller 272. This prevents the tape from being turned over or twisted when the tape passes through rollers. Also, a DC motor 294 rotates reversely to apply a back tension to rollers at a slope point or at a location prior to the slope point, so that the tape is leveled. Also, when the guide is returned by the necessary distance after cutting the tape, the DC motor 294 backlashes.

[91] FlG. 9 is a partial perspective view for explaining a guider of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[92] Referring to FlG. 9, the guider 237 slides along the guide portion 232. Four guiders

237 may be installed to first through fourth guides respectively. The guider 237 is in a square shape and protruded from one end of the guide portion 232. Also, the guider 237 moves together with the release film and the tape which is separated from the release film. In this instance, the guider 237 is designed to selectively attach and detach an end of the tape.

[93] FlG. 10 is a partial perspective view for explaining a motion of a vacuum absorber of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[94] Referring to FlG. 10, the elevator 256 is provided in the internal frame 210 to elevate and lower the vacuum absorber 250. A moving bar 296 for moving the elevator 256 is formed below the elevator 256, and may be installed on the bottom surface of the vacuum absorber 250. Namely, since the elevator 256 moves the vacuum absorber 250 up and down as the moving bar 296 moves up and down, the elevator 256 functions to move the vacuum absorber 250 so that the vacuum absorber 250 is attached to the bottom surface of the object. Also, an absorption hole is formed on the top surface of the vacuum absorber 250 to absorb the tape. The vacuum generator is formed on the bottom surface of the vacuum absorber 250 to be connected to the vacuum absorber 250 via a connection pipe. Accordingly, in comparison to a conventional vacuum generator that is connected to a side of the vacuum absorber 250, the vacuum absorber 250 of the present invention may directly administer a vacuum pressure to the tape, which is more effective.

[95] FlG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a cutter of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FlG. 12 is a perspective view of the cutter of the taping apparatus of FlG. 11.

[96] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the cutter 240 is formed on one end of the vacuum absorber 250 and cuts the tape when the tape is moved to an end of the vacuum absorber 250. The cutter 240 utilizes a blade, and includes an accommodation portion 242 for providing a groove 243 which is formed adjacent to the vacuum absorber 250. Namely, since the cutter 240 cuts the tape and the cut tape is inserted into the groove 243, the tape may be accurately cut. In this instance, the accommodation portion 242 may be integrally formed with the vacuum absorber 250. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the accommodation portion 242 may be separately manufactured from the vacuum absorber 250 and installed to be adjacent to the vacuum absorber 250. Also, according to still another embodiment, the accommodation portion 242 may be omitted and the cutter 240 may be designed to cut the tape on the vacuum absorber 250.

[97] The cutter 240 includes a blade 244 for cutting the tape and a blade fixing portion

246 for fixing the blade 244. Accordingly, when the operator changes the blade 244, the operator may change the blade 244 using the blade fixing portion 246 without touching the blade 244 by hand. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent any accident with the blade 244.

[98] FlG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining an alignment device of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[99] Referring to FlG. 13, an alignment device 280 may be installed on the guide portion

232. This is to prevent the tape from being turned over. The alignment device 280 includes a bottom portion 282, a first sidewall portion 242 and a second sidewall portion 286.

[100] The bottom portion 282 is formed on a progress path of the tape T. The tape T passes above the bottom portion 282. Also, the first sidewall portion 284 is vertical to the bottom portion 282 and integrally formed with the bottom portion 282, and prevents the tape from moving to a left side. In this instance, the bottom portion 282 and the first sidewall portion 284 may be integrally formed by injection molding. Also, the second sidewall portion 286 is spaced apart from the first sidewall portion 284 by a width of the tape, and provided on the bottom portion 282 in a D shape. In this instance, the second sidewall portion 286 may be connected to the bottom portion 282 via a screw combination. Accordingly, the distance between the first sidewall portion 284 and the second sidewall portion 286 may be freely adjusted according to the width of the tape which changes based upon a type of tape (

®

). Also, a pressing bar 288 is further provided to press the top surface of the tape which passes through an internal space and thereby, prevents the tape from being turned over. In this instance, the internal space is provided by the bottom portion 282, the first sidewall portion 284, and the second sidewall portion 286.

[101] FlG. 14 is a partial perspective view for explaining a rewinder of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[102] Referring to FlG. 14, the rewinder 260 includes a rewinder bobbin portion 262, a driving motor 264, a release film guide bar 266, and a driving portion 268. The rewinder bobbin portion 262 spirally rewinds the release film 292, which is separated from the tape, in a plurality of rows and thereby, enables an automatic continuous operation. The release film guide bar 266 moves reciprocally with a tension adjustment screw portion 269. The driving portion 268 oscillates the guide bar 266. In this instance, the release film 292 may be wound in the rewinder bobbin portion 262 which is connected to the tension adjustment screw portion 269 and performs a sliding motion. The tension adjustment screw portion 269 includes a spring and a friction material to maintain a constant tension, and is adjusted by a screw. The rewinder bobbin portion 262 is formed in a shape of a taper to have a predetermined angle. Accordingly, when the release film 292 is wound into the rewinder bobbin portion 262 and separated to an ouside, the release film 292 may be easily separated since the rewinder bobbin portion 262 is in the shape of the taper jean which is an one-touch separation type. Also, in the method of enabling the spiral winding, a rotational speed of the rewinder 260 is adjusted according to the rotational speed of the driving motor 264 and the release film 292 moves between the reciprocating release film guide bars 266. In this case, the release film guide bars 266 may interoperate with the oscillation of the bobbin base 224.

[103] FlG. 15 is a perspective view for explaining a vacuum absorber of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[104] Referring to FlG. 15, a vacuum generator 252 is provided on the bottom surface of the vacuum absorber 250 to absorb the withdrawn adhesive tape on the top surface of the vacuum absorber 250 by a vacuum pressure. Also, an absorption hole 252 is formed on the top surface of the vacuum absorber 250 and the vacuum pressure may externally function via the absorption hole 252.

[105] Since a BLU frame may be made of a plastic material, bending or winding may easily occur. Accordingly, when the BLU frame makes a contact with the vacuum absorber 250, the bending or the winding occurs on the bottom surface of the BLU frame and the tape may not be completely attached. To solve this problem, an elastic cushion portion 254 may be attached on the top surface of the vacuum absorber 250. When contacting with the cushion portion 254, the bending or winding of the BLU frame may be prevented due to the elasticity of the cushion portion 254. The cushion portion 254 may be made of urethane. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cushion portion 254 may be formed of various types of materials, i.e. a rubber plate, a tape, and a rubber coating.

[106] FlG. 16 is a partial side cross-sectional view for explaining a fixing clamp of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[107] Referring to FlG. 16, the holder 214 includes a protrusion 215 which is closely attached to an outside of the BLU frame, and a fixing clamp 290. The fixing clamp 290 may push the held object towards the protrusion 215 and thereby, fix a location of the BLU frame. In this instance, the fixing clamp 290 pushes an inside of the object in the sloped direction of the object and fixes the object. When horizontally pressing the BLU frame using a horizontal clamp, the BLU frame made of plastic bends or twists. When using a slope type clamp, the BLU frame does not bend or twist. Accordingly, the BLU frame and the tape may be closely attached.

[108] FlG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a tape of the taping apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[109] As shown in FlG. 17, when a surface protecting PET release film a of the double- sided tape is removed, the adhesive tape includes a first adhesive material b which is attached onto a frame, a PET double-sided tape c, a second adhesive material d, and a urethane rubber gasket e which makes a contact with an LCD. According to another embodiment of the present invention, various types of tapes may be utilized.

[HO]

[111] Embodiment 3

[112] FlG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of attaching a tape to a frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[113] Referring to FlG. 18, a location of a moving axis corresponding to a type of a frame to be attached with a tape is set, and devices of a taping apparatus are set and initialized (Sl), which will be described in detail. [114] A driving motor for controlling a location of each axis includes a brake-type AC servo motor and a servo controller. Also, the driving motor utilizes an AC servo motor and a speed controller for supplying and drawing a urethane rubber gasket tape, and a DC motor and a DC motor controller for applying a back tension so that the tape is leveled.

[115] An operation power portion functions to cut the adhesive tape, fix the PET release film, fix the BLU frame or top sash frame, etc. A gear for an air pressure, deceleration, and a change of direction, and a sensor circuit for sensing a standard pressure are installed to the operation power portion. Linear moving axes and reference axes for tracking a location utilize an AC servo motor and a highly rigid timing belt type linear motion moving device, so as to embody a low noise and a precision. Also, a touch screen and a programmable logic controller (PLC), which is a logical calculation equipment, are provided to direct a command between a machine and an operator, and also to monitor an operation. Accordingly, the precision of the operation may be improved.

[116] Also, a vacuum absorber is utilized to very precisely attach the urethane rubber gasket tape onto the BLU frame or the top sash frame.

[117] Further describing the linear motion system, a tape is cut by fixing a PET release film to a linear motion moving device which is constructed to control a position of an AC servo motor and mount each AC servo motor to each axis, or constructed to control long sides and short sides to perform a synchronous motion using their own shaft. After this, a PET release film guider is moved to a starting point of the vacuum absorber by driving the servo motor, and the starting point of the vacuum absorber is controlled to match an end point of the tape with the release film removed.

[118] Also, the PET release film guider decelerates from a reference distance location at a certain deceleration speed, before reaching the starting point of the vacuum absorber. When the end point of the tape and the corner of the vacuum corner exactly match each other at the starting point of the vacuum absorber, the PET release film guider is controlled to stop.

[119] Also, when a tape cutting process is in a manual mode, each PET release film guider is constructed to individually move. In the case of an automatic mode, four PET release film guiders simultaneously move. In this instance, a speed is at more than about 450 mm/sec and an attachment cycle time is within about 10 seconds.

[120] When the setting and the initializing is completed, the frame of a selected size is installed to a corresponding jig and a corresponding object is automatically fixed since the BLU frame and the top sash frame vary according to each size. (S2)

[121] In this instance, a replacement method of the jig is in a structure of attaching and detaching a jig assembly based on a left-front side of an upper frame guide holder. The jig is placed on the upper plate of a body. In this case, when adjusting one side of the jig, a lower portion of the jig is automatically adjusted by its own weight. Accordingly, the jig is attached by screwing the jig after closely attaching the jig to reference points of side surface and front surface.

[122] In addition, a BLU frame or top sash frame guider, an inside pusher, an outside stopper, a vacuum absorber, and a tape cutter are collectively installed on a moving axis and a reference axis. Accordingly, in the case of any size of BLU frame or top sash, of moving the moving axis according to each size, nine devices may simultaneously operate.

[123] In the case of processes, such as supplying and taking out the BLU frame and the top sash fame, and replacement types, an operator must manually perform the processes due to the characteristics of a product. When the operator enters into the safety zone in the process of the device, all operations are stopped.

[124] Also, when an emergency or a malfunction of the machine occurs, or when any other hazardous situations occur, the driving portion of the taping is immediately stopped.

[125] After mounting the BLU frame and the top sash frame, or after changing the tape, the taping apparatus starts a production by pressing a start button.

[126] When an operation start command is inputted by pressing the start button, the tape of the tape bobbin which is accommodated in the bobbin base is supplied (S3), which will be described in detail below.

[127] Initially, the urethane rubber gasket tape, between 2mm and 10mm in width and hundreds m in length, is spirally wound into more than ten of rows, in a predetermined width of the tape bobbin which is accommodated in the bobbin base that is installed on two long sides and two short sides. When the urethane rubber gasket tape is unwound from the tape bobbin, the tape bobbin slides in left and right directions so that the tape is wound from the center of the tape bobbin at all times. Since this method can be performed by only placing the tape bobbin on the bobbin base, the tape bobbin may be easily replaced.

[128] Namely, when the tape is unwinding, the tape surface is downwardly directed, and when the tape is unwound from the tape bobbin, the bobbin base performs an oscillation motion in left and right directions. The tape is unwound from the center of the tape bobbin at all times, and sequentially passes through the first roller, the second roller, the third roller and the fourth roller. After inserting the tape between the tape supply portion and the sliding-type roller which is provided to be capable of sliding and adjusting the tension of the tape, the PET release film is hooked over the guider and thereby, separated from the adhesive tape.

[129] After separating the PET release film from the adhesive tape, the separated PET release film is fixed to the brake (S4). Also, in correspondence to a control signal of the servo motor, the PET release film is moved to the starting point of the vacuum absorber together with the tape, and thereby, the starting point of the tape is moved to a predetermined location (S5).

[130] In this instance, the guider of the transfer portion decelerates from a necessary distance location at a deceleration speed, before reaching the starting point of the vacuum absorber. When reaching the location where the starting point of the tape matches the starting point comer of the vacuum absorber, the guider stops (S5). In this instance, a reverse tension is given to the urethane rubber gasket tape by reversing a DC motor in correspondence to the control signal of the DC motor, and the tape maintains its level of tension according to the set tension. The motion speed of the PET release film guider operates in an order of a low speed, a regular speed, a deceleration speed, and a stop speed. In this instance, since a tolerance error is within about 0.1 mm, the precision is very high and reliable.

[131] When the guider which is stopped at the starting point is dropped, the attachment portion performs a vacuum absorption (S6). After releasing the release film of the guide portion, the guider is reversed in a reverse order of supplying the tape (S7). In this instance, the release film guide bar returns and the rewinder DC motor rotates, and the rewinder spirally rewinds the release film (S8). When the rewinder is operating, the rewinder rewinds the release film with the appropriately adjusted tension not to alter the tension of the tape. After returning to a predetermined location of the end point, the guider stops (S9). After fixing the release film (S9), the cutting portion which simultaneously operates with the guider of the transfer portion drops and cuts the tape into the size corresponding to one corner of the object (S9).

[132] The cutting portion is constructed to simultaneously move together with the transfer portion. When the guider supplies the tape to the transfer portion and vacuum absorbs the tape in the attachment portion, and then, reaches the predetermined location of the end portion of the attachment portion, a sensor signal is received from the linear motion system which operates as the AC servo motor. In this case, the cutting portion automatically cuts the tape (S9). In this instance, since the cutting portion is positioned in the end portion of the attachment portion, the size corresponds to the one corner of the object M. The location may be arbitrarily adjusted by a predetermined distance. After this, when the blade of the tape cutter drops in the front of the end point of the vacuum absorber, the cutter installed to the transfer portion cuts the tape while passing by the corner f the vacuum absorber. Also, at the same time, when the tape is raised by operating the cylinder, only the tape with the predetermined length of adhesive surface upwardly being directed is separated and fixably absorbed onto the attachment portion and waits for a next operation. In this instance, the length of the tape which is separated from the PET release film and protruded towards an acute angle portion of the guider is designed to be within a predetermined value.

[133] Also, the guider rotates the AC servo motor so as to secure a rising space of the vacuum absorber and is further reversed from the end point of the vacuum absorber by a necessary distance and stops at an original stand-by location (SlO). Namely, the driving distance of the guider is an addition value of the length of the vacuum absorber and the necessary distance. The guider is further reversed by the necessary distance so as to secure the rising space of the vacuum absorber (SlO). Accordingly, alternating operation of either both long side axes simultaneously or both short side axes simultaneously is performed by a phase difference according to the height difference therebetween, but contacting with each other does not occur.

[ 134] The 3-stage motion of holding and moving the transfer portion guide and the tape cutter up and down is performed by a spring which maintains a neutral state in the case of a neutral exhaustion of an air supply valve and a two-stage cylinder. The up and down motion functions to press a portion where the starting point corner of the vacuum absorber matches the starting point of the tape, so that the tape may be easily absorbed onto the rising location when supplying the tape (S5) and onto a neutral location when the starting point corner of the vacuum absorber matches the starting point of the tape (S6). The up and down motion is maintained until the guide is reversed (S7) and wound (S8). Only when cutting the tape (S9), the up and down motion drops the cutter by the air valve operation. Also, when the guide is reversed to its original location for stand-by (SlO), the guide stands by in the rising location.

[135] A pulling tension is not over a maximum tolerance value to prevent stretching of the tape. When the air valve of the cylinder and the spring are in a neutral state, the vacuum generator is operated, so that the tape may be closely attached onto one surface of the vacuum absorber (S6). At the same time, when the adhesive tape contacts with the one surface of the vacuum absorber, a contact pressure and height are adjusted using a screw so that the contact pressure may not be excessive. Detailed description related to the absorption process will be described later.

[136] Also, the tape cutting operation (S9) may be performed in an automatic mode or manual mode.

[137] When selecting the manual mode on a touch screen (not shown) and directing a passive cutting, the brake of the guider fixes the PET release film (S4). When the PET release film is fixed, the operator manually cuts the tape (S9). In this instance, the PET release film is removed from the tape.

[138] In the case of the automatic motion, when the PET release film guider is moved to the starting point of the vacuum absorber (S5), the moved tape is absorbed onto one surface of the vacuum absorber (S6) and then, the guider is reversed. Next, the release film is rewound and the tape is automatically cut at the predetermined location (S9) and the guider is reversed to its original location (SlO).

[139] When the tape cutting mode is in the manual mode, each of axes individually moves. However, when the tape cutting mode is in the automatic mode, four PET release film guiders are moved. In this instance, the guiders move at more than 450 mm/sec and an attachment cycle time is within 10 seconds. The progress of motion is controlled by a digital signal system of acceleration and deceleration.

[140] Also, when converting from the manual mode into the automatic mode, the tape initially passes through a plurality of rollers, and is manually cut. Also, the guider is further reversed from the starting point of the vacuum absorber by the necessary distance. In this instance, the reversed location becomes a stand-by location for the automatic navigation. Also, after the automatic navigation stand-by location is secured, the mode is converted into the automatic mode to start the automatic navigation. The PET release film guiders of the moving axis and the reference axis of the long side and the moving axis and the reference axis of the short side are reversed to their original locations. In this instance, when the automatic mode directs the command of reversing to the original location, the guider starts being reversed to the original location.

[141] Next, the vacuum absorber of the attachment portion moves up and down and thereby, the vacuum absorbed tape is attached onto the bottom surface of the BLU frame or top sash frame (Sl 1), which will be described in detail below.

[142] The PET release film guider moves the tape through the gap between the rows, and thereby, makes the tape separated from the PET release film absorbed onto one surface of the vacuum absorber.

[143] In this instance, the separated film includes its attachment area which faces upward.

The urethane surface is attached onto one surface of the vacuum absorber by a vacuum pressure greater than a tolerance vacuum pressure. When the vacuum pressure is greater than the tolerance vacuum pressure, the sensor signal is recognized and in- teroperates with the rising operation interlock of the vacuum absorber.

[144] Next, when attaching the absorbed tape to the BLU frame or the tap sash frame, the vacuum absorber of the long side or the vacuum absorber of the short side simultaneously or sequentially rises, contacts with the bottom surface of the BLU frame or the top sash frame and attaches the tape onto the bottom surface thereof (Sl 1), and drops to its original location when the vacuum state is released.

[145] Also, the PET release film guider must be reversed to its original stand-by location so that the vacuum absorber rises to attach the tape.

[146] Also, when the guider is positioned in its original stand-by location or the tape is supplied according to moving of the guider, the PET release film brake continuously fixes the PET release film. When the guider moves to the starting point of the vacuum absorber, drops and vacuum absorbing the tape onto the bottom surface of the vacuum absorber, the PET release film brake release the release film, and fixes the PET release film in the blade location of the cutter by braking. Next, the PET release film brake continuously brakes the PET release film until the guider is reversed to its original stand-by location.

[147] Next, the PET release film which is separated from the tape is wound into a roller cover of the rewinder. In this instance, the roller cover can be attached and detached by a one-touch method. The roller which is positioned inside of the rewinder and winds the release film is sloped. As the PET release film is received and wound in the roller, the PET release film is pushed towards a small diameter and thus, evenly wound over the entire roller. In this instance, the PET release film more than 500 m may be wound into the roller of the small diameter. When the tape bobbin with the wound tape is accommodated, the brake fixes the PET release film. As the PET release film passes through the roller, the PET release film is wound in the roller cover of the rewinder (SlO). In this instance, the PET release film is hung over the rewinder and in this state, is unwound from the rewinder with an appropriate tension.

[148] When the tape attachment is completed (Sl 1) and the fixed object is automatically released (S 12), the operator separates the attachment process finished BLU frame or top sash from the BLU frame or top sash jig, loads another object and performs a continuous automatic operation by pressing the start button.

[149] In the present embodiment, the internal frame, the tape bobbin, the transfer portion, the cutter and the vacuum absorber are substantially identical to the second embodiment and also the functions and effects of elements are also substantially identical. Accordingly, description in the present embodiment may be referred to description, drawings and reference numbers of the previous embodiment, and repeated description will be omitted herein.

[150]

[151] Embodiment 4

[152] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view for explaining a taping apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is an internal side cross- sectional view of the taping apparatus of FIG. 19.

[153] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, a holder 314 includes a protrusion which is closely attached to an outside of a BLU frame 300, and a fixing clamp 320. The fixing clamp 320 fixes the BLU frame 300 when attaching a tape on the bottom surface of the object. The fixing clamp 320 is closely attached to the top surface of the frame 320. Also, the fixing clamp 320 may be detached from the taping apparatus. Another type of fixing clamp, such as a horizontal type fixing clamp, may be changed with the fixing clamp 320 and utilized for the taping apparatus. [154] The fixing clamp 320 includes a moving portion 330 which moves up and down, and a T-shaped link portion 340 which is connected to the moving portion 330. Also, a pressing portion 350 is formed on another end of the ling portion 340 to press the top surface of the frame 300. In this instance, when the moving portion 330 vertically moves towards an upper portion (

©

), the link portion 340 which is rotatably connected to the one end of the moving portion 330 rotates towards the frame 300(

⁽D

), and the pressing portion 350 which is connected to the another end of the link portion 340 presses the top surface of the frame 300. Accordingly, since the pressing portion 350 presses the top surface of the frame 300, the frame does not upwardly move by a force of the vacuum absorber 360 when attaching the tape onto the bottom surface of the frame 300. The vacuum tube 258 installed on the bottom side of the vacuum absorber 360 for preventing the vacuum tube 258 from twisting. Accordingly, the tape may be attached on the accurate location. Industrial Applicability

[155] A taping apparatus according to the present invention may automatically attach a tape on a bottom surface of an object, and perform an attachment process precisely and quickly. Also, when utilizing the taping apparatus, the tape may be straightly attached onto the bottom surface of the object. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a poor distribution from occurring between the tape and the object. Also, since the attachment process may be more precisely and quickly performed, a productivity may be improved.

[156] Also, even when a size of a BLU frame is not identical to the size of a top sash frame are different from each other, a urethane rubber gasket tape may be automatically attached, without an additional device, by changing a jig for each size.

[157] Also, according to the present invention, an elastic cushion may be provided on a top surface of a vacuum absorber. Accordingly, it is possible to the BLU frame from bending or winding.

[158] Also, according to the present invention, a cutter includes a blade for cutting a tape and a blade fixing portion for fixing the blade. Accordingly, when changing the blade, an operator does not need to touch the blade by hand. Namely, an accident may be prevented.

[159] Also, when horizontally pressing a BLU frame made of plastic using a horizontal- type clamp, the BLU frame bends or winds. However, when using a slope type clamp, the BLU frame does not bend or wind. Accordingly, the BLU frame and the tape may be closely attached.

[160] Also, an operation of various types of tapes which are made of various materials and are wound in a bobbin falls within the scope of the present invention. A bottom surface of an object is exposed towards a lower portion of an internal frame. All driving elements are accommodated in an internal frame, which enables a smooth supply and discharge of the object, and also an automated physical distribution associated with the discharge.

[161] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] A taping apparatus comprising: an internal frame holding an object so that a bottom surface of the object is exposed towards a lower portion of the internal frame, and providing an accommodation space; a tape bobbin installed in the accommodation space to accommodate a wound double-sided adhesive tape; a transfer portion moving the tape which is withdrawn from the tape bobbin to one side; a cutting portion cutting the moved tape to the one side into a size corresponding to one corner of the object; and an attachment portion comprising a vacuum generator which is positioned below the tape and generates a vacuum pressure to absorb the tape, and the attachment portion attaches the tape on the bottom surface of the object by moving the absorbed tape up and down towards the object.

[2] The taping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer portion comprises a guide portion which is formed along each corner of the held object and a guider which automatically returns along the guide portion and moves the tape along the guide portion.

[3] The taping apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a linear motion system controlling an end portion of the tape to match a starting corner of the attachment portion.

[4] The taping apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of rollers are formed in the internal frame along a progress path of the tape, to adjust a tension of the tape.

[5] A taping apparatus comprising: an internal frame comprising a holder holding an object so that a bottom surface of the object is exposed towards a lower portion of the internal frame, and an accommodation portion providing an accommodation space which is formed in the lower portion of the holder; a tape bobbin installed in the accommodation space to accommodate a wound tape; a transfer portion comprising a guide portion which is formed along a lower portion of each corner of the held object, a separator which separates the tape withdrawn from the tape bobbin and a release film, and a guider which automatically returns along the guide portion and moves the tape along the guide portion; a cutter installed in the accommodation portion to be adjacent to the guide portion and cutting the moved tape along the guide portion into a size corresponding to one comer of the object; and a vacuum absorber comprising a vacuum generator which is positioned below the tape and generates a vacuum pressure to absorb the tape, and the attachment portion attaching the tape on the bottom surface of the object by moving the absorbed tape up and down towards the object.

[6] The taping apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a rewinder formed adjacent to the tape bobbin, wherein an end of the separated release film is fixed to the guider so that the release film moves together with the guider, and the end of the release film is released from the guider so that the release film is wound into the rewinder.

[7] The taping apparatus of claim 5, comprising: a bobbin base fixed to the internal frame to accommodate the tape bobbin, wherein the tape bobbin oscillatingly moves to left and right directions in the bobbin base while the wound tape is being unwound.

[8] The taping apparatus of claim 5, wherein the holder holds the object, the object being in a square shape, the guide portion comprises a first guide, a second guide, a third guide, and a fourth guide, which are sequentially formed along four corners of the object, and each guider is installed in each of the first through fourth guides and simultaneously operates four axes by utilizing a phase difference with respect to the guide portion.

[9] The taping apparatus of claim 5, wherein the guider returns by a predetermined distance further than a starting point of the vacuum absorber and stopped, so as to secure a rising space of the vacuum absorber.

[10] The taping apparatus of claim 5, comprising: a linear motion system controlling an end portion of the tape separated from the release film to match a starting corner of the vacuum absorber.

[11] The taping apparatus of claim 5, wherein an absorption hole is formed on a top surface of the vacuum absorber so as to absorb the tape and the vacuum generator is formed on a bottom surface of the vacuum absorber.

[12] The taping apparatus of claim 11, wherein an elastic cushion portion is attached on the top surface of the vacuum absorber.

[13] The taping apparatus of claim 12, comprising: an alignment device comprising a bottom portion, a first sidewall portion which is vertically formed on a bottom portion and a second sidewall portion which is spaced apart from the first sidewall portion to correspond to a width of the tape.

[14] The taping apparatus of claim 5, wherein: a protrusion is formed on the holder to be closely attached to an outer surface of the object, and the taping apparatus further comprises: a fixing clamp which is positioned in a center of the internal frame and pushes a side portion of the object towards the protrusion in a sloped direction of the object, to fix a position of the object.

[15] The taping apparatus of claim 5, wherein: a protrusion is formed on the holder to be closely attached to an outer surface of the object, and the taping apparatus further comprises: a fixing clamp which is positioned in a center of the internal frame and pushes a side portion of the object towards the protrusion in a horizontal direction of the object, to fix a position of the object.

[16] The taping apparatus of claim 5, wherein: a protrusion is formed on the holder to be closely attached to an outer surface of the object, and the taping apparatus further comprises: a fixing clamp which is positioned in a center of the internal frame and pushes an upper portion of the object towards the protrusion in a vertical direction of the object, to fix a position of the object.

[17] The taping apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cutter comprises a blade and a blade fixing portion fixing the blade in an end of the cutter.

[18] A taping method comprising : initializing a taping apparatus; fixing a back light unit (BLU) frame or a top sash frame to a jig; supplying a tape in a tape bobbin; separating a release film from the tape and fixing the separated release film; moving the tape to a starting point of a vacuum absorber to match an end point of the vacuum absorber and a starting point of the tape; dropping a moving guide at a same time when vacuum absorbing the tape on one surface of the vacuum absorber; releasing the fixed release film, winding the release film on a rewinder, and reversing a guider; cutting the tape; attaching the vacuum absorbed tape to the BLU frame or the top sash frame; and automatically releasing the BLU frame or the top sash frame fixed to the jig.

[19] The taping method of claim 18, wherein, in the attaching of the vacuum absorbed tape, a long side absorber positioned in an upper portion is initially risen, and when a level of the long side absorber is identical to a level of a short side absorber of the upper portion, the short side absorber is risen to attach the tape to the frame, and the long side absorber is subsequently dropped to an original position when a vacuum state is released.

[20] The taping method of claim 18, wherein the winding of the releasing film spirally winds the release film to the rewinder by advancing or reversing a release film guide bar.