Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/JP4689797B2/en
Timestamp: 2020-07-15 03:21:03
Document Index: 783198441

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 7', 'art\n4', 'art\n4', 'art\n5', 'art\n7', 'art\n8', 'art\n8']

JP4689797B2 - Liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents
Liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method thereof Download PDF
JP4689797B2
JP4689797B2 JP2000219815A JP2000219815A JP4689797B2 JP 4689797 B2 JP4689797 B2 JP 4689797B2 JP 2000219815 A JP2000219815 A JP 2000219815A JP 2000219815 A JP2000219815 A JP 2000219815A JP 4689797 B2 JP4689797 B2 JP 4689797B2
JP2000219815A
JP2002040398A (en
明寛 松田
2000-07-19 Application filed by Ｎｅｃ液晶テクノロジー株式会社 filed Critical Ｎｅｃ液晶テクノロジー株式会社
2002-02-06 Publication of JP2002040398A publication Critical patent/JP2002040398A/en
2011-05-25 Publication of JP4689797B2 publication Critical patent/JP4689797B2/en
239000004973 liquid crystal related substances Substances 0.000 title claims description 89
239000000758 substrates Substances 0.000 claims description 328
The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device in which two transparent substrates are bonded together in a vacuum and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device that can be easily and highly accurately aligned in a short time, and It relates to the manufacturing method.
Conventionally, as a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, there is a method in which a sealant is formed between two substrates as described below and liquid crystal is injected into the inside. Hereinafter, this manufacturing method is referred to as a first conventional example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to the first conventional example.
First, two substrates are prepared. Thin film transistors (TFTs) are formed in an array on one side of one substrate. Hereinafter, this substrate is referred to as a TFT substrate. A color filter (CF) is formed on one surface of the other substrate. Hereinafter, this substrate is referred to as a CF substrate. Thereafter, an alignment film is formed on both the TFT substrate and the CF substrate (step S1). Next, a spacer is formed on the surface of the CF substrate on which the CF is formed (step S2a), and a "mouth" character having an inlet on a part of the surface of the first substrate (TFT substrate) where the TFT is formed A sealing agent is formed in a shape (step S2b). Thereafter, the second substrate (CF substrate) and the first substrate are overlaid with the surfaces on which the CF and TFT are formed facing each other (step S3). Subsequently, the sealing agent formed on the first substrate is baked by heating them (step S4).
Next, the overlapped first substrate and second substrate are cut into a predetermined number of panels and divided (step S5). Next, liquid crystal is injected into the inside of the injection hole provided in the sealant (step S6). Thereafter, the injection hole is sealed (step S7). Then, the panel is washed to remove dirt caused by liquid crystal injection or the like (step S8). Thereafter, a polarizing plate is attached and a drive circuit or the like is attached to complete the liquid crystal display device.
However, the first conventional example has a drawback that the number of steps is large.
Therefore, recently, a manufacturing method in which a liquid crystal is dropped onto a TFT substrate and the TFT substrate and the CF substrate are bonded in a vacuum has been developed and known from the viewpoint of reducing the number of processes. Hereinafter, this manufacturing method is referred to as a second conventional example. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to a second conventional example.
First, as in the first conventional example, two substrates are prepared. Thereafter, an alignment film is formed on both the first substrate (TFT substrate) and the second substrate (CF substrate) (step S11). Next, a spacer is formed on the surface of the second substrate on which the CF is formed (step S12a), and a seal made of a photocurable resin in the shape of a “mouth” is formed on the surface of the first substrate on which the TFT is formed. An agent is formed (step S12b). After that, the liquid crystal is dropped inside the sealant of the first substrate, and the second substrate and the first substrate are aligned with each other with the CF and TFT surfaces facing each other in a vacuum. After that, the second substrate and the first substrate are fixed by the atmospheric press by evacuating (releasing to the atmosphere) (step S13).
Next, the sealing agent is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to make the sealing agent semi-cured (step S14). Subsequently, the sealant is thermally cured by heating (step S15). Then, the bonded first substrate and second substrate are cut and divided into a predetermined number of panels (step S16). Thereafter, a polarizing plate is attached and a drive circuit or the like is attached to complete the liquid crystal display device.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a manufacturing apparatus used in the second conventional example.
A conventional liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus is provided with a vacuum chamber 111, and a first surface plate 112 and a second surface plate 113 are provided in the vacuum chamber 111 in parallel with each other. The vacuum chamber 111 is provided with a vacuum suction port 111a and a vacuum exhaust port 111b. The base material of the first surface plate 112 is made of, for example, ceramics, and an electrode (first substrate adsorbing means) 114 that electrostatically adsorbs the first substrate 131 to a surface facing the second surface plate 113 is provided. Embedded. Similarly, the base material of the second surface plate 113 is made of ceramics, for example, and an electrode (second substrate adsorption means) that electrostatically adsorbs the second substrate 132 to the surface facing the first surface plate 112. ) 115 is embedded. The first surface plate 112 and the second surface plate 113 are provided with suction holes (not shown) for vacuum-sucking the first substrate 131 and the second substrate 132, respectively.
Further, the lower surface of the first surface plate 112 is connected to the upper end of the first surface plate connection base 125, and the lower end of the first surface plate connection base 125 is connected to the position adjustment table 126. The position adjustment table 126 is provided with a motor (not shown), which can linearly move the first surface plate coupling base 125 in two directions (X direction and Y direction) orthogonal to each other. The center axis can be rotated in the circumferential direction (θ direction) about the rotation axis. Accordingly, the position adjustment table 126 adjusts the position of the first surface plate 112, and hence the first substrate 131.
Further, a pressure motor 127 is provided for moving the second surface plate 113 in the vertical direction to pressurize the second surface plate 113 and the first surface plate 112 to each other. The pressure motor 127 is fixed to the fixing member 128a. Further, outside the vacuum chamber 111, an alignment camera 130 for detecting the positions of alignment marks 133 and 134 provided on the first substrate 131 and the second substrate 132, respectively, and a temporary fixing applied between the substrates. An ultraviolet ray source 135 for irradiating the photocurable resin 143 with ultraviolet rays is provided. Further, a second surface plate support member 129 that supports the second surface plate 113 in parallel with the first surface plate 112 is supported by the fixing member 128b.
In the second conventional example, the CF substrate and the TFT substrate are superposed and pressed in vacuum, but the second substrate 132 (CF substrate) and the first substrate 131 (TFT substrate) Positioning (alignment) is performed before pressurization. At this time, the distance between the second substrate and the first substrate is about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. Further, the distance between the CF substrate and the TFT substrate after pressurization by the atmosphere (hereinafter referred to as “air press”) is about 5 μm.
According to the second conventional example, the number of steps can be reduced as compared with the first conventional example, and there is no step of injecting liquid crystal after the substrates are overlaid. (Contamination) can be prevented, and there is an advantage that it is not necessary to use a sealing agent thereafter.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-66163 discloses pressurizing the surface plate while confirming the position of the marker using a recognition camera while the substrate is attracted to the surface plate by an electrostatic chuck in the vacuum chamber. A substrate bonding apparatus for bonding two substrates is disclosed.
However, in the second conventional example, the alignment marks provided on the respective substrates are aligned before pressurizing the surface plates, so that when a displacement occurs during the subsequent pressurization, There is a problem that it is necessary to correct again.
Moreover, in the board | substrate bonding apparatus described in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2000-66163, it fixes by aligning a board | substrate to a surface plate by electrostatic adsorption, However, When positioning is performed in the case of pressurization, If a thrust acts in a direction parallel to the plate surface of the substrate, and this thrust exceeds a frictional force having electrostatic attraction and pressure as a drag force, the position of the substrate is shifted. For this reason, it is necessary to correct the positional deviation multiple times, which increases the number of processes. In the worst case, this correction itself cannot be performed.
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device capable of easily aligning two substrates with high alignment accuracy in a short time. The purpose is to provide.
In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 of the present application is a liquid crystal display device configured by bonding first and second substrates facing each other with liquid crystal interposed therebetween. In the manufacturing apparatus, the first and second surface plates provided with the first and second substrate adsorbing means for adsorbing the first and second substrates, respectively, provided in parallel to each other, and at least the first and second plates A vacuum chamber in which the surface plate is provided, first holding means for supporting the first substrate on the first surface plate in a state in which displacement of the first substrate in the plate surface direction is restricted, and the second A second holding means for supporting the second substrate on the surface plate in a state in which displacement of the second substrate in the plate surface direction is constrained, and pressurizing the first and second surface plates to press the first and second surface plates. A pressurizing unit that presses the second substrates together, and the pressurizing unit includes the first and the second units; Alignment means for aligning the first and second substrates while the two surface plates are pressurized, and the first holding means includes the first surface plate. A first fixture having a plane perpendicular to the surface fixed to the surface on which the first substrate suction means is provided; and a surface of the first surface plate on which the first substrate suction means is provided. A second fixture having a plane that is fixed and perpendicular to the plane of the first fixture, and two sides of the first substrate that are orthogonal to each other. First pressing means that presses against each of the planes, and the second holding means is fixed to the surface of the second surface plate provided with the second substrate suction means. A third fixture having a vertical plane and the second surface plate of the second surface plate are fixed to a surface provided with the second substrate suction means. A fourth fixture having a plane and a plane perpendicular to the plane of the third fixture, and two planes of the second substrate orthogonal to each other, the planes of the third and fourth fixtures, respectively. A first pressing mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber, and driven by the first driving mechanism, wherein the first pressing mechanism is driven by the first driving mechanism. A pressing force is transmitted to the first substrate adsorbed by the first substrate adsorbing means of the first surface plate disposed in the inside. Thereby pressing the first substrate against the plane of the first fixture A first pusher guide; A second driving mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber, and driven by the second driving mechanism and sucked to the first substrate suction means of the first surface plate disposed in the vacuum chamber A second pusher guide that presses the first substrate against the flat surface of the second fixture by transmitting a pressing force to the first substrate formed; The second pressing means is disposed outside the vacuum chamber. 3 Drive mechanism, and 3 And a pressing force is transmitted to the second substrate adsorbed by the second substrate adsorbing means of the second surface plate disposed in the vacuum chamber. Thereby pressing the second substrate against the plane of the third fixture First 3 With a pusher guide A fourth drive mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber; and a second drive mechanism driven by the fourth drive mechanism and adsorbed to the second substrate adsorption means of the second surface plate disposed in the vacuum chamber. A fourth pusher guide that presses the second substrate against the flat surface of the fourth fixture by transmitting a pressing force to the second substrate formed; It is characterized by comprising. At this time, the first and second pressing means may be configured to press the two sides of the substrate against two fixtures from one direction, respectively, but from two directions perpendicular to the planes of the fixture. It is preferable that the substrate is pressed because the substrate can be more reliably pressed against the fixture.
In this way, in the present invention, the suction means for sucking the substrate is provided on the surface plate, and further the pressure is applied by the holding means and the surface plate for supporting the substrate in a state where the displacement of the substrate in the plate surface direction is restricted. An alignment means for aligning the substrates with each other is provided.
For this reason, at the time of alignment, since the first substrate and the second substrate are held in a direction parallel to the plate surface by the first and second holding means, a large force is applied from the pressing means. Even if is applied, the substrate is prevented from being displaced from the surface plate during alignment.
In addition, the alignment means aligns the first substrate and the second substrate in a state where a predetermined pressure is applied between the first surface plate and the second surface plate in the vacuum chamber. Is called. For this reason, even if it cancels | releases the pressurization by a pressurizing means after that, the position shift between a 1st board | substrate and a 2nd board | substrate does not arise.
In addition, by releasing the vacuum, both substrates are subjected to pressurization by atmospheric pressure (atmospheric press) while being aligned, so that extremely high accuracy is maintained. As a result, alignment with high accuracy can be performed very easily in a short time.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal display device according to the first aspect, wherein the first and second substrate adsorbing means are respectively arranged on the first and second substrates. It is characterized by performing electrostatic adsorption.
As described above, the first and second substrates are electrostatically attracted to the first and second surface plates by the substrate attracting means, respectively, so that the substrate can be reliably attracted even under a low pressure in the vacuum chamber. .
Claim of this application 3 The apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to the invention described in claim 1 Or 2 In the manufacturing apparatus described in the item (1), the positioning unit includes a detection unit that detects a position of an alignment mark provided on each of the first and second substrates, and a detection result obtained by the detection unit. And moving means for moving the first surface plate so that the position of the alignment mark provided on the substrate is aligned with the position of the alignment mark provided on the second substrate.
Claim of this application 4 An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to the invention described in 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the manufacturing apparatus, a liquid crystal dropping unit that drops liquid crystal on the first substrate, and a resin coating unit that applies a photocurable resin on the first substrate And before UV irradiation means for irradiating the photocurable resin with ultraviolet rays in a state where the first and second substrates are in pressure contact with each other. More It is characterized by having.
Even in this liquid crystal display manufacturing apparatus, even when a large force is applied from the pressurizing means, the substrate is prevented from being displaced from the surface plate during alignment, and then the pressurization by the pressurizing means is released. However, no positional deviation occurs between the first substrate and the second substrate, and extremely high accuracy is maintained. As a result, alignment with high accuracy can be performed very easily in a short time.
In order to achieve the above object, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device that manufactures a liquid crystal display device formed by bonding a first substrate and a second substrate. In the manufacturing method, a step of dropping a liquid crystal on the first substrate; and a step of placing the second substrate on a surface of the first substrate on which the liquid crystal is dropped in a vacuum chamber having an internal pressure of a predetermined value or less. The step of aligning the first and second substrates while pressurizing with pressure, the step of opening the vacuum chamber to the atmosphere, and the displacement of the first and second substrates in the plate surface direction, respectively. A step of fixing the first substrate to the first and second surface plates by the first and second restraining means for restraining, and fixing the first substrate to the first surface plate by the first retaining means; The step of performing the first substrate suction means of the first surface plate is provided. A first fixture having a flat surface that is fixed to the surface and perpendicular to the surface, and the first fixture that is fixed to the surface of the first surface plate on which the first substrate suction means is provided, and the first fixture. Pressing each of two sides of the first substrate perpendicular to each plane of the second fixture having a plane perpendicular to the plane, and the second holding means moves the second fixture. The step of fixing the substrate to the second platen includes a third fixture having a plane perpendicular to the surface fixed to the surface of the second platen where the second substrate suction means is provided, and On each plane of the fourth fixture having a plane fixed to the plane on which the second substrate suction means of the second surface plate is provided and having a plane perpendicular to the plane and the plane of the third fixture. Pressing each of two sides of the second substrate that are orthogonal to each other, the first substrate being In the step of pressing the first and second fixtures, the first pusher guide is driven by a first drive mechanism arranged outside the vacuum chamber, and the first pusher guide is used to drive the inside of the vacuum chamber. The first substrate adsorbed by the first substrate adsorbing means of the first surface plate disposed on the first surface plate is the first substrate. The second pusher guide is driven by a second drive mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber, and the first pusher guide disposed in the vacuum chamber is driven by the second pusher guide. The first substrate adsorbed by the first substrate adsorbing means of the surface plate is In the step of pressing against the second fixture and pressing the second substrate against the third and fourth fixtures, the second fixture is disposed outside the vacuum chamber. 3 The drive mechanism 3 Drive the pusher guide of the 3 The second substrate adsorbed by the second substrate adsorbing means of the second surface plate disposed in the vacuum chamber is pushed by the pusher guide. The fourth pusher guide is driven by a fourth driving mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber, and the second pusher guide disposed in the vacuum chamber is driven by the fourth pusher guide. The second substrate adsorbed by the second substrate adsorbing means of the surface plate is It presses against a 4th fixing tool, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
Claim of this application 6 A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device according to the invention described in claim 5 In the production method described in The step of fixing the first and second substrates to the first and second surface plates by the first and second holding means for restricting the displacement in the plate surface direction, respectively, Pre-process of the process of aligning the first and second substrates Is It is characterized by that.
Claim of this application 7 A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device according to the invention described in claim 5 or 6 In the manufacturing method described in (1), after the step of dropping the liquid crystal, there is a step of electrostatically adsorbing the first and second substrates to the first and second surface plates, respectively.
Claim of this application 8 A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device according to the invention described in claim 5 Thru 7 In the manufacturing method according to any one of the above, after the step of dripping the liquid crystal, the method includes a step of dripping a photocurable resin on the first substrate, and the position between the first and second substrates. As a subsequent step of the step of performing the alignment, the step of irradiating the photocurable resin with ultraviolet rays in a state where the second substrate is pressed against the first substrate with a predetermined pressure is characterized.
In these manufacturing methods, the first substrate and the second substrate are aligned while pressing each other in a vacuum chamber having an internal pressure of a predetermined value or less. Therefore, a large force is applied to the substrate from the pressing means. However, it is possible to prevent the substrate from being displaced from the surface plate at the time of alignment, and even if the pressurization by the pressurizing unit is subsequently released, the positional deviation between the first substrate and the second substrate does not occur. . In addition, by releasing the vacuum, both substrates are subjected to pressurization by atmospheric pressure (atmospheric press) while being aligned, so that extremely high accuracy is maintained. As a result, alignment with high accuracy can be performed very easily in a short time.
Hereinafter, a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing the structure of a manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with a first stacking unit 1 on which a first substrate 31 is stacked and a second stacking unit 2 on which a second substrate 32 is stacked. The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 are, for example, a TFT substrate and a CF substrate, respectively. However, the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 are not limited to these, and one is a CF-on TFT substrate and the other is provided with a common electrode. Substrates may also be used. Here, the CF-on-TFT substrate is not only a TFT arranged in an array on one transparent substrate, but also a substrate on which CF is formed on the TFT. Further, both the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 are stacked with electrodes and the like formed on the transparent substrate. Further, a liquid crystal dropping unit 4 that drops liquid crystal on the first substrate 31, a resin application unit 5 that applies a photocurable resin on the first substrate 31, and the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32. A processing unit 6 for bonding is provided. The liquid crystal dropping section 4 is provided with a liquid crystal dispenser 4a, and the resin application section 5 is provided with a resin dispenser 5a. Furthermore, the UV irradiation part 7 which further irradiates an ultraviolet-ray to the panel which bonded together and hardens photocurable resin is provided.
A substrate transfer robot 9 that moves the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 between the loading units 1 and 2, the liquid crystal dropping unit 4, the resin coating unit 5, the processing unit 6, and the UV irradiation unit 7 is provided. It has been.
In addition, a liquid crystal dropping / resin applying unit 8 is constituted by the liquid crystal dropping unit 4 and the resin applying unit 5, and the first substrate 1 is placed on the liquid crystal dropping / resin applying unit 8 and the liquid crystal dropping unit 4 and A stage 8 a that moves between the resin application portions 5 is provided.
A shutter 6 a is provided on the substrate transfer robot 9 side of the processing unit 6, and a shutter 7 a is provided on the substrate transfer robot 9 side of the UV irradiation unit 7. The shutters 6a and 7a are both opened when the substrate 31 or 32 is taken in or out.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the processing unit 6. The processing unit 6 is provided with a vacuum chamber 11, and a first surface plate 12 and a second surface plate 13 are provided in the vacuum chamber 11 in parallel with each other. The vacuum chamber 11 is provided with a vacuum suction port 11a and a vacuum exhaust port 11b. The base material of the first surface plate 12 is made of ceramics, for example, and an electrode (first substrate adsorbing means) 14 that electrostatically adsorbs the first substrate 31 to the surface facing the second surface plate 13 is provided. Embedded. Similarly, the base material of the second surface plate 13 is made of, for example, ceramics, and an electrode (second substrate adsorption means) that electrostatically adsorbs the second substrate 32 to the surface facing the first surface plate 12. ) 15 is embedded. The first surface plate 12 and the second surface plate 13 are provided with suction holes (not shown) for vacuum-sucking the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32, respectively.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first surface plate 12 with the first substrate 31 adsorbed thereon. First and second fixing guides (first and second fixing tools) 16 are formed on the surface of the first surface plate 12 facing the second surface plate 13, and a plane perpendicular to the surface is formed. , 17 are fixed. The first and second fixed guides 16 and 17 are disposed so as to extend perpendicular to each other, and the two planes are also orthogonal to each other. A pusher guide 18 that presses the first substrate 31 against the first fixed guide 16 and a pusher guide 19 that presses against the second fixed guide 17 are provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 20 is connected to the pusher guide 18. Similarly, a drive unit (not shown) is connected to the pusher guide 19. The pusher guides 18 and 19 and the drive unit 20 constitute a first pressing means.
Similarly, on the surface of the second surface plate 13 facing the first surface plate 12, a third fixing guide (third fixing tool) 21 and a fourth surface formed with a plane perpendicular to the facing surface. A fixing guide (fourth fixing tool) (not shown) is fixed. In addition, a pusher guide 22 that presses the second substrate 32 against the third fixed guide 21 and a pusher guide (not shown) that presses against the fourth fixed guide are provided. A drive unit 23 is connected to the pusher guide 22. Similarly, a drive unit (not shown) is connected to the other pusher guide. The pusher guide 22 and the drive unit 23 and the like constitute a second pressing means. A bellows 24 is provided at the upper and lower portions of the vacuum chamber 11, and a pusher guide 18 and the like are inserted through the bellows 24.
Further, the lower surface of the first surface plate 12 is connected to the upper end of the first surface plate connection base 25, and the lower end of the first surface plate connection base 25 is connected to the position adjustment table 26. The position adjustment table 26 is also fixed with a drive unit 20 provided on the first surface plate 12 side of the vacuum chamber 11. The position adjustment table 26 is provided with a motor (not shown), which can linearly move the first surface plate coupling base 25 in two directions (X direction and Y direction) orthogonal to each other. The center axis can be rotated in the circumferential direction (θ direction) about the rotation axis. Therefore, the position adjustment table 26 adjusts the position of the first surface plate 12 and thus the first substrate 31.
Further, a pressure motor 27 is provided to move the second surface plate 13 in the vertical direction and pressurize the second surface plate 13 and the first surface plate 12 to each other. The pressure motor 27 is fixed to the fixing member 28a. Further, outside the vacuum chamber 11, an alignment camera 30 for detecting the positions of alignment marks 33 and 34 provided on the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32, respectively, and a temporary fixing applied between the substrates. An ultraviolet source 35 for irradiating the photocurable resin with ultraviolet rays is provided.
A fixing member 28b for fixing the drive unit 23 provided on the second surface plate 13 side of the vacuum chamber 11 is provided, and the second surface plate 13 is connected to the first surface plate on the fixing member 28b. A second platen support member 29 that is supported in parallel with the plate 12 is supported.
Although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first surface plate 12 has a push-up pin (not shown) that can protrude from the surface toward the second surface plate 13 and supports the substrates 31 and 32. Is provided.
Next, the operation of the liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above, that is, a liquid crystal display device manufacturing method using this manufacturing apparatus will be described. 4 to 9 are schematic views showing the operation of the liquid crystal display manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
First, the substrate transfer robot 9 takes out the second substrate 32 from the second stacking unit 2 and reverses the upper surface and the lower surface thereof. Accordingly, the electrodes and the like formed on the second substrate 32 are on the lower surface side. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the shutter 6 a is opened in the processing unit 6, the push-up pin 12 a is protruded, and the second substrate 32 is placed on the push-up pin 12 a. Subsequently, the pressurizing motor 27 is operated to lower the second surface plate 13 to a height at which the second substrate 32 can be adsorbed. Then, the second substrate 32 is positioned and fixed by the pusher guide 22 or the like, and the second substrate 32 is sucked by the second surface plate 13.
Next, the substrate transfer robot 9 takes out the first substrate 31 from the first stacking unit 1 and transfers it onto the stage 8 a of the liquid crystal dropping unit 4. As shown in FIG. 5A, a sealant 42 is applied on the transferred first substrate 31. The sealing agent 42 is, for example, a dispersion of a particulate gap agent having a diameter of about 5 μm in a photocurable resin. Moreover, the width | variety of the sealing agent 42 is about 1 mm, for example. In FIG. 5A, a sealing agent 42 is applied in the shape of a “mouth” at two locations in order to cut out two TFT substrates from one first substrate 31. In the case where four TFT substrates are cut out from one substrate 31, a sealing agent is applied in the shape of a "mouth" at four locations. The viscosity of the sealing agent 42 is, for example, several hundred thousand cP, but is not limited to this.
Then, after the transfer of the first substrate 31, the liquid crystal 4 b is dropped by the dispenser 4 a in the region surrounded by the sealing agent 42. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the positions of dropping liquid crystal and applying a photocurable resin. As shown in FIG. 10, the liquid crystal 4b may be scattered little by little within a predetermined amount, or may be dripped more in the center. Thereafter, the first substrate 31 is moved to the resin coating unit 5 by the stage 8 a provided in the liquid crystal dropping / resin coating unit 8. And as shown in FIG.5 (b), the photocurable resin 43 is apply | coated on the 1st board | substrate 31 by the dispenser 5a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the photocurable resin 43 may be applied one by one around the four corners of the sealing agent 42, but is not limited thereto.
Next, the first substrate 31 is moved between the processing units 6 by the substrate transfer robot 9, and the first substrate 31 is placed on the push-up pins 12a in the processing unit 6 as shown in FIG. The shutter 6a is closed. Next, the push-up pin 12 a is lowered, the first substrate 31 is positioned and fixed by the pusher guides 18 and 19, and the first substrate 31 is sucked by the first surface plate 12.
Thereafter, the inside of the vacuum chamber 11 is evacuated from the vacuum suction port 11a. Then, after the internal pressure of the vacuum chamber 11 reaches a predetermined pressure, the alignment mark 33 and 34 are aligned by the alignment camera 30 while vacuuming is performed from the vacuum pulling port 11a in order to keep the inside of the vacuum chamber 11 below the predetermined pressure. 7, the distance between the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 is set to about 0.2 to 0.5 mm, for example, and the positional deviation thereof is within 5 μm, for example, as shown in FIG. As described above, the position of the first surface plate 12 is adjusted by the position adjustment table 26.
Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the positions of the alignment marks 33 and 34 are detected while the second surface plate 13 and the first surface plate 12 are pressed against each other by the pressurizing motor 27, and the displacement between them is detected. For example, the position of the first surface plate 12 is adjusted by the position adjustment table 26 so as to be within 1.0 μm. The final pressure is, for example, 1960 N, and the distance between the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 in this state is the diameter of the particulate gap agent dispersed in the sealant 42. Is approximately equal to about 5 μm. Then, for example, the photocurable resin 43 is temporarily cured by irradiating the photocurable resin 43 applied around the sealing agent 42 with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet source 35 in a state where a pressure of 1960 N is applied.
Although depending on the magnitude of the coefficient of friction between the substrate and the surface plate, the restraining force by the fixed guide and the pusher guide is at least a magnitude corresponding to the weight by the pressure motor 27 and the weight by the pressure motor 27. In the case of 1960N, it is desirable that the displacement of the substrate can be restrained from a thrust of about 1960N.
In the conventional apparatus, when the position adjustment is performed while the second surface plate 13 and the first surface plate 12 are pressed against each other, the substrates 31 and 32 are moved in a direction parallel to their plate surfaces. Only the frictional force proportional to the drag force acting on the surface plate from the substrate is obstructed. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, while the second surface plate 13 and the first surface plate 12 are pressed against each other, those of the substrates 31 and 32 are also caused by the holding force by the fixed guide and the pusher guide. Movement in a direction parallel to the plate surface is prevented. Therefore, in the conventional apparatus, it is difficult to align the substrate due to the displacement of the substrate. However, according to this embodiment, it is possible to align the substrate very easily and in a short time.
After that, as shown in FIG. 2 While gradually increasing the flow rate of the gas, N is flown into the vacuum chamber 11 until it reaches atmospheric pressure. 2 Purge. When the atmospheric pressure is instantaneously applied, a large impact force is instantaneously applied to the sealant 42 and the like. 2 When gas is introduced, it is possible to prevent the impact force from acting on the sealing agent 42 and the like. Such a purging method is called, for example, a slow vent. N in this slow vent 2 The change in the gas flow rate may be a linear function, a quadratic function, or a step change, but is not limited thereto.
Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the substrates 31 and 32 bonded together are raised by the push-up pins 12 a, the shutter 6 a is opened, and the substrates 31 and 32 are taken out by the substrate transfer robot 9. Subsequently, the shutter 7a is opened, the substrates 31 and 32 are transferred into the UV irradiation unit 7, and then the shutter 7a is closed. Subsequently, the sealant 42 is heated and cured. At this time, since the TFT may be damaged by ultraviolet rays, it is desirable to use a mask for preventing the TFT from being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.
According to this embodiment, the final alignment (fine adjustment) between the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 while pressurizing the first surface plate 12 and the second surface plate 13 is performed. Therefore, the gap agent in the sealant 42 rolls during alignment. At this time, since the width of the sealing agent 42 is about 1 mm and the height thereof is about 5 μm, even if the pressure is released after that, the rolling of the gap agent does not return. In addition, since the photocurable resin 43 applied around the sealant 42 in a pressurized state is temporarily cured, a positional shift between the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 is less likely to occur. Become. Therefore, since the air press is received with the alignment performed, extremely high accuracy is maintained.
In this fine adjustment, the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 are held in a direction parallel to the plate surface by the fixed guide 16 and the pusher guide 18 and the like. Even when a large force is applied from 27, the substrate is prevented from being displaced from the surface plate during alignment. Therefore, alignment with high accuracy is possible very easily.
If alignment with extremely high accuracy is possible in this way, display unevenness and color unevenness are further reduced.
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the first substrate and the second substrate are pressed while the first surface plate and the second surface plate are pressed by the alignment means under a predetermined pressure in the vacuum chamber. It is possible to perform final alignment (fine adjustment) with the second substrate. At this time, since the first substrate and the second substrate are held from the direction parallel to the plate surface by the first and second holding means, the substrate is prevented from shifting from the surface plate, Positioning can be performed very easily and with high accuracy in a short time. Therefore, even if the pressurization by the pressurizing means is subsequently released, the positional deviation between the first substrate and the second substrate is extremely unlikely to occur. Therefore, since the air press is received with the alignment being performed by opening the vacuum chamber, extremely high accuracy can be maintained. As a result, display unevenness and color unevenness can be reduced. Furthermore, as compared with the conventional method of injecting liquid crystal between the substrates through the liquid crystal injection hole formed in the sealant, not only can the contamination during the liquid crystal injection be prevented, but also the overall number of steps can be reduced.
FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing the structure of a manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a processing unit 6;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first surface plate 12 with the first substrate 31 adsorbed thereon.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the operation of the liquid crystal display manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic views showing the operation of the liquid crystal display manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and showing the next operation after the operation shown in FIG. is there.
6 is a schematic view showing the operation of the liquid crystal display manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and showing the next operation after the operation shown in FIG. 5. FIG.
7 is a schematic view showing the operation of the liquid crystal display manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and showing the next operation after the operation shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and showing the next operation after the operation shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the operation of the liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and showing the next operation after the operation shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing positions of dropping of liquid crystal and application of a photocurable resin.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to a first conventional example.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to a second conventional example.
1, 2; Loading section
3; reversing part
4; Liquid crystal dropping part
4a: Dispenser (for liquid crystal)
4b: Liquid crystal
5; Resin application part
5a; dispenser (for resin)
6; Processing part
7; UV irradiation part
8; Liquid crystal dripping / resin application part
8a; Stage
9: Substrate transfer robot
11: Vacuum chamber
11a: Vacuum suction port
11b: Vacuum exhaust port
12, 13; surface plate
14, 15; electrodes
16, 17, 21; fixed guide
18, 19, 22; pusher guide
20, 23; drive unit
24; Bellows
25; First platen base
26; Position adjustment table
27: Pressure motor
28a, 28b; fixing member
29; second platen support member
30; Alignment camera
31, 32; substrate
33, 34; alignment mark
35; UV source
42; sealant
43; photocurable resin
In a manufacturing apparatus of a liquid crystal display device configured by bonding first and second substrates that face each other with a liquid crystal sandwiched therebetween,
First and second surface plates each provided with first and second substrate suction means for sucking the first and second substrates and provided in parallel with each other;
A vacuum chamber in which at least the first and second surface plates are provided;
First holding means for supporting the first substrate on the first surface plate in a state of restraining displacement in the plate surface direction of the first substrate;
Second holding means for supporting the second substrate on the second surface plate in a state of restraining displacement in the plate surface direction of the second substrate;
A pressurizing means for pressurizing the first and second substrates by pressurizing the first and second surface plates;
Alignment means for aligning the first and second substrates while the pressure means pressurizes the first and second surface plates;
The first holding means is
A first fixture that is fixed to a surface of the first surface plate on which the first substrate suction means is provided and has a plane perpendicular to the surface;
A second fixture that is fixed to a surface of the first surface plate on which the first substrate suction means is provided and has a plane perpendicular to the surface and the plane of the first fixture;
First pressing means for pressing two sides of the first substrate perpendicular to each plane of the first and second fixtures, respectively.
The second holding means is:
A third fixture having a plane which is fixed to the surface of the second surface plate on which the second substrate suction means is provided and which is perpendicular to the surface;
A fourth fixture fixed to a surface of the second surface plate on which the second substrate suction means is provided and having a plane perpendicular to the surface and the plane of the third fixture;
Second pressing means for pressing two sides of the second substrate that are perpendicular to each other against the respective planes of the third and fourth fixtures, respectively.
The first pressing means is
A first drive mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber;
Wherein by said first driven by the driving mechanism, for transmitting the pressing force to the first of said first substrate attracted to the substrate adsorption unit of the said first plate disposed in a vacuum chamber A first pusher guide that presses a first substrate against the plane of the first fixture ;
A second drive mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber;
By transmitting a pressing force to the first substrate that is driven by the second driving mechanism and is sucked by the first substrate sucking means of the first surface plate disposed in the vacuum chamber, A second pusher guide that presses the first substrate against the plane of the second fixture ,
The second pressing means is
A third drive mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber;
The third is driven by a driving mechanism, said by transmitting the second substrate pressing force to the second substrate by the suction means of the disposed in the vacuum chamber second platen A third pusher guide for pressing a second substrate against the plane of the third fixture ;
A fourth drive mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber;
The pressing force is transmitted to the second substrate that is driven by the fourth driving mechanism and is sucked by the second substrate sucking means of the second surface plate disposed in the vacuum chamber. A fourth pusher guide for pressing a second substrate against the plane of the fourth fixture ,
An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device.
2. The apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second substrate suction means perform electrostatic suction of the first and second substrates, respectively.
The alignment means includes detection means for detecting positions of alignment marks provided on the first and second substrates, respectively, and alignment marks provided on the first substrate based on detection results by the detection means. 3. The liquid crystal according to claim 1, further comprising: a moving unit that moves the first surface plate so that the position of the first platen is aligned with a position of an alignment mark provided on the second substrate. Display device manufacturing equipment.
A liquid crystal dropping section for dropping liquid crystal on the first substrate;
A resin application part for applying a photocurable resin on the first substrate;
4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the photocurable resin with ultraviolet rays in a state where the first and second substrates are in pressure contact with each other. The manufacturing apparatus of the liquid crystal display device of description.
In a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device configured by bonding first and second substrates,
Dropping a liquid crystal on the first substrate;
The first and second substrates are aligned with each other while pressing the second substrate with a predetermined pressure on the surface of the first substrate on which the liquid crystal is dropped in a vacuum chamber having an internal pressure of a predetermined value or less. A process of performing;
Opening the vacuum chamber to the atmosphere;
Fixing the first and second substrates to the first and second surface plates by first and second holding means for restricting displacement in the plate surface direction, respectively.
The step of fixing the first substrate to the first surface plate by the first holding means is fixed to the surface of the first surface plate provided with the first substrate suction means. A first fixture having a plane perpendicular to the plane and a plane fixed to the plane of the first surface plate on which the first substrate suction means is provided and perpendicular to the plane of the first fixture and the plane of the first fixture. Pressing each of two sides of the first substrate perpendicular to each plane of the second fixture having
The step of fixing the second substrate to the second surface plate by the second holding means is fixed to the surface of the second surface plate provided with the second substrate suction means. A third fixture having a plane perpendicular to the plane and a plane fixed to the plane of the second surface plate provided with the second substrate suction means and perpendicular to the plane and the plane of the third fixture. Pressing each of two sides of the second substrate perpendicular to each plane of the fourth fixture having
In the step of pressing the first substrate against the first and second fixtures ,
First drives the pusher guided by the first driving mechanism disposed outside the front Symbol vacuum chamber, by the first pusher guide, the of the disposed in the vacuum chamber a first plate first Pressing the first substrate adsorbed on one substrate adsorbing means against the first fixture;
A second pusher guide is driven by a second drive mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber, and the first pusher guide disposed in the vacuum chamber is driven by the second pusher guide. Pressing the first substrate adsorbed on the substrate adsorbing means against the second fixture;
In the step of pressing the second substrate against the third and fourth fixtures ,
Third drives the pusher guided by the third drive mechanism disposed outside the front Symbol vacuum chamber, the pusher guide the third, the said is placed in a vacuum chamber the second plate first Pressing the second substrate adsorbed by the second substrate adsorbing means against the third fixture;
A fourth pusher guide is driven by a fourth drive mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber, and the second pusher guide is configured to drive the second pusher guide in the second platen disposed in the vacuum chamber. Pressing the second substrate sucked by the substrate sucking means against the fourth fixture;
The steps of fixing the first and second substrates to the first and second surface plates by the first and second holding means for restricting the displacement in the plate surface direction are respectively the first and second plates. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein the method is a pre-process of a process of aligning the substrates.
7. The liquid crystal display according to claim 5, further comprising a step of electrostatically adsorbing the first and second substrates to the first and second surface plates after the step of dripping the liquid crystal. Device manufacturing method.
After the step of dropping the liquid crystal, the method includes a step of dropping a photocurable resin on the first substrate, and the second step is a step after the step of aligning the first and second substrates. 8. The liquid crystal according to claim 5, further comprising a step of irradiating the photocurable resin with ultraviolet rays in a state where the first substrate is pressurized to the first substrate at a predetermined pressure. 9. Manufacturing method of display device.
JP2000219815A 2000-07-19 2000-07-19 Liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method thereof Active JP4689797B2 (en)
JP2000219815A JP4689797B2 (en) 2000-07-19 2000-07-19 Liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
TW90117619A TW548461B (en) 2000-07-19 2001-07-18 Apparatus and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display
KR1020010043425A KR20020015004A (en) 2000-07-19 2001-07-19 Apparatus and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display
US09/907,603 US6646689B2 (en) 2000-07-19 2001-07-19 Apparatus and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display
JP2002040398A JP2002040398A (en) 2002-02-06
JP4689797B2 true JP4689797B2 (en) 2011-05-25
JP2000219815A Active JP4689797B2 (en) 2000-07-19 2000-07-19 Liquid crystal display device manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
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