U.S. patent application number 11/748043 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-13 for method of manufacturing flat display apparatus.
Invention is credited to Shigeo Takenaka, Masahiro Yokota.
Application Number | 20070212971 11/748043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19189288 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070212971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yokota; Masahiro ; et
al. |
September 13, 2007 |
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING FLAT DISPLAY APPARATUS
Abstract
In a method of a manufacturing flat display apparatuses by
working flat substrates, a flat substrate is prepared having a
first region which is used as a flat display apparatus and a second
region outside the first region. After the first region is worked
as desired, the second region is cut and separated from the flat
substrate.
Inventors: |
Yokota; Masahiro;
(Fukaya-shi, JP) ; Takenaka; Shigeo; (Fukaya-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
19189288 |
Appl. No.: |
11/748043 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10875400 |
Jun 25, 2004 |
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11748043 |
May 14, 2007 |
|
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PCT/JP02/13526 |
Dec 25, 2002 |
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10875400 |
Jun 25, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
445/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 1/1333 20130101;
G02F 1/133351 20130101; H01J 9/241 20130101; G02F 1/13452 20130101;
G02F 1/133354 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
445/024 |
International
Class: |
H01J 9/00 20060101
H01J009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 27, 2001 |
JP |
2001-398183 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses, in which the
flat display apparatuses are manufactured by working flat
substrates, the method comprising: preparing a flat substrate
having thereon a plurality of first regions of different sizes
which individually form the flat display apparatuses and second
regions outside the first regions working the respective first
regions; and cutting and separating the second regions from the
flat substrate after the working; the working including: forming a
substantially rectangular image display region and a frame portion
in the first region, the frame portion being situated around the
image display region and having a plurality of side portions, and
providing mounting regions individually on at least two side
portions of the frame portion so that the width of the other side
portions of the frame portion on which the mounting regions are not
provided is smaller than the width of the side portions on which
the mounting regions are provided.
2. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 1, wherein the given working is carried out for the first
regions of the plurality of sizes by using a common manufacturing
apparatus.
3. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 1, wherein the flat substrate is rectangular, and the second
region is located on end portions along at least one long side and
one short side of the flat substrate.
4. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 3, wherein the flat substrate is rectangular, and the second
region is located on end portions along four sides of the flat
substrate.
5. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 3, wherein the flat substrate has thereon a plurality of
first regions which individually constitute flat display
apparatuses, and the second region is located so as to cover
regions between the first regions.
6. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 1, wherein the working includes supporting and fixing the
flat substrate in positions corresponding to the second region.
7. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 1, wherein the flat substrate is aligned with use of end
portions of the second region.
8. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 1, wherein the working includes working in a vacuum.
9. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 8, wherein the working in the vacuum includes a heat
treatment for the flat substrate.
10. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 8, wherein the working in the vacuum includes forming a
getter film in the first region by getter flashing in the
vacuum.
11. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 8, wherein two flat substrates are prepared each having the
first region and the second region, and the two flat substrates are
sealed to each other in the vacuum after the respective first
regions of the flat substrates are subjected to the working.
12. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 10, wherein one flat substrate, out of the two flat
substrates, is provided with second regions outside two long sides
of the first region thereof, and the other flat substrate is
provided with second regions outside two short sides of the first
region thereof.
13. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 1, wherein two flat substrates are prepared each having the
first region and the second region, and the working includes
sealing the two flat substrates, each having the first and second
regions, to each other and covering a cut-side end portion of at
least one of the flat substrates, from which the second region is
separated, with a protective material after the sealing.
14. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 13, wherein the working includes forming a substantial
rectangular image display region and a frame portion in the first
region, the frame portion being situated around the image display
region and having a plurality of side portions, providing mounting
regions individually on at least two side portions of the frame
portion, adhesively bonding flexible wiring boards to at least two
side portions of the frame portion, and encapsulating bonded
regions of the flexible wiring boards with the protective
material.
15. A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to
claim 1, wherein the flat display apparatus is a field emission
display or a surface-conduction emitter display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No.
PCT/JP02/13526, filed Dec. 25, 2002, which was not published under
PCT Article 21(2) in English.
[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-398183,
filed Dec. 27, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to a manufacturing method for flat
display apparatuses.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Recently, various flat display apparatuses have been
developed as a next generation of lightweight, thin image display
apparatuses to replace cathode-ray tubes (hereinafter referred to
as CRT). These known flat display apparatuses include a liquid
crystal display (hereinafter referred to as LCD), plasma display
panel (hereinafter referred to as PDP), field emission display
(hereinafter referred to as FED), surface-conduction emitter
display (hereinafter referred to as SED), etc. In the LCD, the
intensity of light is controlled by utilizing the orientation of a
liquid crystal. In the PDP, phosphors are caused to glow by means
of ultraviolet rays that are produced by plasma discharge. In the
FED, phosphors are caused to glow by means of electron beams that
are emitted from field-emission electron emitting elements. In the
SED, phosphors are caused to glow by means of electron beams that
are emitted from surface-conduction electron emitting elements.
[0007] Preferably, the size of display apparatuses, including ones
that are not flat, should enjoy wide variation to cope with market
demands. It is to be desired, moreover, that commodities of
different sizes should be able to be quickly supplied to meet the
needs.
[0008] If various sizes that are required by the market are to be
covered by the manufacture, however, the manufacturing line may be
complicated or the manufacturing equipment must be remodeled or, in
some cases, changed completely on each occasion, thus requiring a
vast investment.
[0009] Thus, in manufacturing processes for flat display
apparatuses, flat substrates that are used in the flat display
apparatuses must be formed having patterns for a phosphor screen,
color filter, electron sources, plasma cells, drive wiring array,
TFT array, etc., depending on the specifications of the display
apparatuses. Manufacturing apparatuses that can cope with size
differences must be used to manufacture a plurality of types of
flat substrates of different sizes on the same manufacturing
line.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This invention has been made in consideration of these
circumstances, and its object is to provide a method of
manufacturing flat display apparatuses, in which flat display
apparatuses of different sizes can be manufactured with use of a
common substrate material and common manufacturing processes.
[0011] Another object of this invention is to provide a
manufacturing method such that interference of manufacturing
equipment with processes can be reduced and that the frame width of
flat display apparatuses can be narrowed.
[0012] In order to solve the above problems, a method of
manufacturing flat display apparatuses according to an aspect of
this invention is a manufacturing method for flat display
apparatuses, in which the flat display apparatuses are manufactured
by working flat substrates, and comprises preparing a flat
substrate having a first region which forms a flat display
apparatus and a second region outside the first region, working at
least the first region, and cutting and separating the second
region from the flat substrate after the working.
[0013] Thus, the flat substrate in manufacturing processes is
provided with the first region to be used as the flat display
apparatus and the second regions, which are finally cut and
separated as unnecessary for the flat display apparatus. An image
display pattern such as a phosphor screen is formed in the first
region of one flat substrate, while an image display pattern such
as an electron source is provided in the first region of another
flat substrate. If necessary, the second region is provided with
electric wires that connect with the first region.
[0014] In the manufacturing processes, the flat substrate is fixed,
held, and transported with use of the second regions, or electrical
processing is carried out with use of the second regions. Thus,
common mechanical and electrical processes can be carried out with
use of common manufacturing equipment without regard to the size of
flat display apparatuses to be manufactured, so that manufacturing
processes can be realized corresponding to different sizes.
[0015] Since the second regions that are used to hold the
manufacturing apparatuses are distant from the first region,
moreover, bad influences of manufacturing apparatus portions on the
first region can be eliminated, and the yield of production and
quality of products can be improved. Further, a so-called frame
region outside an image display region part of the flat display
apparatus, which is obtained by cutting and separating substrate
portions that are unnecessary for the flat display apparatus, can
be minimized in size. Thus, there may be obtained a manufacturing
method that can realize flat display apparatuses with high
commercial value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention, and together with the general description given
above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a flat
display apparatus as an object of application of a manufacturing
method according to an embodiment of this invention;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a plan view schematically showing the flat
display apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 2B is a plan view schematically showing the flat
display apparatus of a size different from that of the one shown in
FIG. 2A;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a general positioning process
for a flat substrate;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a flat substrate used in the
manufacturing method according to the embodiment of this
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a plan view schematically showing a flat
substrate subject to a manufacturing method according to Example 1
of this invention;
[0023] FIG. 5B is a plan view schematically showing a flat display
apparatus subject to the manufacturing method according to Example
1;
[0024] FIG. 6A is a plan view schematically showing a flat
substrate subject to a manufacturing method according to Example 2
of this invention;
[0025] FIG. 6B is a plan view schematically showing a flat display
apparatus subject to the manufacturing method according to Example
2;
[0026] FIG. 7A is a plan view schematically showing a flat
substrate subject to a manufacturing method according to Example 3
of this invention;
[0027] FIG. 7B is a plan view schematically showing a flat display
apparatus subject to the manufacturing method according to Example
3;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a flat substrate
and a flat display apparatus subject to a manufacturing method
according to Example 4 of this invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a vacuum sealing process
of a manufacturing method according to Example 5 of this
invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a flat substrate worked by a
manufacturing method according to Example 6 of this invention;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a flat substrate according to
a modification of Example 6;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a flat substrate according to
another modification of Example 6;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a vacuum sealing process
of a manufacturing method according to Example 7 of this
invention;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing flat substrates worked by a
manufacturing method according to Example 8 of this invention;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing the flat substrates
sealed by the manufacturing method according to Example 8;
[0036] FIGS. 16A to 16C are sectional views individually showing
cutting and separating processes and a chamfering process for flat
substrates in a manufacturing method according to Example 9 of this
invention;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing flat substrates
according to a modification of Example 9; and
[0038] FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing flat substrates
according to another modification of Example 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] A method of manufacturing flat display apparatuses according
to an embodiment of this invention will now be described in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, a flat display apparatus 10
comprises two rectangular flat substrates 11 and 12, each with an
image display region 13 provided thereon. Formed on the image
display region 13 are various image display patterns 8 for a
phosphor screen, color filter, electron sources, plasma cells,
drive wiring array, TFT array, etc.
[0041] In order to cut off the image display region 13 from the
ambience, the flat substrate 11 and the flat substrate 12 are stuck
to each other by means of a frame 7 in a sealing region 14 that is
situated around the image display region 13, and are sealed and
combined with a given space between them. Drive wires 6 for driving
image display elements, such as the electron sources, plasma cells,
etc., are led out of the peripheral portion of at least one of the
flat substrates 11 and 12. The drive wires 6 are connected to a
drive circuit board (not shown) in positions corresponding to
mounting regions 15a and 15b.
[0042] FIGS. 2A and 2B individually show flat display apparatuses
of the same configuration and different sizes.
[0043] In manufacturing processes for these flat display
apparatuses, there are various incidental elements that are
essential to the manufacture of the flat substrates 11 and 12.
[0044] Butting portions 16 for positioning the end faces of the
substrate and register marks 17 for finely adjusting the
superposition of a plurality of patterns are used in a working
process for the flat substrate 11, such as a printing process or
photolithography process as shown in FIG. 3, for example. Used in
the manufacturing processes, moreover, are jigs (not shown) for
supporting the periphery of the flat substrate 11 and inspection
probes (not shown) that touch the mounting regions 15a and 15b of
the flat substrate 11 to inspect wiring.
[0045] If two types of flat substrates having different sizes, such
as the ones shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, are to be manufactured in
common manufacturing processes, however, much manufacturing
equipment must be replaced as well as fixing, holding, and
transporting devices used in the manufacturing processes, depending
on the size difference between the flat substrates. The equipment
includes the aforesaid reference butting portions 16, a mark
recognition device, the supporting jigs, the inspection probes,
etc.
[0046] In the manufacturing method for flat display apparatuses
according to the present embodiment, therefore, flat substrates of
a common size are prepared for flat display apparatuses of some
supposable sizes. The individual manufacturing processes are
executed using mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical
manufacturing equipment that match the flat substrates of the
common size. A first region for use as the flat display apparatus
and second regions outside the first region are set on each flat
substrate. After the first region of a certain size is worked, the
second regions are cut and separated, whereupon the flat display
apparatus is produced.
[0047] In fabricating flat display apparatuses of different sizes,
the first region and its corresponding second regions, having
different sizes, are provided on each flat substrate of the common
size. By doing this, the flat display apparatuses of different
sizes can be manufactured by common manufacturing equipment in the
common manufacturing processes. The second regions of the flat
substrate are also cut and separated in the case of flat display
apparatuses of different sizes. According to this method, the
substrates and the manufacturing equipment can be standardized for
the image display apparatuses of the individual sizes, so that the
flat display apparatuses of different sizes can be easily coped
with at low cost. In consequence, the operating efficiency of the
manufacturing equipment is improved, so that the manufacturing cost
can be lowered.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, a flat substrate 21a that is one size
larger than first regions 21b, 21c, 21d and 21e used in flat
display apparatuses of several supposable sizes is used as the flat
substrate of the common size. Peripheral regions 30a, 30b, 31a and
31b around the first regions 21b, 21c, 21d and 21e of the flat
substrate 21a are regarded as second regions. Thus, the
manufacturing equipment can be standardized for the manufacture of
the flat display apparatuses of several sizes. Since the second
regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b are spread wider, moreover, adverse
influences of the manufacturing equipment on the manufacturing
processes can be lessened.
[0049] The necessary width or extent for each second region depends
on the design of the manufacturing equipment that is used in common
for the region. If it is too large, idle areas increase.
Accordingly, the size of each second region must be set
deliberately. In manufacturing a small-sized, flat display
apparatus by the present manufacturing method, the second regions
to be finally cut and separated from the flat substrate is wide. It
is appropriate, therefore, to restrict differences in size between
the flat image display apparatuses to be manufactured to about 10
inches at the maximum. The manufacture of flat display apparatuses
having size differences of more than 10 inches entails an increase
in idle areas in the second regions. Thus, an alternative
manufacturing line should preferably be used to cope with this.
[0050] The following is a description of a case in which an FED is
manufactured as a flat display apparatus, for example.
EXAMPLE 1
[0051] The following is a description of a case in which a 35-inch
FED is manufactured as FEDs of different sizes ranging from 30 to
40 inches are manufactured in a common manufacturing line.
[0052] First, the rectangular flat substrate 21a is prepared as a
common flat substrate, as shown in FIG. 5. The flat substrate 21a
is given a size of 42 inches, for example.
[0053] Subsequently, the rectangular first region 21b to be used
for the 35-inch FED is set on the flat substrate 21a, and this
first region is worked as desired. Thus, a rectangular image
display region 23 having the image display pattern 8, a sealing
region 24 in the form of a rectangular frame situated around the
image display region, mounting regions 25a and 25b situated outside
the sealing region, and other necessary regions for the flat
display apparatus are intensively formed in the first region
21b.
[0054] The first region 21b is set in the central portion of the
flat substrate 21a. Thereupon, the second regions 30a, 30b, 31a and
31b are set around the first region 21b. All the necessary parts
for the manufacture, including the register marks 17, butting
portions 16, etc., are formed in advance in the second regions 30a,
30b, 31a and 31b. In the present example, the register marks 17 are
formed individually in the four corner portions of the flat
substrate 21a, and engaging portions that engage the butting
members 16 are located in two spots on one long side of the flat
substrate and in one spot on one short side.
[0055] The register marks 17 may be located at any points on the
flat substrate 21a, obverse, reverse, inside, or outside.
Preferably, the register marks 17 should be located on the end
portions: of the flat substrate 21a, e.g., in the four corner
portions. After the FED is manufactured, moreover, the second
regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b are cut and separated, as mentioned
later. If the register marks 17 are provided in the second regions
from the start, therefore, spaces for positioning marks need not be
secured in the first region 21b, so that the FED can be reduced to
a narrow frame. Further, the flat substrate may be registered by
means of the butting members 16 only, without using the register
marks 17.
[0056] Manufacturing processes for working the flat substrate 21a,
such as printing, photolithography, etc., can cope with sizes of up
to 40 inches. In manufacturing processes such as printing,
photolithography, etc., the flat substrate 21a is aligned with the
manufacturing apparatus with a substrate end face of the flat
substrate 21a abutting against the butting members 16 or with
reference to the register marks 17 in the second regions 30a, 30b,
31a and 31b. In this case, all the equipment for the recognizing
the butting members 16 and the register marks 17 can be
standardized by standardizing the shape of the flat substrate 21a
or the positions of the register marks 17 without regard to the
size of the FED to be manufactured. Common devices can be also used
as the transporting and supporting devices for the flat substrate
21a.
[0057] After the desired image display pattern 8 is formed on the
first region 21b, the flat substrate 21a is delivered directly to
the next process. Depending on the conditions of the manufacturing
equipment for the next process, the flat substrate 21a may be
delivered to the next process after the peripheral second regions
30a, 30b, 31a and 31b, which are useless or obstructive, are cut
and separated partially or entirely.
[0058] Two desiredly worked flat substrates 21a are formed
individually in the processes described above, and these two flat
substrates are stuck to each other with the sealing region 24
between them. After the FED is completed with the respective first
regions 21b of the flat substrates 21a, the second regions 30a,
30b, 31a and 31b are cut and separated from each flat substrate.
Depending on the manufacturing apparatus or process, the two flat
substrates 21a may be stuck together after the useless second
regions of one or both of the flat substrates are cut and
separated. In this case, the second regions are cut and separated
again, thereafter, so that the frame portion of the flat display
apparatus is smallest.
[0059] The flat substrate 21a is cut by the following methods. The
methods include a scratched portion tensile stress cutting method
in which the flat substrate is doubled after it is scratched along
the boundaries between the first region 21b and the second regions
30a, 30b, 31a and 31b. The methods further include a method in
which the flat substrate is cut by means of thermal stress that is
produced as a heating element is brought into contact with it.
Alternatively, a diamond cutter or water jet is used to cut the
flat substrate.
[0060] Further, the various parts may be mounted by utilizing the
register marks 17 before the second regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b
are cut. In this case, the two flat substrates 21a of the common
size are sealed together. Thereafter, flexible drive wires are
mounted on the mounting region of at least one of the flat
substrates 21a by using an anisotropic conductive film (ACF), for
example. In doing this, the flexible drive wires are mounted by
heat-bonding the ACF under pressure after the position of the ACF
is adjusted with reference to the register marks 17 in the second
regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b. Thereafter, the useless second
regions can be cut and separated from each flat substrate 21a.
[0061] According to the manufacturing method for the FED
constructed in this manner, the flat substrates 21a of the common
size are provided with the first regions 21b of different sizes and
the second regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b corresponding individually
to the first regions 21b, so that FEDs of different sizes can be
manufactured in by means of the common manufacturing equipment in
the common manufacturing processes. Accordingly, the FEDs of
different sizes can be easily coped with at low cost. Thus, the
operating efficiency of the manufacturing equipment is improved, so
that the FEDs can be provided at low cost.
[0062] In the manufacturing processes, the second regions 30a, 30b,
31a and 31b are used as regions for the incidental manufacturing
equipment that support and align the flat substrates 21a, and are
set around the first regions 21b in common for the individual
sizes. Thus, the second regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b are secured
having good areas around the flat substrates 21a that are common to
the FEDs of different sizes. By doing this, the manufacturing
equipment that are used to support and align the substrates are
standardized, and the flat substrates 12a are standardized. Thus,
flexible, high-productivity manufacturing processes can be
realized.
[0063] Further, the second regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b are
isolated from the first regions 21b, have good areas, and are
finally cut and separated from the first regions. Thus, the
manufacturing processes, including processes of holding, fixing,
and transporting the substrates, can be carried out securely and
safely. At the same time, bad influences of the manufacturing
processes on the first regions and the FED fabricating processes,
such as temperature irregularity, can be reduced, and the quality
and yield of products can be improved. In consequence, narrow-frame
FEDs without any useless regions can be realized.
[0064] The manufacturing method using the single flat substrate or
the two flat substrates has been described in connection with
Example 1. In manufacturing a flat display apparatus in which a
grid is located between two first regions, for example, however,
the same manufacturing method as aforesaid may be applied to the
grid.
[0065] In some cases, according to the manufacturing method
described above, the manufacturing equipment may be shared, and
besides, member shapes for transfer films, protective sheets,
sputtering targets, etc. may be standardized.
EXAMPLE 2
[0066] According to Example 2, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, various
manufacturing processes are carried out with a first region 21b set
near one corner portion of a flat substrate 21a and with use of
only two second regions 30a and 31a. According to the present
example, there are few cut portions, so that the manufacturing
efficiency can be improved. This example shares other
configurations with the foregoing example, and a detailed
description of them is omitted.
EXAMPLE 3
[0067] According to Example 3, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, second
regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b are formed so that a frame region of
a first region 21b that is situated outside a sealing region 14 is
asymmetric, in order to make the first region as compact as
possible. More specifically, the other two side portions of the
frame region are made narrower than those two side portions on
which mounting regions 25a and 25b are formed.
[0068] According to this manufacturing method, differences that are
attributable to differences in size between display apparatuses to
be manufactured involve differences in cutting specifications only.
Therefore, this example shares load on the manufacturing processes
with the other examples even though cutting and the like are made
so that the frame region is asymmetric. According to the present
example, which shares the same functions and effects with the
foregoing alternative examples, the frame of a resulting FED can be
further narrowed. This example shares other configurations with the
foregoing examples, and a detailed description of them is
omitted.
EXAMPLE 4
[0069] According to the present example, as shown in FIG. 8,
inspection wiring regions 26a and 26b are arranged in second
regions 30a, 30b and 31a that are situated outside mounting regions
25a and 25b of a flat substrate 21a, during the manufacturing
processes. They are formed by leading out wiring portions
individually from the mounting regions in an enlarged form.
[0070] In subjecting a wiring array to open/short inspection using
inspection probes (not shown), therefore, the locations of the
inspection probes can be standardized without regard to the size of
a first region 21b. Further, the wiring space is widened, so that
the inspection probes can be contacted more securely and introduced
more easily. Thus, the inspection time can be shortened, so that
the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.
[0071] Further, lead-out patterns of the inspection wiring regions
26a and 26b are adjusted also for FEDs that are different in
resolution or number of wires, whereby inspection probes
corresponding to the maximum resolution can be prepared in advance.
By doing this, FEDs of all sizes can be inspected.
[0072] As another example of application, moreover, the second
regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b may be partially worked in a
manufacturing process. For example, the second regions 30a, 30b,
31a and 31b are partially formed with a print pattern that
resembles the image display region 23 in a printing process or the
like. Improvement on quality control can be made by inspecting this
partial print pattern and checking the image display region 23 for
quality or by feeding back the result of inspection to control
conditions for the printing process.
[0073] According to the present example, moreover, the second
regions 30a, 30b, 31a and 31b are subjected to the same treatment
for the image display region 23 that is carried out in various
processes, whereupon a plurality of small treated regions are
formed side by side in due order in each second region. Further, a
control code, such as a bar code for the discriminative recognition
of the flat substrate is assigned to each of the second regions
30a, 30b, 31a and 31b. After the second regions 30a, 30b, 31a and
31b are cut from the flat substrate 21a, the control codes can be
used to control or inspect the treated regions of the second
regions, thus serving for product quality control or analysis of
causes of problems, if any. This example shares other
configurations with the foregoing examples, and a detailed
description of them is omitted.
EXAMPLE 5
[0074] In a flat display apparatus, such as an FED or SED, the
inside of an envelope that is composed of two flat substrates must
be kept in a vacuum. Also in a PDP, discharge gas must be charged
after the inside of the envelope is temporarily evacuated. A method
of evacuating the envelope in this manner includes a manufacturing
process in which a front substrate and a rear substrate that
constitutes the envelope are finally assembled in a vacuum
tank.
[0075] In this case, the front substrate and the rear substrate
that are first located in the vacuum tank are heated fully. This is
done in order to reduce gas discharge from the inner surfaces of
the substrates that constitutes a main cause of lowering of the
degree of vacuum of the envelope. When the front substrate and the
rear substrate are then cooled so that the degree of vacuum in the
vacuum tank is fully enhanced, getter flashing is carried out in
the vacuum tank to form a getter film on a phosphor screen, in
order to improve and maintain the degree of vacuum of the envelope.
Thereafter, the front substrate and the rear substrate are heated
again to a temperature such that a sealing material melts, and the
front substrate and the rear substrate are lapped together and
cooled so that the sealing material solidifies.
[0076] The vacuum envelope fabricated by this method is obtained in
a process that combines a getter process, sealing process, and
vacuum encapsulation process, and can enjoy a very satisfactory
degree of vacuum without requiring any such time for the case where
the inside of the envelope is exhausted by means of an exhaust
pipe.
[0077] According to the present example, as shown in FIG. 9, two
flat substrates 51a and 51b that are treated as desired by the same
method for the foregoing examples are prepared. They are located in
a vacuum tank 60 in a manner such that a first region 51b of the
flat substrate 51a and a first region 52b of the flat substrate 52a
are opposed to each other. In order to fix the relative positions
of the first regions 51b and 52b, in doing this, the respective
substrate end faces of second regions 32a, 32b, 33a and 33b of the
two flat substrates 51a and 51b are butted individually against
butting members (not shown) to be aligned in position.
[0078] Image display patterns 8 of the flat substrates 51a and 52a
are monitored by means of a camera 19 outside the vacuum tank 60 as
the second regions 32a, 32b, 33a and 33b are supported individually
by means of separate supporting members 18. Thereafter, the flat
substrates 51a and 52a are sealed to each other in positions
corresponding to sealing regions 54 by heating the flat substrates
51a and 52a to melt the sealing material by means of a heater 47 in
the vacuum tank 60.
[0079] Thus, the sealing process that is carried out in a vacuum
includes many steps that utilize the peripheral portions of the
flat substrates, such as the steps of supporting the flat
substrates 51a and 52a and butting the substrate end faces.
Further, heating and pressurization are carried out simultaneously.
Also for these treatments, as mentioned before, the size and shape
of the flat substrates 51a and 52a are standardized, and the second
regions 32a, 32b, 33a and 33b and the first regions 51b and 52b are
cut and separated after the desired treatments are finished. By
doing this, the manufacture of FEDs of different sizes can be
easily coped with, and problems, such as heating temperature
irregularity that depends on the manufacturing equipment, can be
eased.
[0080] Although the sealing process has been described in
connection with the present example, the same method may be also
applied to any other processes of heat treatment in a vacuum. This
example shares the manufacturing method for the flat substrates
themselves with the foregoing examples, and a detailed description
of the method is omitted.
EXAMPLE 6
[0081] According to this example, as shown in FIG. 10, a
large-sized flat substrate 51a is provided with four small-sized
first regions 51b of the same size, and second regions 32a, 32b,
33a and 33b are formed around these four first regions. An image
display region 53, sealing region 54, and mounting regions 55a and
55b are formed in each first region 51b by the same method for the
foregoing examples.
[0082] Further, a large-sized flat substrate 52a is prepared having
four small-sized first regions 52b of the same size and second
regions 32a, 32b, 33a and 33b around these four first regions.
[0083] These flat substrates 51a and 52a are opposed to each other
in the vacuum tank 60 in the same method for Example 5 shown in
FIG. 9. The respective end faces of the second regions 32a, 32b,
33a and 33b are fixed by being butted against butting members,
whereby the two flat substrates 51a and 52a are relatively aligned
in position.
[0084] Subsequently, the flat substrates 51a and 52a are heated by
means of a heater and pressurized at the same time. By doing this,
the respective sealing regions 54 of the first regions 51b and 52b
are fused and sealed together. After the second regions 32a, 32b,
33a and 33b are cut and removed from the first regions 51b and 52b,
thereafter, the first regions are cut and separated along division
lines 71 and 72 from one another. Thus, the four FEDs can be
manufactured at a time.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 11, moreover, second regions 73 and 74 may
be provided between a plurality of first regions 51b and 52b that
adjoin one another. In this case, the second regions 73 and 74 can
be utilized as regions that ease interaction between the adjacent
flat substrates 51a and 52a. Alternatively, they may be utilized as
formation regions for leader wires for inspection that are arranged
near the respective centers of the flat substrates 51a and 52a off
the surrounding second regions 32a, 32b, 33a and 33b.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 12, moreover, the first regions 51b and 52b
on the flat substrates 51a and 51b may be formed as regions of
different sizes. Also in this case, a plurality of FEDs can be
manufactured at a time by the same method as aforesaid.
EXAMPLE 7
[0087] In heating flat substrates 51a and 52a in a vacuum tank 60,
according to Example 7, the vacuum tank 60 is brought into contact
with the second regions 32a, 32b, 33a and 33b of one flat
substrates, e.g., flat substrate 52a, and the flat substrate 52a
itself forms one wall of the vacuum tank, as shown in FIG. 13.
Further, the peripheral edge portion of the flat substrate 52a
projects from the vacuum tank 60 into the atmosphere.
[0088] Furthermore, a decompression tank 61 is located on the
backside of the flat substrate 52a, and the inside of the
decompression tank is decompressed to about 1/1 to 1/1,000 atm. so
that a high atmospheric pressure does not act on the flat substrate
52a. The flat substrates 51a and 52a, set in the aforesaid manner,
are heat-treated and sealed together by the same method for Example
5.
[0089] According to this arrangement, heat treatment can be carried
out with the respective peripheral portions of the second regions
32a, 32b, 33a and 33b of the flat substrate 52a exposed to the
atmosphere. Thus, failure in the first regions 51b and 52b that are
situated in the vacuum tank 60 can be checked for occurrence from
outside the vacuum tank. Further, the rear flat substrate 52a can
be placed directly on the heater 47 as it is heated.
EXAMPLE 8
[0090] If mounting regions 55a and 55b are formed, respectively, on
first regions 51b and 52b of two flat substrates 51a and 52a that
are sealed to each other, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the one flat
substrate 51a has second regions 71a and 71b outside two long
sides, individually, of its first region on which the mounting
region 55a is formed. The other flat substrate 52a has second
regions 72a and 72b outside two short sides, individually, of its
first region 52b on which the mounting region 55b is located. The
two flat substrates 51a and 52a are opposed to each other so that
the second regions 71a and 71b of the flat substrate 51a project
from the flat substrate 52a and that the second regions 72a and 72b
of the flat substrate 52a project from the flat substrate 51a, and
these substrates are sealed to each other.
[0091] According to the arrangement described above, cut surfaces
along which the second regions of each flat substrate are cut and
separated are situated at an outside distance from the end faces of
the other flat substrate even after the substrates are sealed
together. Accordingly, the second regions can be easily cut and
separated, and sharp angular cut portions 80a and 80b can be
chamfered.
[0092] In this case, the second regions 71a, 71b, 72a and 72b can
be used to support and align the substrates in the sealing process
or the like. For example, the long-side-direction positions,
short-side-direction positions, and rotational positions of the
flat substrates 51a and 52a can be properly aligned by means of
register marks 73a, 73b, 74a and 74b that are located on the
respective central axes of the flat substrates 51a and 52a.
[0093] In order to cope with different sizes, a common length is
used for the side length of those sides of the flat substrates 51a
and 52a on which the second regions 71a, 71b, 72a and 72b are
provided. The lengths of the sides perpendicular to those sides
vary according to the size. In this case, the length of one side of
each flat substrate varies according to the substrate size. Since
those portions which are used to support and align the substrates
are substrate end portions that mainly include the second regions
having a standardized side length, however, the manufacturing
equipment can be standardized, as in the foregoing alternative
examples.
EXAMPLE 9
[0094] After the two flat substrates 51a and 52a are sealed
together by the aforesaid method, as shown in FIG. 16A, a second
region 30a is cut and separated, as shown in FIG. 16B. Thereupon,
sharp angular cut portions 80a, 80b, 80c and 80d appear.
Preferably, these sharp angular cut portions should be chamfered in
view of safety and the durability of flexible wires that are
attached to mounting regions. However, the angular portion 80c on
the sealed surface side is situated in a position such that it
cannot be chamfered with ease.
[0095] According to present example, as shown in FIG. 16C,
therefore, the angular portion 80c is not chamfered. If the angular
portion 80c is left unchamfered, it does not result directly in the
aforesaid problem, since it is situated in a position that is
inaccessible to the outside and cannot be reached by a flexible
wiring board.
[0096] Methods shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be sued as alternative
treatment methods for the sharp angular cut portions. In the
example shown in FIG. 17, the angular portion 80c that cannot be
chamfered with ease is covered by a protective material 90. Thus,
the angular portion 80c can be prevented from being touched from
the outside.
[0097] A resin, adhesive agent, putty, or tape is used for the
protective material 90.
[0098] In the example shown in FIG. 18, moreover, all the angular
portions 80a, 80b, 80c and 80d of the substrates are covered with
the protective material 90 without being chamfered at all. The
protective material 90 serves also to encapsulate a bonded surface
101 of the flexible wiring board 100.
[0099] Normally, the flexible wiring board 100 is attached to the
substrates by being heat-bonded with use of an anisotropic
conductive film under pressure. However, the bonded portion 101
that bears proof pressure between wires that are arranged at short
pitches or the like is susceptible to external moisture and foreign
matter, and is subjected to force when the flexible wiring board
100 is bent.
[0100] According to the present example, the protective material 90
is effective means that can serve both to cover the sharp angular
portions and to protect the bonded surface 101 of the flexible
wiring board 100.
[0101] This example shares the manufacturing method for the flat
substrates themselves with the foregoing examples, and a detailed
description of the method is omitted.
[0102] This invention is not limited to the examples described, and
various modifications may be effected without departing from the
scope of the invention. Although the manufacture of FEDs has been
described in connection with the foregoing examples, for example,
this invention is not limited to FEDs and may be also applied to
the manufacture of any other flat display apparatuses, such as
SEDs, PDPs, etc. The dimensions of the flat substrates used, the
dimensions and number of first regions to be formed, etc. may be
selected as required without being limited to the values described
in conjunction with foregoing examples.
* * * * *