EP1168405A2 - Werkzeug, mit dem Abstandshalter in einer flachen Anzeigetafel montiert werden - Google Patents

Werkzeug, mit dem Abstandshalter in einer flachen Anzeigetafel montiert werden Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1168405A2
EP1168405A2 EP01410061A EP01410061A EP1168405A2 EP 1168405 A2 EP1168405 A2 EP 1168405A2 EP 01410061 A EP01410061 A EP 01410061A EP 01410061 A EP01410061 A EP 01410061A EP 1168405 A2 EP1168405 A2 EP 1168405A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spacers
grid
holes
grids
tool according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01410061A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1168405A3 (de
Inventor
Bernard Arnaud
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Futaba Corp
Original Assignee
Pixtech SA
Futaba Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pixtech SA, Futaba Corp filed Critical Pixtech SA
Publication of EP1168405A2 publication Critical patent/EP1168405A2/de
Publication of EP1168405A3 publication Critical patent/EP1168405A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J29/00—Details of cathode-ray tubes or of electron-beam tubes of the types covered by group H01J31/00
    • H01J29/02—Electrodes; Screens; Mounting, supporting, spacing or insulating thereof
    • H01J29/028—Mounting or supporting arrangements for flat panel cathode ray tubes, e.g. spacers particularly relating to electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J9/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture, installation, removal, maintenance of electric discharge tubes, discharge lamps, or parts thereof; Recovery of material from discharge tubes or lamps
    • H01J9/02—Manufacture of electrodes or electrode systems
    • H01J9/18—Assembling together the component parts of electrode systems
    • H01J9/185—Assembling together the component parts of electrode systems of flat panel display devices, e.g. by using spacers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J2329/00—Electron emission display panels, e.g. field emission display panels
    • H01J2329/86—Vessels
    • H01J2329/8625—Spacing members
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J2329/00—Electron emission display panels, e.g. field emission display panels
    • H01J2329/86—Vessels
    • H01J2329/8625—Spacing members
    • H01J2329/8665—Spacer holding means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to flat display screens.
  • the invention applies, more particularly, to screens provided with an internal space (generally under vacuum) isolated from the outside and defined by the distance between two plates constituting respectively the bottom and the surface of the screen.
  • an internal space generally under vacuum
  • a flat screen of the type to which the present invention applies consists of two generally rectangular spaced external plates, for example, made of glass. One plate constitutes the surface of the screen while the other constitutes the bottom of the screen generally provided with emission means. These two plates are assembled by means of a sealing joint.
  • FED field effect screen
  • VFD fluorescent vacuum display
  • a vacuum is created in the space separating the two glass plates. In other cases, this space contains a neutral atmosphere (rare gas).
  • Figure 1 shows schematically and in section the conventional structure of an example of a flat screen of the type to which the invention relates.
  • Such a screen essentially consists, on a first substrate 1, for example made of glass, of an electron bombardment cathode and of one or more grids.
  • the cathode / grid assembly (s) is designated by the common reference 2.
  • This cathode / grid (s) is placed opposite a cathode-luminescent anode 3 produced on a second substrate 4, for example made of glass, transparent if it constitutes the surface of the screen.
  • An example of a flat screen of the type to which the present invention relates is a microtip screen described, for example, in American patent No. 4,940,916 of the French Atomic Energy Commission.
  • the cathode / grid (s) 2 and the anode 3 are produced separately on the two substrates or plates 1 and 4 which are then assembled by means of a peripheral sealing joint 5.
  • An empty space 6 is provided between the two plates 1 and 4 to allow the circulation of electrons emitted by the cathode to the anode.
  • This space is, in what is designated by its thickness, defined by means of spacers 7 of calibrated height.
  • the spacers for defining the inter-electrode space can be produced in several ways.
  • a first known technique consists in using calibrated balls regularly distributed over one of the plates, the diameter of the balls used (for example, of a given value comprised between 100 micrometers and 2 millimeters) defines the height of the space between electrodes.
  • An example of a method of positioning such spherical spacers is described in European patent application No. 0 867 912 of the applicant.
  • non-spherical spacers but having the form of posts. It can be sections of cylinders or posts of various sections (square, rectangular, cross or other).
  • non-spherical elements is often preferred because it makes it possible to minimize the zones constituting obstacles to the path of the electrons between the cathode and the anode of the screen.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to the installation of non-spherical spacers.
  • Spacers of the non-spherical type are generally positioned and maintained, before fixing (bonding or other), on one of the plates of the screen, in a thin grid (for example, of the order of 70 to 90 micrometers). Given its small thickness, such a grid is only suitable for spacers of relatively small height (in practice, of the order of 200 micrometers), but no longer allows correct pre-positioning before fixing for spacers of a higher height (over 400 micrometers). However, the height of the spacers which defines the thickness of the inter-electrode space conditions the operating voltage of the flat screen. The more a high operating voltage is desired, the thicker the inter-electrode space must be and the higher the spacers must therefore be.
  • the grids for positioning and temporarily holding the spacers are generally produced by photoengraving techniques, either by electrodeposition of metal, or for etching a layer of metal deposited full plate, or by etching of the grid itself.
  • the spacers to be positioned are of a height greater than 400 micrometers, it is conventionally forced to superimpose several layers, generally metallic.
  • Figure 2 illustrates, in a sectional view and schematically, what is similar to a superposition of positioning grids.
  • the left part of FIG. 2 illustrates the superposition of two grids produced by successive etching of layers 12 deposited full plate, while the right part of FIG. 2 illustrates the superposition of two grids produced by successive electrodeposition of studs 11. It will be noted that the superposition of the two grids does not correspond to bringing two grids produced separately one on the other but to carry out successively, on the same substrate (not shown), two steps of electrodeposition or etching.
  • a mask for defining openings 10 for positioning spacers 7 or for defining studs 11 between the holes distributed in the mask.
  • the production of the mask generally requires the deposition of a layer of photosensitive resin. This layer is produced over a thickness generally between 70 and 90 microns. This resin is exposed by means of a lithography mask. Then, the resin is developed by negative or positive etching depending on whether it is desired to obtain the etching of the holes 10 directly (left part of FIG. 2) or to grow metal (for example, nickel) around studs. of resin at the locations of the future holes 10 (right part of FIG. 2).
  • a first problem which arises is related to the desired thickness for the grid. Indeed, with such a thickness, it is not possible to obtain an exposure making it possible to obtain an isotropic etching of the holes or of the studs in the resin. Consequently, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the etching or the electrodeposition necessarily takes place anisotropically and it is then necessary to provide a minimum diameter of the holes 10 corresponding to a diameter greater than the diameter (or the diameter in which fits the section) of the spacers 7. For example, for spacers having a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 50 microns, a minimum diameter of the holes 10 must be provided on the order of 60 microns. As a result, the maximum diameter of the holes 10 is significantly larger.
  • a first consequence is that the positioning of the spacers 7 in the grid obtained has a high risk of being carried out incorrectly.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate, by schematic sectional views of a tool for positioning spacers, an example of implementation of a conventional method of positioning and applying spacers on a plate of a screen dish.
  • the pre-positioning grid 15 or 15 ′ obtained (FIG. 2) is placed on a porous or perforated plate 20 of a vacuum table or the like.
  • the plate 20 generally consists of a porous support of metal or other suitable material (ceramic, etc.).
  • the space 22 underlying the plate 20 is closed by an enclosure 21 shown partially and this space 22 communicates with a pumping orifice 23 connected to a vacuum pump (not shown).
  • the suction caused by the pump on the plate 20 is transmitted through the holes 10.
  • the vacuum pump is activated so that a spacer 7 is retained in each hole 10 after having entered there by suction.
  • a plate coated with glue is brought to the free ends of the spacers 7 so that a thin layer of glue 16 is deposited thereon.
  • the plate (for example, 1) of the screen on which it is desired to stick the spacers is brought and applied to the now sticky free ends of the spacers 7 which are therefore held there.
  • Another problem which arises in the positioning of the spacers on a screen plate is, independently of the height problems, linked to the essential tolerances which must be provided between the diameter of the holes of the positioning grids and the sectional diameter of the spacers. Indeed, it is not possible to provide a strictly adapted diameter. However, in order to limit the obstacles in the path of the electrons between the cathode and the anode, it is necessary to seek the most exact possible positioning of the spacers on zones of absence of electronic emission. In practice, it is sought to arrange these spacers between the pixels of the screen generally defined by the intersection between cathode columns and lines of the associated extraction grid.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the known solutions for pre-positioning grids of spacers between two screen plates to be assembled.
  • the invention aims, more particularly, to propose a new tool making it possible to avoid any risk of inclination of the spacers during installation.
  • the invention also aims to propose a solution which optimizes the alignment of the free ends of the different spacers.
  • the invention also aims to propose a new method of fitting spacers which improves the positioning accuracy of these spacers on the screen plate.
  • the invention also aims to propose a tool adapted to such a process.
  • the invention further aims to facilitate the handling of the positioning tool for the spacers.
  • the present invention provides a tool for positioning spacers on a first plate intended to be kept away from a second plate by said spacers, said tool comprising orifices for receiving said spacers, and said orifices being of variable size between a first position for inserting the spacers and a second position for mechanical locking of the spacers.
  • the overall thickness of the positioning tool is less than a third of the height of the spacers.
  • said orifices have, in the first position, a diameter greater than the diameter in which the section of a spacer is inscribed, less than the height of the spacer and such that two spacers do not cannot be entered at the same time.
  • the positioning tool comprises at least two grids in planes parallel to each other, at least one first grid being mounted to slide parallel to a second grid.
  • the positioning tool comprises two external grids fixed in planes parallel to each other to define the distribution of the spacers, and at least one locking grid in position of the spacers, sliding mounted between said two external grids.
  • said two external grids have holes of diameter substantially greater than the diameter in which is inscribed the section of the spacers to be positioned.
  • said two external grids have holes of the same diameter.
  • said locking grid has holes with a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the holes of the external grids.
  • the thickness of the external grids is chosen as a function of the maximum tolerance desired for the positioning of the spacers.
  • the thickness of the external grids is less than 50 micrometers.
  • the holes of at least one locking grid are each associated with an elastic locking tab in position of a spacer.
  • the holes of at least one of the external grids each comprise a notch for receiving one end of a branch of a spacer, said spacers having, in section, the shape of a cross.
  • the positioning tool comprises at least one deformable grid provided with holes at least at the locations of the spacers, a change in size of said holes being caused by a deformation on command and reversible of this grid.
  • the positioning tool comprises at least one rigid grid parallel to the deformable grid and provided with holes approximately aligned with those of the deformable grid when the latter is in the first position.
  • the present invention also provides a method for positioning spacers, consisting in using a vacuum table to place a spacer in each orifice of the positioning tool in the first position, then in performing successive suction and blowing cycles, by applying a free end of the spacers against an alignment plate, before locking them in position by narrowing the orifices.
  • a feature of the present invention is to provide a positioning tool capable of temporarily locking spacers in position.
  • the positioning tool comprises orifices of variable size between a position for introducing the spacers and a position for temporarily blocking these spacers.
  • a positioning tool comprises at least one grid for mechanical locking of the spacers in position.
  • This grid can act either alone or in cooperation with one or more other grids of the positioning tool.
  • the invention will be described firstly in relation to a first aspect which provides for the sliding mounting of an intermediate grid between two external grids, parallel to each other.
  • the two external grids are produced with precision and are therefore preferably thin.
  • the central grid which serves as a temporary mechanical locking or blocking element for the position of the spacers may, if necessary, be thicker and provided with holes made with possibly less precision.
  • FIG. 4 shows, in a schematic and partial sectional view, a first embodiment of a tool for positioning of spacers according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • two external grids 30 and 31 are produced with holes 32 at the desired locations for positioning the spacers (not shown in FIG. 4).
  • the grids 30 and 31 are preferably identical and are fixed to one another with the interposition of spacers 33 calibrated. These spacers 33 define the distance between the grids 30 and 31 in which is slidably mounted an intermediate grid 34 according to the invention.
  • the grids 30 and 31 can be fixed together by any suitable means, for example, by riveting or spot welding on the spacers 33.
  • the intermediate grid 34 has holes 35 of diameter at least equal to the holes 32 of the grids 30 and 31. This grid 34 is, if necessary, thicker than the grids 30 and 31.
  • the thickness of the grid 34 is, for example, chosen as a function of the height of the spacers.
  • a first advantage of the present invention is that the overall height of the positioning tool is no longer critical with respect to the height of the spacers insofar as, as will be seen below, the spacers are locked mechanically in the positioning tool of the invention. This advantage will be found in all the embodiments which will be described later.
  • the fact that the holes in the grids are not isotropic no longer matters.
  • the only precision constraint that must be observed is the regular distribution (the pitch) of the holes 32 in the grids 30 and 31 as a function of the respective positions desired for the spacers.
  • Such precision, as well as the precision in the alignment of the grids 30 and 31 during fixing, is perfectly compatible with the small thicknesses with which these grids can now be produced. For example, we can be satisfied with grids 30 and 31 having thicknesses of the order of 20 to 50 micrometers.
  • the holes 32 in the grids 30 and 31 are preferably dimensioned to be significantly larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the spacers to be positioned. Thus, it facilitates the implementation of the spacers in the positioning tool. In addition, it facilitates the extraction of the spacers during the final bonding operation on one of the plates of the screen while, with a conventional system, the narrowness of the holes necessary for precision risks blocking the spacers in the positioning grid.
  • the diameter of the holes 32 must remain less than the height of the spacers to be positioned so that they are inserted in the correct direction in the positioning tool. In addition, the diameter of the holes 32 should allow the introduction of only one spacer per hole.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate, by partial views in section, an embodiment of a method for positioning spacers according to the invention.
  • a positioning tool 40 according to the invention of the type of that illustrated in FIG. 4 is placed at a distance from a perforated plate (or porous support) 20 from a vacuum table (shown partially).
  • the interval between the positioning tool 40 and the plate 20 is preferably defined by a network 50 of regularly distributed spacers.
  • the network 50 of spacers may be produced in the form of a thick grid having holes 51 of diameter very much greater than the diameter of the accessible holes 32 of the positioning tool 40.
  • the network of spacers 50 systematically comprises a spacer between two neighboring holes of the positioning tool 40.
  • the frequency of the spacers of the network 50 depends, in practice, on the mechanical strength of the tool 40.
  • the network of spacers 50 is integral with one of the end grids of the tool (for example, the grid 31) by being obtained, for example, by successive electrodepositions. This is not a problem here because the network 50 does not need the precision of the grid 31.
  • the role of the network of spacers 50 is to allow the spacers 7, which are introduced into the aligned holes 32-35-32 of the tool 40, to overflow on either side of this tool.
  • the positioning of the spacers 7 is carried out using the vacuum table to suck a spacer 7 in each group of aligned holes 32-35-32 of the grids 30, 34 and 31 of the tool 40.
  • the vertical position of the spacers 7 is adjusted so that they are all at the same height with respect to each other by means of a plate 52, rectified in a perfectly flat manner.
  • This plate 52 is brought opposite the free ends (opposite to the vacuum table) of the spacers 7. Then, successive blowing and suction cycles (illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 5B) are carried out in order to press the spacers on this piece 52.
  • the intermediate grid 34 of the tool 40 is made to slide in order to block the spacers 7.
  • the spacers 7 are positioned in a strictly vertical manner, more precisely, in a manner strictly perpendicular to the plane of the positioning tool 40.
  • the alignment between the holes 32 of the end grids 30 and 31 has been respected during their assembly using the spacers 33.
  • the spacers 7 are then held in position without the need to maintain the vacuum.
  • a first optional blocking of the spacers may be carried out before the step of adjusting the vertical positions by means of the plate 52.
  • Such a blocking allows, for example, to evacuate the surplus of spacers not positioned according to the process used to bring the spacers 7 into the holes 32-35-32 of the tool 40.
  • two separate supply and suction networks are provided at the level of the vacuum table.
  • a first suction network is used to maintain the tool 40 pressed against the porous support of the vacuum table.
  • a second network serves as a blow-suction for positioning the spacers in the holes of the tool 40.
  • the surface of the first network can be significantly greater than that of the second network because it can occupy substantially the entire surface (excluding holes) where it there are no spacers. Thus, even when the second network is in the air, the positioning tool is held in position by suction.
  • An advantage of the invention is to allow manipulation of the positioning tool 40 without it being necessary to maintain the vacuum. Consequently, the handling of the tools for positioning the spacers is made much easier and, in particular, without it being necessary to manipulate at the same time the plate with rectified surface having served for their positioning in height. In a conventional process as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, this particularly heavy rectified plate is formed directly by the plate 20.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it overcomes the flatness defects associated with the chemical etching process of the grids constituting the positioning tool.
  • the spacers 7 positioned by a tool according to the invention preferably protrude on either side, which allows perfect alignment, independent of any flatness defects of the tool itself.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates, by a partial sectional view similar to that of FIG. 4, a positioning tool 40 according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the spacers 7 are held in place by the grid 34 in position offset by relative to the grids 30 and 31.
  • the ends of the spacers 7 can be perfectly aligned (dotted line 53) on one side of the tool. Consequently, the deposition of glue on these ends of spacers is considerably facilitated, as is the placement of the spacers on the screen substrate.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that it makes it possible to compensate for any defects, even in length, of the spacers by guaranteeing that all the spacers are fixed to the first plate to be assembled of the screen. Subsequently, these spacers can then be fixed, for example glued, to the second plate, the thickness of adhesive compensating for the lack of length. This is not the case in a conventional process where the alignment of the spacers is effected by their end opposite to that which is to receive the glue. As a result, slightly shorter spacers may not receive glue and cannot be attached to the screen plate.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B the preferred use of a network of spacers 50 for the implementation of the positioning and locking method of the spacers according to the invention, illustrated by FIGS. 5A and 5B is optional.
  • the positioning tool of the invention is perfectly compatible with the implementation of a conventional method of fixing spacers on a screen plate.
  • a positioning tool according to the invention may have a thickness representing at most one third of the height of the spacers. It should therefore be noted that, unlike conventional solutions who seek to solve positioning problems by increasing the thickness of the positioning tool (that is to say the number of superimposed grids), the invention goes beyond the need for thickness by locking in position of the spacers independently of vacuum suction.
  • the alignment of the holes 35 of the intermediate grid relative to those of the external grids does not does not need to be carried out with precision if these holes 35 are of a diameter substantially larger than the holes 32.
  • the holes 32 For example, for spacers with a diameter of the order of 75 micrometers, it is possible to provide holes 32 with a diameter of approximately 120 micrometers for the external grids 30 and 31, and holes 35 of approximately 150 micrometers or more for the intermediate grid 34.
  • positioning at 10 micrometers near the intermediate grid 34 by compared to the external grids 30 and 31 is more than sufficient.
  • 10 micrometers generally representing the threshold of sensitivity of the eye in a misalignment of the holes.
  • cross-sectional shapes of the spacers can be diverse and varied. In some cases, we may wish to use spacers having a cross shape in order to be able to adapt to the layout of the pixels of the screen.
  • Figures 7, 8A and 8B show a second and a third embodiment of a positioning tool according to the first aspect of the invention, particularly suitable for positioning spacers having a cross section.
  • a common characteristic of these embodiments is that the holes 32 'made in at least one of the external grids 30 and 31 are provided with a notch 36 intended to receive the end of one of the arms 7' of a spacer in cross.
  • a single hole has been shown in Figures 7, 8A and 8B.
  • the holes 35 of the intermediate grid 34 remain circular, being of diameter at least equal to the diameter of the holes 32 'taken without the notches 36.
  • the representation of Figure 7 illustrates the position of holes 35 when the grid 34 is misaligned with respect to the grids 30 and 31 to block the spacers 7 in the holes. In this position, the ends of a branch 7 'of all the spacers are found in notches 36 of the corresponding holes 32'. Of course, all the notches 36 of the grids 30 and 31 will be directed in the same direction. All the spacers 7 are therefore positioned by being aligned in the same way. It is therefore possible to position cross spacers so that they are between the active pixels of the screen.
  • the precision relating to the production of the notches 36 is especially required in their positioning relative to each other in the grids 30 and 31. This precision is perfectly compatible with the precision obtained for thin grids.
  • FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a third embodiment in which the grids 30 and 31 are similar to the grids exposed in relation to FIG. 7, that is to say that the holes 32 'are each provided with a notch 36 receiving an end of a branch 7 'of a cross spacer.
  • the grid 34 is produced so that each hole 35 'is associated with a tongue 37 which is elastically deformable in the plane of the grid 34.
  • this circular pattern is connected to a light 39 which is substantially rectilinear and having a length corresponding approximately to the diameter of the circle.
  • a tongue 37 is thus formed between the circular opening 38 and the rectilinear lumen 39. In depending on the dimensions of this tongue and the thickness of the grid, its elasticity can be adjusted.
  • FIG. 8A represents the position of a tongue 37 at rest, the intermediate plate 34 having however started to be displaced relative to the grids 30 and 31.
  • FIG. 8B shows the same structure, but with a greater displacement of the intermediate grid 34 causing a deformation of the tongue 37 in the plane of the positioning tool.
  • An advantage of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B is that it makes it possible to compensate for any tolerances in the cross-sectional dimensions of the spacers 7 as well as any tolerances in the absolute position of the holes of the grids relative to each other. to others.
  • holes 35 ′ with elastic tabs 37 are compatible with the conventional use of photolithography methods.
  • the minimum width of the tongue 37 corresponds to the thickness of the grid 34.
  • a grid 34 of small thickness is not annoying, provided that this grid allows, by sliding, a blocking of the spacers in position.
  • tabbed embodiment of the locking grid 34 can be implemented independently of the notched embodiment 36 of the external grids 30 and 31, that is to say for spacers 7 of any section.
  • the implementation of the invention is compatible with the use of materials conventionally used for the production of positioning grids spacers in flat screens. It is only for the embodiment with elastic tabs that a person skilled in the art will possibly need to adapt the choice of material of the grid to the desired elastic deformation.
  • materials with low elastic modulus such as aluminum, zinc, silver or gold, or materials with higher elastic modulus such as molybdenum or tungsten, with all alloys and mainly the whole range of steels which, with the appropriate heat treatments, can constitute spring blades or elastic tongues.
  • any suitable means may be used for sliding the grid 34 between the grids 30 and 31 and for, preferably, locking it at least in the position where it locks the position of the spacers.
  • the choice of this or these displacement and blocking means is within the reach of those skilled in the art from the functional indications given above.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial views in section of a fourth embodiment of the present invention according to a second aspect which is characterized by the fact that the positioning tool comprises a grid 60 deformable between a first position (FIG. 9A) for introducing spacers 7 where the holes 61 which it comprises are of relatively diameter important and a second position (FIG. 9B) for temporarily blocking the spacers where the diameter of the holes has narrowed relative to the first position.
  • the grid 60 is relatively thin, that is to say that its thickness is compatible with the desired positioning precision when it is in the locked position.
  • the positioning tool comprises a single grid 60 whose deformation takes place in the plane of this grid, that is to say that there is an expansion of the material which constitutes it.
  • This expansion can have different origins such as, for example, temperature (thermal expansion), a magnetic field (magnetostriction, piezo-magnetism), an electric field (electrostriction, piezo-electricity), a chemical reaction.
  • this deformation must, according to the invention, be reversible to release the spacers after fixing.
  • the choice of the initiator of the deformation depends on the material constituting the grid 60 and is within the reach of those skilled in the art. We can use, for example solutions taking advantage of the deformation capacity of silicon or other material commonly used in microactuators, micromotors or the like.
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial sectional views of a fifth embodiment of the present invention according to its second aspect.
  • a grid 63 has an approximately constant volume but a different thickness depending on the insertion ( Figure 10A) and locking ( Figure 10B) positions. The variation in thickness results in a reduction in the diameter of the holes 64 of the grid, which blocks the spacers 7.
  • the grid 63 is framed by two non-deformable external grids 65 and 66 provided with holes, respectively 67 and 68.
  • the grids 65 and 66 can then mechanically protect the deformable grid 63, for example, to avoid deformation by suction when positioning the spacers by means of a table empty.
  • FIGS. 11A and 11B are partial views in section of a sixth embodiment of the present invention according to its second aspect.
  • a deformable grid 70 rests on a grid 71 defining, around holes 72 for passage of the spacers 7, rings 73 for absorbing the surplus material of the grid 71 when it is in the position for introducing the spacers (FIG. 11A).
  • the developed surface of the material of the grid 71 is approximately constant, its deformation further leading to a narrowing of its holes 74 (FIG. 11B).
  • a second non-deformable grid (not shown) covering the grid 71, this second grid may however be devoid of rings.
  • a single suction network is used, or a suction network in line with the rings 73 and a blow-suction network in line with the holes 72.
  • Figures 12A and 12B are partial sectional views of a seventh embodiment of the present invention according to its second aspect.
  • a grid 75 with an approximately constant developed surface.
  • the deformation is here in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the grid, that is to say that each hole 76 has an annular flange 78 for pinching the spacers 7 outside the plane of the grid 75.
  • the flanges open ( Figure 12A) or close ( Figure 12B) by one of the means mentioned above.
  • FIGS. 13A and 13B are partial views in section of an eighth embodiment of the present invention, taking up its first aspect, that is to say the sliding of a grid with respect to at least one other.
  • only two grids 80 and 81 are used, provided with holes 82 and 83 respectively.
  • one of the two grids (for example , the upper grid 80) comprises, at the periphery of one side of its holes 82, one or more nozzles 84 in the direction of the other grid.
  • the role of these spouts 84 is to constitute, on the opposite side of the holes where the spacers bear on the edges of the grids 80 and 81 (FIG.
  • Figures 14A and 14B are partial sectional views of a ninth embodiment of the present invention according to its second aspect.
  • This embodiment uses a deformable grid 85 of the type of grid 60 of FIGS. 9A and 9B, but as an intermediate grid for wedging the spacers in a structure provided with two external grids 86 and 87.
  • the positioning of the spacers 7 is here provided, as in the first aspect of the invention, by the holes 88 of the external grids, the holes 89 of the intermediate grid 85 having a minimum diameter greater than the diameter of the spacers 7.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B are partial and top views of a tenth embodiment of the present invention according to a third aspect of the invention which is characterized by the use of at least one very perforated grid forming a mesh of dimensions appreciably larger than the section of the spacers.
  • a first grid 90 forms horizontal lines 91 (in the orientation of the figures) parallel and vertical lines 92 having a pitch double that of the horizontal lines.
  • a second grid 93 has the shape of a comb whose teeth 94 (vertical in the orientation of the figures) have a pitch approximately identical to the pitch of the vertical lines of the mesh 90.
  • the comb 93 is nested between the lines 92 and can slide horizontally between an open position (FIG.
  • the grid 90 can be formed of two nested combs to allow the sliding of the horizontal lines in the vertical direction and to ensure a wedging of the spacers in the two directions.
  • FIGS. 16A and 16B are partial and top views of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention according to the third aspect of the invention.
  • a single grid 95 forming a mesh with modifiable meshes is used.
  • This grid includes successions of lines 96 and 97 in zigzag, paired (a single pair is shown in the figures).
  • Lines 96 and 97 are articulated at their intersections 98 and define meshes 99 for introducing the spacers 7.
  • the blocking occurs by slightly stretching the structure, the lines 96 and 97 being free at their ends. Thanks to the joints 98, the meshes lengthen in the direction of the lines and shrink in the perpendicular direction.
  • the distribution and the position of the spacers are defined by the meshes in the extended position.
  • FIGS. 17A and 17B are partial and top views of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention according to its third aspect.
  • a first grid 100 having a constant pitch in the two directions defines meshes 101 suitable for receiving a single spacer 7 in an alignment perpendicular to the plane of the grid.
  • a second grid 102, superimposed on the grid 100 has a constant pitch in the two directions but corresponding to twice the pitch of the first grid.
  • the grid 102 In the insertion position (FIG. 17A), the grid 102 is positioned so as to release, so that a spacer 7 comes to lodge there, only one mesh 101 out of four of the grid 100.
  • the temporary blocking (FIG.
  • Such an embodiment may include a third grid, the second and third grids then being preferably movable in perpendicular directions.
  • An advantage of the use of openwork "grids" described in the last three embodiments is that obtaining grids of correct dimensional regularity is inexpensive, even for large sizes. Such embodiments are suitable, in particular, when it is desired to position a large number of spacers.
  • the present invention is susceptible of various variants and modifications which will appear to those skilled in the art.
  • the adaptation of the dimensions of the positioning tool of the invention according to the application is within the reach of those skilled in the art from the functional indications given above.
  • reference is made to diameters it will be noted that the invention can be implemented with holes of any shape, the term encompassing hole, within the meaning of the invention , any meshes and orifices whose dimensional relationships are deduced from the indications given in relation to the diameters and the shape and size of the spacers.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Electron Tubes, Discharge Lamp Vessels, Lead-In Wires, And The Like (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
EP01410061A 2000-05-30 2001-05-29 Werkzeug, mit dem Abstandshalter in einer flachen Anzeigetafel montiert werden Withdrawn EP1168405A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0006922A FR2809864A1 (fr) 2000-05-30 2000-05-30 Outillage de pose d'espaceurs dans un ecran plat de visualisation
FR0006922 2000-05-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1168405A2 true EP1168405A2 (de) 2002-01-02
EP1168405A3 EP1168405A3 (de) 2006-04-05

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EP01410061A Withdrawn EP1168405A3 (de) 2000-05-30 2001-05-29 Werkzeug, mit dem Abstandshalter in einer flachen Anzeigetafel montiert werden

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US (1) US6712662B2 (de)
EP (1) EP1168405A3 (de)
JP (1) JP2002015670A (de)
FR (1) FR2809864A1 (de)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4535755B2 (ja) * 2003-03-28 2010-09-01 双葉電子工業株式会社 支柱材配設用治具および支柱材配設方法
JP4935598B2 (ja) * 2007-09-26 2012-05-23 双葉電子工業株式会社 支柱材整列治具、支柱材整列治具の整列板、支柱材整列治具の整列板の製造方法、電界電子放出表示パネルの製造方法
US8154703B2 (en) * 2007-10-23 2012-04-10 Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd. Liquid crystal display panel
JP5097572B2 (ja) * 2008-02-22 2012-12-12 ソニー株式会社 スペーサの取付け方法及び平面型表示装置の製造方法

Family Cites Families (9)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2727995B2 (ja) * 1994-12-15 1998-03-18 双葉電子工業株式会社 支柱材整列用治具および支柱材整列用治具の製造方法
JP3141743B2 (ja) * 1995-07-28 2001-03-05 双葉電子工業株式会社 真空気密容器の製造方法
JP3210215B2 (ja) * 1995-09-19 2001-09-17 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置の位置決め治具および該位置決め治具による画像形成装置の位置決め方法
US5697825A (en) * 1995-09-29 1997-12-16 Micron Display Technology, Inc. Method for evacuating and sealing field emission displays
US5708325A (en) * 1996-05-20 1998-01-13 Motorola Display spacer structure for a field emission device
JP2956590B2 (ja) * 1996-05-27 1999-10-04 双葉電子工業株式会社 支柱材整列用治具
FR2755294A1 (fr) * 1996-10-25 1998-05-01 Pixtech Sa Procede et dispositif d'assemblage d'un ecran plat de visualisation
FR2761523B1 (fr) * 1997-03-28 1999-06-04 Pixtech Sa Pose d'espaceurs dans un ecran plat de visualisation
FR2766964B1 (fr) * 1997-07-29 1999-10-29 Pixtech Sa Procede d'assemblage sous vide d'un ecran plat de visualisation

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Publication number Publication date
JP2002015670A (ja) 2002-01-18
EP1168405A3 (de) 2006-04-05
US6712662B2 (en) 2004-03-30
FR2809864A1 (fr) 2001-12-07
US20020016125A1 (en) 2002-02-07

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