Apparatus for rubbing alignment layer on a substrate
An apparatus for rubbing an alignment layer on a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a platform to support the substrate; a conveyance unit incorporating the platform to convey the substrate in a predetermined direction; a rubbing roller located above the platform for rubbing the alignment layer on the substrate; a combing unit located at one side of the rubbing roller for contacting with the rubbing roller; and at least one vacuum suction unit located at one side of the platform to suck and remove the particles released from the rubbing. The combing unit serves to smoothen a rubbing cloth on the rubbing roller, with a result of low static electricity accumulation on the substrate and of a better alignment effect on the alignment layer.
1. An apparatus for rubbing an alignment layer on a substrate, comprising:
a platform for supporting the substrate;
a conveyance unit incorporating the platform to convey the substrate in a predetermined direction;
a rubbing roller located above the platform for rubbing the alignment layer on the substrate;
a combing unit located at one side of the rubbing roller for contacting with the rubbing roller; and
at least one vacuum suction unit located at one side of the platform to suck and remove particles released from the rubbing.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the conveyance unit comprises plural rollers.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rubbing roller is provided with a rubbing cloth with fibers.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum suction unit is disposed at a height greater than that of an axis of the rubbing roller.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum suction unit is arranged at the platform.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein rotational direction of the rubbing roller is the same as that to which the substrate is conveyed.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein rotational direction of the rubbing roller is counter to that to which the substrate is conveyed.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the combing unit comprises a comb-like element.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a distance between the combing unit and the platform is greater than that between the rubbing roller and the platform.
10. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the combing unit proceeds with combing the fibers of the rubbing cloth during rotation of the rubbing roller.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the combing unit is made of a material of anti-static electricity.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the material of anti-static electricity is metal.