Workbench alignment device and method for display device manufacturing

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a workbench alignment device and method for manufacturing a display device. The workbench alignment device for manufacturing a display device according to the present disclosure includes: a first workbench, fixing and supporting a flexible circuit substrate (FPCB); a second workbench, spaced from the first workbench, one end of the second workbench and one end of the first workbench facing each other, fixing and supporting a panel; an image acquisition unit, acquiring image information by photographing the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) and the panel; and a control unit, receiving the image information of the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) and the panel from the image acquisition unit and calculating the alignment error, controlling the movement and rotation of the first workbench and the second workbench according to the calculated alignment error, the rotation center point of the first workbench is located on the adjacent surface of the first workbench, and the rotation center point of the second workbench is located on the adjacent surface of the second workbench.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a workbench alignment device and method for manufacturing a display device, and more particularly, to a workbench alignment device and method for manufacturing a display device for adjusting the alignment between a first workbench for fixing a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and a second workbench for fixing a panel when bending the FPCB in order to attach the FPCB to a panel in a display device manufacturing process. Background Art

[0002] Generally, after the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) is attached to the panel during the manufacturing process of the display device, a process of bending the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) is required. At this time, the bending process requires precise alignment between the first workbench supporting the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) and the second workbench supporting the panel.

[0003] However, only one of the two workbenches performs the alignment function, and the workbench that performs the alignment operates based on the geometric center of the supporting four axes.

[0004] Therefore, this structure may generate excessive stress on the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) during the process of adjusting the orthogonal and rotational positions of the panel and the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB), thereby causing damage to the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB). Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a workbench alignment device and method for display device manufacturing, which adjusts the alignment between a first workbench supporting a flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) and a second workbench supporting a panel when the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) is bent in order to attach and connect it to a panel during the display device manufacturing process.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a workbench alignment device for manufacturing a display device may include: a first workbench, fixing and supporting a flexible circuit substrate (FPCB); a second workbench, spaced apart from the first workbench, with one end of the second workbench adjacent to and facing one end of the first workbench, and fixing and supporting a panel; an image acquisition unit, photographing the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) and the panel to acquire image information; and a control unit, receiving the image information of the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) and the panel from the image acquisition unit to calculate an alignment error, controlling the movement and rotation of the first workbench and the second workbench according to the calculated alignment error, wherein the rotation center point of the first workbench is located on an adjacent surface of the first workbench, and the rotation center point of the second workbench is located on an adjacent surface of the second workbench.

[0007] The control unit may analyze the image information to calculate the distance from the adjacent surface of the first worktable to the adjacent surface of the second worktable, thereby calculating the alignment error.

[0008] It may be that the rotation center point of the first worktable and the rotation center point of the second worktable are located on the same straight line on the plane.

[0009] The control unit may control the movement and rotation of the first workbench and the second workbench until adjacent surfaces of the first workbench and adjacent surfaces of the second workbench are parallel to each other.

[0010] The control unit may move at least one of the first worktable and the second worktable in the thickness direction so that upper ends of adjacent surfaces of the first worktable and the second worktable are located on the same plane.

[0011] The first workbench may include: a first driving unit that moves the first workbench in the X-axis direction; a second driving unit that moves the first workbench in the Y-axis direction; and a third driving unit that moves the first workbench in the Z-axis direction that is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0012] The first driving unit may include: a 1-1 driving unit that moves the upper side (upper) of the first worktable in the X-axis direction; and a 1-2 driving unit that moves the lower side (lower) of the first worktable in the X-axis direction.

[0013] The second driving unit may include: a 2-1 driving unit that moves the left side (left) of the first workbench in the Y-axis direction; and a 2-2 driving unit that moves the right side (right) of the first workbench in the Y-axis direction.

[0014] The second workbench may include: a fourth driving unit for moving the second workbench in the X-axis direction; a fifth driving unit for moving the second workbench in the Y-axis direction; and a sixth driving unit for moving the second workbench in the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0015] The fourth driving unit may include: a 4-1 driving unit that moves the upper side (upper) of the second worktable in the X-axis direction; and a 4-2 driving unit that moves the lower side (lower) of the second worktable in the X-axis direction.

[0016] The fifth driving unit may include: a 5-1 driving unit that moves the left side (left) of the second workbench in the Y-axis direction; and a 5-2 driving unit that moves the right side (right) of the second workbench in the Y-axis direction.

[0017] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for aligning a workbench for manufacturing a display device includes: (a) a step of fixing and supporting a flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) on a first workbench; (b) a step of fixing and supporting a panel on a second workbench; (c) a step of an image acquisition unit photographing the first workbench and the second workbench to acquire image information; (d) a step of a control unit receiving the image information from the image acquisition unit to calculate an alignment error; and (e) a step of a control unit controlling movement and rotation of the first workbench and the second workbench based on the calculated alignment error.

[0018] It may be that the second workbench is separated from the first workbench, one end of the second workbench is adjacent to and faces one end of the first workbench, the rotation center point of the first workbench is located on an adjacent surface of the first workbench, and the rotation center point of the second workbench is located on an adjacent surface of the second workbench.

[0019] In step (d), the control unit may analyze the image information and calculate the distance from the adjacent surface of the first worktable to the adjacent surface of the second worktable, thereby calculating the alignment error.

[0020] It may be that in step (e), the control unit controls the movement and rotation of the first worktable and the second worktable until adjacent surfaces of the first worktable and adjacent surfaces of the second worktable are parallel to each other.

[0021] It may be that in step (e), the control unit moves at least one of the first workbench or the second workbench in the thickness direction so that the upper end of the adjacent surface of the first workbench and the upper end of the adjacent surface of the second workbench are located on the same plane.

[0022] It may be that in step (e), the control unit moves the first worktable in the X-axis direction through the first drive unit, or moves the first worktable in the Y-axis direction through the second drive unit, or controls the first drive unit and the second drive unit at the same time to rotate the first worktable to the left or right by a certain angle.

[0023] It may be that in step (e), the control unit moves the second worktable in the X-axis direction through the fourth drive unit, or moves the second worktable in the Y-axis direction through the fifth drive unit, or simultaneously controls the fourth drive unit and the fifth drive unit to rotate the second worktable to the left or right by a certain angle.

[0024] In step (e), the control unit may move the first worktable in the Z-axis direction via the third drive unit, or may move the second worktable in the Z-axis direction via the sixth drive unit.

[0025] It may be that in step (e), the control unit moves the first worktable in the Z-axis direction through the third driving unit, or moves the second worktable in the Z-axis direction through the sixth driving unit, so that the upper end portion of the first worktable in the thickness direction and the upper end portion of the second worktable in the thickness direction are located on the same straight line.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] Generally, the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) attached and connected to the panel is easily damaged due to small tensile and torsional loads. During the position correction process of the existing single alignment workbench, the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) connected to the panel is easily damaged.

[0028] However, according to the present disclosure, a bending system can be realized that fully considers the structure of a flexible circuit board (FPCB) that is easily affected by an external load, that is, a bending process is realized while minimizing an excessive load applied to the flexible circuit board (FPCB).

[0029] In addition, it is possible to prevent the flexible circuit board (FPCB) from being damaged or defective, thereby improving the yield of the module process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 A diagram schematically showing the overall structure of a stage alignment device for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 A diagram showing the rotation center points of the first worktable and the second worktable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 2 is a diagram illustrating a distance from an adjacent surface of a first workbench to an adjacent surface of a second workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 The diagram is a diagram showing reference positions of a first workbench and a second workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 A diagram showing that a rotation center point of a first worktable and a rotation center point of a second worktable are located on the same straight line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 The diagram shows an example of moving and rotating the first worktable and the second worktable until two adjacent surfaces are parallel to each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of moving the first worktable or the second worktable in the thickness direction according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a driving portion of a first workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a driving portion of a second workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing an example of moving the first table or the second table according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in the X-axis direction.

[0040] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing an example of moving the first table or the second table according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0041] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing an example of rotating the first table or the second table according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig.13 The diagram shows an example of photographing a first workbench and a second workbench by an image acquisition unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of calculating the Z coordinates of the first worktable and the second worktable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.15 The flowchart is used to illustrate a method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.16 The figure shows an example in which the first worktable and the second worktable rotate about the rotation center point according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Description of reference numerals:

[0047] 100: Workbench alignment device for display device manufacturing

[0048] 110: Flexible circuit substrate 120: First workbench

[0049] 122: Rotation center point 124: Adjacent surface

[0050] 130: Panel 140: Second workbench

[0051] 142: Rotation center point 144: Adjacent surface

[0052] 150: Image acquisition unit 160: Control unit

[0053] 810: First drive unit 812: 1-1st drive unit

[0054] 814: 1st-2nd driving unit 820: Second driving unit

[0055] 822: 2-1st drive unit 824: 2-2nd drive unit

[0056] 830: third driving unit 840: fourth driving unit

[0057] 842: 4-1 driving unit 844: 4-2 driving unit

[0058] 850: Fifth drive unit 852: 5-1st drive unit

[0059] 854: 5-2nd drive unit 860: 6th drive unit

[0060] 1410: Reference surface 1420: Shooting surface

[0061] a, b, c, d: reference position of the first workbench

[0062] a', b', c', d': current position of the first workbench

[0063] e, f, g, h: Reference position of the second workbench

[0064] e', f', g', h': current position of the second workbench DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The benefits and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them are described in detail in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The embodiments described in detail later will be clear. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may also be implemented in different forms, but this embodiment is provided to make the disclosure of the present disclosure complete and to enable ordinary technicians in the field to fully understand the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims. Therefore, in several embodiments, in order to avoid the present disclosure from being ambiguous, well-known process steps, well-known component structures and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Throughout the specification, the same figure numerals refer to the same constituent elements.

[0066] As shown in the figure, the spatially relative terms "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. can be used to easily describe the relationship between one element or constituent element and other elements or constituent elements. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include different directions of elements when used or operated in conjunction with the orientation shown in the figure. For example, when the elements shown in the figure are turned over, elements recorded as "below" or "beneath" of other elements can be placed "above" of other elements. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include above and below. Elements can be oriented in other directions, and therefore, spatially relative terms can be interpreted based on the orientation.

[0067] In this specification, when it is described that a part is connected to another part, it includes not only the case of direct connection, but also the case of other components being arranged between them and connected. In addition, when it is described that a part includes a certain constituent element, unless there is a special description to the contrary, it means that other constituent elements may also be included, and other constituent elements are not excluded.

[0068] In this specification, the terms "first", "second", "third" and the like may be used to describe various constituent elements, but such constituent elements are not limited to the terms. The purpose of the terms is to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements. For example, without exceeding the scope of the claims of the present disclosure, the first constituent element may be named as the second or third constituent element, and similarly, the second or third constituent element may be named interchangeably.

[0069] In the absence of other definitions, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification can be used with the meanings commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field. And, unless explicitly defined, the terms defined in commonly used dictionaries will not be interpreted ideally or extensively.

[0070] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 16 , a workbench alignment device for display device manufacturing according to the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0071] Figure 1 A diagram schematically showing the overall structure of a stage alignment device for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Reference Figure 1According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a workbench alignment device 100 for manufacturing a display device may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 110, a first workbench (Stage 1) 120, a panel (Panel) 130, a second workbench (Stage 2) 140, an image acquisition unit 150 and a control unit 160.

[0073] Generally, a display device may include: a driving integrated circuit (IC) for driving a display panel; and a flexible circuit substrate 110 connected to the display panel in order to transmit a signal for driving the display panel.

[0074] The flexible circuit substrate 110 is connected to the panel 130 and is used to receive a sensing signal from the panel 130 and transmit the sensing signal to the driving IC.

[0075] The first worktable 120 fixes and supports the flexible circuit substrate 110 .

[0076] The panel 130 may be a display panel, which receives a driving signal from the driving IC through the flexible circuit substrate 110. In addition, the panel 130 may be a touch sensing panel, which can transmit a sensing signal generated by a user's touch to the driving IC through the flexible circuit substrate 110.

[0077] The second stage 140 fixes and supports the panel 130 , is spaced apart from the first stage 120 , and one end of the second stage 140 and one end of the first stage 120 face each other adjacently.

[0078] The image acquisition unit 150 can capture the flexible circuit substrate 110 and the panel 130 to acquire image information. For example, the image acquisition unit 150 can be exemplified by a camera that captures images by capturing the first workbench 120 on which the flexible circuit substrate 110 is fixed and the second workbench 140 on which the panel 130 is fixed. Here, the camera can collect light emitted from the target object through an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), thereby generating image information. The image acquisition unit 150 according to the present disclosure can be any one of industrial cameras, but is not limited thereto, and any device can be used as long as it is a device that can generate image information.

[0079] The control unit 160 can receive the image information of the flexible circuit substrate 110 and the panel 130 from the image acquisition unit 150 to calculate the alignment error, and control the movement and rotation of the first worktable 120 and the second worktable 140 according to the calculated alignment error.

[0080] Here, if Figure 2 As shown, the rotation center point 122 of the first workbench 120 may be located on an adjacent surface 124 of the first workbench 120 , and the rotation center point 142 of the second workbench 140 may be located on an adjacent surface 144 of the second workbench 140 . Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the rotation center points of the first workbench and the second workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the rotation center point 122 of the first workbench 120 is located at the center of the adjacent surface 124 of the first workbench 120, but is not limited thereto and may be located at the left side or left end of the adjacent surface 124 or the right side or right end of the adjacent surface 124. Figure 2 The example in FIG. 1 shows that the rotation center point 142 of the second workbench 140 is located at the center of the adjacent surface 144 of the second workbench 140 , but is not limited thereto and may be located at the left side or left end of the adjacent surface 144 or the right side or right end of the adjacent surface 144 .

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 160 can calculate the distance from the adjacent surface 124 of the first workbench 120 to the adjacent surface 144 of the second workbench 140 by analyzing the image information, thereby calculating the alignment error. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the distance from the adjacent surface of the first workbench to the adjacent surface of the second workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 160 can respectively calculate the distance d1 from the right adjacent surface 124 of the first worktable 120 to the right adjacent surface 144 of the second worktable 140, the distance d2 from the rotation center point 122 of the first worktable 120 to the rotation center point 142 of the second worktable 140, and the distance d3 from the left adjacent surface 124 of the first worktable 120 to the left adjacent surface 144 of the second worktable 140.

[0082] At this time, the control unit 160 stores the reference position 320 of the first table 120 and the reference position 340 of the second table 140 in the internal memory when the first table 120 and the second table 140 are in a parallel state.

[0083] Here, if Figure 4 As shown, the reference position 320 of the first workbench 120 includes the x and y coordinates of the four vertices constituting the first workbench 120, namely a (x1, y1), b (x2, y2), c (x3, y3), and d (x4, y4). Figure 42 is a diagram showing the reference positions of the first workbench and the second workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , the reference position 340 of the second worktable 140 includes the x and y coordinates of each of the four vertices constituting the second worktable 140, namely, e (x5, y5), f (x6, y6), g (x7, y7), and h (x8, y8).

[0084] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the rotation center point 122 of the first workbench 120 and the rotation center point 142 of the second workbench 140 may be located on the same straight line 510 on a plane. Figure 5 A diagram showing that a rotation center point of a first worktable and a rotation center point of a second worktable are located on the same straight line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 160 can control the movement and rotation of the first workbench 120 and the second workbench 140 until the adjacent surface 124 of the first workbench 120 and the adjacent surface 144 of the second workbench 140 are parallel to each other. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a first workbench and a second workbench moving and rotating until two adjacent surfaces are parallel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 160 can move and rotate the first workbench 120 so that the current position (a', b', c', d') of the first workbench 120 becomes the reference position (a, b, c, d) of the first workbench 120. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 160 can control the movement and rotation of the second worktable 140 so that the current position (e′, f′, g′, h′) of the second worktable 140 becomes the reference position (e, f, g, h) of the second worktable 140 .

[0086] exist Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the figure, the first workbench 120 moves and rotates according to the control of the control unit 160, which is equivalent to the current position of each vertex a'(x1', y1'), b'(x2', y2'), c'(x3', y3'), d'(x4', y4') becoming the reference position a(x1, y1), b(x2, y2), c(x3, y3), d(x4, y4).

[0087] exist Figure 4 and Figure 6In the figure, the second workbench 140 moves and rotates according to the control of the control unit 160, which is equivalent to the current position of each vertex e'(x5', y5'), f'(x6', y6'), g'(x7', y7'), h'(x8', y8') becoming the reference position e(x5, y5), f(x6, y6), g(x7, y7), h(x8, y8).

[0088] On the other hand, Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 160 can move at least one of the first workbench 120 or the second workbench 140 in the thickness direction (+z or -z) so that the upper end 126 of the adjacent surface 124 of the first workbench 120 and the upper end 146 of the adjacent surface 144 of the second workbench 140 are located on the same plane. Figure 7 The figure shows an example of moving the first worktable or the second worktable according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in the thickness direction. Therefore, the upper end 126 of the adjacent surface 124 of the first worktable 120 and the upper end 146 of the adjacent surface 144 of the second worktable 140 are located on the same line.

[0089] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B 2 is a diagram showing a driving portion of a first workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a driving portion of a second workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Reference Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B According to the present disclosure, the first workbench 120 includes a first driving unit 810 , a second driving unit 820 and a third driving unit 830 .

[0091] The first driving unit 810 moves the first workbench 120 in the X-axis direction. Fig. 8A As shown, the first driving unit 810 includes a 1-1 driving unit 812 and a 1-2 driving unit 814. The 1-1 driving unit 812 moves the upper side (upper, X1) of the first workbench 120 in the X-axis direction, and the 1-2 driving unit 814 moves the lower side (lower, X2) of the first workbench 120 in the X-axis direction. That is, the first driving unit 810 converts the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion, thereby moving the upper side and the lower side of the first workbench 120 in the X-axis direction.

[0092] The second driving unit 820 moves the first workbench 120 in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction. The second driving unit 820 converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, thereby moving the left and right sides of the first workbench 120 in the Y-axis direction. Fig. 8A, the second drive unit 820 is shown as one, but as in Fig. 9A 852 and 854 that constitute the fifth drive unit 850, the second drive unit 820 may be composed of the 2-1 drive unit 822 and the 2-2 drive unit 824. The 2-1 drive unit 822 moves the left side (left, Y1) of the first workbench 120 in the Y-axis direction, and the 2-2 drive unit 824 moves the right side (right, Y2) of the first workbench 120 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the second drive unit 820 converts the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion, thereby moving the left and right sides of the first workbench 120 in the Y-axis direction.

[0093] like Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 1 , the third driving unit 830 moves the first workbench 120 in the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and also to the Y-axis direction. That is, the third driving unit 830 converts the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion, so that Figure 8B As shown, the first workbench 120 is moved in the Z-axis direction.

[0094] The second working table 140 includes a fourth driving unit 840 , a fifth driving unit 850 , and a sixth driving unit 860 .

[0095] The fourth driving unit 840 moves the second worktable 140 in the X-axis direction. The fourth driving unit 840 converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, thereby moving the upper side and the lower side of the second worktable 140 in the X-axis direction. Fig. 9A , the fourth drive unit 840 is shown as one, but as in Fig. 8A The fourth drive unit 840 may be composed of a 4-1 drive unit 842 and a 4-2 drive unit 844, just as the 1-1 drive unit 812 and the 1-2 drive unit 814 constitute the first drive unit 810. The 4-1 drive unit 842 moves the upper side (upper, X1) of the second workbench 140 in the X-axis direction, and the 4-2 drive unit 844 moves the lower side (lower, X2) of the second workbench 140 in the X-axis direction. That is, the fourth drive unit 840 converts the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion, so that Fig. 9A As shown, the upper side and the lower side of the second workbench 140 are moved in the X-axis direction.

[0096] The fifth driving unit 850 moves the second workbench 140 in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction. Fig. 9AAs shown, the fifth drive unit 850 includes a 5-1 drive unit 852 and a 5-2 drive unit 854. The 5-1 drive unit 852 moves the left side (left, Y1) of the second workbench 140 in the Y-axis direction, and the 5-2 drive unit 854 moves the right side (right, Y2) of the second workbench 140 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the fifth drive unit 850 changes the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion, so that Fig. 9A As shown, the left and right sides of the second workbench 140 are moved in the Y-axis direction.

[0097] like Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 1 , the sixth driving unit 860 moves the second workbench 140 in the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and also to the Y-axis direction. The sixth driving unit 860 also converts the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion, so that Fig. 9B As shown, the second workbench 140 is moved in the Z-axis direction.

[0098] Here, the first to sixth driving units 810 to 860 are exemplified as using the power of a motor, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may use solenoid power.

[0099] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing an example of moving the first table or the second table according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in the X-axis direction.

[0100] Reference Fig.10 According to the present disclosure, when the control unit 160 moves the first workbench 120 or the second workbench 140 in the X-axis direction, it only controls the first driving unit 810 or the fourth driving unit 840 to move the first workbench 120 or the second workbench 140 in the X-axis direction.

[0101] For example, when the first workbench 120 is moved in the X-axis direction, the control unit 160 simultaneously controls the 1-1 driving unit 812 on the upper side X1 of the first workbench 120 and the 1-2 driving unit 814 on the lower side X2 of the first workbench 120, thereby moving the first workbench 120 in the +X-axis direction or the -X-axis direction. That is, the control unit 160 does not control the second driving unit 820 that moves the first workbench 120 in the Y-axis direction.

[0102] Therefore, the first driving unit 810 drives the 1-1 driving unit 812 and the 1-2 driving unit 814 simultaneously, thereby moving the first worktable 120 in the +X axis direction or the −X axis direction.

[0103] Similarly, when moving the second worktable 140 in the X-axis direction, the control unit 160 controls the 4-1st driving unit 842 and the 4-2nd driving unit 844 in the same manner to move the second worktable 140 in the +X-axis direction or the −X-axis direction.

[0104] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing an example of moving the first table or the second table according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0105] Reference Fig.11 When the first workbench 120 or the second workbench 140 according to the present disclosure is moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the control unit 160 controls the first driving unit 810 and the second driving unit 820 or the fourth driving unit 840 and the fifth driving unit 850. For example, the control unit 160 controls the first driving unit 810 to move the first workbench 120 in the X-axis direction, and then controls the second driving unit 820 to move the first workbench 120 in the Y-axis direction.

[0106] Therefore, the first driving unit 810 simultaneously drives the 1-1 driving unit 812 and the 1-2 driving unit 814 to move the first worktable 120 in the +X axis direction, and the second driving unit 820 moves the first worktable 120 moving in the +X axis direction in the −Y axis direction.

[0107] At this time, the control unit 160 may control the first driving unit 810 first and then the second driving unit 820, or control the second driving unit 820 first and then the first driving unit 810. That is, the control unit 160 does not control the first driving unit 810 and the second driving unit 820 at the same time, but controls the two driving units in sequence.

[0108] Similarly, when moving the second workbench 140 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the control unit 160 controls the fourth drive unit 840 in the same manner to move the second workbench 140 in the +X-axis direction, and then controls the fifth drive unit 850 to move the second workbench 140 in the -Y-axis direction.

[0109] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing an example of rotating the first table or the second table according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Reference Fig.12 According to the present disclosure, the control unit 160 simultaneously controls the 1-1 driving unit 812, the 1-2 driving unit 814 and the second driving unit 820 or the 4-1 driving unit 842, the 4-2 driving unit 844 and the fifth driving unit 850 when rotating the first workbench 120 or the second workbench 140.

[0111] For example, the control unit 160 moves the first workbench 120 in the +X axis direction through the 1-1 driving unit 812, in the -X axis direction through the 1-2 driving unit 814, and in the -Y axis direction through the second driving unit 820. Fig.12As shown, the upper left end of the first workbench 120 moves upward and toward the right at the same time, the upper right end moves toward the right at the same time downward, the lower right end moves downward and toward the left at the same time, and the lower left end moves toward the left at the same time upward, thereby realizing right rotation.

[0112] Likewise, Fig.12 As shown, the control unit 160 can rotate the second workbench 140 in the same manner. That is, the control unit 160 causes the second workbench 140 to move in the +X axis direction through the 4-1 driving unit 842, in the -X axis direction through the 4-2 driving unit 844, and in the -Y axis direction through the fifth driving unit 850. Fig.12 As shown, the upper left end of the second workbench 140 moves upward and toward the right at the same time, the upper right end moves toward the right at the same time downward, the lower right end moves downward and toward the left at the same time, and the lower left end moves toward the left at the same time upward, thereby realizing right rotation.

[0113] Fig.13 The diagram shows an example of photographing a first workbench and a second workbench by an image acquisition unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Reference Figures 1 to 13 According to the present disclosure, the image acquisition unit 150 uses a camera to photograph the flexible circuit substrate 110 fixed to the first workbench 120 while photographing the panel 130 fixed to the second workbench 140 .

[0115] To this end, the image acquisition unit 150 is located above the first workbench 120 or the second workbench 140 .

[0116] The control unit 160 calculates the positions of the first workbench 120 and the second workbench 140 based on the image information captured by the image acquisition unit 150. Specifically, the control unit 160 detects the three-dimensional coordinates (XYZ coordinates) of the first workbench 120 and the second workbench 140 by analyzing the captured image information. To this end, for example, the control unit 160 can binarize the image information received from the image acquisition unit 150 based on the shooting illumination, thereby generating a black-white image, scanning the black-white image in the up-down direction and the left-right direction to extract the basic contour line of the subject in the image, determine the center position of the subject from the contour line, and detect the positions of each vertex of the subject (e.g., the workbench) based on the center position.

[0117] Therefore, the control unit 160 can obtain Figure 6The XY coordinates of the first workbench 120 and the second workbench 140 are shown. That is, the control unit 160 can obtain the coordinates of each vertex a'(x1', y1'), b'(x2', y2'), c'(x3', y3'), d'(x4', y4') corresponding to the current position of the first workbench 120. In addition, the control unit 160 can obtain the coordinates of each vertex e'(x5', y5'), f'(x6', y6'), g'(x7', y7'), h'(x8', y8') corresponding to the current position of the second workbench 140.

[0118] On the other hand, Fig.14 As shown, the control unit 160 can calculate the Z coordinates of the first worktable 120 and the second worktable 140 .

[0119] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing an example of calculating the Z coordinates of the first worktable and the second worktable according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Reference Fig.14 According to the present disclosure, the image acquisition unit 150 captures the area 151 with the maximum perspective angle, thereby transmitting multiple images to the control unit 160. Fig.14 , the maximum perspective angle of the image acquisition unit 150 is 2θ. That is, the maximum perspective angle of the image acquisition unit 150 can be freely set according to the installation position, and the area 151 of the maximum perspective angle that the image acquisition unit 150 can capture is determined according to the set maximum perspective angle. The image acquisition unit 150 can capture the first workbench 120 and the second workbench 140 in the area 151 of the maximum perspective angle.

[0121] The control unit 160 calculates the positions of the first worktable 120 and the second worktable 140 based on the plurality of images. To this end, the control unit 160 includes a ratio calculation unit and a coordinate calculation unit.

[0122] First, the reference point 0 of the Z coordinate is defined as the image acquisition unit 150. And, the reference point 0 overlaps with the center of the reference plane 1410. Here, the reference plane 1410 can be set Fig.13 . In contrast, the reference plane 1410 of the region 151 of the maximum perspective angle may be set as the upper surface of the first workbench 120. In addition, the reference plane 1410 may be set as a virtual plane at another height. A surface set parallel to the reference plane 1410 based on the Z coordinate in the three-dimensional coordinates is defined as the shooting surface 1420. Here, the shooting surface 1420 may be set as Fig.13 Therefore, the three-dimensional coordinates of the first workbench 120 located on the imaging surface 1420 are the three-dimensional coordinates of the workbench that are actually required to be calculated.

[0123] The Z coordinate of the workbench is Z1 when it is located on the reference plane 1410, and is Z2 when it is located on the imaging plane 1420. The maximum perspective angle of the image acquisition unit 150 is 2θ. The reference plane 1410 is the upper surface of the second workbench 140, so the length t1 of one side of the reference plane 1410 can be measured. The length t2 equivalent to half of one side of the reference plane 1410 can also be obtained by measuring the length t1 of one side.

[0124] Therefore, Z1 is defined as the following mathematical formula 1 according to the law of trigonometric functions.

[0125]

Mathematical formula 1

[0126]

[0127] On the other hand, the size of the workbench captured in the image of the image acquisition unit 150 varies depending on the height at which the workbench is actually located. That is, the farther away from the image acquisition unit 150, the smaller the size of the workbench captured in the image.

[0128] Therefore, the actual height of the workbench, that is, the Z coordinate, can be known based on the size of the workbench captured in the image.

[0129] The size of the second stage 140 located on the reference surface 1410 is a reference value, and the size of the second stage 140 photographed by the image acquisition unit 150 is compared with the reference value to calculate the coordinate transformation ratio. The coordinate transformation ratio is calculated according to the following mathematical formula 2.

[0130]

Mathematical formula 2

[0131]

[0132] Therefore, if the coordinate conversion ratio is multiplied by Formula 1, the Z coordinate of the first worktable 120 can be calculated according to the following Formula 3.

[0133]

Mathematical formula 3

[0134]

[0135] The ratio calculation unit calculates the coordinate conversion ratio using the size of the worktable determined based on the coordinates of the reference plane 1410 in the region 151 of the maximum perspective angle and the size of the worktable displayed on the image.

[0136] The coordinate calculation unit calculates the Z coordinate Z2 of the first workbench 120 using the coordinate transformation ratio, the maximum perspective angle of the image acquisition unit 150 , the Z coordinate Z1 of the second workbench 140 located on the reference plane 1410 , and the length t1 of one side of the reference plane 1410 in the area 151 with the maximum perspective angle.

[0137] On the other hand, the XY coordinates of the first workbench 120 are obtained by setting the reference point 0 in the image information. Figure 6 The coordinates of the vertices shown are a'(x1', y1'), b'(x2', y2'), c'(x3', y3'), and d'(x4', y4').

[0138] Here, the XY coordinates of the first workbench 120 displayed in the image information are different from the actual ones, so when the coordinate conversion ratio calculated above is applied according to the following mathematical formula 4, the actual XY coordinates can be obtained.

[0139]

Mathematical formula 4

[0140] Actual X coordinate = X * coordinate transformation ratio

[0141] Actual Y coordinate = Y * coordinate transformation ratio

[0142] As described above, the present disclosure utilizes the maximum perspective angle and the coordinate transformation ratio of the image acquisition unit 150 to more accurately calculate the three-dimensional coordinates of the workbench.

[0143] The control unit 160 compares Figure 6 The XY current coordinates (a', b', c', d') of the first workbench 120 shown in FIG. Figure 4 The XY reference coordinates (a, b, c, d) of the first workbench 120 are shown, thereby calculating the alignment error of the XY coordinates.

[0144] In addition, the control unit 160 compares the Z coordinate Z1 from the image acquisition unit 150 to the reference surface 1410 with the Z coordinate Z2 from the image acquisition unit 150 to the imaging surface 1420 , thereby calculating the alignment error of the Z coordinate.

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 160 controls the first driving unit 810 , the second driving unit 820 , and the third driving unit 830 according to the calculated alignment error, thereby adjusting the alignment of the first worktable 120 .

[0146] On the other hand, the control unit 160 compares Figure 6 The XY current coordinates (e', f', g', h') of the second workbench 140 shown in FIG. Figure 4 The XY reference coordinates (e, f, g, h) of the second workbench 140 shown in FIG. 1 are obtained to calculate the alignment error of the XY coordinates.

[0147] Furthermore, the control unit 160 controls the fourth driving unit 840 , the fifth driving unit 850 , and the sixth driving unit 860 according to the calculated alignment errors of the XY coordinates and the Z coordinates, thereby adjusting the alignment of the second worktable 140 .

[0148] Fig.15 The flowchart is used to illustrate a method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Reference Figures 1 to 16 In the method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, first, the first stage 120 fixes and supports the flexible circuit substrate 110 (S1510).

[0150] Here, the second work stage 140 is spaced apart from the first work stage 120 , and one end of the second work stage 140 and one end of the first work stage 120 face each other adjacently.

[0151] In addition, the rotation center point 122 of the first worktable 120 is located on an adjacent surface 124 of the first worktable 120 , and the rotation center point 142 of the second worktable 140 is located on an adjacent surface 144 of the second worktable 140 .

[0152] Next, the second stage 140 fixes and supports the panel 130 (S1520).

[0153] Next, the image acquisition unit 150 captures the first workbench 120 and the second workbench 140 to acquire image information ( S1530 ).

[0154] That is, the image acquisition unit 150 captures the flexible circuit substrate 110 fixed to the first worktable 120 and the panel 130 fixed to the second worktable 140 , thereby acquiring image information.

[0155] Next, the control unit 160 receives the image information of the flexible circuit board 110 and the panel 130 from the image acquisition unit 150 , and calculates the alignment error ( S1540 ).

[0156] At this time, the control unit 160 analyzes the image information, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, by comparing the current position (a', b', c', d') of the first workbench 120 with the reference position (a, b, c, d), and comparing the current position (e', f', g', h') of the second workbench 140 with the reference position (e, f, g, h), the alignment error can be calculated.

[0157] In addition, the control unit 160 analyzes the image information and calculates the distances (d1, d2, d3) from the adjacent surface 124 of the first worktable 120 to the adjacent surface 144 of the second worktable 140, thereby being able to calculate the alignment error.

[0158] Next, the control unit 160 controls the movement and rotation of the first worktable 120 and the second worktable 140 according to the calculated alignment error ( S1550 ).

[0159] At this time, if Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 160 can control the movement and rotation of the first workbench 120 and the second workbench 140 until the adjacent surface 124 of the first workbench 120 and the adjacent surface 144 of the second workbench 140 are parallel to each other. Figure 3 In the embodiment, when the interval between the first workbench 120 and the second workbench 140 when they are parallel to each other is d2, the control unit 160 controls the movement and rotation of the first workbench 120 through the first driving unit 810 and the second driving unit 820, and controls the movement and rotation of the second workbench 140 through the fourth driving unit 840 and the fifth driving unit 850, so that d3 becomes d2, and d1 becomes d2.

[0160] That is, the control unit 160 can move the first workbench 120 in the X-axis direction through the first driving unit 810, or move the first workbench 120 in the Y-axis direction through the second driving unit 820. At this time, the control unit 160 can control the first driving unit 810 and the second driving unit 820 at the same time, so that the first workbench 120 rotates to the left or right by a certain angle.

[0161] In addition, the control unit 160 moves the second workbench 140 in the X-axis direction through the fourth driving unit 840, or moves the second workbench 140 in the Y-axis direction through the fifth driving unit 850. At this time, the control unit 160 can simultaneously control the fourth driving unit 840 and the fifth driving unit 850, so that the second workbench 140 rotates to the left or right by a certain angle.

[0162] For example, Fig.16 As shown, the first workbench 120 rotates right in a clockwise direction with the rotation center point 122 as the reference, and the second workbench 140 rotates left in a counterclockwise direction with the rotation center point 142 as the reference. Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the first workbench and the second workbench rotating about the rotation center point according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.16 As shown, the first worktable 120 and the second worktable 140 are in a state where two adjacent surfaces 124 and 144 are parallel to each other.

[0163] On the other hand, Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 160 can move at least one of the first workbench 120 or the second workbench 140 in the thickness direction (+Z or -Z) so that the upper end 126 of the adjacent surface 124 of the first workbench 120 and the upper end 146 of the adjacent surface 144 of the second workbench 140 are located on the same plane.

[0164] That is, the control unit 160 can move the first worktable 120 in the Z-axis direction through the third driving unit 830 , or move the second worktable 140 in the Z-axis direction through the sixth driving unit 860 .

[0165] At this time, the control unit 160 moves the first workbench 120 in the Z-axis direction through the third driving unit 830, or moves the second workbench 140 in the Z-axis direction through the sixth driving unit 860, so that the upper end 126 of the first workbench 120 in the thickness direction and the upper end 146 of the second workbench 140 in the thickness direction are located on the same straight line.

[0166] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a workbench alignment device and method for manufacturing a display device, which can adjust the alignment between a first workbench supporting a flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) and a second workbench supporting a panel when the flexible circuit substrate (FPCB) is bent in order to connect it to a panel during the display device manufacturing process.

[0167] The present disclosure described above is not limited to the above embodiments and drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various substitutions, deformations and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A workbench alignment device for display device manufacturing, wherein: include: A first workbench, fixing and supporting a flexible circuit substrate attached to the panel; A second workbench, spaced apart from the first workbench, an adjacent surface of the second workbench and an adjacent surface of the first workbench facing each other, and fixing and supporting the panel to which the flexible circuit substrate is attached; an image acquisition unit, photographing the flexible circuit substrate and the panel to acquire image information; and a control unit that receives image information of the flexible circuit substrate and the panel from the image acquisition unit and calculates an alignment error, and controls the movement and rotation of the first workbench and the second workbench according to the calculated alignment error; The rotation center point of the first worktable is located on the adjacent surface of the first worktable, and the rotation center point of the second worktable is located on the adjacent surface of the second worktable. The rotation center point of the first workbench and the rotation center point of the second workbench are located on the same straight line on a plane.

2. The worktable alignment device for display device manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit calculates the alignment error by analyzing the image information and calculating the distance from the adjacent surface of the first stage to the adjacent surface of the second stage.

3. The worktable alignment device for display device manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit controls the movement and rotation of the first workbench and the second workbench until adjacent surfaces of the first workbench and adjacent surfaces of the second workbench are parallel to each other.

4. The worktable alignment device for display device manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit moves at least one of the first worktable and the second worktable in the thickness direction so that the upper end of the adjacent surface of the first worktable and the upper end of the adjacent surface of the second worktable are located on the same plane.

5. The display device manufacturing stage alignment device according to claim 1, wherein: The first workbench comprises: A first driving unit moves the first workbench in the X-axis direction; A second driving unit moves the first workbench in the Y-axis direction; and The third driving unit moves the first worktable in a Z-axis direction that is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

6. The worktable alignment device for display device manufacturing according to claim 5, wherein: The first driving unit comprises: A 1-1 driving unit moves the upper side of the first workbench in the X-axis direction; and The 1-2 driving unit moves the lower side of the first worktable in the X-axis direction.

7. The worktable alignment device for display device manufacturing according to claim 5, wherein: The second driving unit comprises: The 2-1 driving unit moves the left side of the first workbench in the Y-axis direction; and The 2-2 driving unit moves the right side of the first workbench in the Y-axis direction.

8. The worktable alignment device for display device manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein: The second workbench comprises: a fourth driving unit, for moving the second workbench in the X-axis direction; a fifth driving unit, which moves the second workbench in the Y-axis direction; and The sixth driving unit moves the second worktable in a Z-axis direction that is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

9. The worktable alignment device for display device manufacturing according to claim 8, wherein: The fourth driving unit comprises: The 4-1 driving unit moves the upper side of the second workbench in the X-axis direction; and The 4-2 driving unit moves the lower side of the second worktable in the X-axis direction.

10. The worktable alignment device for display device manufacturing according to claim 8, wherein: The fifth driving unit comprises: The 5-1 driving unit moves the left side of the second workbench in the Y-axis direction; and The 5-2 driving unit moves the right side of the second workbench in the Y-axis direction.

11. A method for aligning a workbench for manufacturing a display device, wherein: include: (a) a step of fixing and supporting a flexible circuit substrate attached to a panel on a first workbench; (b) a step of fixing and supporting the panel to which the flexible circuit substrate is attached on a second workbench; (c) an image acquisition unit photographs the first workbench and the second workbench to acquire image information; (d) a step in which a control unit receives the image information from the image acquisition unit and calculates an alignment error; and (e) the control unit controls the movement and rotation of the first worktable and the second worktable based on the calculated alignment error, The second workbench is spaced apart from the first workbench, and an adjacent surface of the second workbench and an adjacent surface of the first workbench are adjacent to and face each other. The rotation center point of the first worktable is located on the adjacent surface of the first worktable, and the rotation center point of the second worktable is located on the adjacent surface of the second worktable. The rotation center point of the first workbench and the rotation center point of the second workbench are located on the same straight line on a plane.

12. The method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to claim 11, wherein: In the step (d), the control unit analyzes the image information and calculates the distance from the adjacent surface of the first worktable to the adjacent surface of the second worktable, thereby calculating the alignment error.

13. The method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to claim 11, wherein: In the step (e), the control unit controls the movement and rotation of the first worktable and the second worktable until adjacent surfaces of the first worktable and the second worktable are parallel to each other.

14. The method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to claim 11, wherein: In step (e), the control unit moves at least one of the first workbench or the second workbench in the thickness direction so that the upper end of the adjacent surface of the first workbench and the upper end of the adjacent surface of the second workbench are located on the same plane.

15. The method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to claim 11, wherein: In step (e), the control unit moves the first worktable in the X-axis direction through the first drive unit, or moves the first worktable in the Y-axis direction through the second drive unit, or simultaneously controls the first drive unit and the second drive unit to rotate the first worktable to the left or right by a certain angle.

16. The method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to claim 11, wherein: In step (e), the control unit moves the second worktable in the X-axis direction through the fourth drive unit, or moves the second worktable in the Y-axis direction through the fifth drive unit, or simultaneously controls the fourth drive unit and the fifth drive unit to rotate the second worktable to the left or right by a certain angle.

17. The method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to claim 11, wherein: In the step (e), the control unit moves the first worktable in the Z-axis direction through the third drive unit, or moves the second worktable in the Z-axis direction through the sixth drive unit.

18. The method for aligning a stage for manufacturing a display device according to claim 17, wherein: In step (e), the control unit moves the first worktable in the Z-axis direction through the third drive unit, or moves the second worktable in the Z-axis direction through the sixth drive unit, so that the upper end portion of the first worktable in the thickness direction and the upper end portion of the second worktable in the thickness direction are located on the same straight line.

Images