Calibration plate and device for attaching a polarizer including the calibration plate

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a calibration plate and a device for attaching a polarizer. The calibration plate includes: a holding portion detachably attached to a polarizer suction member; and a calibration portion extending from the holding portion and having a cantilever shape, wherein the calibration portion includes: a first alignment mark for aligning a first vision camera on one side which is an area close to the holding portion; and a second alignment mark for aligning a second vision camera on the other side.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0043894, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 15, 2019, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a calibration plate and an apparatus for attaching a polarizer including the calibration plate. Background Art

[0004] With the development of multimedia technology, the importance of display devices has been steadily increasing. Accordingly, various types of display devices, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices and organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices, have been used.

[0005] An LCD device is provided with a liquid crystal display panel that converts an electrical signal into an image. A polarizer is attached to an outer surface of the liquid crystal display panel. The polarizer polarizes light vibrating in all directions into light vibrating only in a specific direction, thereby realizing a desired image.

[0006] On the other hand, since a light emitting layer of an OLED display device does not emit light when no voltage is applied, it is possible to display pure black. Accordingly, in an OLED display device, a polarizer is not provided to block light emission. However, in an OLED display device, a polarizer is provided on a display panel to prevent external light from being reflected by internal metal wirings.

[0007] To attach a polarizer to a display panel, an alignment operation is required to align the orientation of the display panel and the orientation of the polarizer. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a calibration plate that can calibrate a vision camera for aligning a polarizer and a vision camera for aligning a display panel positioned at a distance.

[0009] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aspects set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0010] An embodiment of the calibration plate includes: a holding part detachably attached to a polarizer suction member; and a calibration part extending from the holding part and having a cantilever shape, wherein the calibration part includes: a first alignment mark for aligning a first vision camera on one side which is an area close to the holding part; and a second alignment mark for aligning a second vision camera on the other side.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding part and the calibration part may be made of transparent quartz.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vision camera may be disposed above the calibration part, and the first alignment mark may be formed on the lower surface of the calibration part.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second vision camera may be disposed below the calibration part, and the second alignment mark may be formed on the upper surface of the calibration part.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark may have a cross shape, and the distance between the first alignment marks may be greater than the distance between the second alignment marks.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark may have a grid shape.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the calibration plate may further include: a bracket and a joining member for attaching the holding part to the polarizer suction member.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding part may include at least one of a through hole and a groove.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper surface of the bracket may have a peripheral portion including first joining holes corresponding to the through hole and the groove, and the lower surface of the bracket may have a support portion including second joining holes corresponding to the through hole and the groove.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the joining member may be a bolt passing through the first joining hole, the through hole, the groove, and the second joining hole.

[0020] An embodiment of an apparatus for attaching a polarizer includes: a display panel suction member including a first platform to which a display panel is attached; a second vision camera disposed below the first platform to inspect an alignment state of the display panel; a polarizer suction member including a second platform to which a polarizer is attached; a first vision camera disposed above the second platform to inspect an alignment state of the polarizer; and a polarizer attachment unit disposed between the first vision camera and the second vision camera.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus may further include: a calibration plate detachably attached to the polarizer suction member.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the calibration plate may include: a holding part detachably attached to the second platform; and a calibration part extending from the holding part and having a cantilever shape, wherein the calibration part includes: a first alignment mark for aligning the first vision camera on one side as a region close to the holding part, and a second alignment mark for aligning the second vision camera on the other side.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding part and the calibration part may be made of transparent quartz.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vision camera may be disposed above the calibration part, and the first alignment mark may be formed on a lower surface of the calibration part.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second vision camera may be disposed below the calibration part, and the second alignment mark may be formed on an upper surface of the calibration part.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark may have a cross shape, and a distance between the first alignment marks may be greater than a distance between the second alignment marks.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a length of a long side of the calibration part may increase in proportion to a distance between the second vision camera and the polarizer attachment unit.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel may include a third alignment mark formed on one side, the third alignment mark being arranged to correspond to the second vision camera, and two corners of a short side of the polarizer being arranged to correspond to the first vision camera.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second platform may include a hinge member on one side, and the polarizer attachment unit may include a roller for pressurization, the roller being configured to lift the other side of the second platform.

[0030] According to an apparatus for attaching a polarizer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by using a calibration plate, it is possible to calibrate a vision camera for aligning the polarizer and a vision camera for aligning a display panel positioned at a distance.

[0031] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and according to the following description, other effects not described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by referring to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an apparatus for attaching a polarizer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing a polarizer attachment device;

[0035] Figure 3 is a view illustrating a process of attaching a display panel to a first platform;

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a display panel to which a polarizer is attached;

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a vision camera calibration member;

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a calibration plate;

[0039] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a plan view of the calibration plate;

[0040] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a bracket;

[0041] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a vision camera calibration process;

[0042] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a side view schematically showing a polarizer attachment device to illustrate a camera calibration process;

[0043] Figure 12is a flowchart illustrating a polarizer attachment process;

[0044] Figures 13 to 15 is a side view schematically showing a polarizer attachment apparatus to illustrate the polarizer attachment process;

[0045] Figure 16A and Figure 16B is a diagram illustrating a case where a display panel and a polarizer are abnormally attached; and

[0046] Figure 17A and Figure 17B is a diagram illustrating a case where a display panel and a polarizer are normally attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Now, the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0048] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, the layer can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or an intermediate layer may also be present. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals indicate like components. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity.

[0049] Although terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of one or more embodiments. Referring to an element as a “first” element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. Terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to distinguish different classes or groups of elements. For the sake of brevity, terms such as “first” and “second” may represent “first class (or first group)” and “second class (or second group)”, respectively.

[0050] In summarizing the detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments without materially departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1is a block diagram schematically showing a device for attaching a polarizer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing the polarizer attachment device. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a process of attaching a display panel to a first platform. Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a display panel to which a polarizer is attached.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , a polarizer attachment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel providing unit 100, a polarizer providing unit 200, and a polarizer attaching unit 300.

[0054] The display panel providing unit 100 may include a display panel supply member 110 into which a display panel DP is supplied, a display panel cleaning member 120 for cleaning the display panel DP, a display panel suction member 130 including a first platform 131, and a display panel alignment inspection member 140 for inspecting an alignment state of the display panel DP to be attached to the first platform 131.

[0055] The display panel DP may be supplied into the display panel supply member 110 to perform a process of attaching the display panel DP. The display panel DP may be supplied into the display panel supply member 110 via, for example, a conveyor belt or a suction device.

[0056] The display panel cleaning member 120 may clean the display panel DP to remove foreign substances from the display panel DP. Although not specifically shown, the display panel providing unit 100 may further include a display panel inspection member for inspecting whether the display panel DP is defective before or after cleaning the display panel DP. The display panel inspection member may determine whether the display panel DP is defective.

[0057] The display panel DP may be disposed on the display panel suction member 130. More specifically, the display panel suction member 130 may include a first platform 131 to which the display panel DP is attached, a first driver 132 for driving the first platform 131, and a first controller for controlling an operation of the first driver 132.

[0058] A plurality of the first platforms 131 may be provided, and the display panel DP may be stably placed on the first platform 131. The display panel DP may be disposed on the first platform 131. A plurality of suction holes 131a connected to a vacuum pump may be formed in the first platform 131. Thus, when the display panel DP is stably placed on the first platform 131, the display panel DP may be attracted through the plurality of suction holes 131a to fix a position of the display panel DP.

[0059] The first driver 132 can change the position of the first platform 131 on which the display panel DP is stably placed. According to an embodiment, the first driver 132 includes: a first moving member 132a that can move along a first direction DR1 on a first rail Rail1; a first height adjusting member 132b that can move the first platform 131 along a second direction DR2 or adjust the height of the first platform 131 along a third direction DR3; and a first rotating member 132c that can rotate the first platform 131 by a predetermined angle.

[0060] The first controller can control the driving of the first driver 132 to align the position of the first platform 131.

[0061] The display panel alignment inspection member 140 can include a second vision camera CAM2 that can capture an image of a third alignment mark AM3 formed on the display panel DP to inspect the alignment state of the display panel DP. The second vision camera CAM2 can be disposed below the display panel suction member 130. For example, two second vision cameras CAM2 can be disposed to correspond to a pair of third alignment marks AM3 formed on the display panel DP, respectively.

[0062] The polarizer providing unit 200 can include: a polarizer supply member 210 into which a polarizer Pol is supplied, a vision camera calibration member 220 that calibrates the coordinate systems of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second vision camera CAM2 to a common coordinate system, a polarizer suction member 230 including a second platform 231, and a polarizer alignment inspection member 240 to which the polarizer Pol is to be attached.

[0063] The polarizer providing unit 200 can provide a polarizer Pol to be attached to the display panel DP. The polarizer Pol can be provided through the polarizer supply member 210. The polarizer Pol can be provided after being cut into a size corresponding to the display panel DP. In this case, the area of the polarizer Pol can be larger than the area of the display panel DP.

[0064] The vision camera calibration member 220 can align a first coordinate system (X1 - Y1 coordinate system) of the first vision camera CAM1 for aligning the polarizer suction member 230 and a second coordinate system (X2 - Y2 coordinate system) of the second vision camera CAM2 for aligning the display panel suction member 130 to a common coordinate system (X3 - Y3 coordinate system). In this case, the common coordinate system (X3 - Y3 coordinate system) can be identical to the second coordinate system (X2 - Y2 coordinate system).

[0065] The vision camera calibration component 220 may include a calibration plate 221, a bracket 222 for mounting the calibration plate 221 to the polarizer suction component 230, and a joining member 223 for fixing the calibration plate 221 and the bracket 222. The vision camera calibration component 220 will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 5 to 8 The vision camera calibration component 220 will be described in detail later with reference to

[0066] The polarizer suction component 230 may include a second platform 231 on which the polarizer Pol is stably placed, a second driver 232 for driving the second platform 231, and a second controller for controlling the operation of the second driver 232.

[0067] A plurality of second platforms 231 may be provided, and the polarizer Pol may be stably placed on the second platform 231. The second driver 232 may change the position of the second platform 231 on which the polarizer Pol is stably placed. According to an embodiment, the second driver 232 includes: a second moving member 232a that can move along a first direction DR1 on a second rail Rail2; a second height adjusting member 232b that can move the second platform 231 along a second direction DR2 or adjust the height of the second platform 231 along a third direction DR3; and a second rotating member 232c that can rotate the second platform 231 by a predetermined angle.

[0068] The second controller may control the second driver 232 to align the position of the polarizer Pol by driving the second platform 231 on which the polarizer Pol is stably placed.

[0069] The polarizer alignment inspection component 240 may include a first vision camera CAM1 that can capture images of two corners of a short side of the polarizer Pol to inspect the alignment state of the polarizer Pol. The first vision camera CAM1 may be disposed above the polarizer suction component 230. For example, two first vision cameras CAM1 may be provided to correspond to two corners of a short side of the polarizer Pol, respectively.

[0070] After the display panel providing unit 100 and the polarizer providing unit 200 are joined, in a state where the first platform 131 and the second platform 231 are inclined at a predetermined angle, the polarizer attaching unit 300 may attach the polarizer Pol to the display panel DP by boosting. The polarizer attaching unit 300 may include a roller 300a that provides pressure for attaching the polarizer Pol to the display panel DP.

[0071] The polarizer attachment unit 300 may be positioned between a first vision camera CAM1 for inspecting the alignment state of the polarizer suction member 230 and a second vision camera CAM2 for inspecting the alignment state of the display panel suction member 130. Specifically, the polarizer attachment unit 300 may be positioned between the second vision camera CAM2 and the polarizer suction member 230.

[0072] As Figure 4 shown, the display panel DP includes a display area DA where an image is displayed and a non-display area NDA provided around the display area DA. In the display area DA, a plurality of pixels PX may be provided. The polarizer Pol may be attached to one surface of the display panel DP.

[0073] Hereinafter, the vision camera calibration member will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 8 FIGs.

[0074] Figure 5 FIG. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the vision camera calibration member. Figure 7A and Figure 7B FIG. Figure 8 are perspective views showing the calibration plate.

[0075] Referring to Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 8 FIGs., the vision camera calibration member 220 may include a calibration plate 221, a bracket 222, and a coupling member 223.

[0076] The calibration plate 221 may include two long sides extending in a first direction DR1 and two short sides extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. That is, the calibration plate 221 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the corners where the long sides and short sides of the calibration plate 221 intersect may form curved surfaces.

[0077] The calibration plate 221 may be a transparent substrate formed of a material such as quartz, glass, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarbonate, and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). For example, the calibration plate 221 may be a transparent quartz substrate.

[0078] The calibration plate 221 may include a holding portion HD fastened to the bracket 222 and a calibration portion CU including a first alignment mark AM1 and a second alignment mark AM2. The holding portion HD may be detachably attached to the polarizer suction member 230, and the calibration portion CU may extend from the holding portion HD and have a cantilever shape.

[0079] The holding portion HD of the calibration plate 221 may include a plurality of through holes TH and / or grooves GV. As Figure 6As shown, the holding part HD may include a pair of through holes TH and two pairs of grooves GV. However, the number of the through holes TH and / or the grooves GV is not limited thereto, and may increase or decrease in proportion to the length L4 of the holding part HD in the first direction DR1.

[0080] The calibration part CU of the calibration plate 221 may have a pair of first alignment marks AM1 formed on the lower surface of the calibration plate 221 and a pair of second alignment marks AM2 formed on the upper surface of the calibration plate 221.

[0081] The first alignment mark AM1 may be used to check the alignment state of the first vision camera CAM1 disposed above the calibration plate 221 in the step of calibrating the coordinate systems of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second vision camera CAM2 to one coordinate system.

[0082] The second alignment mark AM2 may be used to check the alignment state of the second vision camera CAM2 disposed below the calibration plate 221 in the step of calibrating the coordinate systems of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second vision camera CAM2 to one coordinate system.

[0083] As described above, since the calibration plate 221 may be a transparent quartz substrate, the first alignment mark AM1 formed on the lower surface of the calibration plate 221 may be checked by the first vision camera CAM1 positioned above the calibration plate 221, and the second alignment mark AM2 formed on the upper surface of the calibration plate 221 may be checked by the second vision camera CAM2 positioned below the calibration plate 221.

[0084] The distance between the first alignment marks AM1 may be greater than the distance between the second alignment marks AM2. According to an embodiment, the first vision camera CAM1 may capture images of two corners of the short side of the polarizer Pol to check the alignment state of the polarizer Pol, and the second vision camera CAM2 may capture images of the third alignment mark AM3 formed inside the short side of the display panel DP to check the alignment state of the display panel DP. Generally, for the purpose of manufacturing process margin, the area of the polarizer Pol may be larger than the area of the display panel DP.

[0085] The first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 may be formed using a photomask. According to an embodiment, as Figure 7A shown, the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 may have a cross (+) shape. The line widths of the alignment marks AM1 and AM2 having a cross (+) shape may be in the range from 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm. The alignment marks AM1 and AM2 may preferably have a line width of 0.1 mm. Additionally, the length of one side of the cross (+) shape may be in the range from 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0086] However, the shapes of the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 are not limited thereto. As Figure 7B shown, the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 in the calibration unit CU_1 may have a grid shape. The line widths of the alignment marks AM1 and AM2 having a grid shape may be in the range from 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm. The alignment marks AM1 and AM2 may preferably have a line width of 0.1 mm. Additionally, the length of one side of the grid shape may be in the range from 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm. That is, Figure 7B the grid-shaped alignment marks shown in Figure 7A may be formed by providing a plurality of cross-shaped alignment marks shown in

[0087] The vision camera calibration member 220 may be detachably provided on a fastening member (not shown) formed on the second platform 231 of the polarizer suction member 230.

[0088] The calibration plate 221 may be inserted into the holder 222. The holder 222 may include two long sides extending in a first direction DR1 and two short sides extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. That is, the holder 222 may have a cuboid shape. The outer surface of the calibration plate 221 may be in contact with the inner surface of the holder 222.

[0089] The upper surface of the holder 222 may have a peripheral portion including a plurality of first engagement holes H1, H2, and H3 corresponding to the plurality of through holes TH and / or grooves GV of the holding portion HD. The upper surface of the holder 222 may have openings in an area other than the peripheral portion.

[0090] The lower surface of the holder 222 may have a support portion including a plurality of second engagement holes H1', H2', and H3' corresponding to the plurality of through holes TH and / or grooves GV of the holding portion HD. The lower surface of the holder 222 may expose the calibration plate 221 in an area other than the support portion.

[0091] The holder 222 into which the calibration plate 221 is inserted may be fixed to the second platform 231 by a joining member 223. For example, the joining member 223 may be a bolt and a nut. The bolt may be joined to a nut formed in the second platform 231 after passing through all of the first engagement holes H1, H2, and H3 formed in the peripheral portion of the holder 222, the through holes TH and grooves GV formed in the calibration plate 221, and the second engagement holes H1', H2', and H3' formed in the support portion of the holder 222.

[0092] The vision camera calibration member 220 may be fixed to the polarizer suction member 230. Specifically, the holding part HD of the calibration plate 221 may be a fixed end, and the calibration part CU of the calibration plate 221 may be a free end. That is, the calibration plate 221 may be configured as a cantilever such that one side of the calibration plate 221 is fixed and the other side of the calibration plate 221 is free.

[0093] The thickness L1 of the calibration plate 221 in the third direction DR3 may be a thickness sufficient to prevent the calibration plate 221 coupled to the second platform 231 in a cantilever manner from bending due to its own load. For example, the thickness L1 of the calibration plate 221 may be about 20T.

[0094] The first alignment mark AM1 may be provided to check the alignment state of the first vision camera CAM1, and the first vision camera CAM1 may be provided to check the alignment state of the polarizer Pol provided on a plane substantially the same as that of the second platform 231.

[0095] The second alignment mark AM2 may be provided to check the alignment state of the second vision camera CAM2, and the second vision camera CAM2 may be provided to check the alignment state of the display panel DP provided on a plane substantially the same as that of the first platform 131.

[0096] Therefore, considering the fact that the calibration plate 221 having a cantilever shape may bend due to its own load, for precise calibration, preferably, the first alignment mark AM1 is formed on the lower surface of the calibration plate 221 provided on a plane substantially the same as that of the second platform 231, and the second alignment mark AM2 is formed on the upper surface of the calibration plate 221 provided on a plane substantially the same as that of the first platform 131.

[0097] The length L2 of the long side of the calibration plate 221 may be defined as the sum of the length L3 of the long side of the calibration part CU and the length L4 of the long side of the holding part HD.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the holding part HD of the calibration plate 221 and the second platform 231 may overlap each other. In other words, the length L4 of the long side of the holding part HD and the length W1 of the short side of the holding part HD may be substantially the same as the length of the long side and the length of the short side of the second platform 231.

[0099] The length L3 of the long side of the calibration part CU of the calibration plate 221 may be increased in proportion to the distance L6 between the second vision camera CAM2 and the polarizer attachment unit 300.

[0100] For example, the polarizer suction member 230 can move along the second rail Rail2 in the first direction DR1, but cannot move beyond the polarizer attachment unit 300 when the polarizer attachment unit 300 is positioned. In this case, when one end of the calibration unit CU extends to a position where the second alignment mark AM2 overlaps with the second vision camera CAM2 in the third direction DR3, different types of coordinate systems of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second vision camera CAM2 can be calibrated to one coordinate system without moving the polarizer suction member 230 beyond the polarizer attachment unit 300.

[0101] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a vision camera calibration process. Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a side view schematically showing a polarizer attachment device to illustrate a camera calibration process.

[0102] Referring to Figure 5 and Figures 9 to 11 , the calibration plate 221 is attached to the polarizer suction member 230 (S100).

[0103] The vision camera calibration member 220 can include a calibration plate 221, a bracket 222, and a joining member 223. The vision camera calibration member 220 can be detachably provided on a fastening member (not shown) formed on the second platform 231 of the polarizer suction member 230.

[0104] The calibration plate 221 can be inserted into the bracket 222. The bracket 222 into which the calibration plate 221 is inserted can be fixed to the second platform 231 by the joining member 223. Specifically, the holding portion HD of the calibration plate 221 can be a fixed end, and the calibration portion CU of the calibration plate 221 can be a free end. That is, the calibration plate 221 can be configured as a cantilever such that one side of the calibration plate 221 is fixed and the other side of the calibration plate 221 is free.

[0105] Move the polarizer suction member 230 toward the first vision camera CAM1 (S120).

[0106] The polarizer suction member 230 can include: a second driver 232 that drives the second platform 231 on which the polarizer Pol is stably placed; and a second controller that controls the operation of the second driver 232.

[0107] The second platform 231 can be set to multiple, and the polarizer Pol can be stably placed on the second platform 231. The second driver 232 can change the position of the second platform 231 on which the polarizer Pol is stably placed. According to an embodiment, the second driver 232 includes: a second moving member 232a that can move along a first direction DR1 on a second rail Rail2; a second height adjusting member 232b that can move the second platform 231 along a second direction DR2 or adjust the height of the second platform 231 along a third direction DR3; and a second rotating member 232c that can rotate the second platform 231 by a predetermined angle.

[0108] The second controller can move the polarizer suction member 230 toward the first vision camera CAM1. Specifically, the second controller can move the polarizer suction member 230 such that a first alignment mark AM1 formed on the lower surface of the calibration plate 221 coupled to the polarizer suction member 230 overlaps with the first vision camera CAM1 in a third direction DR3.

[0109] Perform calibration of the first vision camera CAM1 (S130).

[0110] The calibration unit CU can include a pair of first alignment marks AM1 on the lower surface. Two first vision cameras CAM1 can be arranged to correspond to the pair of first alignment marks AM1 respectively.

[0111] After checking the alignment state of the first vision camera CAM1 and the first alignment mark AM1, if the first vision camera CAM1 and the first alignment mark AM1 are not aligned, the first vision camera CAM1 can be aligned based on the first alignment mark AM1.

[0112] Move the polarizer suction member 230 toward the second vision camera CAM2 (S140).

[0113] The second controller can move the polarizer suction member 230 toward the second vision camera CAM2. Specifically, the second controller can move the polarizer suction member 230 such that a second alignment mark AM2 formed on the upper surface of the calibration plate 221 coupled to the polarizer suction member 230 overlaps with the second vision camera CAM2 in a third direction DR3.

[0114] The polarizer suction member 230 can move in the first direction DR1 along the second rail Rail2, but due to the positioning of the polarizer attachment unit 300, the polarizer suction member 230 cannot move beyond the polarizer attachment unit 300. In this case, one end of the calibration plate 221 can extend to a position where the second alignment mark AM2 formed on the upper surface of the calibration unit CU overlaps with the second vision camera CAM2 in the third direction DR3, and the calibration of the second vision camera CAM2 can be performed without moving the polarizer suction member 230 beyond the polarizer attachment unit 300.

[0115] Perform the calibration of the second vision camera CAM2 (S150).

[0116] The calibration unit CU can include a pair of second alignment marks AM2 on the upper surface. Two second vision cameras CAM2 can be arranged to correspond to the pair of second alignment marks AM2 respectively. After checking the alignment state of the second vision camera CAM2 and the second alignment mark AM2, if the second vision camera CAM2 and the second alignment mark AM2 are not aligned, the second vision camera CAM2 can be aligned based on the second alignment mark AM2.

[0117] As described above, the first vision camera CAM1 can be aligned based on the first alignment mark AM1 formed on the lower surface of the calibration unit CU, and then, the second vision camera CAM2 can be aligned based on the second alignment mark AM2 formed on the upper surface of the calibration unit CU. Therefore, the first coordinate system of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second coordinate system of the second vision camera CAM2 can be calibrated to a common coordinate system. That is, the first vision camera CAM1 and the second vision camera CAM2 with their respective coordinate systems can be calibrated based on a common coordinate system formed on the calibration plate 221.

[0118] Remove the calibration plate 221 from the polarizer suction member 230 (S160).

[0119] After the calibration of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second vision camera CAM2 is completed, the vision camera calibration member 220 can be removed from the second platform 231.

[0120] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the polarizer attachment process. Figures 13 to 15 is a side view schematically showing a polarizer attachment device to illustrate the polarizer attachment process. Figure 16A and Figure 16B are diagrams illustrating the case where the display panel and the polarizer are abnormally attached. Figure 17A and Figure 17B are diagrams illustrating the case where the display panel and the polarizer are normally attached.

[0121] Refer toFigure 1 , Figure 3 , Figures 12 to 17A and Figure 17B , perform calibration of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second vision camera CAM2 (S200). Perform the vision camera calibration described above with reference to Figures 9 to 11 .

[0122] Prepare a display panel suction member 130 on which a display panel DP is stably placed and a polarizer suction member 230 on which a polarizer Pol is stably placed (S210).

[0123] The display panel DP can be supplied to the display panel supply member 110 to perform the process of attaching the display panel DP. The display panel DP can be supplied to the display panel supply member 110 via, for example, a conveyor belt or a suction device.

[0124] The display panel cleaning member 120 can clean the display panel DP to remove foreign matter from the display panel DP.

[0125] Stably place the display panel DP on the first platform 131 of the display panel suction member 130. The first platform 131 can be provided in multiple numbers, and the display panel DP can be stably placed on the first platform 131. A plurality of suction holes 131a connected to a vacuum pump can be formed on the first platform 131. Therefore, when the display panel DP is stably placed on the first platform 131, the display panel DP can be attracted through the plurality of suction holes 131a to fix the position of the display panel DP.

[0126] After performing the vision camera calibration, the polarizer providing unit 200 can provide the polarizer Pol to be attached to the display panel DP onto the second platform 231 from which the vision camera calibration member 220 has been removed.

[0127] The polarizer Pol can be provided by the polarizer supply member 210. The polarizer Pol can be provided after being cut into a size corresponding to the display panel DP. In this case, the area of the polarizer Pol can be larger than the area of the display panel DP.

[0128] Check the alignment state of the polarizer Pol using the first vision camera CAM1 and check the alignment state of the display panel DP using the second vision camera CAM2 (S220).

[0129] An image of two corners of a short side of the polarizer Pol stably placed on the second platform 231 can be captured by the first vision camera CAM1. In this case, when the two corners of a short side of the polarizer Pol are not aligned with the first vision camera CAM1, the second platform 231 on which the polarizer Pol is stably placed is realigned with respect to the first vision camera CAM1.

[0130] An image of the third alignment mark AM3 formed on the display panel DP stably placed on the first platform 131 can be captured by the second vision camera CAM2. In this case, when the third alignment mark AM3 formed on the display panel DP is not aligned with the second vision camera CAM2, the first platform 131 on which the display panel DP is stably placed is realigned with respect to the second vision camera CAM2.

[0131] Figure 16A and Figure 16B Illustrates a situation where, even in a state where two corners of a short side of the polarizer Pol are aligned with the first vision camera CAM1 and the third alignment mark AM3 formed on the display panel DP is aligned with the second vision camera CAM2, the display panel DP and the polarizer Pol are abnormally attached to each other. That is, because the first coordinate system (X1 - Y1 coordinate system) of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second coordinate system (X2 - Y2 coordinate system) of the second vision camera CAM2 are not calibrated to a common coordinate system (X3 - Y3 coordinate system), the display panel DP and the polarizer Pol are abnormally attached.

[0132] On the other hand, Figure 17A and Figure 17B Illustrates a situation where, because the display panel DP and the polarizer Pol are attached to each other in a state where two corners of a short side of the polarizer Pol are aligned with the first vision camera CAM1 and the third alignment mark AM3 formed on the display panel DP is aligned with the second vision camera CAM2, and the first coordinate system (X1 - Y1 coordinate system) of the first vision camera CAM1 and the second coordinate system (X2 - Y2 coordinate system) of the second vision camera CAM2 are calibrated to a common coordinate system (X3 - Y3 coordinate system), the display panel DP and the polarizer Pol are normally attached.

[0133] Move the display panel suction member 130 and the polarizer suction member 230 toward the polarizer attachment unit 300 (S230). Attach the display panel DP and the polarizer Pol to each other (S240).

[0134] After aligning the polarizer Pol with the first vision camera CAM1 and aligning the display panel DP with the second vision camera CAM2, the polarizer suction member 230, on which the polarizer Pol is stably placed, can be moved toward the polarizer attachment unit 300, and the polarizer suction member 230, on which the display

[0135] panel DP is stably placed, can be moved toward the polarizer attachment unit 300.

[0136] After the display panel DP and the polarizer Pol are set to be in contact with each other, the roller 300a of the polarizer attachment unit 300 can be raised in the third direction DR3 to lift one side of the second platform 231. The other side of the second platform 231 can be coupled to the second driver 232 so as to be rotatable about an axis. For example, the other side of the second platform 231 can be coupled to the second driver 232 through a hinge member. Thus, through the roller 300a, the second platform 231 can be tilted in the first direction DR1.

[0137] When the display panel DP moves toward the second vision camera CAM2 in a state where the second platform 231 is tilted, it can move while the polarizer Pol is attached to the display panel DP. The polarizer Pol can include an adhesive layer on the surface facing the display panel DP.

[0138] By summarizing the detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A calibration plate, wherein, the calibration plate comprises: a holding portion detachably attached to a polarizer suction member; and a calibration portion extending from the holding portion and having a cantilever shape, wherein the calibration portion comprises: a first alignment mark for aligning a first vision camera on one side which is an area close to the holding portion; and a second alignment mark for aligning a second vision camera on the other side, wherein the calibration plate calibrates a first coordinate system of the first vision camera and a second coordinate system of the second vision camera into a common coordinate system, the first vision camera checks the alignment state of the polarizer, and the second vision camera checks the alignment state of the display panel, so that the display panel and the polarizer are properly attached, wherein the calibration plate is independent of the polarizer and the display panel.

2. The calibration plate according to claim 1, wherein, the holding portion and the calibration portion are made of transparent quartz.

3. The calibration plate according to claim 2, wherein, the first vision camera is disposed above the calibration portion, and the first alignment mark is formed on the lower surface of the calibration portion.

4. The calibration plate according to claim 2, wherein, the second vision camera is disposed below the calibration portion, and the second alignment mark is formed on the upper surface of the calibration portion.

5. The calibration plate according to claim 1, wherein, the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark have a cross shape, and the distance between the first alignment marks is greater than the distance between the second alignment marks.

6. The calibration plate according to claim 1, wherein, the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark have a grid shape.

7. The calibration plate according to claim 1, wherein, the calibration plate further comprises: a bracket and a joining member for attaching the holding portion to the polarizer suction member.

8. The calibration plate according to claim 7, wherein, the holding portion comprises at least one of a through hole and a groove.

9. The calibration plate according to claim 8, wherein, the upper surface of the bracket has a peripheral portion including first engagement holes corresponding to the through hole and the groove, and the lower surface of the bracket has a support portion including second engagement holes corresponding to the through hole and the groove.

10. The calibration plate according to claim 9, wherein, the joining member is a bolt passing through the first engagement hole, the through hole, the groove, and the second engagement hole.

11. A device for attaching a polarizer, wherein, the device comprises: a display panel suction member including a first platform on which a display panel is attached; a second vision camera disposed below the first platform to check the alignment state of the display panel; a polarizer suction member including a second platform on which a polarizer is attached; A first vision camera, the first vision camera being disposed above the second platform to inspect the alignment state of the polarizer; A polarizer attachment unit, the polarizer attachment unit being disposed between the first vision camera and the second vision camera; and A calibration plate, the calibration plate being detachably attached to the polarizer suction member, and the calibration plate including: A holding portion, the holding portion being detachably attached to the second platform; and A calibration portion, the calibration portion extending from the holding portion and having a cantilever shape, wherein the calibration portion includes: a first alignment mark for aligning the first vision camera on one side which is an area close to the holding portion, and a second alignment mark for aligning the second vision camera on the other side, wherein the calibration plate calibrates a first coordinate system of the first vision camera and a second coordinate system of the second vision camera into a common coordinate system such that the display panel and the polarizer are normally attached, wherein the calibration plate is independent of the polarizer and the display panel.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, the holding portion and the calibration portion are made of transparent quartz.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, the first vision camera is disposed above the calibration portion, and the first alignment mark is formed on the lower surface of the calibration portion.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, the second vision camera is disposed below the calibration portion, and the second alignment mark is formed on the upper surface of the calibration portion.

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark have a cross shape, and the distance between the first alignment marks is greater than the distance between the second alignment marks.

16. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, the length of the long side of the calibration portion increases proportionally to the distance between the second vision camera and the polarizer attachment unit.

17. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, the display panel includes a third alignment mark formed on one side, the third alignment mark being arranged to correspond to the second vision camera, and two corners of a short side of the polarizer are arranged to correspond to the first vision camera.

18. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, the second platform includes a hinge member on one side, and the polarizer attachment unit includes a roller for pressurization, the roller being configured to lift the other side of the second platform.

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