Processor for inspecting a camera module and apparatus for inspecting a camera module

Abstract

This invention relates to a processor for inspecting camera modules, and an apparatus for inspecting camera modules including the processor. More particularly, this invention relates to a processor for inspecting camera modules capable of picking up, placing, and automatically aligning camera modules via a clamp-type pickup unit and managing the history of camera modules via a barcode scanner, and to an apparatus for inspecting camera modules including the processor.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of the application filed on December 9, 2016, with the application number 201611131038.8, entitled "Processor for inspecting camera module and apparatus for inspecting camera module". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a processor for inspecting a camera module and an apparatus for inspecting a camera module including the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a processor for inspecting a camera module, which is capable of picking up, placing, and automatically aligning a camera module by a gripper type pick-up unit and managing a history of the camera module by a bar code scanner, and an apparatus for inspecting a camera module including the same. BACKGROUND

[0003] As the development of smart devices, small-sized camera modules are being more widely used. Recently, camera modules are even installed in vehicles or smart TVs, as well as portable terminals such as smart phones, tablet PCs, and notebook computers.

[0004] A general camera module is configured to include a housing, a lens barrel in which a plurality of lenses are stacked, an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS, a substrate on which the housing and the lens barrel and the image sensor are mounted, and a connector electrically connected to the outside.

[0005] In the manufacturing process of the camera module, an inspection can be performed as to whether the assembled camera module is properly assembled or whether the auto-focusing function of the camera module is normally operated.

[0006] The inspection apparatus of the related art adopts a method of performing an inspection after an inspector directly and manually places a camera module in a socket. In this case, the camera module, particularly the socket of the camera module, is often damaged.

[0007] In addition, problems such as inconvenience that the inspector needs to directly move the camera module one by one, and an increase in inspection time are increasingly raised.

[0008] In order to solve these problems, an automatic processor that automatically transports the camera module is used; in the existing automatic processor, an observation system that confirms and adjusts an alignment state when picking up or placing the camera module is used.

[0009] However, due to the use of the observation system, the manufacturing cost is increased, and the management points of the operator in the system or control are increased, thereby increasing the burden of the operator.

[0010] In addition, if the camera module is replaced, information (e.g., reference image information) on the replaced module needs to be re-input into the observation system, and even with the same device, the reference image information needs to be separately input due to differences in the aperture value, illumination intensity, and distance of the observation system.

[0011] Therefore, as the number of devices on the production line increases, the on-site management burden of the operator is further increased. SUMMARY

[0012] An object of the present application is to provide a handler for inspecting a camera module that simultaneously performs a pickup operation and an alignment operation of the camera module via a gripper-type pickup unit without a separate observation system.

[0013] Another object of the present application is to provide a handler for inspecting a camera module that can manage the history of the camera module by scanning a barcode of the camera module.

[0014] Still another object of the present application is to provide a device for inspecting a camera module that can efficiently transfer the camera module to an inspection unit by using the above-described handler for inspecting a camera module and can reduce the inspection time by performing inspection on a plurality of items of the transferred camera unit in one inspection unit.

[0015] The objects of the present application are not limited to the above-described objects; other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0016] According to one aspect, the present application provides a handler for inspecting a camera module, including: a tray unit including a first accommodation portion and a second accommodation portion in which a plurality of camera modules are placed; a pickup unit that picks up a camera module placed in the first accommodation portion to place the picked-up camera module into a camera module socket of an inspection unit, and again picks up the camera module when the inspection unit completes inspection to place the picked-up camera module into the second accommodation portion; an X-axis extension frame that extends in an X-axis direction and on which the tray unit is mounted to reciprocate in the X-axis direction; a Y-axis extension frame that extends in a Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and on which the pickup unit is mounted; and a barcode scanner that scans a barcode of a camera module picked up by the pickup unit, wherein the tray unit is mounted on the X-axis extension frame to reciprocate in the X-axis direction.

[0017] According to another aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for inspecting camera modules, including: a tray unit including a first accommodation portion and a second accommodation portion in which a plurality of camera modules are placed; an inspection unit which inspects whether the camera modules are good or defective; a pickup unit which picks up the camera modules placed in the first accommodation portion to place the picked-up camera modules into the inspection unit, and picks up the camera modules again to place the picked-up camera modules into the second accommodation portion when the inspection unit completes the inspection; and a barcode scanner which scans a barcode of the camera modules picked up by the pickup unit to acquire information, wherein the pickup unit includes a gripper which picks up and places the camera modules, the inspection unit includes a fixed table top, a rotating table top installed on the fixed table top to rotate in a normal direction or a reverse direction, a plurality of camera module placement portions each of which is radially disposed on the rotating table top and has an area in which the camera modules are placed, a plurality of inspection modules which are radially disposed on the fixed table top, and a driving unit which rotates the rotating table top in the normal direction or the reverse direction.

[0018] According to another aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for inspecting camera modules, including: a tray unit including a first accommodation portion and a second accommodation portion in which a plurality of camera modules are placed; an inspection unit which inspects whether the camera modules are good or defective; a pickup unit which picks up the camera modules placed in the first accommodation portion to place the picked-up camera modules into the inspection unit, and picks up the camera modules again to place the picked-up camera modules into the second accommodation portion when the inspection unit completes the inspection; and a barcode scanner which scans a barcode of the camera modules picked up by the pickup unit to acquire information, wherein the pickup unit includes a gripper which picks up and places the camera modules, the inspection unit includes a fixed table top, a rotating table top installed on the fixed table top to rotate in a normal direction or a reverse direction, a plurality of camera module placement portions each of which is radially disposed on the rotating table top and has an area in which the camera modules are placed, a plurality of inspection modules which are radially disposed on the fixed table top, and a driving unit which rotates the rotating table top in the normal direction or the reverse direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a processor for inspecting camera modules according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side view of the processor for inspecting camera modules of

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a front view of the processor for inspecting camera modules of

[0022] Figure 4schematically illustrates Figure 1 a tray unit for inspecting a camera module.

[0023] Figure 5 and 6 is a schematic view illustrating Figure 1 a pickup unit of

[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for inspecting a camera module according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating Figure 7 an inspection unit of

[0026] Figure 9 and 10 is a view illustrating an operation of a camera module placement portion of Figure 8

[0027] Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for inspecting a camera module according to still another embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 12 is a side view of Figure 11 an apparatus for inspecting a camera module.

[0029] Figure 13 and 14 is a view illustrating an operation of a camera module placement portion of Figure 11

[0030] Figure 15 is a view illustrating an operation of an inspection performing portion of Figure 11 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] For the purposes of this application, certain specific terms are defined herein for the sake of convenience. Unless specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0032] Hereinafter, a processor for inspecting a camera module according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figures 1-6

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a processor for inspecting a camera module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1 a processor for inspecting a camera module.​​​​Figure 3 is Figure 1 a front view of a handler for inspecting a camera module. Figure 4 schematically illustrates Figure 1 a tray unit of a handler for inspecting a camera module. Figure 5 and 6 is a schematic view of a pick-up unit of Figure 1

[0034] For reference, briefly, a handler 1 for inspecting a camera module means a device for placing a camera module into a camera module socket (for example, 1124b of Figure 8 ) provided in an inspection unit (for example, 1120 of Figure 7 ) that performs an inspection of a camera module, or picking up and transferring a camera module whose inspection has been completed by an inspection unit.

[0035] First, referring to Figures 1-3 , a handler 1 for inspecting a camera module according to an embodiment of the present application can include a tray unit 100, a pick-up unit 190, an X-axis extension frame 500, a Y-axis extension frame 450, and a bar code scanner 550.

[0036] The tray unit 100 includes a first accommodation portion 110 in which a plurality of camera modules are placed and a second accommodation portion 150. Further, the tray unit 100 can be mounted on the X-axis extension frame 500 to reciprocally move in an X-axis direction X.

[0037] As shown in the drawings, a plurality of camera modules can be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns in the first accommodation portion 110 or the second accommodation portion 150, and at least one camera module, preferably a plurality of camera modules, can be simultaneously picked up by the pick-up unit 190, thereby being loaded onto or unloaded from an inspection unit.

[0038] Here, referring to Figure 4 , camera modules CM waiting to be inspected by an inspection unit can be placed in the first accommodation portion 110, and camera modules whose inspection has been completed by the inspection unit can be placed in the second accommodation portion 150.

[0039] In particular, the second accommodation portion 150 includes a first sub-accommodation portion 150a in which camera modules determined to be good by the inspection unit are placed and a second sub-accommodation portion 150b in which camera modules determined to be defective by the inspection unit are placed.

[0040] The number, type, disposition, number of camera modules placed in the accommodation portions, etc. can be appropriately changed as needed.

[0041] ​Refer again Figures 1-3 The pickup unit 190 can pick up the camera module placed in the first receiving portion 110 and place the picked-up camera module into the camera module socket of the inspection unit. When the inspection unit completes the inspection operation, the pickup unit 190 can pick up the camera module again and place the camera module into the second receiving portion 150.

[0042] Furthermore, the pickup unit 190 can be mounted on the Y-axis extension frame 450 to reciprocate along the Y-axis direction Y, and can be mounted to rise or fall along the Z-axis direction Z, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction X and the Y-axis direction Y.

[0043] For reference, the X-axis and Y-axis are axes that lie in the same horizontal plane and are horizontally orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis is an axis that is vertically orthogonal to the horizontal plane.

[0044] Specifically, the pickup unit 190 may include a first pickup device 200, a second pickup device 250, a first lifting and lowering cylinder 300, a second lifting and lowering cylinder 350, and a Y-axis driver 400.

[0045] The first pickup device 200 can pick up the camera module placed in the first receiving portion 110 and place the picked-up camera module into the camera module socket of the inspection unit.

[0046] Here, the first pickup device 200 may include a first clamp 202 for picking up a camera module placed in the first receiving portion 110, a first clamp cylinder 204 for driving the first clamp 202, and a first sensor 206 for assisting the first clamp 202 in picking up and placing the camera module.

[0047] The second pickup device 250 can pick up the camera module that the inspection unit has inspected and place the picked-up camera module into the second receiving portion 150.

[0048] Here, the second pickup device 250 may include a second clamp 252 for picking up and inspecting the camera module by the inspection unit, a second clamp cylinder 254 for driving the second clamp 252, and a second sensor 256 for assisting the second clamp 252 in picking up and placing the camera module.

[0049] The first lifting and lowering cylinder 300 can lift and lower the first pickup device 200 along the Z-axis direction, while the second lifting and lowering cylinder 350 can lift and lower the second pickup device 250 along the Z-axis direction.

[0050] For reference, the positions of the first pickup device 200 and the second pickup device 250 may be reversed from those shown in the attached drawings. Of course, in this case, the first lifting and lowering cylinder 300 and the second lifting and lowering cylinder 350 are also reversed from those shown in the attached drawings.

[0051] The Y-axis driver 400 can be mounted on the Y-axis extension frame 450 to reciprocate along the Y-axis direction Y. That is, the pickup unit 190 can reciprocate along the Y-axis direction Y on the Y-axis extension frame 450 via the Y-axis driver 400. Furthermore, the first lifting and lowering cylinder 300 and the second lifting and lowering cylinder 350 can be mounted on the Y-axis driver 400.

[0052] See here. Figure 5 and 6 It can be determined that: through the first lifting and lowering cylinder 300 and the second lifting and lowering cylinder 350, the first pickup device 200 and the second pickup device 250 can be raised and lowered respectively along the Z-axis direction Z, thereby picking up or placing the camera module CM.

[0053] Furthermore, the first clamp 202 and the second clamp 252 can be mounted at an acute angle relative to the X-axis, and the clamps of each of the clamps 202 and 252 can be formed to be horizontally symmetrical.

[0054] Thanks to these features, the first clamp 202 and the second clamp 252 are able to pick up the camera module CM in an aligned state and maintain that alignment until the camera module CM is placed.

[0055] Specifically, the first clamp 202 or the second clamp 252 picks up the camera module CM at an angle, thereby forming an acute angle with respect to the X-axis as shown in the attached figure, thus enabling the camera module CM to automatically and mechanically align. Therefore, a separate observation system or driver is not required for aligning the camera module CM.

[0056] Furthermore, in the case of the first clamp 202 and the second clamp 252, the camera module CM can be aligned simply by changing the clamps according to the size of the camera module CM, so there is no need to set it separately.

[0057] Furthermore, unlike methods such as vacuum adsorption, the first clamp 202 and the second clamp 252 can perform pick-up operations unaffected by ambient temperature or humidity.

[0058] Refer again Figures 1-3The pickup unit 190 includes a first pickup device 200 and a second pickup device 250 that perform different functions. The first pickup device 200 and the second pickup device 250 are driven by different raising and lowering cylinders, namely, by a first raising and lowering cylinder 300 and a second raising and lowering cylinder 350, respectively. This reduces the overall processing time of the transmission camera module and minimizes vibration effects by minimizing the driving of each component.

[0059] Specifically, the operation of picking up and placing the camera module through the picking unit 190 is described below.

[0060] First, the tray unit 100 moves from a standby position to below the pickup unit 190 along the X-axis extension frame 500 in the X-axis direction X, and the pickup unit 190 moves above the camera module to be picked up from the tray unit 100 along the Y-axis direction.

[0061] Then, when the first pickup device 200 is precisely positioned above the camera module to be picked up, the first pickup device 200 lowers along the Z-axis direction Z to pick up the camera module, and then rises again along the Z-axis direction Z. Afterwards, the pickup unit 190 moves along the Y-axis direction Y above the camera module socket of the inspection unit, and then lowers along the Z-axis direction Z to place the picked-up camera module into the camera module socket.

[0062] In order to achieve precise operation of picking up and placing the camera module through the pickup unit 190, the coordinate values ​​of the movement of the tray unit 100 along the X-axis direction X, and the movement of the pickup unit 190 along the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction can be preset.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in order to achieve more precise pickup operations, the first pickup device 200 and the second pickup device 250 may respectively include a first sensor 206 and a second sensor 256. Here, the first sensor 206 and the second sensor 256 may be, for example, a camera sensor or a remote sensing sensor.

[0064] The first sensor 206 and the second sensor 256 are used to assist the first clamp 202 and the second clamp 252 in picking up and placing the camera module, respectively, and therefore can be removed from the first pickup device 200 and the second pickup device 250, respectively. However, for ease of explanation, in this invention, the case in which the first pickup device 200 includes the first sensor 206 and the second pickup device 250 includes the second sensor 256 will be described by way of example.

[0065] When the inspection of the camera module is completed in the inspection unit, in the display section (e.g.) Figure 7The second pickup device 250 picks up the camera module that has been inspected and places it in the first sub-accommodating portion 150a or the second sub-accommodating portion 150b according to the judgment result that the camera module is good or defective.

[0066] The Y-axis extension bracket 450 extends along the Y-axis direction Y, and the pickup unit 190 can be mounted on the Y-axis extension bracket 450. Therefore, the pickup unit 190 can reciprocate along the Y-axis direction Y on the Y-axis extension bracket 450.

[0067] The X-axis extension frame 500 extends along the X-axis direction X, and the tray unit 100 can be mounted on the X-axis extension frame 500. Therefore, the tray unit 100 can reciprocate along the X-axis direction X on the X-axis extension frame 500.

[0068] The barcode scanner 550 can scan the barcodes picked up by the camera module by the pickup unit 190.

[0069] Specifically, a barcode scanner 550 is positioned between the X-axis extension frame 500 and the Y-axis extension frame 450, and can scan the barcode of the camera module located below the pickup unit 190 and picked up by the pickup unit 190, thereby obtaining information about the camera module. Therefore, operators or managers can easily manage the history of camera module products, thus improving management efficiency.

[0070] As described above, the processor 1 for inspecting a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes clamps 202 and 252, which pick up the camera module in an aligned state and maintain the aligned state until the camera module is placed down, thereby enabling the camera module to be aligned without a separate observation system. Furthermore, since a separate observation system is not required, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and the management burden on operators regarding the system or control can be decreased.

[0071] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 1 for inspecting the camera module scans the barcode of the camera module using a barcode scanner 550 to manage the history of the camera module, thereby improving management efficiency.

[0072] In the following text, reference will be made to the appendix. Figures 7-10 A device 2 for inspecting a camera module is described according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a perspective view illustrating a device for inspecting a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the inspection unit. Figure 9and 10 It is shown Figure 8 The view showing the operation of the camera module placement section.

[0074] For reference, the device 2 for inspecting the camera module includes the processor 1 for inspecting the camera module as described above, and therefore a detailed description of the processor will be omitted.

[0075] Reference Figure 7 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device 2 for inspecting a camera module includes a processor 1 for inspecting a camera module as described above, an inspection unit 1120, a main body 1110, and a display portion 1140.

[0076] Specifically, the main body 1110 provides a space including an inspection unit 1120 and a display portion 1140, and may have a PC, power supply, etc. embedded therein.

[0077] Inspection unit 1120 is a space for inspecting the camera module. Various inspections can be performed in inspection unit 1120—such as individual difference inspection, resolution inspection, focus inspection, image inspection, etc., and the inspection items can be adjusted as needed.

[0078] Display section 1140 is a section that outputs the inspection results of the camera module inspected in inspection unit 1120 and displays the corresponding information, thereby allowing the user to confirm the defective camera module by displaying the judgment results of whether the camera module is good or defective for each inspection item performed in inspection unit 1120.

[0079] Here, refer to Figure 8 The image shows a top view of the inspection unit 1120.

[0080] Specifically, the camera module can be placed on the inspection unit 1120, and multiple inspections can be performed simultaneously on the placed camera module.

[0081] For reference, as a camera module to be inspected by the device 2 for inspecting camera modules according to another embodiment of the present invention, there may be, for example, a fixed focal length (FF) type camera module with a fixed focal length, and an autofocus (AF) type camera module with a default focal length but whose focal length can be changed by an actuator.

[0082] Here, the inspection unit may include a fixed desktop 1122, a rotating desktop 1123 mounted on the fixed desktop 1122 to rotate in the normal or reverse direction, a plurality of camera module placement portions 1124 radially arranged on the rotating desktop 1123 and having areas for placing camera modules, a plurality of inspection modules 1125, 1126 and 1127 radially arranged on the fixed desktop 1122, and a drive unit (not shown) for rotating the rotating desktop 1123 in the normal or reverse direction.

[0083] For example, Figure 8 The inspection modules 1125, 1126, and 1127 are shown for checking a total of 3 items.

[0084] Here, the first area 1121-1 is an area in which a camera module is placed (loaded) or removed (unloaded) from the camera module placement section 1124, the camera module being supplied to the camera module placement section 1124 manually or automatically.

[0085] If the camera module is automatically supplied to the camera module placement section 1124, the camera module socket 1124b can be an automatically opening and closing type camera module socket 1124b—which automatically closes by recognizing the proper placement of the camera module and automatically opens after completing the inspection of the placed camera module.

[0086] The second region 1121-2 is the region in which the first check of the camera module is performed, the third region 1121-3 is the region in which the second check of the same camera module is performed, and the fourth region 1121-4 is the region in which the third check of the same camera module is performed.

[0087] The process for inspecting the camera module placed in the camera module placement section 1124 is described below.

[0088] After a camera module CM is supplied via a camera module placement section 1124 located in the first region 1121-1, when the camera module placement section 1124 containing the camera module CM moves (rotates 90°) to the second region 1121-2, a camera module placement section 1124 that did not previously contain a camera module is placed (rotated 90°) into the first region 1121-1. Simultaneously, while performing a first check on the camera module CM in the second region 1121-2, a new camera module can be placed. As the rotating table 1123 rotates 90° in the same manner, the next camera module can be sequentially supplied to the camera module placement section 1124.

[0089] When the third inspection of the initially supplied camera module CM is completed in the fourth region 1121-4 by repeating the above operations, the camera module placement portion 1124 in the fourth region 1121-4 is rotated 270° in the opposite direction to be located in the first region 1121-1 again.

[0090] At this time, the camera module placement section 1124 in which the second camera module is placed is located in the fourth region 1121-4, so a third inspection of the second supplied camera module can be performed. At the same time, the camera module CM that has completed the inspection is removed from the camera module placement section 1124 located in the first region 1121-1, and a new camera module is placed thereafter.

[0091] As described above, the second region 1121-2, the third region 1121-3, and the fourth region 1121-4 are regions where the inspection of the placed camera module is performed sequentially. For example, an individual difference inspection module 1125 can be set in the second region 1121-2, a resolution and focus inspection module 1126 can be set in the third region 1121-3, and an image inspection module 1127 can be set in the fourth region 1121-4.

[0092] For example, the individual difference inspection module 1125 may be a device in which AWB correction and LSC correction are performed using a light source. The resolution and autofocus inspection module 1126 may include an inspection unit 1126a and a driver 1126b. The inspection unit 1126a includes a chart for performing short-distance and long-distance inspections via a collimating lens, and the driver 1126b controls the movement of the inspection unit 1126a. Furthermore, the image inspection module 1127 may also include an inspection unit 1127a with a chart and a driver 1127b for controlling the movement of the inspection unit 1127a.

[0093] As described above, the device 2 for inspecting a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that, since an inspection module (individual difference inspection device, resolution and focus inspection device, image inspection device) capable of performing various inspections on the camera module is included in the inspection unit 1120, the transmission time and standby time in the inspection area can be shortened.

[0094] The inspection efficiency of the camera module can be further improved by increasing the number of inspection modules in the inspection area.

[0095] Then, refer to Figure 9 and 10 , which shows Figure 8 The operation of the camera module placement part 1124.

[0096] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8The camera module placement portion 1124 shown in the inspection unit 1120 is in a horizontal mode. Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 The camera module placement portion 1124 shown in the inspection unit 1120 is in a vertical mode.

[0097] Specifically, the camera module placement portion 1124 may include a support plate 1124a that can be aligned in a horizontal or vertical direction, a camera module socket 1124b disposed on the support plate 1124a and in which the camera module is placed, and a motor 1124c that provides driving force to drive the support plate 1124a.

[0098] Here, the horizontal mode means a state in which the support plate 1124a is aligned horizontally, and the camera module placed in the camera module socket 1124b is facing upwards. Further, the vertical mode means a state in which the support plate 1124a is aligned vertically, and the camera module placed in the camera module socket 1124b is facing sideways.

[0099] The camera modules in mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers are typically used with the camera module placed vertically, not horizontally. Due to factors such as gravity, the camera module's orientation differs between horizontal and vertical orientations. Therefore, inspections of the camera module performed only when it is horizontally positioned may not accurately reflect the actual usage environment.

[0100] Therefore, according to the present invention, since the support plate 1124a can be aligned in the horizontal or vertical direction, an inspection environment that best reflects the actual use environment can be achieved.

[0101] By receiving driving force from motor 1124c, support plate 1124a can rotate between horizontal and vertical modes, and the rotation angle can be adjusted as needed.

[0102] More specifically, the support plate 1124a is connected to the motor 1124c via the pulley 1124d, thereby receiving driving force from the motor 1124c.

[0103] That is, the pulley 1124d located on one side of the support plate 1124a connects the support plate 1124a and the motor 1124c to transmit the driving force generated by the motor 1124c to the support plate 1124a, thereby enabling the support plate 1124a to rotate between horizontal and vertical modes.

[0104] If the camera module inspection is performed only in horizontal or vertical mode, the motor 1124c can be controlled to provide only enough driving force to rotate the support plate 1124a from horizontal mode to vertical mode or in the opposite direction.

[0105] Because the angle of gravity applied to the camera module may be misaligned depending on the angle of the support plate 1124a on which the camera module is placed, the instability or inaccurate alignment of the support plate 1124a may cause differences in the posture of the camera module, resulting in inaccurate inspection results.

[0106] Therefore, when inspecting the camera module only in horizontal or vertical mode, precise alignment of the support plate 1124a in either the horizontal or vertical direction is required. Furthermore, when a forced stop is introduced to precisely align the support plate 1124a in either the horizontal or vertical direction, collisions between the support plate 1124a and the forced stop are unavoidable each time the support plate 1124a is aligned. These collisions can cause noise and vibration, and in some cases, may alter the orientation of the placed camera module due to the collision between the support plate 1124a and the forced stop.

[0107] In this invention, a limit sensor can be used to precisely align the support plate 1124a in the horizontal or vertical direction without introducing a forced stop.

[0108] A limit sensor that restricts the movement range of the support plate 1124a can be set on the other side of the support plate 1124a—where a pulley 1124d is provided on one side of the support plate 1124a.

[0109] When the support plate 1124a is precisely aligned in the horizontal or vertical direction, the limit sensor can generate a signal for fixing the posture of the support plate 1124a.

[0110] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the limit sensor may include a plunger 1124e, sensor portions 1124f and 1124f', the plunger 1124e being disposed on the other side of the support plate 1124a to rotate together with the support plate 1124a, and the sensor portions 1124f and 1124f' being disposed on the area where the plunger 1124e is located when the support plate 1124a is aligned in the vertical direction, and the area where the plunger 1124e is located when the support plate 1124a is aligned in the horizontal direction, respectively.

[0111] As described above, the plunger 1124e is disposed on the other side of the support plate 1124a to rotate together with the support plate 1124a. For example, when the support plate 1124a is aligned in the horizontal direction, the plunger 1124e is aligned in the vertical direction, thereby being identified by the first sensor portion 1124f; when the support plate 1124a is aligned in the vertical direction, the plunger 1124e is aligned in the horizontal direction, thereby being identified by the second sensor portion 1124f'.

[0112] That is, when the support plate 1124a rotates 90° in the direction from horizontal mode to vertical mode or rotates 90° in the opposite direction, the plunger 1124e also rotates 90° between the first sensor part 1124f and the second sensor part 1124f'.

[0113] In this situation, the posture of the fixed support plate 1124a is determined when the plunger 1124e is recognized by the first sensor portion 1124f or the second sensor portion 1124f'.

[0114] Therefore, the support plate 1124a rotates by receiving a driving force from the motor 1124c that is only sufficient to rotate from the horizontal mode to the vertical mode or in the opposite direction, thereby causing the camera module placed in the camera module 1124b to be precisely oriented upward or sideways.

[0115] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that the alignment state of the support plate 1124a can be accurately identified by introducing a limit sensor without the need for a forced stop, thereby controlling the rotation of the support plate 1124a.

[0116] As described above, in the device 2 for inspecting a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention, the processor 1 for inspecting the camera module as described above can efficiently transfer the camera module to the inspection unit 1120, thereby improving productivity and inspection efficiency. Furthermore, by performing inspections on each item of the transferred camera module in a single inspection unit 1120, inspection time can be reduced.

[0117] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 11-15 A device for inspecting a camera module is described according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing a device for inspecting a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A side view of the device used to inspect the camera module. Figure 13 and 14 It is shown Figure 11 The view showing the operation of the camera module placement section. Figure 15 It is shown Figure 11 The view of the operation of the inspection execution section.

[0119] For reference, apart from some components and effects, the device 3 for inspecting a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as the device 2 for inspecting a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention, so the differences between the two will be mainly described.

[0120] For reference, the device 3 for inspecting the camera module includes the processor 1 for inspecting the camera module as described above, therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0121] Reference Figure 11 and 12 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device 3 for inspecting the camera module and Figure 7 The device 2 shown for inspecting the camera module is different in terms of the method and components used for inspecting the camera module.

[0122] That is, such as Figure 7 The device 2 shown for inspecting a camera module has a structure in which a plurality of inspection modules 1125, 1126 and 1127 are fixed in place, and the camera module is rotated by a rotating table 1123, thereby performing various inspections on the camera module.

[0123] On the contrary, Figure 11 The device 3 shown for inspecting camera modules has a structure in which the camera modules are placed and fixed in the camera module placement portion 1300, while a plurality of inspection modules 1430-1 to 1430-6 rotate in the normal or reverse direction, thereby providing various inspections on the respective camera modules.

[0124] Specifically, the inspection unit 1200 of the device 3 for inspecting the camera module may include a camera module placement part 1300 and a camera module inspection execution part 1400.

[0125] The camera module placement portion 1300 may include a support plate 1310 that can be aligned horizontally or vertically, a camera module socket 1320 disposed on the support plate 1310 and in which the camera module is placed, and a motor 1330 that provides driving force to drive the support plate 1310.

[0126] The camera module inspection execution section 1400 may include multiple inspection modules 1430-1 to 1430-6 for inspecting camera modules placed in the camera module placement section 1300, multiple rotating units 1410 arranged radially thereon, and a drive unit for rotating the rotating units 1410 in the normal direction or in the reverse direction.

[0127] Specifically, refer to Figures 13-15The rotatable support plate 1310 allows the camera module placed in the camera module socket 1320 to face upward or sideways.

[0128] That is, when the support plate 1310 is rotated by the motor 1330 so that the camera module faces to the side, the camera module faces any one of the multiple inspection modules 1430-1 to 1430-6 (the inspection modules 1430-1 to 1430-6 rotate in the normal direction or in the reverse direction via the drive unit 1420), and the inspection unit facing the camera module performs an inspection to determine whether the camera module is good or defective.

[0129] Here, the support plate 1310, the camera module socket 1320, and the motor 1330 are... Figure 8 The shapes of the support plate 1124a, camera module socket 1124b, and motor 1124c shown may differ to some extent, but their functions and uses are the same, so a detailed description of them will be omitted.

[0130] For reference, multiple inspection modules may include, for example, macro chart 1430-1, individual difference lighting inspection module 1430-2, long-distance inspection lens and CL lens 1430-3, darkroom testing module 1430-4, CL lens 1430-5, foreign object inspection lighting 1430-6, etc., and the number and arrangement of inspection modules can vary.

[0131] Furthermore, since multiple inspection modules can rotate in the normal or reverse direction, operators can easily change the inspection sequence.

[0132] The processor for inspecting camera modules according to the present invention includes clamps that pick up the camera module in an aligned state until the camera module is placed, thus enabling camera module alignment without a separate observation system. Furthermore, since a separate observation system is not required, manufacturing costs are reduced, and the management burden on operators regarding the system or control is decreased.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the processor for inspecting the camera module scans the barcode of the camera module, thereby managing the history of the camera module and thus improving management efficiency.

[0134] Furthermore, in the apparatus for inspecting camera modules according to the present invention, the processor for inspecting camera modules as described above efficiently transmits the camera modules to the inspection unit, thereby improving productivity and inspection efficiency. Furthermore, multiple items of the transmitted camera modules are inspected in one inspection unit, thereby reducing inspection time.

[0135] The present invention has been described herein, but those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention by adding, changing, deleting or supplementing elements without departing from the spirit of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims, and that such modifications, equivalents, etc. fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for inspecting a camera module, comprising: The tray unit includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion therein for placing a plurality of camera modules; The inspection unit checks whether the camera module is good or defective; A pickup unit that picks up a camera module placed in a first receiving portion to place the picked-up camera module into an inspection unit, and picks up the camera module again to place the picked-up camera module into a second receiving portion when the inspection unit completes the inspection; and A barcode scanner that scans the barcode picked up by the pickup unit from the camera module to obtain information. The pickup unit includes clamps for picking up and placing the camera module, and The inspection unit includes a fixed desktop, a rotating desktop mounted on the fixed desktop for rotation, multiple camera module placement portions radially arranged on the rotating desktop and having areas for placing camera modules, multiple inspection modules radially arranged on the fixed desktop, and a drive unit for rotating the rotating desktop. The camera module placement section has both horizontal and vertical modes, and includes a support plate, a camera module socket mounted on the support plate and in which the camera module is placed, and a motor that provides driving force to rotate the support plate. When the camera module placement part is in horizontal mode, the support plate rotates under the drive of the motor to align horizontally, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces upward; when the camera module placement part is in vertical mode, the support plate rotates under the drive of the motor to align vertically, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces to the side.

2. The device as described in claim 1, in, The camera module awaiting inspection by the inspection unit is placed in the first receiving section, and the camera module after inspection by the inspection unit is placed in the second receiving section. The second accommodating portion includes a first sub-accommodating portion and a second sub-accommodating portion, wherein a camera module that the inspection unit determines to be good is placed in the first sub-accommodating portion, while a camera module that the inspection unit determines to be defective is placed in the second sub-accommodating portion.

3. An apparatus for inspecting a camera module, comprising: The tray unit includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion therein for placing a plurality of camera modules; The inspection unit checks whether the camera module is good or defective; A pickup unit that picks up a camera module placed in a first receiving portion to place the picked-up camera module into an inspection unit, and picks up the camera module again to place the picked-up camera module into a second receiving portion when the inspection unit completes the inspection; and A barcode scanner that scans the barcode picked up by the pickup unit from the camera module to obtain information. The pickup unit includes clamps for picking up and placing the camera module. The inspection unit includes a camera module placement section with an area for placing camera modules, multiple inspection modules for inspecting camera modules placed in the camera module placement section, a rotating unit on which multiple inspection modules are radially arranged, and a drive unit for rotating the rotating units. The camera module placement section has both horizontal and vertical modes, and includes a support plate, a camera module socket mounted on the support plate and in which the camera module is placed, and a motor that provides driving force to rotate the support plate. When the camera module placement part is in horizontal mode, the support plate rotates under the drive of the motor to align horizontally, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces upward; when the camera module placement part is in vertical mode, the support plate rotates under the drive of the motor to align vertically, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces to the side.

4. The device as described in claim 3, in, The camera module awaiting inspection by the inspection unit is placed in the first receiving section, and the camera module after inspection by the inspection unit is placed in the second receiving section. The second accommodating portion includes a first sub-accommodating portion and a second sub-accommodating portion, wherein a camera module that the inspection unit determines to be good is placed in the first sub-accommodating portion, while a camera module that the inspection unit determines to be defective is placed in the second sub-accommodating portion.

5. The device as described in claim 4, in, When the support plate rotates so that the camera module faces to the side, the camera module faces any one of the multiple inspection modules that are rotated by the drive unit, and The inspection unit that the camera module faces performs an inspection to determine whether the camera module is good or defective.

6. A processor for inspecting a camera module, the processor placing the camera module in a camera module socket disposed in an inspection unit for inspecting the camera module, or picking up and transporting a camera module inspected by the inspection unit, the processor for inspecting the camera module comprising: A tray unit, which includes a receiving portion therein for placing multiple camera modules; The pickup unit picks up the camera module placed in the receiving portion and places the picked-up camera module into the camera module socket of the inspection unit. Y-axis extension bracket, which extends along the Y-axis direction and on which the pickup unit is mounted; The pickup unit is mounted on the Y-axis extension frame to reciprocate along the Y-axis direction. The picking unit includes: The first pickup device picks up the camera module placed in the receiving portion and places the picked-up camera module into the camera module socket of the inspection unit. The second pickup device picks up the camera module that has been inspected by the inspection unit and places the picked-up camera module into the receiving portion. The first lifting and lowering cylinder raises and lowers the first pickup device along the Z-axis direction. The second lifting and lowering cylinder, which raises and lowers the second pickup device along the Z-axis direction, and A Y-axis drive, mounted on a Y-axis extension frame, reciprocates along the Y-axis direction, and a first lifting and lowering cylinder and a second lifting and lowering cylinder are mounted on the Y-axis drive. The accommodating portion includes: The first receiving portion contains the camera module awaiting inspection by the inspection unit. The second accommodating section includes a second sub-accommodating section, in which the inspection unit determines that a defective camera module is placed. The inspection unit includes: Fixed part; A rotating part, which is mounted on a fixed part to rotate; Multiple camera module placement sections are radially arranged on the rotating part and have camera module sockets for placing camera modules; Multiple inspection modules are radially arranged on a fixed portion; and Drive unit, which rotates the rotating part The camera module placement section has both horizontal and vertical modes, and includes: Support plate; A camera module socket mounted on a support plate and in which the camera module is placed; When the camera module placement part is in horizontal mode, the support plate rotates to align horizontally, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces upward; when the camera module placement part is in vertical mode, the support plate rotates to align vertically, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces to the side.

7. The processor as described in claim 6, in, The first pickup device includes a first clamp for picking up a camera module placed in a first receiving portion. The second pickup device includes a second clamp for picking up the camera module that has been inspected by the inspection unit.

8. The processor of claim 7, wherein, The first pickup device picks up the camera module placed in the first receiving portion and awaiting inspection using the first clamp, and places the picked-up camera module into the camera module socket. The second pickup device picks up the camera module that has been placed in the camera module socket and inspected by the second clamp and is identified as defective, and places the picked-up camera module in the second receiving part.

9. An apparatus for inspecting a camera module, comprising: A tray unit, which includes a receiving portion therein for placing multiple camera modules; The inspection unit checks whether the camera module is good or defective; The picking unit picks up the camera module placed in the receiving portion and places the picked-up camera module into the inspection unit; The inspection unit includes: Fixed part; A rotating part, which is mounted on a fixed part to rotate; A camera module placement section is provided on the rotating part and has an area for placing the camera module. Multiple inspection modules are mounted on a fixed part; and A drive unit that rotates the rotating portion; The picking unit includes: A first pickup device picks up a camera module placed in a receiving portion and places the picked-up camera module into the area where the camera module is placed. The second pickup device picks up the camera module that has been inspected by the inspection unit and places the picked-up camera module into the receiving portion. The first lifting and lowering cylinder raises and lowers the first pickup device along the Z-axis direction. The second lifting and lowering cylinder, which raises and lowers the second pickup device along the Z-axis direction, and The accommodating portion includes: The first receiving portion contains the camera module awaiting inspection by the inspection unit. The second accommodating section includes a second sub-accommodating section, in which the inspection unit determines that a defective camera module is placed. The camera module placement section has both horizontal and vertical modes, and includes: Support plate; A camera module socket mounted on a support plate and in which the camera module is placed; When the camera module placement part is in horizontal mode, the support plate rotates to align horizontally, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces upward; when the camera module placement part is in vertical mode, the support plate rotates to align vertically, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces to the side.

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, in, The first pickup device includes a first clamp for picking up a camera module placed in a first receiving portion, and the second pickup device includes a second clamp for picking up a camera module that has been inspected by an inspection unit. The first pickup device uses a first clamp to pick up a camera module placed in a first receiving portion and awaiting inspection, and then places the picked-up camera module in the area where the camera module is placed. The second pickup device uses a second clamp to pick up a camera module that has been placed in the area where the camera modules are placed and has been inspected and is identified as defective, and places the picked-up camera module in the second receiving portion.

11. An apparatus for inspecting a camera module, comprising: A tray unit, which includes a receiving portion therein for placing multiple camera modules; The inspection unit checks whether the camera module is good or defective; The picking unit picks up the camera module placed in the receiving portion and places the picked-up camera module into the inspection unit; The inspection unit includes: The camera module placement section has an area in which the camera module is placed; Multiple inspection modules, which inspect the camera modules placed in the camera module placement section; A rotating unit, on which multiple inspection modules are arranged radially; and Drive unit, which rotates the rotating unit, The picking unit includes: The first pickup device picks up the camera module placed in the receiving portion and places the picked-up camera module into the camera module socket of the inspection unit. The second pickup device picks up the camera module that has been inspected by the inspection unit and places the picked-up camera module into the receiving portion. The first lifting and lowering cylinder raises and lowers the first pickup device along the Z-axis direction. The second lifting and lowering cylinder, which raises and lowers the second pickup device along the Z-axis direction, and The accommodating portion includes: The first receiving portion contains the camera module awaiting inspection by the inspection unit. The second accommodating section includes a second sub-accommodating section, in which the inspection unit determines that a defective camera module is placed. The camera module placement section has both horizontal and vertical modes, and includes: Support plate; A camera module socket mounted on a support plate and in which the camera module is placed; When the camera module placement part is in horizontal mode, the support plate rotates to align horizontally, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces upward; when the camera module placement part is in vertical mode, the support plate rotates to align vertically, so that the camera module placed in the camera module socket faces to the side.

12. The device as claimed in claim 11, in, The first pickup device includes a first clamp for picking up a camera module placed in a first receiving portion, and the second pickup device includes a second clamp for picking up a camera module that has been inspected by an inspection unit. The first pickup device uses a first clamp to pick up a camera module placed in a first receiving portion and awaiting inspection, and then places the picked-up camera module in the area where the camera module is placed. The second pickup device uses a second clamp to pick up a camera module that has been placed in the area where the camera modules are placed and has been inspected and is identified as defective, and places the picked-up camera module in the second receiving portion.

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