Active alignment tool

Abstract

The present application provides an active alignment machine. The active alignment machine includes a base, a first support, a second support, a distribution module, a first alignment module, a second alignment module, and a third alignment module. The first support is disposed on the base and has a first support top surface. The second support is disposed on the base and has a second support top surface, and the first support top surface cooperates with the second support top surface to support multiple assembly specifications. The distribution module is disposed on the base and is located between the first support and the second support. The first alignment module, the second alignment module, and the third alignment module are replaceably assembled and disassembled on the first support top surface and the second support top surface, and cooperate with the distribution module to respectively provide active alignment for a first type of product, a second type of product, and a third type of product.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an active alignment machine, in particular, to an active alignment machine which performs active alignment procedures for various types of camera modules or products in a modular manner. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of image sensing technology, people are now accustomed to using related digital electronic products for photography or taking pictures. These products, such as digital cameras, smart phones or car recorders, can use image sensing elements designed with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensing technology, and combine with one or more lens elements to form their camera modules.

[0003] Since image sensing is a very precise optoelectronic technology, when image sensing elements and their lens elements are set up, they must undergo rigorous adjustments on the production line, such as focusing and optical center alignment, to prevent the elements from being tilted or misaligned and affecting image sensing quality. Such adjustments are active alignment (AA) procedures, which can be performed through related alignment machines or modules. After alignment is completed, the image sensing elements and lens elements are fixed, such as glued on a circuit board and cured under ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0004] In addition, depending on the different camera modules or products being manufactured, different alignment machines or modules are used. For example, these products can include compact camera modules (CCM) (with an angle of view less than 80 degrees), vehicle-mounted wide-angle modules (with an angle of view greater than 80 degrees), and periscopic (folded) modules, etc. These module products each have their own alignment machine or module and corresponding alignment technology, and different types of devices or products cannot be subjected to active alignment procedures using non-own alignment machines or modules.

[0005] However, general manufacturers usually manufacture and produce more than one type of camera module or product. In other words, when performing active alignment (AA) procedures on the production line, more than one type of alignment machine or module needs to be prepared. As a result, the manufacturer's production and development costs will increase accordingly, and the number of machines to be maintained will also increase, occupying more space on the production line.

[0006] On the other hand, even if the current custom-made alignment machines can allow the same machine to perform active alignment procedures for the above-mentioned two types of camera modules or products, it can only support the two types of products, and cannot simultaneously support active alignment procedures for the above-mentioned three or more types of camera modules or products.

[0007] Therefore, how to propose an alignment machine or an alignment module which can be flexibly applied and can support active alignment procedures of various types of photographic devices or products is the main purpose of the present application. SUMMARY

[0008] The present application aims to propose an active alignment machine. The active alignment machine adopts a modular way and can be assembled and disassembled on each group of supports by different alignment modules, so as to be able to perform active alignment procedures on various types of photographic devices or products.

[0009] The present application is an active alignment machine, comprising a base, a first support, a second support, a distribution module, a first alignment module, a second alignment module and a third alignment module. The first support is arranged on the base and has a first support top surface. The second support is arranged on the base and has a second support top surface, and the first support top surface is matched with the second support top surface to support various assembly specifications. The distribution module is arranged on the base and located between the first support and the second support. The first alignment module is used to provide assembly to perform active alignment. The second alignment module is used to provide assembly to perform active alignment. The third alignment module is used to provide assembly to perform active alignment. Among them, the first alignment module, the second alignment module and the third alignment module can be assembled and disassembled on the first support top surface and the second support top surface, and matched with the distribution module to provide active alignment for a first type of product, a second type of product and a third type of product respectively.

[0010] The present application has the beneficial effect that the three alignment modules proposed by the present application can be assembled and disassembled on the same group of supports or each group of supports of the same machine, so as to respectively complete the active alignment procedures of focus adjustment or optical center alignment adjustment for the corresponding types of products.

[0011] In order to have a better understanding of the above and other aspects of the present application, the following embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1A The present application proposes a three-dimensional schematic view of part of the components of the active alignment machine.

[0013] FIG. 1B The present application proposes a three-dimensional schematic view of part of the components of the active alignment machine. FIG. 1A The present application proposes a three-dimensional schematic view of part of the components of the active alignment machine.

[0014] FIG. 1C The present application proposes a three-dimensional schematic view of part of the components of the active alignment machine. FIG. 1A The present application proposes a three-dimensional schematic view of part of the components of the active alignment machine.

[0015] FIG. 2AA perspective view of a first alignment module according to the present application.

[0016] FIG. 2B A perspective view of the first alignment module after assembly.

[0017] FIG. 3A A perspective view of a relay lens device according to the present application.

[0018] FIG. 3B A perspective view of the relay lens device. FIG. 3A A perspective view of the relay lens device flipped 180 degrees.

[0019] FIG. 3C A perspective view of the relay lens device after assembly.

[0020] FIG. 4A A perspective view of a second alignment module according to the present application.

[0021] FIG. 4B A perspective view of the second alignment module after assembly.

[0022] FIG. 5A A perspective view of a third alignment module according to the present application.

[0023] FIG. 5B A perspective view of the third alignment module. FIG. 5A A perspective view of the third alignment module from another angle.

[0024] FIG. 5C A perspective view of the third alignment module after assembly.

[0025] Reference signs are as follows:

[0026] 100: active alignment machine

[0027] 10: first alignment module

[0028] 11: first frame

[0029] 111, 112, 113, 114: first foot

[0030] 12: light plate

[0031] 13: guide rail

[0032] 141, 142, 143: first locking piece

[0033] 151, 152, 153: first quick release piece

[0034] 161, 162, 163, 164: positioning hole

[0035] 17: first transmission interface

[0036] 20: second alignment module

[0037] 21: second frame

[0038] 211, 212, 213, 214: second leg

[0039] 221, 222, 223, 224, 225: collimator

[0040] 231, 232, 233, 234: fixed part

[0041] 241, 242, 243, 244: second locking member

[0042] 251, 252, 253, 254: second quick release member

[0043] 261, 262, 263, 264: positioning hole

[0044] 27: second transmission interface

[0045] 30: third alignment module

[0046] 31: assembly plate

[0047] 32: collimator

[0048] 33: side plate

[0049] 34: third locking member

[0050] 35: positioning hole

[0051] 36: third transmission interface

[0052] 40: relay lens device

[0053] 41: assembly plate

[0054] 411, 412: side edge

[0055] 42: relay lens

[0056] 431, 432: positioning sheet

[0057] 441, 442: lens locking member

[0058] 451, 452: lens quick release member

[0059] 46: positioning hole

[0060] 47: lens transmission interface

[0061] 50: base

[0062] 51, 52: automatic optical inspection and laser module

[0063] 53, 54: distribution module

[0064] 531, 541: second conveyer

[0065] 532, 542: gripper

[0066] 55, 56: base transfer interface

[0067] 61: first support

[0068] 61a: first support top surface

[0069] 62: second support

[0070] 62a: second support top surface

[0071] 63: third support

[0072] 63a: third support top surface

[0073] 64: fourth support

[0074] 64a: fourth support top surface

[0075] 71: first assembly interface

[0076] 710: positioning hole

[0077] 711: positioning post

[0078] 72: second assembly interface

[0079] 720: positioning hole

[0080] 721: positioning post

[0081] 73: third assembly interface

[0082] 730: positioning hole

[0083] 731: positioning post

[0084] 74: fourth assembly interface

[0085] 740: positioning hole

[0086] 741: positioning post DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] The following embodiments are presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. In addition, elements in the embodiments have been omitted or simplified for clarity, and to show the technical features of the present application.

[0088] The present application is described in detail with reference to a preferred embodiment. Please refer toFIG. 1A to and FIG. 1C wherein FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a partial assembly of an active alignment machine 100 according to the present application; FIG. 1B is FIG. 1A a schematic view from another perspective; FIG. 1C is FIG. 1A a top view. In this embodiment, the active alignment machine 100 is applied to an active alignment (AA) procedure of image sensing elements and lens elements of photographic devices or products, and can be applied to active alignment procedures of various different types of photographic devices or products.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C , the active alignment machine 100 comprises, in addition to a base 50, a first pillar 61, a second pillar 62, a third pillar 63, a fourth pillar 64, and two distribution modules 53, 54 disposed on the base 50. The first pillar 61 and the second pillar 62 can be defined as one group, and the third pillar 63 and the fourth pillar 64 can be defined as another group. Further, one of the distribution modules 53 is located between the first pillar 61 and the second pillar 62, and the other distribution module 54 is located between the third pillar 63 and the fourth pillar 64.

[0090] In addition, the active alignment machine 100 further comprises a first holder (not shown in the drawings) and a second holder (not shown in the drawings) disposed on the base 50. In an embodiment, the first holder and the second holder can be designed to be adjacent to the second pillar 62 and the third pillar 63, and located outside the pillars 61-64, and can be designed to be located in the middle of the second pillar 62 and the third pillar 63.

[0091] One feature of the present application is that the active alignment machine 100 is designed in a modular manner to perform active alignment procedures on various different types of photographic devices or products, mainly by replacing different alignment modules to be assembled and disassembled on each group of pillars, so as to achieve the purposes of flexible configuration and rapid application. This embodiment will illustrate the active alignment procedures of three types of products, i.e., a first type of product, a second type of product, and a third type of product. Therefore, the active alignment machine 100 is designed to further comprise a first alignment module, a second alignment module, and a third alignment module (see FIGS. 2A-5C ) to provide assembly and application.

[0092] As mentioned above, the two distribution modules 53, 54 can be the same components or can be designed with some devices shared by both. As for the distribution module 53, it can include a first conveyor (not shown in the drawings), a gripper 532, and a second conveyor 531. The first placer described above is a lens element pick and place device (Lens PNP) that can pick up lens elements or mirror elements in the first, second, and third products from the feed carrier by vacuum and place them on the first conveyor. The first conveyor is a lens unit transfer device (LUT) that is used to transfer the lens elements or mirror elements in the first, second, and third products after the operation of the first placer.

[0093] On the other hand, the second placer described above is a sensor pick and place device (Sensor PNP) that can pick up image sensing elements in the first, second, and third products from the feed carrier by vacuum and place them on the second conveyor 531. The second conveyor 531 is a sensor unit transfer device (SUT) that is used to transfer the image sensing elements in the first, second, and third products after the operation of the second placer.

[0094] As mentioned above, the gripper 532 is a lens element or mirror element gripping device (Lens Gripper) that is used to grip the transferred lens elements or mirror elements from the first conveyor and then perform six-axis rotation or movement to match the first, second, or third alignment module described above to focus adjust or optical center alignment adjust the image sensing elements on the second conveyor 531, that is, to perform an active alignment procedure. In addition, the active alignment machine 100 also includes two automatic optical inspection and laser modules (AOI and Laser module) 51, 52, which are respectively arranged on the second support 62 and the third support 63, to detect the active alignment procedure performed. The structure and assembly method of each alignment module will be described in detail as follows.

[0095] It is noted that although the embodiment is illustrated with two sets of pillars in the figures, the first pillar 61 and the second pillar 62 are configured similarly to the third pillar 63 and the fourth pillar 64. In other words, the active alignment machine 100 of the present application can be designed with only one set of pillars. In this embodiment, the third pillar 63 and the fourth pillar 64 are designed with most of the configurations identical to or partially symmetrical to the first pillar 61 and the second pillar 62. The following description of the implementation of each alignment module is partially illustrated with the configuration of the first pillar 61 and the second pillar 62, and partially illustrated with the configuration of the third pillar 63 and the fourth pillar 64, but it is understood that the concept of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0096] Please refer to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B . In which FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the first alignment module 10 of the present application; FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the first alignment module 10 after being assembled. In this embodiment, the first alignment module 10 is provided for the application of the first type of product, which is a compact camera module (CCM) including lens elements and image sensing elements (not shown in the figures) to be actively aligned.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B , the first alignment module 10 includes a first frame 11 and a light plate 12. The first frame 11 is in the shape of a cuboid composed of a plurality of long bars and has four first legs 111, 112, 113, 114. The light plate 12 is disposed on the first frame 11. The first frame 11 has a plurality of guide rails 13 to guide the light plate 12 so that the light plate 12 can move on the first frame 11 to simulate distance.

[0098] Secondly, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C , the first pillar 61 has a first pillar top surface 61a, and the second pillar 62 has a second pillar top surface 62a to provide assembly of the first legs 111-114. In detail, with the design of the first pillar top surface 61a in combination with the second pillar top surface 62a, support for various assembly specifications, including the assembly specification of the first alignment module 10, can be provided. The assembly specification is related to values such as the distance between the two pillar top surfaces 61a, 62a, the length and width of the two pillar top surfaces 61a, 62a, and the length and width between the assembly points of the first legs 111-114, so that the first alignment module 10 can be stably placed without falling. Furthermore, the height of the first pillar top surface 61a is the same as the height of the second pillar top surface 62a.

[0099] Further, the first support top surface 61a has a first assembly interface 71 and the second support top surface 62a has a second assembly interface 72 for assembling the first legs 111-114 thereon. In this embodiment, the first assembly interface 71 includes a plurality of positioning holes 710 and a plurality of positioning posts 711, the second assembly interface 72 includes a plurality of positioning holes 720 and a plurality of positioning posts 721, and the first legs 111-114 have a plurality of first locking members 141, 142, 143, a plurality of first quick release members 151, 152, 153, and a plurality of positioning holes 161, 162, 163, 164 (formed in the bottom and shown in dashed lines). The positioning holes 710, 720 are provided for assembling the first locking members 141-143, the positioning posts 711, 721 are provided for assembling the positioning holes 161-164, and the first quick release members 151-153 are used to secure and release the first locking members 141-143.

[0100] Another feature of the present application is that the positioning holes 710 and the positioning posts 711 of the first assembly interface 71 are distributed at both ends and the center of the first support top surface 61a, and the positioning holes 720 and the positioning posts 721 of the second assembly interface 72 are distributed at both ends and the center of the second support top surface 62a. In detail, the positions and the number of the positioning holes 710, 720 and the positioning posts 711, 721 can be designed according to the assembly structure of the alignment module to be applied, so that the corresponding assembly specifications can be provided, or the alignment module to be applied can select appropriate positioning holes and / or positioning posts for assembly.

[0101] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, two of the first legs 111, 112 are assembled on the first support top surface 61a, and the other two first legs 113, 114 are assembled on the second support top surface 62a. Further, each of the three first legs 111-113 has one locking member and one quick release member. The first locking members 141-143 can be hand screws, and the first quick release members 151-153 are formed on the corresponding first locking members 141-143.

[0102] Further, if the first alignment module 10 is to be disassembled, the above-mentioned process can be operated in reverse, that is, after loosening the screw structure and opening the wrench of the quick release member 151-153, the first locking member 141-143 can be removed from the corresponding positioning hole 710, 720, and the first leg 111-114 can be removed from the first pillar top surface 61a and the second pillar top surface 62a, thereby quickly completing the disassembly of the first alignment module 10.

[0103] Further, if the first alignment module 10 is to be disassembled, the above-mentioned process can be operated in reverse, that is, after loosening the screw structure and opening the wrench of the quick release member 151-153, the first locking member 141-143 can be removed from the corresponding positioning hole 710, 720, and the first leg 111-114 can be removed from the first pillar top surface 61a and the second pillar top surface 62a, thereby quickly completing the disassembly of the first alignment module 10.

[0104] It can be understood that, although the above-mentioned positioning hole, positioning column, locking member (hand screw), and quick release member are used to design the assembly method, the concept of the present application is not limited thereto, that is, other implementation methods or changes can also be used to complete the assembly. For example, a screw and a screw cap can be used to complete the assembly; or the positioning column and the quick release member can be omitted; or a tenon and mortise can be used to complete the assembly.

[0105] As mentioned above, for power supply and signal connection, the embodiment is designed to include a base transmission interface 55. FIG. 1A , FIG. 1C and FIG. 2B The base transmission interface 55 is arranged on the first pillar 61 and adjacent to the first pillar top surface 61a. The base transmission interface 55 is an integrated power and signal connection port and can be connected to a rear-end power supply and control platform (such as a computer device) through the base 50. Secondly, the embodiment is designed to include a first transmission interface 17. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B The first transmission interface 17 is arranged on the first frame 11, specifically on the crossbar between the leg 111 and the leg 112. The first transmission interface 17 can be electrically connected to the base transmission interface 55 through a transmission line (not shown in the drawings), thereby being able to control the movement of the light plate 12 (the first frame 11 also has a related driving module) and the transmission of related signals.

[0106] In detail, this embodiment designs the base transmission interface 55 as a 25-pin (DB25-pin) connector plug (i.e., male), while the first transmission interface 17 is a 9-hole (DB9-hole) connector socket (i.e., female). Therefore, one end of the configured transmission line uses a 25-hole (DB25-hole) connector socket, while the other end uses a 9-pin (DB9-pin) connector plug, thereby enabling the conversion connection between the two.

[0107] Of course, other variations can be made to the design of the aforementioned electrical connection socket or plug. Alternatively, depending on the application or assembly method, the base transmission interface can be located on the second support 62 in other embodiments. When there is a need to change the alignment module for a different application, in addition to removing the first alignment module 10, the corresponding transmission line must also be disconnected.

[0108] The active alignment procedure performed on the first type of product by the first alignment module 10 in conjunction with the delivery module 53 is roughly as follows: A chart is formed on the light plate 12. The chart has multiple feature points that are square and distributed in the center and four corners of a specific area, serving as a reference for focusing the first type of product. As described above, the light plate 12 can be moved up and down to simulate distance and display the chart for viewing. The gripper 532 holds the lens element of the first type of product, while the second conveyor 531 conveys the image sensing element of the first type of product. After the image sensing element is activated, the gripper 532 adjusts its lens element to focus the image sensing element onto the chart on the light plate 12. Further analysis of the focusing situation confirms whether active alignment has been completed.

[0109] The present invention can also perform other further active alignment procedures in the above-described assembly situation, especially active alignment procedures that simulate a longer distance (e.g., more than 90 cm) or an infinite distance for the product.

[0110] Please also see FIGS. 3A-3C .in FIG. 3A This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a relay lens device 40 proposed in this invention; FIG. 3B for FIG. 3A A schematic diagram of the relay lens device 40 tilted 180 degrees to the side; FIG. 3CThis is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the completed assembly of the relay lens device 40. In this embodiment, the first alignment module 10 also includes the relay lens device 40, which can be used to simulate long distances or infinite distances. It should be noted that depending on the design requirements of different products, if the product has a long-distance simulation requirement, the relay lens device 40 must be included. Conversely, if not, it can be omitted, and only the light plate 12 needs to be moved.

[0111] like FIGS. 3A-3C As shown, the relay lens device 40 includes an assembly plate 41, which is assembled onto the first assembly interface 71 with one side edge 411. Specifically, the side edge 411 has multiple lens locking members 441, 442, multiple lens quick-release members 451, 452 (in this embodiment, two of each are designed), and a positioning hole 46. The multiple positioning holes 710 are provided for assembly corresponding to the multiple lens locking members 441, 442, and a positioning post 711 is provided for assembly corresponding to the positioning hole 46. The multiple lens quick-release members 451, 452 are used to fix and remove the multiple lens locking members 441, 442.

[0112] Similarly, multiple lens locking components 441, 442 can be hand-tightening screws, and multiple lens quick-release components 451, 452 are formed on the corresponding lens locking components 441, 442. In this embodiment, a partial positioning hole 710 and a positioning post 711 formed in the center of the top surface 61a of the first support are designed to provide multiple lens locking components 441, 442 for assembly with the positioning hole 46. When the side edge 411 is placed in the designated position, the two lens locking components 441, 442 and the positioning post 711 can be inserted into the corresponding positioning holes 710 and 46 respectively, and assembly and fixation can be completed by tightening their screw structure and pressing down the wrench of each quick-release component 451, 452. Disassembly is also done by reversing the operation, which will not be described in detail here.

[0113] On the other hand, the relay lens device 40 provides distance simulation using a relay lens 42 disposed on another side edge 412 of the assembly plate 41. The assembled relay lens device 40 positions the relay lens 42 approximately at the center of the first pillar 61 and the second pillar 62, aligning it with the gripper 532 and the second conveyor 531 below, as well as the light plate 12 above. Furthermore, to facilitate the guidance of the side edge 411 during assembly, two positioning plates 431 and 432 are provided at the bottom of the assembly plate 41. By having the two positioning plates 431 and 432 abut against the top surface 61a of the first pillar and the side edge 411 placed on the top surface 61a of the first pillar, the two lens locking members 441 and 442 can be smoothly guided to move onto the corresponding positioning holes 710.

[0114] It is understood that the above-mentioned embodiment is described in a manner that the relay lens device 40 is assembled on the first assembly interface 71, but in other embodiments, the relay lens device 40 can also be designed to be assembled on the second assembly interface 72, that is, on the second support top surface 62a, and distance simulation can also be performed. In addition, the assembly method of the present application is not limited to the design of positioning holes, positioning columns, latches (screwed screws), quick release components, and other structures or components.

[0115] Similarly, this embodiment is designed to have the relay lens device 40 further comprising a lens transmission interface 47. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C , the lens transmission interface 47 is arranged on the side edge 411 and can be electrically connected to the base transmission interface 55 through a transmission line (not shown in the figure), thereby providing power for the ultraviolet lamp (UV) operation of the relay lens device 40. Similarly, the lens transmission interface 47 is a 9-hole (DB9 hole) connector socket.

[0116] It should be noted that since the first transmission interface 17 and the lens transmission interface 47 are both electrically connected, and the base transmission interface 55 arranged only has one, this embodiment is designed to use a transmission line for both. In detail, one end of such a transmission line is a two-pin (DB9 pin) connector plug electrically connected to the first transmission interface 17 and the lens transmission interface 47, and the other end is a 25-hole (DB25 hole) connector socket electrically connected to the base transmission interface 55 which is a 25-pin (DB25 pin) connector plug.

[0117] Please refer to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B . Among them FIG. 4A is the perspective view of the second alignment module 20 proposed by the present application; FIG. 4B is the perspective view of the second alignment module 20 after assembly. In this embodiment, the second alignment module 20 is provided for the second type of product, and the second type of product is a vehicle-mounted wide-angle module including lens elements and image sensing elements (not shown in the figure) to be actively aligned.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4BAs shown, the second alignment module 20 comprises a second frame 21 and a plurality of collimators 221, 222, 223, 224, 225. The second frame 21 is in the shape of a dome and is mainly composed of four arcuate bars, thus having four second legs 211, 212, 213, 214. The collimators 221-225 are evenly distributed on the second frame 21. In this embodiment, five collimators are used. One of the collimators 225 is disposed at the top of the second frame 21, i.e., at the junction of the second legs 211-214. The other four collimators 221-224 are disposed on the respective second legs 211-214 for active alignment. In detail, the four collimators 221-224 are each sleeved and fixed on the respective second leg 211-214 by a fixed portion 231, 232, 233, 234.

[0119] In FIG. 4A With FIG. 4B In the assembly application, the third pillar 63 has a third pillar top surface 63a and the fourth pillar 64 has a fourth pillar top surface 64a. The design of the third pillar top surface 63a and the fourth pillar top surface 64a can also support various assembly specifications, including the assembly specification of the second alignment module 20. In addition, the height of the third pillar top surface 63a is the same as the height of the fourth pillar top surface 64a.

[0120] As mentioned above, the third pillar top surface 63a has a third assembly interface 73 and the fourth pillar top surface 64a has a fourth assembly interface 74. The third assembly interface 73 comprises a plurality of positioning holes 730 and a plurality of positioning posts 731, and the fourth assembly interface 74 comprises a plurality of positioning holes 740 and a plurality of positioning posts 741 (see FIG. 1C ). The design of the third assembly interface 73 and the fourth assembly interface 74 is similar to that of the first assembly interface 71 and the second assembly interface 72. In addition, the design of the active alignment machine 100 also comprises another base transmission interface 56 disposed on the fourth pillar 64 and adjacent to the fourth pillar top surface 64a, which is also used to provide electrical connection for the relevant alignment module via the transmission line.

[0121] Secondly, the third strut top surface 63a and the fourth strut top surface 64a are used to provide the assembly of the second legs 211-214, that is, the third assembly interface 73 and the fourth assembly interface 74 are used to provide the assembly of the second legs 211-214. The embodiment is designed to have the second legs 211-214 with the second locking members 241, 242, 243, 244, the second quick release members 251, 252, 253, 254, and the positioning holes 261, 262, 263, 264 (formed on the bottom and represented by dashed lines). The positioning holes 730, 740 are provided corresponding to the second locking members 241-244 for assembly, the positioning posts 731, 741 are provided corresponding to the positioning holes 261-264 for assembly, and the second quick release members 251-254 are used to provide the second locking members 241-244 for fixation and disassembly.

[0122] Similarly, the embodiment is designed such that two of the second legs 211, 212 are assembled on the third strut top surface 63a, and the other two second legs 213, 214 are assembled on the fourth strut top surface 64a. Secondly, each of the second legs 211-214 is designed to have one locking member and one quick release member. The second locking members 241-244 can be a hand screw, and the second quick release members 251-254 are formed on the corresponding second locking members 241-244.

[0123] As mentioned above, similarly, the embodiment is designed such that the positioning holes 730, 740 and the positioning posts 731, 741 formed at both ends of the third strut top surface 63a and both ends of the fourth strut top surface 64a are used to provide the assembly of the second locking members 241-244 and the positioning holes 261-264. When each of the second legs 211-214 is placed in the designated position, each of the second locking members 241-244 and each of the positioning posts 731, 741 can be inserted into the corresponding positioning holes 730, 740 and positioning holes 261-264, respectively, and the assembly and fixation can be completed by tightening the screw structure and pressing the wrench of each quick release member 251-254. The disassembly method is also reversed, which will not be described in detail here. In addition, the present application is not limited to the design of positioning holes, positioning posts, locking members (hand screws), and quick release members and other structures or components for assembly.

[0124] As mentioned above, since the wide-angle application of the second alignment module 20 has a viewing angle of more than 80 degrees or even up to 130 degrees, five collimators 221-225 are provided to cover the gripper 542 and the second conveyor 541 of the dispensing module 54 below. Except for the collimator 225 at the top of the second frame 21 which is usually located in the center and remains stationary, the other four collimators 221-224 are arranged on the second legs 211-214 according to the field of view (FOV) of the image sensing elements to be actively aligned.

[0125] Therefore, before the active alignment procedure, the field of view of the four collimators 221-224 can be corrected. It can be understood that different products may have different field of view sizes. During the correction, the center position of the image frame can be calculated and a circular surface can be drawn in space, and then the four collimators 221-224 and their fixing parts 231-234 are adjusted and moved to the circular surface on the second legs 211-214, so that the field of view correction can be completed according to the set field of view. After correction, the collimators 221-224 remain stationary in their positions, so that the subsequent active alignment procedure can be performed.

[0126] Similarly, the second alignment module 20 of this embodiment also includes a second transmission interface 27. As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B The second transmission interface 27 is arranged on the second frame 21, specifically at the junction of the second legs 211-214. Since the collimators 221-225 need to be electrically connected, and the base transmission interface 56 is only one, this embodiment integrates the collimators 221-225 and uses the single second transmission interface 27 as the external electrical connection port. In this way, only one transmission line (not shown in the drawings) is needed to be electrically connected to the base transmission interface 56, so that the focus adjustment of the collimators 221-225 and the transmission of related signals can be controlled.

[0127] In this embodiment, the second transmission interface 27 is a 15-hole (DB15 hole) connector socket, and the base transmission interface 56 is a 25-pin (DB25 pin) connector plug. Therefore, the transmission line configured can be a 15-pin (DB15 pin) connector plug to a 25-hole (DB25 hole) connector socket design.

[0128] The active alignment procedure of the second alignment module 20 in cooperation with the distribution module 54 for the second type of product is roughly as follows. The light plate elements inside the collimators 221-225 also have similar chart patterns formed thereon. Unlike the chart pattern of the light plate 12 which is characterized by square features, the chart pattern of the collimators 221-225 has features in the shape of quarter circles, which are used as the reference for focus adjustment of the second type of product. The light plate elements can also provide simulated distances and display the chart pattern for viewing. The focus adjustment of the gripper 542 is similar to that of the first alignment module 10, and will not be described in detail.

[0129] Although the above description of the assembly of the second alignment module 20 uses the third pillar 63 and the fourth pillar 64 as an example, it should be understood that the concept of the present application is not limited thereto. In other words, when the configuration of the first pillar 61 and the second pillar 62 is similar to that of the third pillar 63 and the fourth pillar 64, the second alignment module 20 can be assembled on the first pillar 61 and the second pillar 62 after appropriate adjustment. Alternatively, the first alignment module 10 can also be assembled on the third pillar 63 and the fourth pillar 64, so that the different alignment modules of the present application can be assembled and disassembled on various sets of pillars. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the configuration of the first pillar and the second pillar can be further designed to be identical to that of the third pillar and the fourth pillar, so as to support various assembly specifications.

[0130] Please refer to FIGS. 5A-5C , wherein FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the third alignment module 30 of the present application; FIG. 5B is FIG. 5A a schematic view from another perspective; FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the third alignment module 30 after assembly. In this embodiment, the third alignment module 30 is provided for use with the third type of product, which is a folded module including lens components, image sensing elements, and a mirror element (not shown in the drawings) to be actively aligned.

[0131] As FIGS. 5A-5CAs shown, the third alignment module 30 comprises a collimator 32 and an assembly plate 31 connected to a side plate 33 of the collimator 32. This assembly application is illustrated by the third post 63. Similarly, the design of the third post top surface 63a in conjunction with the fourth post top surface 64a can support various assembly specifications, including the assembly specification of the third alignment module 30. This embodiment is designed to assemble the assembly plate 31 to the third post top surface 63a, the third assembly interface 73. Secondly, this embodiment is designed to have the assembly plate 31 with a plurality of third locking members 34 and a plurality of positioning holes 35. The plurality of positioning holes 730 are provided for assembly corresponding to the plurality of third locking members 34, and the plurality of positioning posts 731 are provided for assembly corresponding to the plurality of positioning holes 35.

[0132] In this embodiment, the plurality of third locking members 34 can be a fastening screw, which can be locked by a screwdriver tool. Secondly, this embodiment is designed to have the positioning hole 730 and the positioning post 731 formed in the center of the third post top surface 63a to provide assembly for the plurality of third locking members 34 and the plurality of positioning holes 35. When the assembly plate 31 is placed in the designated position, each third locking member 34 and each positioning post 731 can be inserted into the corresponding positioning hole 730 and positioning hole 35, respectively, and the assembly and fixation can be completed by tightening the screw structure.

[0133] The disassembly method is also operated in reverse, that is, by loosening the screw structure with a screwdriver tool, the disassembly of the third alignment module 30 can be quickly completed. Of course, in other embodiments, the third alignment module 30 can also be designed to be assembled to the fourth post top surface 64a, the fourth assembly interface 74, or even to the first post top surface 61a, the first assembly interface 71, or the second post top surface 62a, the second assembly interface 72. In addition, the assembly method of the present application is not limited to the design of positioning holes, positioning posts, and locking members (fastening screws) or other structures or elements.

[0134] As mentioned above, for the image center active alignment procedure of the periscope module, only one collimator and the corresponding gripper 542 need to be set. The periscope module is a lens structure that can perform high magnification zooming within the device body to which it is applied. The design principle is to reflect light to a plurality of lenses that can move for optical zooming through a triangular prism or a mirror, and then to be sensed by an image sensing element. Therefore, at this time, the gripper 542 clamps the mirror element (i.e. the triangular prism or the mirror) of the third type of product, and the lens assembly and the image sensing element of the third type of product are transported by the second conveyor 541.

[0135] Similarly, this embodiment is designed to have the third alignment module 30 further comprising a third transmission interface 36. As shown, the third transmission interface 36 is designed to have a plurality of third transmission members 37 and a plurality of third transmission holes 38.FIGS. 5A-5C As shown, the third transmission interface 36 is disposed on the assembly plate 31 and can be electrically connected to the base transmission interface 56 through a transmission line (not shown in the figure) to provide power for the operation of the collimator 32. Similarly, the third transmission interface 36 is a 9-hole (DB9 hole) connector socket. Therefore, the transmission line can be designed as a 9-pin (DB9 pin) connector plug to a 25-hole (DB25 hole) connector socket.

[0136] The active alignment procedure of the third alignment module 30 in cooperation with the distribution module 54 for the third type of product is as follows. The collimator 32 also has a similar light plate element inside, and a chart is formed on the element, and also has a plurality of quarter-circle-shaped feature points as the adjustment reference of the third type of product. In this embodiment, the light plate element can display the chart for viewing, and the adjustment of the third type of product is particularly an optical center alignment adjustment to make the angle of light reflection correct. The gripper 542 clamps the mirror element of the third type of product, and the second conveyor 541 conveys the lens assembly and image sensing element of the third type of product. After starting the operation of its image sensing element, the mirror element is adjusted by the gripper 542 to align the content of the reflected light seen by the image sensing element with the center position of the chart, and further analysis of the optical center can confirm whether the alignment is completed.

[0137] In summary, from the above implementation descriptions of the three types of products, it can be seen that the three alignment modules proposed by the present application can be assembled and disassembled on the same set of supports or on each set of supports of the same machine, so that the active alignment procedure of focus adjustment or optical center alignment adjustment can be completed for the corresponding type of product. In this way, the production line can use only one machine for adjustment of three types of photographic devices or products in the process, thereby effectively saving production and equipment costs. Secondly, when the machine is designed with two sets of supports, the machine can simultaneously adjust two different types of products or two same types of products, and finally complete the gluing and fixing procedures, which effectively saves operation time and increases production efficiency.

[0138] On the other hand, the alignment modules (especially the first and second alignment modules) proposed by the present application have quick-release components that can be quickly disassembled, so that multiple modules can be quickly assembled and disassembled. When the production line has different types of products that need to be subjected to active alignment procedures, the alignment modules to be used can be quickly replaced, thereby achieving flexible application and quick and convenient effects.

[0139] Therefore, the present application can effectively solve the problems in the prior art and successfully achieve the main purpose of the development.

[0140] While the present application has been disclosed in an embodiment as above, it is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains, when making various modifications and improvements, can not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An active alignment machine, comprising: a base; a first column disposed on the base, the first column having a first column top surface; a second column disposed on the base, the second column having a second column top surface, and the first column top surface and the second column top surface being configured to support various assembly specifications, the first column top surface having a first assembly interface and the second column top surface having a second assembly interface configured to provide assembly of a first alignment module, a second alignment module, and a third alignment module; a distribution module disposed on the base and between the first column and the second column; a first alignment module configured to provide assembly for active alignment, the first alignment module comprising: a first frame having four first legs configured to be assembled on the first assembly interface and the second assembly interface; and a light plate disposed on the first frame, the light plate being movable on the first frame to simulate distance; a second alignment module configured to provide assembly for active alignment, the second alignment module comprising: a second frame having four second legs configured to be assembled on the first assembly interface and the second assembly interface; and a plurality of collimators disposed on the second frame in an average distribution to perform active alignment; and a third alignment module configured to provide assembly for active alignment, the third alignment module comprising: a collimator configured to perform active alignment; and an assembly plate connected to the collimator configured to be assembled on the first assembly interface or the second assembly interface; wherein the first alignment module, the second alignment module, and the third alignment module are replaceably assembled and disassembled on the first column top surface and the second column top surface and are configured to provide active alignment of a first type of product, a second type of product, and a third type of product in conjunction with the distribution module, the first type of product being a micro lens module, the second type of product being a vehicle wide-angle module, and the third type of product being a periscope module.

2. The active alignment machine of claim 1, wherein the distribution module comprises: a first conveyor configured to convey lens elements or mirror elements of the first type of product, the second type of product, and the third type of product; a gripper configured to grip corresponding lens elements or mirror elements to perform focus adjustment or optical center alignment adjustment; and a second conveyor configured to convey image sensing elements of the first type of product, the second type of product, and the third type of product.

3. The active alignment machine of claim 1, wherein the first assembly interface and the second assembly interface comprise a plurality of positioning holes, and the four first legs have a plurality of first latches and a plurality of first quick release members, the plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the plurality of first latches to provide assembly thereof, and the plurality of first quick release members being configured to provide fixation and disassembly of the plurality of first latches. ​ ​ ​ 4. The active alignment system of claim 1, further comprising a base transmission interface disposed on the first or second post, and the first alignment module further comprises a first transmission interface disposed on the first frame for electrically connecting to the base transmission interface.

5. The active alignment system of claim 1, wherein the first alignment module further comprises a relay lens device assembled on the first or second assembly interface with a side edge corresponding to the optical plate for simulating distance.

6. The active alignment system of claim 5, wherein the first and second assembly interfaces comprise a plurality of positioning holes, and the side edge has a plurality of lens locking members and a plurality of lens quick release members, the plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the plurality of lens locking members for assembly, and the plurality of lens quick release members for fixing and releasing the plurality of lens locking members.

7. The active alignment system of claim 5, further comprising a base transmission interface disposed on the first or second post, and the relay lens device further comprises a lens transmission interface disposed on the side edge for electrically connecting to the base transmission interface.

8. The active alignment system of claim 1, wherein the first and second assembly interfaces comprise a plurality of positioning holes, and the plurality of second legs has a plurality of second locking members and a plurality of second quick release members, the plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the plurality of second locking members for assembly, and the plurality of second quick release members for fixing and releasing the plurality of second locking members.

9. The active alignment system of claim 1, further comprising a base transmission interface disposed on the first or second post, and the second alignment module further comprises a second transmission interface disposed on the second frame for electrically connecting to the base transmission interface.

10. The active alignment system of claim 1, wherein the first and second assembly interfaces comprise a plurality of positioning holes, and the assembly plate has a plurality of third locking members, the plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the plurality of third locking members for assembly.

11. The active alignment system of claim 1, further comprising a base transmission interface disposed on the first or second post, and the third alignment module further comprises a third transmission interface disposed on the assembly plate for electrically connecting to the base transmission interface.

12. The active alignment system of claim 1, further comprising: a third post disposed on the base, the third post having a third post top surface; a fourth post disposed on the base, the fourth post having a fourth post top surface, and the third post top surface and the fourth post top surface cooperate to support various assembly specifications; and another distribution module disposed on the base between the third post and the fourth post. wherein The first, second and third alignment modules are alternatively assembled and disassembled on the top surfaces of the third and fourth pillars and provide active alignment of the first, second and third types of products, respectively, in cooperation with the other distribution module.

13. The active alignment machine of claim 12, further comprising: a first placer disposed on the base to place a lens element or a mirror element in the first, second and third types of products; and a second placer disposed on the base to place an image sensor element in the first, second and third types of products. wherein The first and second placers are adjacent to the second and third pillars.

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