Binding device

Abstract

A coupling device includes: an upper clamp configured to support an upper material; a moving module configured to move the upper clamp in a vertical direction; a lower clamp disposed below the upper clamp and configured to support a lower material; a supporting module supporting the lower clamp; and an alignment module configured to support the lower clamp and move the lower clamp such that the lower material is aligned with the underside of the upper material, wherein the supporting module and the alignment module support the lower clamp independently of each other.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0065004, filed on May 20, 2024, and all benefits derived therefrom, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a coupling device. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of multimedia technology, display devices have become increasingly important. Accordingly, various types of display devices, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs), are currently in use. Such display devices find a wide range of applications in mobile electronic devices, including portable electronic devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablet PCs.

[0004] The display device includes a display panel for displaying images and a cover window attached to and protecting the display panel. The cover window is attached to the display panel by a coupling agent inserted between the display panel and the cover window.

[0005] The display panel and cover can be attached together by pressing them together using a bonding device. Before the display panel and cover are attached together by the bonding device, an alignment process can be performed to align the display panel with the cover. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various aspects of the present invention provide a joining device that prevents excessive load from being applied to an alignment module (e.g., an alignment driver included in the alignment module) used to align the lower material when the upper and lower materials are attached together by means of load distribution.

[0007] However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other embodiments will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of this disclosure given below.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a coupling device includes: an upper clamp configured to support an upper material; a moving module configured to move the upper clamp in a vertical direction; a lower clamp disposed below the upper clamp and configured to support a lower material; a supporting module supporting the lower clamp; and an alignment module configured to support the lower clamp and move the lower clamp such that the lower material is aligned with the lower side of the upper material, wherein the supporting module and the alignment module support the lower clamp independently of each other.

[0009] In one embodiment, the support module includes: a horizontally moving portion connected to a lower portion of a lower clamp and configured to move the lower clamp in a horizontal direction; and a first support plate supporting the horizontally moving portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the horizontally moving portion includes: a first track disposed on the upper surface of the first support plate and extending in a first direction; a first block configured to move along the first track; a second track connected to the lower clamp and extending in a second direction; and a second block connected to the first block and configured to move along the second track.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second block is disposed on the upper side of the first block, and the second track is disposed on the upper side of the second block.

[0012] In one embodiment, the horizontally moving portion further includes a base component disposed between the first block and the second block.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the horizontal movement portion further includes a rotating member disposed between the lower clamp and the second track, wherein the rotating member is configured to rotate the lower clamp in the horizontal direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the horizontally moving portion is connected to the center of the lower clamp.

[0016] In one embodiment, the support module further includes: at least one first support shaft connected to the lower portion of the first support plate and supporting the first support plate; a second support plate supporting the first support shaft; a third support plate connected to the lower portion of the second support plate and supporting the second support plate; and a fourth support plate supporting the third support plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the support module further includes a second support shaft connected to the lower portion of the first support plate and the upper portion of the fourth support plate to support the first support plate.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second support shaft is connected to the lower portion of the first support plate below the horizontally moving portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one first support shaft includes a plurality of first support shafts, wherein the plurality of first support shafts are connected to the lower portions of two edges of a first support plate such that a second support shaft is located between the first support shafts.

[0020] In one embodiment, the alignment module includes: at least one first alignment axis connected to the lower portion of the lower clamp and supporting the lower clamp; and an alignment driver connected to the first alignment axis to move the lower clamp.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one first alignment axis includes a plurality of first alignment axes connected to the lower portions of two edges of the lower clamp, such that the support module is located between the first alignment axes.

[0022] In one embodiment, the alignment module further includes: a first alignment plate supporting a first alignment axis; at least one second alignment axis connected to the lower portion of the first alignment plate and supporting the first alignment plate; and a second alignment plate disposed on the alignment driver and supporting the second alignment axis.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one second alignment axis includes a plurality of second alignment axes, wherein the plurality of second alignment axes are connected at the lower portion of the edge of the first alignment plate.

[0024] In one embodiment, the alignment module further includes a damper disposed below the alignment driver.

[0025] In one embodiment, the alignment module further includes a third alignment plate disposed between the alignment driver and the damper to support the alignment driver.

[0026] In one embodiment, the support module is connected to the center of the lower clamp, and the alignment module is connected to the lower portion of the lower clamp, such that the alignment module is spaced apart from the support module.

[0027] In one embodiment, the alignment module is connected to the lower portion of the edge of the lower clamp.

[0028] According to one embodiment, when the upper and lower materials are attached together, by distributing the load to prevent excessive load from being applied to the alignment module (e.g., the alignment driver included in the alignment module), damage to the alignment module (e.g., the alignment driver included in the alignment module) used for aligning the lower material can be prevented.

[0029] The effects according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and many more effects are included in the following description of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and other aspects and features of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a front view of a connecting device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 According to one embodiment Figure 1 Perspective view of the lower clamp, support module, and alignment module.

[0033] Figure 3 According to one embodiment Figure 2 Front view of the lower clamp, support module, and alignment module.

[0034] Figure 4 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A magnified view of region A.

[0035] Figure 5 According to one embodiment Figure 3 A magnified view of region B.

[0036] Figure 6 To illustrate according to one embodiment Figure 2 A perspective view of the horizontally moving part of the lower clamp.

[0037] Figure 7 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A perspective view of the lower clamp, support module, and alignment module, showing the lower material being placed in... Figure 2 The upper material is positioned on the lower fixture and the lower material is positioned on the lower material.

[0038] Figure 8 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A perspective view of the lower clamp, support module, and alignment module, showing the material passing through... Figure 7 The alignment module is aligned to the lower side of the upper material.

[0039] Figure 9 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A perspective view of the lower clamp, support module, and alignment module, showing... Figure 8 The state of the upper material being pressed down by the lower material.

[0040] Figure 10 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A front view of the lower clamp, support module, and alignment module, showing the process through which the clamp is... Figure 9 The load generated by pressing the material in the middle is distributed. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The advantages and features of the invention, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in various different ways. Exemplary embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the invention will be thorough and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0042] As used herein, the phrase "element A on element B" means that element A can be directly disposed on element B and / or element A can be indirectly disposed on element B via another element C. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. The figures, dimensions, ratios, angles, and number of elements given in the figures are merely illustrative and not limiting.

[0043] Although terms such as first, second, etc., are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements described by these terms, they are not necessarily intended to indicate the time or other priority of these elements. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Accordingly, as used herein, within the scope of the invention, a first element may be a second element.

[0044] Features of the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be combined in whole or in part. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various technical interactions and operations are possible. The various exemplary embodiments may be practiced individually or in combination.

[0045] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 A front view of the coupling device 10 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0047] In one embodiment, and referring to Figure 1 The joining device 10 can attach the upper material 20 and the lower material 30 together, and the joining device 10 may include an upper clamp 100, a moving module 200, a lower clamp 300, a support module 400 and an alignment module 500.

[0048] In one embodiment, the upper clamp 100 may support the upper material 20. For example, the upper material 20 may be supported on the lower surface of the upper clamp 100. For example, the upper clamp 100 may support the upper material 20 by fixing it so that it does not move on the lower surface of the upper clamp 100. The upper clamp 100 may be provided as an electrostatic chuck using electrostatic force or a porous chuck using vacuum suction force.

[0049] In one embodiment, the moving module 200 can move the upper clamp 100 in the vertical direction, and the moving module 200 may include a base plate 210, a moving part 220, a connecting member 230 and an actuator 240.

[0050] In one embodiment, the base plate 210 may support at least one of the upper clamp 100, the moving portion 220, the connecting member 230, the actuator 240, the lower clamp 300, the support module 400, and the alignment module 500. For example, one or more of the upper clamp 100, the moving portion 220, the connecting member 230, the actuator 240, the lower clamp 300, the support module 400, and the alignment module 500 may be disposed on and supported by the base plate 210 on the upper surface of the base plate 210. The base plate 210 may be provided as a plate having a predetermined thickness.

[0051] In one embodiment, the movable portion 220 is vertically movable relative to the upper clamp 100 and may be disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 210. Multiple movable portions 220 may be spaced apart from each other. The upper clamp 100 may be disposed between the multiple movable portions 220 and may be connected to the movable portions 220 via connecting members 230. The movable portion 220 may be a track extending upward from the upper surface of the base plate 210 (e.g., extending upward in the vertical direction).

[0052] In one embodiment, the connecting member 230 can connect the upper clamp 100 to the moving portion 220. For example, the connecting member 230 can be connected to the upper clamp 100 by connecting to an actuator 240 connected to the upper clamp 100. The connecting member 230 can move vertically along the moving portion 220, and the upper clamp 100 can move vertically accordingly.

[0053] In one embodiment, actuator 240 may be disposed on upper clamp 100 to move upper clamp 100 in a vertical direction. For example, actuator 240 may be provided as a cylinder having a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the cylinder may be connected to the upper surface of upper clamp 100 such that upper clamp 100 may be moved in a vertical direction by operation of the cylinder. Actuator 240 may provide pressure on upper material 20 for attaching upper material 20 to lower material 30.

[0054] In one embodiment, the lower clamp 300 can support the lower material 30. For example, the lower material 30 can be formed on the upper surface of the lower clamp 300, with the upper surface of the lower clamp 300 and the lower surface of the upper clamp 200 facing each other in the vertical direction. For example, the lower clamp 300 can support the lower material 30 by fixing it so that it does not move on the upper surface of the lower clamp 300. The lower clamp 300 can be provided as an electrostatic chuck using electrostatic force or a porous chuck using vacuum suction force. The lower clamp 300 can be directly disposed below the upper clamp 100 and can be supported by the support module 400 and the alignment module 500.

[0055] Figure 2 To illustrate according to one embodiment Figure 1 Perspective view of the lower clamp, support module, and alignment module. Figure 3 To illustrate according to one embodiment Figure 2 Front view of the lower clamp, support module, and alignment module. Figure 4 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A magnified view of region A. Figure 5 According to one embodiment Figure 3 A magnified view of region B. Figure 6 To illustrate according to one embodiment Figure 2 A perspective view of the horizontally moving section.

[0056] In one embodiment, and referring to Figures 2 to 6 The support module 400 can be disposed below the lower clamp 300 to support the lower clamp 300. The support module 400 may include a horizontally moving part 410, a first support plate 420, a first support shaft 430, a second support plate 440, a third support plate 450, a fourth support plate 460, and a second support shaft 470.

[0057] In one embodiment, the horizontally moving portion 410 may be connected to the lower portion of the lower clamp 300 and may move the lower clamp 300 in a horizontal direction. The horizontally moving portion 410 may be disposed on and supported by the first support plate 420. In other words, the horizontally moving portion 410 may be disposed between the lower clamp 300 and the first support plate 420, such that the upper portion is connected to the lower clamp 300 and the lower portion is connected to the first support plate 420. The horizontally moving portion 410 may be connected to the center of the lower clamp 300. The horizontally moving portion 410 may include a first track 411, a first block 412, a base member 413, a second block 414, a second track 415, and a rotating member 416.

[0058] In one embodiment, a first track 411 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first support plate 420 and may extend on the upper surface of the first support plate 420 in a first direction. The first track 411 provides a path along which the first block 412 moves.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first block 412 is movable along the first track 411. In other words, the first block 412 is movable along the first track 411 in a first direction. A track groove may be formed in the lower surface of the first block 412, and the first track 411 is fitted into the track groove. When the first track 411 is fitted into the track groove, the first block 412 may be disposed on the upper side of the first track 411.

[0060] In one embodiment, a base member 413 may be disposed on the upper side of the first block 412 and may be provided as a plate having a predetermined thickness, and the lower surface of the base member 413 may be connected to the upper surface of the first block 412. A second block 414 may be disposed on the upper surface of the base member 413. The base member 413 may be disposed between the first block 412 and the second block 414.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second block 414 may be disposed on the upper side of the base member 413. In other words, the lower surface of the second block 414 may be connected to the upper surface of the base member 413 to connect to the first block 412 (e.g., connected to the first block 412 via the base member 413). The second block 414 may be fixed to the upper side of the first block 412 via the base member 413. A track groove may be formed in the upper surface of the second block 414 in a second direction, and a second track 415 may be fitted into the track groove. The second direction may be orthogonal to the first direction.

[0062] In one embodiment, the second track 415 may be disposed on the upper side of the second block 414. In other words, the second track 415 may be disposed on the upper side of the second block 414 when it is fitted into a track groove formed in the upper surface of the second block 414. The second track 415 may extend in a second direction to fit into the track groove of the second block 414 and may move along the track groove of the second block 414. The second block 414 may move along the second track 414. The second track 415 may be connected to the lower clamp 300.

[0063] Although, according to this embodiment, the second track 415 is disposed on the upper side of the second block 414 and moves along the track groove of the second block 414, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second track 415 may be disposed on the upper side of the base member 413 to extend in a second direction, and the second block 414 may move along the second track 414 and be connected to the lower clamp 300.

[0064] In one embodiment, a rotating member 416 may be disposed between the lower clamp 300 and the second track 415 to allow the lower clamp 300 to rotate in a horizontal direction (e.g., about an axis perpendicular to both the first and second directions). In other words, the upper surface of the rotating member 416 may be connected to the center of the lower surface of the lower clamp 300, and the lower surface may be connected to the upper surface of the second track 415. The rotating member 416 may include an inner bearing and an outer bearing, the inner bearing being fixed to the second track 415 and the outer bearing being fixed to the lower clamp 300 such that the lower clamp 300 can rotate in a horizontal direction as the outer bearing rotates.

[0065] In one embodiment, the aforementioned horizontally moving portion 410 can provide the lower clamp 300 with a degree of freedom in the horizontal direction, allowing the lower clamp 300 to move via the support module 400. In other words, the lower clamp 300 can have a degree of freedom in the first direction via the first track 411 and the first block 412, and a degree of freedom in the second direction via the second block 414 and the second track 415. Additionally, the lower clamp 300 can have a rotational degree of freedom in the horizontal direction via the rotating member 416.

[0066] In one embodiment, there may be a plurality of horizontally movable portions 410, and each of the plurality of horizontally movable portions 410 may include a first horizontally movable portion and a second horizontally movable portion that respectively provide degrees of freedom for the lower clamp 300 in different directions included in the horizontal direction. The first horizontally movable portion and the second horizontally movable portion may be provided near the center of the lower clamp 300 such that they are spaced apart from each other.

[0067] In one embodiment, a first support plate 420 may be disposed below the horizontally moving portion 410 to support the horizontally moving portion 420. In other words, a first track 411 may be fixed to the upper surface of the first support plate 420. The first support plate 420 may be provided as a plate extending in a first direction with a predetermined thickness, and the horizontally moving portion 410 may be disposed near the center of the first support plate 420.

[0068] In one embodiment, a first support shaft 430 may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of a first support plate 420 and support the first support plate 420. The first support shaft 430 may be provided as a circular rod with a predetermined diameter, and its upper end may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the first support plate 420. In other words, the first support shaft 430 may extend downward from the lower surface or lower portion of the first support plate 420. Multiple first support shafts 430 may be present, and each of the multiple first support shafts 430 may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of both ends or both edges of the first support plate 420, respectively. The multiple first support shafts 430 may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of both ends or both edges of the first support plate 420 in a first direction.

[0069] In one embodiment, a second support plate 440 may be disposed below the first support shaft 430 to support the first support shaft 430. In other words, the lower end of the first support shaft 430 may be fixed to the upper surface or upper portion of the second support plate 440. The second support plate 440 may be provided as a plate extending in a first direction with a predetermined thickness. The lower end of the first support shaft 430 may be fixed in a second direction to the upper surface or upper portion of both ends or two edges of the second support plate 440. A through hole for providing the second support shaft 470 may be formed at the center of the second support plate 440.

[0070] In one embodiment, a third support plate 450 may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the second support plate 440 and support the second support plate 440. The third support plate 450 may be provided as a plate having a predetermined thickness, and one end of it may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the second support plate 440. In other words, the third support plate 450 may extend downward from the lower surface or lower portion of the second support plate 440. Multiple third support plates 450 may be present, and each of the multiple third support plates 450 may be connected to the lower surfaces or lower portions of both ends of the second support plate 440, respectively. The multiple third support plates 450 may be connected to the lower surfaces or lower portions of both ends of the second support plate 440 in a first direction.

[0071] In one embodiment, a fourth support plate 460 may be disposed below the third support plate 450 to support the third support plate 450. In other words, the other end of the third support plate 450 may be fixed to the upper surface or upper portion of the fourth support plate 460, and the fourth support plate 460 may be provided as a plate extending in a first direction with a predetermined thickness. The other end of the third support plate 450 may be fixed to the upper surface or upper portion of both ends of the fourth support plate 460 in the first direction.

[0072] In one embodiment, a second support shaft 470 may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the first support plate 420 and the upper surface or upper portion of the fourth support plate 460 to support the first support plate 420. The second support shaft 470 may be provided as a circular rod with a predetermined diameter. Its upper end may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the first support plate 420, and its lower end may be connected to the upper surface or upper portion of the fourth support plate 460. In other words, the second support shaft 470 may extend downward from the lower surface or lower portion of the first support plate 420 and may be connected to the upper surface or upper portion of the fourth support plate 460. The upper end of the second support shaft 470 may be connected to the center of the lower surface or lower portion of the first support plate 420. In other words, the upper end of the second support shaft 470 may be directly connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the first support plate 420 below the horizontally moving portion 410. The second support shaft 470 can be disposed among a plurality of first support shafts 430, and can pass through the second support plate 440, and can be connected to the first support plate 420 and the fourth support plate 460.

[0073] In one embodiment, the alignment module 500 may support the lower clamp 300 and the lower clamp 300 may be movable to align the lower material 30 on or with the lower side of the upper material 20. The alignment module 500 may include a first alignment shaft 510, a first alignment plate 520, a second alignment shaft 530, a second alignment plate 540, an alignment driver 550, a third alignment plate 560, and a damper 570.

[0074] In one embodiment, a first alignment shaft 510 may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the lower clamp 300 and support the lower clamp 300. The first alignment shaft 510 may be provided as a circular rod with a predetermined diameter, and its upper end may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the lower clamp 300. In other words, the first alignment shaft 510 may extend downward from the lower surface or lower portion of the lower clamp 300. Multiple first alignment shafts 510 may be present. Multiple first alignment shafts 510 may be respectively connected to the lower surfaces or lower portions of the two ends or two edges of the lower clamp 300. Multiple first alignment shafts 510 may be connected to the lower surfaces or lower portions of the two ends or two edges of the lower clamp 300 in a first direction. Because the first alignment shafts 510 are connected to the two ends or two edges of the lower clamp 300 in a second direction, such that they are spaced apart from each other, a support module 400 may be disposed between the first alignment shafts 510.

[0075] In one embodiment, a first alignment plate 520 may be disposed below the first alignment shaft 510 to support the first alignment shaft 520. In other words, the lower end of the first alignment shaft 510 may be fixed to the upper surface or upper portion of the first alignment plate 520. The first alignment plate 520 may be provided as a plate extending in a first direction with a predetermined thickness. The lower end of the first alignment shaft 510 may be fixed to the upper surface or upper portion of both ends of the first alignment plate 520 in a second direction. A through hole for providing the second support shaft 470 may be formed at the center of the first alignment plate 520.

[0076] In one embodiment, a second alignment shaft 530 may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the first alignment plate 520 and support the first alignment plate 520. The second alignment shaft 530 may be provided as a circular rod with a predetermined diameter, and its upper end may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the first alignment plate 520. In other words, the second alignment shaft 530 may extend downward from the lower surface or lower portion of the first alignment plate 520. Multiple second alignment shafts 530 may be present. The upper ends of the multiple second alignment shafts 530 may be connected at the edge of the lower surface or lower portion of the first alignment plate 520. For example, the first alignment plate 520 may be provided as a rectangular plate, and the upper end of the second alignment shaft 530 may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion adjacent to the apex of the first alignment plate 530.

[0077] In one embodiment, a second alignment plate 540 may be disposed below the second alignment shaft 530 to support the second alignment shaft 530. In other words, the lower end of the second alignment shaft 530 may be fixed to the upper surface or upper portion of the second alignment plate 540. The second alignment plate 540 may be provided as a plate extending in a second direction with a predetermined thickness. The lower ends of a plurality of second alignment shafts 530 may be connected at the edge of the upper surface or upper portion of the second alignment plate 540. For example, the second alignment plate 540 may be provided as a rectangular plate, and the lower ends of the second alignment shafts 530 may be connected to the upper surface or upper portion disposed adjacent to the apex of the second alignment plate 540. A through hole for providing the second support shaft 470 may be formed at the center of the second alignment plate 540. The lower surface or lower portion of the second alignment plate 540 may be connected to the alignment driver 550. The second alignment plate 540 may be disposed on the alignment driver 550.

[0078] In one embodiment, the alignment driver 550 can be connected to the lower clamp 300 via a first alignment shaft 510, a first alignment plate 520, a second alignment shaft 530, and a second alignment plate 540. The alignment driver 550 can be connected to the second alignment plate 540 to move the second alignment plate 540, and the lower clamp 300 is movable when the second alignment plate 540 connected to the lower clamp 300 moves via the first alignment shaft 510, the first alignment plate 520, and the second alignment shaft 530. The alignment driver 550 can be connected to the first alignment shaft 510 to move the lower clamp 300. The alignment driver 550 can be implemented as an alignment stage. Such alignment stages are well known in the art and will therefore not be described herein.

[0079] In one embodiment, a third alignment plate 560 may be disposed below the alignment driver 550 to support the alignment driver 550. In other words, the alignment driver 550 may be fixed to the upper surface or upper portion of the third alignment plate 560, and the third alignment plate 560 may be provided as a plate having a predetermined thickness.

[0080] In one embodiment, a damper 570 may be disposed below a third alignment plate 560 and may reduce the load applied to the alignment actuator 550. The third alignment plate 560 may be disposed between the alignment actuator 550 and the damper 570 to support the alignment actuator 550. For example, the damper 570 may be provided as a cylinder. The drive shaft of the cylinder may be connected to the lower surface or lower portion of the third alignment plate 560, and the body of the cylinder may be fixed to the upper surface or upper portion of a fourth support plate 460. When the load generated when the upper material 20 is pressed against the lower material 30 is applied to the alignment actuator 550, the drive shaft of the cylinder may move downward to reduce the load applied to the alignment actuator 550. Multiple dampers 570 may be present, spaced apart from each other.

[0081] The operation of the bonding device 10 according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Figure 7 To illustrate that the lower material 30 is disposed in according to one embodiment Figure 2 A perspective view of the state in which the upper material 20 is positioned on the lower fixture 300 and the lower fixture 30 is positioned on the lower material 30.

[0083] In one embodiment and with reference Figure 7 As can be seen, the lower material 30 is not properly aligned with the underside of the upper material 20. In this example, a separate vision camera (not shown) captures each vertex of the upper material 20 and each vertex of the lower material 30, and transmits the images to a controller (not shown). The controller analyzes the images transmitted by the vision camera. If the vertices of the upper material 20 and the lower material 30 are not respectively on the same straight line, the controller can operate the alignment driver 550 to move the lower clamp 300.

[0084] Figure 8 To illustrate the lower material 30 according to one embodiment, Figure 7 A perspective view of the alignment module 500 aligned with the lower side of the upper material 20.

[0085] In one embodiment and with reference Figure 8 The lower clamp 300 can be moved by operating the alignment driver 550. The vision camera can continuously capture images of the upper material 20 and the lower material 30 while the lower clamp 300 is moving, and transmit the images to the controller. The controller analyzes the images transmitted by the vision camera. When the vertices of the upper material 20 and the lower material 30 are on the same straight line, the controller can interrupt the operation of the alignment driver 550.

[0086] Figure 9 To illustrate according to one embodiment Figure 8 A perspective view of the state where material 20 is pressed down on material 30. Figure 10 To illustrate the passage according to one embodiment Figure 9 A front view of the state in which the load generated by pressing the material 20 in the middle is distributed.

[0087] In one embodiment and with reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 When it is determined that the lower material 30 is aligned with the lower side of the upper material 20, the controller can operate the actuator 240 to move the upper material 20 downward to press the lower material 30. By doing so, the upper material 20 and the lower material 30 can be attached together. When the upper material 20 presses down on the lower material 30, a load is generated. The generated load can be distributed... Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the direction of the arrow in the image.

[0088] In one embodiment, since the support module 400 and the alignment module 500 independently support the lower clamp 300, and the support module 400 supports the center of the lower clamp 300, most of the load generated when the upper material 20 presses against the lower material 30 can be applied to and distributed to the support module 400. Even the load generated when the upper material 20 presses against the lower material 30 can be applied to the alignment module 500, which supports the edge of the lower clamp 300 rather than the center, and therefore can be subjected to a smaller load than that applied to the support module 400. Furthermore, because the load applied to the alignment module 500 can be reduced by the damper 570, only a very small amount of load can be applied to the alignment actuator 550. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the coupling device 10 can prevent damage to the alignment actuator 550 caused by the load generated when the upper material 20 and the lower material 30 are attached together.

[0089] It should be understood that aspects and features of the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those set forth herein. These and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced in other specific embodiments besides those described herein without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The embodiments disclosed in this invention are used only in a general and descriptive sense and are not intended for limiting purposes. Each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments of the invention may be implemented with modifications, and such modifications and differences relating to the invention should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments or portions of embodiments may be combined in whole or in part without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connecting device, characterized in that, include: The upper clamp is configured to support the upper material; A moving module is configured to move the upper clamp in the vertical direction; A lower clamp is disposed below the upper clamp and configured to support the lower material; Support module, supporting the lower clamp; as well as An alignment module is configured to support the lower clamp and move the lower clamp such that the lower material is aligned with the lower side of the upper material. The support module and the alignment module support the lower clamp independently of each other.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support module includes: A horizontally moving portion, configured to move the lower clamp in a horizontal direction, and connected to the lower part of the lower clamp; and The first support plate supports the horizontally moving part.

3. The connecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The horizontal movement component includes: A first track is disposed on the upper surface of the first support plate and extends in a first direction; The first piece is configured to move along the first track; A second track, connected to the lower clamp and extending in a second direction; and The second block is connected to the first block and is configured to move along the second track.

4. The connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The horizontally moving portion further includes a base component disposed between the first block and the second block.

5. The connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The horizontal movement portion further includes a rotating member disposed between the lower clamp and the second track, wherein the rotating member is configured to rotate the lower clamp in the horizontal direction.

6. The connecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support module further includes: At least one first support shaft supports the first support plate and is connected to the lower portion of the first support plate; A second support plate supports at least one first support shaft; A third support plate supports the second support plate and is connected to the lower portion of the second support plate; and The fourth support plate supports the third support plate.

7. The connecting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support module further includes a second support shaft connected to the lower portion of the first support plate and the upper portion of the fourth support plate to support the first support plate.

8. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alignment module includes: at least one first alignment axis supporting the lower clamp and connected to the lower portion of the lower clamp; and an alignment driver connected to the first alignment axis to move the lower clamp.

9. The connecting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The alignment module further includes: A first alignment plate supports the first alignment axis; At least one second alignment axis is connected to the lower portion of the first alignment plate and supports the first alignment plate; and A second alignment plate is disposed on the alignment driver and supports the at least one second alignment axis.

10. The connecting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The alignment module further includes: A damper is disposed below the alignment driver; and A third alignment plate is disposed between the alignment driver and the damper to support the alignment driver.

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