JP2009092657A - Optical film inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical film inspection device capable of reducing time required to detect a defective element of an optical film and eliminating time required to inspect optical film in the structure of diversified small-quantity production. <P>SOLUTION: The optical film inspection device includes a clamping member having a pair of planes formed facing each other with a space, and a plurality of jet ports formed in the planes respectively, and jetting air to the upper and lower faces of the optical film flowing in between the planes, to maintain the optical film level; an illuminating member for irradiating the optical film with light; and a camera member for receiving light reflected from or transmitted through the optical film to photograph the defective element of the optical film. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical film inspection apparatus, and more particularly to an optical film inspection apparatus capable of ensuring flatness of an optical film and realizing a high inspection speed when a defective element of an optical film is detected.

An optical film mainly used in the flat panel display industry has a defect in a manufacturing process or a handling process, and the defect of the optical film is a main cause of causing a defect of an LCD panel or a PDP module. In order to prevent the outflow of the optical film containing such defects, the company that manufactures the optical film operates an inspection process, and employs an automatic inspection device using visual inspection and video (vision) of the worker. Concurrent with the inspection used. On the other hand, with the development of technology, the introduction and application of automatic inspection equipment for optical films that can effectively replace the visual inspection of workers tends to increase.

There are roughly two types of inspection methods for optical films. One is a roll inspection method in which the optical film produced in a continuous state is cut before being cut, and the other is a sheet state after the optical film is cut to an appropriate size. This is a sheet inspection method for inspecting.

The inspection of the optical film in the sheet state is a final inspection that is performed after the optical film manufacturing process is completed, and various defects that occur in the manufacturing process must be detected. Acquisition of (vision), for example, acquisition of an accurate image using a lighting member, a camera, or the like, is the most important technical issue for preventing the outflow of defective products by automatic inspection processing. In order to deal with various defects, a separate image acquisition method must be applied according to the type of defect, and an optical system for acquiring images of a number of defective elements in accordance with the applied image acquisition method. Must be installed in the inspection equipment.

When the optical film in the sheet state is sequentially put into the automatic inspection equipment, the optical film is transferred using a conveyor, roll, etc., and each optical system is dedicated while passing through a plurality of optical systems during the transfer. An image of a defective element included in a certain part of the optical film is acquired. However, in the case of a specific defective element, the image acquisition conditions are extremely strict, and even in the case of an optical film having a good level of wrinkles and bends that are usually acceptable, image acquisition is impossible. The optical film cannot be transferred using a roll-type transfer method.

In order to acquire an image of the defective element, an apparatus has been developed and used in which an optical film is gripped (gripped) by 1 to 2 mm using a clamping member and then pulled at a constant pressure. However, the optical film inspection apparatus according to the prior art has a problem that it takes a long time to fix the optical film and keep it flat for inspection. That is, after supplying the optical film to the clamping member and aligning the optical film at the correct position, the clamping member is used to clamp the four corners of the optical film at the same time, and the clamped optical film is simultaneously moved outward. There is a problem that the time required for a series of processes in which the optical film and the clamping member move simultaneously in the tensioned state is from 20 seconds to 60 seconds in the case of a long time, and the entire inspection process time is increased.

  In addition, there is a problem that the image acquisition conditions vary depending on the assembled state and the processed state of the clamping member. The position of the clamping member, the pressure of the clamping member, the clamping member depending on the type of optical film to be inspected There is a problem in that all the conditions such as the distance between the two, the pneumatic piping to be used, and the clamping distance after the optical film are clamped must be reset.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to allow the optical film to travel in one direction without directly contacting the corners of the optical film, and In order to keep the optical film flat, by adopting a non-contact type clamping member that injects air onto the upper and lower surfaces of the optical film, the time taken to detect defective elements of the optical film is reduced. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical film inspection apparatus capable of

  Even if the type of the optical film to be inspected is changed, it is not necessary to reset the arrangement structure of the clamping member, so that it is possible to eliminate the time required for the inspection of the optical film in the structure of high-mix low-volume production. The object is to provide an optical film inspection apparatus.

Therefore, an optical film inspection apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object is an optical film inspection apparatus for detecting defective elements of an optical film, and a pair of planes formed so as to be opposed to each other. In order to inject air into the optical film, a plurality of injection ports respectively formed in the plane are provided, and air is injected onto the upper and lower surfaces of the optical film flowing between the planes, and the optical film is flattened. A clamping member to be maintained, a lighting member for irradiating the optical film with light, and light reflected from the optical film or transmitted through the optical film to receive defective elements of the optical film And a camera member.

  In the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the clamping member is a first clamp, and a second clamp installed so as to be separated from the first clamp in the traveling direction of the optical film. The plane is formed on the first clamp and is formed to be spaced apart from each other, and the pair of first planes is formed on the second clamp and is spaced apart from each other. A pair of second planes formed as described above.

In the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, each of the first clamp and the second clamp is installed so as to be able to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the optical film.

In the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the clamping member includes a first horizontal moving means for reciprocating the first clamp and a second horizontal movement for reciprocating the second clamp. Each of the first horizontal moving means and the second horizontal moving means includes a drive motor, a driven shaft that is rotated by transmission of a rotational force of the drive motor, and is coaxial with the driven shaft. And a horizontal movement cam that is coupled and rotated, and is connected to the first clamp or the second clamp, and is in contact with the horizontal movement cam to transmit the rotational force of the horizontal movement cam to thereby transmit the first clamp. Alternatively, a horizontal movement cam follower that reciprocates the second clamp is provided.

In the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, each of the first plane and the second plane is installed so as to be able to reciprocate in a direction away from each other or a direction approaching each other.

  In the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the clamping member includes a first elevating unit that reciprocates the first plane, and a second elevating unit that reciprocates the second plane. Each of the first elevating means and the second elevating means is coupled to a drive motor, a driven shaft that rotates when the rotational force of the drive motor is transmitted, and is coaxially coupled to the driven shaft. The rotating elevating cam is connected to the first plane or the second plane, and the rotating force of the elevating cam is transmitted in contact with the elevating cam to transmit the first plane or the second plane. And a pair of lift cam followers.

In the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the camera member includes a plurality of cameras arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the optical film in order to photograph defective elements of the optical film. Prepare.

In the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the camera member and the illuminating member are disposed on an upper side of the optical film or the optical member so that the camera member receives light reflected from the optical film. Installed together below the bottom of the film.

In the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the camera member is above the upper surface of the optical film and below the lower surface of the optical film so that the camera member receives light transmitted through the optical film. It is installed on either one side, and the lighting member is installed on the other side.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an optical film inspection apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic front view of an optical film inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the optical film inspection apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. It is the perspective view which expanded the part of the 1st, 2nd horizontal moving means and the 1st, 2nd raising / lowering means of an optical film test | inspection apparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the optical film inspection apparatus of the present embodiment keeps the optical film flat while injecting air toward the upper and lower surfaces of the optical film 1 when inspecting the optical film 1. It is possible, and includes an inspection unit, a supply unit, and a discharge unit.

The supply unit is for supplying the optical film 1 to an inspection unit that detects defective elements of the optical film 1, and is a loader unit (not shown) for loading the optical film 1 that has not been inspected. A supply conveyor 11 for transferring the optical film 1 discharged from the loader unit and a supply roller 12 for transferring the optical film 1 supplied from the supply conveyor 11 toward the inspection unit are provided. One of the supply rollers 12 is installed on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the optical film 1, and the optical film 1 is rubbed with the supply roller 12, and the rotational force of the supply roller 12 is transmitted in one direction. Transported along.

The discharge section is for discharging the optical film 1 that has been inspected from the inspection section. The discharge roller 22 that discharges the optical film 1 that has been inspected from the inspection section; A discharge conveyor 21 for transferring the discharged optical film 1 and an unloader section (not shown) for loading the optical film 1 that has been inspected are provided. Similarly to the supply roller 12, the discharge rollers 22 are respectively installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the optical film 1, and the optical film 1 comes into contact with the discharge roller 22 to rotate the discharge roller 22. Is transmitted along the traveling direction A of the optical film.

The inspection unit is for detecting defective elements of the optical film 1, and includes a clamping member, an illumination member 31, and a camera member 32.

The clamping member is for injecting air onto the upper and lower surfaces of the optical film 1 introduced between a pair of planes formed so as to be opposed to each other and to keep the optical film 1 flat. The first clamp 41, the second clamp 51, the first horizontal moving means, the second horizontal moving means, the first elevating means, and the second elevating means are provided.

The first clamp 41 is disposed so as to be separated from the supply roller 12 in the traveling direction A of the optical film, and a pair of first flat surfaces 42 formed to be opposed to each other, In order to inject air onto the optical film 1, a plurality of injection ports 43 formed on the first plane 42 are provided.

The second clamp 51 is disposed so as to be separated from the first clamp 41 in the traveling direction A of the optical film, and a pair of second flat surfaces 52 formed to be opposed to each other. In order to inject air into the optical film 1, a plurality of injection ports 53 formed in the second plane 52 are provided.

The first horizontal moving means is for reciprocating the first clamp 41 in a direction parallel to the traveling direction A of the optical film, and includes a drive motor 61 and a rotational force of the drive motor 61. Is transmitted, and a belt 65 wound around the rotation shaft of the drive motor 61 and the driven shaft 62 is provided. The first horizontal moving means includes a horizontal moving cam 63 that is coaxially coupled to the driven shaft 62 and rotates. The first horizontal moving means is connected to the first clamp 41 and is in contact with the horizontal moving cam 63. A horizontal movement cam follower 64 to which the rotational force of the horizontal movement cam 63 is transmitted is provided. In the present embodiment, the horizontal movement cam follower 64 is constituted by a roller.

When the horizontal movement cam 63 rotates, the horizontal movement cam follower 64 reciprocates in a direction parallel to the traveling direction A of the optical film along the bent shape of the side surface of the horizontal movement cam 63. The clamp 41 and the horizontal movement cam follower 64 are coupled by a linear motion guide 66 at a lower portion thereof. Therefore, the reciprocating motion of the horizontal movement cam follower 64 is transmitted to the first clamp 41 side as it is.

The second horizontal moving means is for reciprocating the second clamp 51 in a direction parallel to the advancing direction A of the optical film, and similarly to the first horizontal moving means, a drive motor 61, a driven shaft 62 that rotates when the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is transmitted, and a rotation shaft of the drive motor 61 and a belt 65 wound around the driven shaft 62. The second horizontal moving means includes a horizontal moving cam 63 that is coaxially coupled to the driven shaft 62 and rotates. The second horizontal moving means is connected to the second clamp 51 and is in contact with the horizontal moving cam 63. A horizontal movement cam follower 64 to which the rotational force of the horizontal movement cam 63 is transmitted is provided.

The first elevating means is for reciprocating the first flat surfaces 42 in a direction C that is separated from each other or in a direction D that is close to each other. The driving motor 61 and the rotational force of the driving motor 61 are A driven shaft 62 that is transmitted and rotated, and a rotation shaft of the drive motor 61 and a belt 65 that is wound around the driven shaft 62 are provided. In the present embodiment, the drive motor 61, the driven shaft 62, and the belt 65 of the first lifting / lowering means are the same as the drive motor 61, the driven shaft 62, and the belt 65 of the first horizontal moving means. The first elevating means includes elevating cams 73 that are coaxially coupled to the driven shaft 62 and rotate. The first elevating means is connected to the first flat surface 42 and is in contact with the elevating cam 73 to move up and down. A pair of elevating cam followers 74 to which the rotational force of the cam 73 is transmitted is provided. In the present embodiment, each of the elevating cam followers 74 is constituted by a roller.

When the elevating cam 73 rotates, the elevating cam followers 74 reciprocate in the direction C separating from each other or in the direction D approaching each other along the bent shape of the side surface of the elevating cam 73. One of the upper 42 and one of the elevating cam followers 74 arranged on the upper side are connected by a linear motion guide 76 and arranged on the lower side of the first plane 42. One of the elevating cam followers 74 disposed on the lower side is also connected by a linear motion guide 76. Therefore, the reciprocating motion of the elevating cam follower 74 is transmitted as it is to the first plane 42 side.

The second lifting / lowering means is for reciprocating the second flat surfaces 52 in a direction away from each other or in a direction approaching each other, and a driving motor 61 and a rotational force of the driving motor 61 are transmitted thereto. And a driven shaft 62 that rotates and a belt 65 wound around the rotating shaft of the drive motor 61 and the driven shaft 62. In the present embodiment, the drive motor 61, the driven shaft 62, and the belt 65 of the second lifting means are the same as the drive motor 61, the driven shaft 62, and the belt 65 of the second horizontal moving means. The second elevating means includes elevating cams 73 that are coaxially coupled to the driven shaft 62 and rotate. The second elevating means is connected to the second flat surface 52 and is in contact with the elevating cam 73 so as to move up and down. A pair of elevating cam followers 74 to which the rotational force of the cam 73 is transmitted is provided.

The illumination member 31 is for irradiating the optical film 1 with light. In the present embodiment, the illumination member 31 is installed on the upper surface of the optical film 1 and inclined at a certain angle toward the optical film 1 side. Irradiate light.

The camera member 32 receives light reflected from the optical film 1 or transmitted through the optical film 1 to photograph defective elements of the optical film 1. A plurality are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction. As the optical film 1 is increased in size, it is impossible to photograph the entire width direction of the optical film 1 with one camera member 32. Therefore, the visual field range FOV ( In accordance with (Field Of View), the optical film 1 is divided into a plurality of regions and photographed simultaneously using a plurality of camera members 32. Thereby, it is possible to photograph the entire optical film 1 transported at a high speed in the width direction.

The camera member 32 of the present embodiment is installed on the upper surface of the optical film 1 similarly to the side on which the illumination member 31 is installed, and the light emitted from the illumination member 31 is reflected by the upper surface of the optical film 1. Then, it arrange | positions with the structure which receives the reflected light.

Next, an operation sequence for inspecting the optical film 1 using the optical film inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be schematically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

First, FIG. 4 is a view showing a stage before the optical film 1 enters the first clamp 41. In order for the optical film 1 transferred by the supply conveyor 11 and the supply roller 12 to easily enter the first clamp 41, the first flat surface 42 and the first flat surface 42 are formed using the first lifting means and the second lifting means. The two planes 52 are moved in directions C separated from each other. Moreover, in order for the front-end | tip part of the optical film 1 which passed the 1st clamp 41 to approach into the 2nd clamp 51 easily, it uses the 2nd horizontal movement means in the direction B opposite to the advancing direction of an optical film. That is, the second clamp 51 is moved to the first clamp 41 side, and the distal end portion of the second clamp 51 is disposed close to the rear end portion of the first clamp 41. At this time, air is not injected into the first clamp 41 and the second clamp 51.

Thereafter, when the front end portion of the optical film 1 enters the first clamp 41, as shown in FIG. 5, in order to keep the optical film 1 that has entered between the first flat surfaces 42 flat, first lifting means To move the first plane 42 in the direction D approaching each other. In order to effectively convert the air injection force into the tension for keeping the optical film 1 flat, it is advantageous that the distance between the first planes 42 into which the optical film 1 enters is narrower. Next, air is injected into the first clamp 41 so that the air is injected through the injection port 43 formed in the first plane 42. At this time, the front end portion of the second clamp 51 is maintained close to the rear end portion of the first clamp 41 before the front end portion of the optical film 1 enters the second clamp 51.

Next, when the tip of the optical film 1 enters the second clamp 51, as shown in FIG. 6, in order to keep the optical film 1 that has entered between the second planes 52 flat, the second lifting means Is used to move the second plane 52 in the direction D approaching each other. Next, air is injected into the second clamp 51 so that air is injected through the injection port 53 formed in the second plane 52. And if the front-end | tip part of the optical film 1 approachs the 2nd clamp 51, the 2nd clamp 51 will be moved along the advancing direction A of an optical film according to the advancing speed of the optical film 1. FIG.

In a state where the above state is maintained, the defective elements of the optical film 1 are detected as a whole while the optical film 1 is transferred along the traveling direction A of the optical film. The optical film 1 travels at a high speed, and is maintained in a state where the optical film 1 is flattened by the air jetted onto the upper and lower surfaces of the optical film 1, and the optical film 1 is inspected.

At the moment when the rear end portion of the optical film 1 exits the rear end portion of the first clamp 41 while the optical film 1 travels, the traveling speed of the optical film 1 using the first horizontal movement means as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the first clamp 41 is moved close to the second clamp 51 along the traveling direction A of the optical film. This is for maintaining the flatness of the rear end portion of the optical film 1 continuously. Next, when the rear end portion of the optical film 1 exits the rear end portion of the first clamp 41, the injection of air into the first clamp 41 is stopped.

Next, when the rear end portion of the optical film 1 is completely removed from the rear end portion of the second clamp 51, the first flat surface 42 and the second flat surface 52 are respectively connected to the first lifting means as shown in FIG. And the second elevating means moves in the direction C separated from each other, and the injection of air into the first clamp 41 and the second clamp 51 is interrupted. Moreover, in order to receive supply of the optical film 1 to be inspected in the future, the first clamp 41 is moved in the direction B opposite to the traveling direction of the optical film using the first horizontal means, and the standby state is maintained.

The optical film inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment configured as described above, in order to keep the optical film flat, does not use the method of directly contacting the corners of the optical film, but in one direction. By adopting a clamping member that can keep the optical film flat while injecting air onto the upper and lower surfaces of the optical film in the transported state, the time taken to detect defective elements of the optical film is remarkably increased. The effect that it can reduce can be acquired.

In addition, by using the non-contact method, it is not necessary to reset the arrangement structure of the clamping member even if the type of optical film to be inspected is changed, so the time required for resetting the apparatus by changing the substrate The effect that it can be eliminated can be obtained.

In addition, since the first clamp and the second clamp are installed so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the optical film, the optical film should be kept flat even at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the optical film. Thus, it is possible to obtain an effect that an effective image can be obtained for defective elements at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the optical film.

Further, since the first plane and the second plane facing the optical film are installed so as to be movable away from each other or in directions approaching each other, it is easy to enter the front end of the optical film, and It is possible to obtain an effect that the jet force can be effectively converted into a tension that spreads the optical film flat.

In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the camera member is arranged to receive light reflected from the optical film, but depending on the material of the optical film or the type of defective element included in the optical film. The camera member and the illumination member may be arranged such that the camera member receives light transmitted through the optical film. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the camera member is installed on the upper surface of the optical film, and the illumination member is configured so that irradiated light is transmitted through the optical film and incident on the camera member. The optical film may be disposed below the lower surface of the optical film in a state of being aligned with the camera member. Further, the camera member and the illumination member may be arranged opposite to the above.

  The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be realized in various forms of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Any person who has ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims can be applied to various scopes of the present invention. It is considered to be within the scope of the description.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an optical film inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a partial perspective view of the optical film inspection apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the first and second horizontal moving means and the first and second lifting / lowering means of the optical film inspection apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a stage before the optical film enters the first clamp. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a stage before the optical film enters the second clamp. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a step of inspecting an optical film. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the completion of the inspection of the optical film and the stage in which the optical film is ejected from the first clamp. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a stage in which the optical film is ejected from the second clamp. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the camera member installed on the upper side of the upper surface of the optical film and the illumination member installed on the lower side of the lower surface of the optical film so that the camera member receives light transmitted through the optical film. is there.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical film 11 Supply conveyor 12 Supply roller 21 Discharge conveyor 22 Discharge roller 31 Illumination member 32 Camera member 41 1st clamp 42 1st plane 43, 53 Injecting port 51 2nd clamp 52 2nd plane 61 Drive motor 62 Drive shaft 63 Horizontally moving cam 64 Horizontally moving cam follower 73 Lifting cam 74 Lifting cam follower

Claims (9)

An optical film inspection device for detecting defective elements of an optical film,
An optical system comprising a pair of planes formed to face each other and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of injection ports respectively formed in the planes for injecting air to the optical film, and flowing between the planes A clamping member for injecting air onto the upper and lower surfaces of the film to keep the optical film flat;
An illumination member for irradiating the optical film with light;
An optical film inspection apparatus comprising: a camera member that receives light reflected from the optical film or transmitted through the optical film and photographs a defective element of the optical film. The clamping member includes a first clamp, and a second clamp installed to be separated from the first clamp in the traveling direction of the optical film,
The planes are formed on the first clamp and are formed to be spaced apart from each other, and a pair of first planes are formed on the second clamp and are spaced apart from each other. The optical film inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of second planes. 3. The optical film inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the first clamp and the second clamp is installed so as to be able to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the traveling direction of the optical film. The clamping member further comprises first horizontal moving means for reciprocating the first clamp, and second horizontal moving means for reciprocating the second clamp,
Each of the first horizontal moving means and the second horizontal moving means includes:
A drive motor, a driven shaft that rotates when the rotational force of the drive motor is transmitted, a horizontal movement cam that is coaxially coupled to the driven shaft and rotates, and the first clamp or the second clamp. And a horizontal movement cam follower that makes contact with the horizontal movement cam to transmit a rotational force of the horizontal movement cam to reciprocate the first clamp or the second clamp. An optical film inspection apparatus according to 1. The optical film inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the first plane and the second plane is installed so as to be able to reciprocate in a direction away from each other or in a direction approaching each other. The clamping member further includes first elevating means for reciprocating the first plane, and second elevating means for reciprocating the second plane,
Each of the first lifting means and the second lifting means is
A drive motor, a driven shaft that rotates by transmission of the rotational force of the drive motor, a lifting cam that is coaxially coupled to the driven shaft, and a rotating cam that is connected to the first plane or the second plane. And a pair of elevating cam followers that contact the elevating cam and transmit the rotational force of the elevating cam to reciprocate the first plane or the second plane. An optical film inspection apparatus according to 1. The camera member is
The optical film inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cameras arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the optical film in order to photograph defective elements of the optical film. So that the camera member receives light reflected from the optical film,
The optical film inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camera member and the illumination member are installed on the upper side of the upper surface of the optical film or the lower side of the lower surface of the optical film. So that the camera member receives light transmitted through the optical film,
The said camera member is installed in any one side of the upper side of the upper surface of the said optical film, and the lower side of the lower surface of the said optical film, The said illumination member is installed in the other one side, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The optical film inspection apparatus according to 1.

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