JP2009168997A - Camera module, inspection pallet for camera module, inspection device and method for camera module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately position a camera module, to inspect the camera module in operation posture, and to transmit and update information in a plurality of inspection stages. <P>SOLUTION: The inspection pallet 31 is arranged horizontally, and a plurality of camera modules 2 are housed in the inspection pallet 31 so that their front surfaces may turn downward. The inspection pallet 31 is attached to a pallet holding frame 64 in such a state that it is erected, and moved by a pallet moving mechanism 73. A contact 80a is brought into contact with the back of the camera module 2 arranged at an inspection position K, and the camera module 2 in the inspection pallet 31 is positioned by pressing force. After completing the inspection of the camera module 2, inspection data is written in an IC tag attached to the inspection pallet 31 with a tag reader/writer 68. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera module including a photographic lens and an image sensor, an inspection pallet used for inspection of the camera module, an inspection apparatus for the camera module, and an inspection method.

  There is known a camera module that is incorporated in a small electronic device such as a mobile phone and provides a photographing function. The camera module is a unit in which a photographing lens and an image pickup device such as a CCD or CMOS are integrated in a casing, and is miniaturized so that it can be incorporated in a small casing such as a mobile phone.

  In recent years, a camera module provided with a lens driving mechanism for moving the photographing lens in the optical axis direction is also used. The lens driving mechanism holds, for example, a lens barrel in which a photographic lens is incorporated with a leaf spring that elastically deforms in the optical axis direction, and causes a permanent magnet attached to the outer periphery of the lens barrel to be repelled or attracted by an electromagnet disposed on the outer periphery. The lens barrel is moving.

In the manufacturing method of the camera module described in Patent Document 1, measurement data related to the photographing lens obtained by inspecting the camera module and measurement data related to the lens driving mechanism are two-dimensionally barcoded on the side of the camera module. The measurement data can be used when the camera module is incorporated into an electronic device such as a mobile phone.
JP 2006-011213 A

  The camera module is very small, for example, about 10 mm square. Further, the casing is formed by plastic injection molding, and the die cutting direction thereof coincides with the optical axis direction, so that the side surface of the casing is tapered. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to position the camera module with high accuracy.

  Further, when inspecting a large number of camera modules, there is a problem that it takes time to handle the camera modules one by one to the inspection device. In order to solve this, it is conceivable to perform inspection by placing a large number of camera modules downward or upward on a pallet. However, since the camera module has a standard operating posture in which the optical axis of the photographic lens is horizontal, inspection in the operating posture cannot be performed in a downward or upward posture, and there is a problem in the accuracy of the inspection. It will occur.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, a two-dimensional barcode is provided for each camera module, but the amount of information that can be expressed by the two-dimensional barcode is small. In addition, when the camera module is inspected in a plurality of inspection processes such as a resolution inspection, a color characteristic inspection, an autofocus inspection, etc., there is a problem that additional writing or rewriting cannot be performed with a two-dimensional barcode.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention enables the camera module to be positioned with high accuracy and to be inspected in an operating posture, and enables transmission and update of information in a plurality of inspection processes.

  In order to solve the above problems, a camera module according to the present invention includes a positioning surface orthogonal to the optical axis of a photographing lens, a positioning hole orthogonal to the positioning surface, on the front surface of a housing containing a photographing lens and an imaging element. Is provided.

  It is preferable to provide at least three positioning surfaces. Moreover, it is preferable to provide at least two positioning holes. Further, the positioning hole may be provided in the positioning surface.

  When the front surface of the housing is rectangular, one positioning surface may be provided near each of the three corners of the front surface, and positioning holes may be provided in each of the two positioning surfaces arranged on the diagonal line of the front surface. .

  The inspection pallet of the present invention is provided with a lens opening for exposing the photographic lens, a positioning surface orthogonal to the optical axis, and a positioning hole orthogonal to the positioning surface on the front surface of the housing containing the photographic lens and the imaging element. Used for inspection of the camera module. The inspection pallet has a plate-like pallet body in which a concave storage portion into which the camera module is inserted from the front side is provided on one surface, an inspection opening provided in each storage portion and facing the lens opening, and positioning A contact pin that contacts the surface and an insertion pin that is inserted into the positioning hole are provided.

  It is preferable that the contact pin and the insertion pin are integrally formed as separate parts and are incorporated in the storage portion.

  Further, an IC tag may be provided to store the inspection result of each camera module stored in each storage unit.

  A pallet cover that is attached to one surface of the pallet body and covers each storage portion may be provided. The pallet cover may be provided with a plurality of openings for exposing the terminals at positions facing the terminals provided on the back of each camera module.

  The camera module inspection apparatus of the present invention is a pallet holder that holds a plate-like inspection pallet in which a camera module is housed from a front side in a plurality of concave housing portions so that the optical axis of the camera module is substantially horizontal. Pallet moving means for moving the pallet holding means in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and placing one of the camera modules stored in the inspection pallet at an inspection position where the inspection of the camera module is performed, and an inspection pallet Inspection light irradiating means is provided for injecting inspection light into the camera module disposed at the inspection position through an inspection opening provided so as to pass through.

  The camera module inspection apparatus includes a plurality of contacts that contact a terminal provided on the back surface of the camera module at the inspection position, and a contact movement that moves the contact between a position that contacts the terminal and a position that moves away from the terminal. A mechanism may be provided. Then, the camera module may be pressed and positioned in the storage portion by a pressing force when the contact is in contact with the terminal.

  When a positioning surface orthogonal to the optical axis and a positioning hole orthogonal to the positioning surface are provided on the front surface of the housing, the camera module is mounted by abutting and inserting the positioning surface and the positioning hole in the storage unit. You may provide the contact pin and insertion pin which position.

  Further, a writing means for writing the inspection result of the camera module may be provided on an IC tag provided on the inspection pallet.

  The camera module inspection method of the present invention includes a step of storing the camera module from a front side in a plurality of concave storage portions provided on a plate-shaped inspection pallet, and an optical axis of the camera module being substantially horizontal. A step of holding the inspection pallet, moving the inspection pallet in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and placing one of the camera modules stored in the inspection pallet at an inspection position where the inspection of the camera module is performed; There is a step of inspecting the camera module by injecting inspection light through an inspection opening provided to penetrate the inspection pallet to the arranged camera module.

  The camera module inspection method may include a step of bringing a plurality of contacts into contact with terminals exposed from the back of the camera module at the inspection position. And you may position by pressing a camera module in an accommodating part with the pressing force at the time of a contactor contacting a terminal.

  In addition, the method includes a step of writing the inspection result of each camera module stored in each storage section on an IC tag provided on the inspection pallet.

  The camera module stored in the inspection pallet is transported to an inspection apparatus in which the next inspection is performed while being stored in the inspection pallet.

  According to the camera module of the present invention, the camera module can be positioned with high accuracy in the optical axis direction and in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis. Further, by providing a plurality of positioning surfaces and positioning holes, positioning can be performed with higher accuracy. Space can be saved by providing the positioning hole in the positioning surface. By appropriately combining the positions where the positioning surface and the positioning hole are provided, the orientation of the camera module to be positioned can be defined.

  According to the camera module inspection pallet of the present invention, since the plurality of camera modules are positioned with respect to the inspection pallet, if the inspection pallet is positioned with the inspection apparatus, the plurality of camera modules are also positioned with respect to the inspection apparatus. be able to. Therefore, each camera module can be inspected quickly and accurately. Further, if an inspection pallet is shared by a plurality of inspection apparatuses, any inspection apparatus can position and inspect a plurality of camera modules with high accuracy. Further, by providing an IC tag on the inspection pallet, it is possible to store the inspection result of the camera module having a large amount of information, and perform additional writing, rewriting and the like as appropriate. Furthermore, the pallet cover can prevent the camera module from falling off the inspection pallet.

  According to the camera module inspection apparatus and method of the present invention, since the inspection pallet is set up so that the optical axis of the camera module is substantially horizontal, the inspection can be performed in the standard operation posture of the camera module. Further, when the contact is connected to the terminal of the camera module, the camera module is positioned using the pressing force, so that the inspection accuracy can be improved. In addition, a separate mechanism for positioning the camera module becomes unnecessary.

  The camera module 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a box-shaped housing 3. A circular lens opening 4 is formed in the front surface 3a of the housing 3 substantially at the center. From the lens opening 4, a photographing lens 5 built in the housing 3 is exposed.

  On the front surface 3 a and on the diagonal line around the lens opening 4, positioning surfaces 8 to 10 used for positioning during manufacturing and inspection of the camera module 2 are provided. The positioning surfaces 8 to 10 are circular planes formed in a concave shape with respect to the front surface 3a. Moreover, it is arrange | positioned on the same plane orthogonal to the optical axis S of the imaging lens 5, and positions the camera module 2 in the optical axis S direction.

  Of the three positioning surfaces 8 to 10, positioning holes 8a and 10a having a smaller diameter than the positioning surfaces 8 and 10 are formed in the approximate center of the two positioning surfaces 8 and 10 located on the same diagonal line. The positioning holes 8a and 10a are formed in a direction orthogonal to the positioning surfaces 8 and 10, and position the camera module 2 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis S.

  A rectangular terminal opening 13 is formed on the back surface 3 b of the housing 3. From the terminal opening 13, the terminal 14 a of the image sensor 14 built in the housing 3 is exposed. In addition, a restriction projection 15 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 3 so as to protrude upward. The restriction protrusion 15 defines the direction in which the camera module 2 is set when the camera module 2 is set in the inspection apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 3 includes a substantially cylindrical main body 18, and a front cover 19 and a back cover 20 that are attached to the front and back sides of the main body 18. These are made of plastic, for example, and are bonded with an adhesive after the position adjustment.

  A cylindrical lens barrel 23 in which, for example, a three-group photographic lens 5 is incorporated is attached in the main body 18. The lens barrel 23 is made of plastic. The lens barrel 23 is held by a metal leaf spring 24 attached to the front surface of the main body 18, and is movable in the direction of the optical axis S by the elasticity of the leaf spring 24.

  A permanent magnet 27 and an electromagnet 28 are attached to the outer periphery of the lens barrel 23 and the inner periphery of the main body 18 so as to face each other. The polarity of the electromagnet 28 changes when the direction of the supplied current is switched. The lens barrel 23 is moved in the direction of the optical axis S when the permanent magnet 27 is repelled or attracted according to the change in polarity of the electromagnet 28. Although not shown in detail, the terminal of the electromagnet 28 is exposed from the terminal opening 13 together with the terminal 14 a of the image sensor 14.

  Since the front end portion of the lens barrel 23 is held by the leaf spring 24, the rear end side tends to be easily lowered downward due to gravity. In the camera module 2, the posture in which the optical axis S is horizontal is the standard operation posture. However, a slight change may occur in the position of the lens barrel 23 between the standard operation posture and other postures. is there. Therefore, the inspection of the camera module 2 is preferably performed in a standard operation posture in which the optical axis S is horizontal.

  Both the front cover 19 and the back cover 20 have a rectangular frame shape. The front cover 19 is formed with a lens opening 4, positioning surfaces 8 to 10 and the like. A terminal opening 13 is formed in the back cover 20, and an image sensor 14 is attached inside. The imaging element 14 is arranged so that the imaging surface 14b faces the lens barrel 23 side.

  The main body 18, the front cover 19, and the back cover 20 are formed by, for example, injection molding. For example, the die-cutting direction of the injection molding is the same as the optical axis S direction, so that the side surfaces of the main body 18, the front cover 19, and the back cover 20 are tapered. The positioning surfaces 8 to 10 and the positioning holes 8a and 10a are formed at the same time when the front cover 19 is injection molded. The positioning surfaces 8 to 10 and the positioning holes 8a and 10a may be formed by post-processing after injection molding.

  Next, an inspection pallet used for the inspection of the camera module 2 will be described. An inspection pallet 31 shown in FIG. 4 includes a pallet main body 32 and a pallet cover 36 attached to the upper surface of the pallet main body 32. The pallet main body 32 includes a support plate 34 and a pallet plate 35 attached on the support plate 34.

  A pair of handles 38 are attached to the upper surface 34a of the rectangular support plate 34 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The handle 38 is formed by bending, for example, a metal round bar, and is used when an operator handles the inspection pallet 31. A pair of bushes 39 arranged substantially diagonally are fitted in the vicinity of the handle 38. The bush 39 is used when the inspection pallet 31 is attached to the camera module inspection apparatus.

  The rectangular pallet plate 35 is mounted on the support plate 34 so that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the longitudinal direction of the support plate 34. The pallet plate 35 is formed with a plurality of storage portions 42 that store the camera module 2 so that the front surface 3a faces downward. Further, bushes 43 used for attaching the pallet cover 36 are fitted in the four corners.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each storage portion 42 has a similar shape to the front surface 3 a of the camera module 2 and is formed so as to penetrate the pallet plate 35 in the vertical direction. A groove 42b into which the restriction projection 15 of the camera module 2 is inserted is formed on the inner side surface 42a of each storage portion 42. The camera module 2 cannot be inserted into the storage part 42 unless the restricting protrusion 15 is inserted into the groove 42b. In addition, inspection openings 45 through which inspection light used for inspection of the camera module 2 is incident are formed at positions corresponding to the storage portions 42 of the support plate 34.

  A positioning member 48 formed as a separate part is incorporated in each storage portion 42. The positioning member 48 includes a positioning plate 49 having a shape similar to that of the storage portion 42, three contact pins 50 to 52 erected on the upper surface of the positioning plate 49, and the two contact pins 50 and 52. It is comprised from the provided insertion pins 50a and 52a.

  The positioning plate 49 is formed with an opening 53 having substantially the same size as the inspection opening 45 of the support plate 34. The cylindrical contact pins 50 to 52 are provided with contact surfaces 50b to 52b that contact the positioning surfaces 8 to 10 to position the camera module 2 in the optical axis S direction. The insertion pins 50a and 52a are inserted into the positioning holes 8a and 10a to position the camera module 2 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis S. The contact pins 50 to 52 are arranged on the diagonal line of the positioning plate 49 in accordance with the positioning surfaces 8 to 10 of the camera module 2 stored in the storage unit 42. The insertion pins 50a and 52a are provided on the contact surfaces 50b and 52b of the contact pins 50 and 52, respectively.

  In the camera module 2, the insertion direction with respect to the storage portion 42 is defined by the arrangement of the regulation protrusion 15 and the groove 42 b, the positioning surfaces 8 to 10 and the contact pins 50 to 52, the positioning holes 8 a and 10 a and the insertion pins 50 a and 52 a. The Thereby, erroneous loading of the camera module 2 to the inspection pallet 31 can be prevented.

  The support plate 34 and the pallet plate 35 are made of a light metal such as aluminum in order to achieve both rigidity maintenance and light weight. The positioning member 48 is made of, for example, stainless steel in order to obtain an appropriate strength. Further, the support plate 34, the pallet plate 35, and the positioning member 48 are formed by, for example, machining to obtain high accuracy in each part.

  The pallet cover 36 includes a cover plate 56 and fitting pins 57 provided at the four corners of the cover plate 56 and fitted to the respective bushes 39 of the pallet plate 35. The cover plate 56 is formed of a plastic such as acrylic, and a plurality of openings 58 that are smaller than the storage part 42 and larger than the terminal opening 13 of the camera module 2 are located at positions corresponding to the storage parts 42. Is formed. On the inner side surface of each opening 58, a pair of drop-off prevention protrusions 58 a that protrude into the opening 58 and prevent the camera module 2 from dropping off are formed so as to face each other.

  Each fitting pin 57 is a columnar pin provided with a protrusion that moves to the outer peripheral surface on the outer peripheral surface, and protrudes from the upper and lower surfaces of the cover plate 56. In each bush 43 of the pallet plate 35, a groove is formed in which the protrusion of the fitting pin 57 is click-engaged. Thus, the pallet cover 36 can be attached to the pallet plate 35 regardless of the orientation of the upper and lower surfaces.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the space in the storage portion 42 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer size of the camera module 2. Therefore, when the inspection pallet 31 is tilted, the camera module 2 moves in the storage unit 42, but the movement amount is small, and the camera module 2 is not damaged. Further, since the storage portion 42 is partially blocked by the pallet cover 36, the camera module 2 does not fall off.

  An IC tag 61 is attached to one side surface of the support plate 34 in the longitudinal direction. The IC tag 61 is a wireless tag capable of writing / reading data without contact. The IC tag 61 includes, for example, a memory and a communication circuit, and the communication circuit operates using electric power generated by electromagnetic induction. In the memory of the IC tag 61, inspection data representing the inspection result of each camera module 2 stored in the inspection pallet 31 is stored.

  A table 62 shown in FIG. 7 tabulates items of inspection data stored in the IC tag 61. In the IC tag 61, an ID number assigned when the camera module 2 is manufactured and the positions of the storage unit 42 in the X direction (longitudinal direction) and the Y direction (short direction) are stored in association with each other. Further, the inspection data of each camera module 2 is stored in association with an ID number or the like as characteristic values 1 to n. Since the memory of the IC tag 61 can be additionally written and erased, the inspection pallet 31 can be reused many times.

  Note that only 24 storage units 42 of the inspection pallet 31 are shown in order to prevent the drawing from becoming complicated, but it is preferable to provide about 100 storage units in consideration of inspection efficiency.

  Next, the camera module inspection apparatus will be described. The pallet holding frame 64 shown in FIG. 8 constitutes a part of the camera module inspection apparatus and holds the inspection pallet 31. The pallet holding frame 64 is a rectangular frame arranged substantially vertically, and the inspection pallet 31 is held in a state where the optical axis S of the camera module 2 is set to be substantially horizontal.

  The pallet holding frame 64 is provided with an opening 65 that exposes each inspection opening 45 of the inspection pallet 31. The pallet mounting surface 64 a of the pallet holding frame 64 is provided with a pair of fitting pins 66 that are fitted to the bushes 39 of the support plate 34. On the outer peripheral surface of each fitting pin 66, a click-moving protrusion is provided, and when engaged with each bush 39, it click-engages with a groove provided in the bush 39.

  Further, a tag reader / writer 68 is attached to the lower end of the pallet holding frame 64 at a position facing the IC tag 61. The tag reader / writer 68 writes / reads the inspection result to / from the IC tag 61.

  A camera module inspection apparatus 71 shown in FIG. 9 includes a chart unit 72, a pallet moving mechanism 73, and an element connection mechanism 74. The chart unit 72 includes a measurement chart 72b and a light source (see FIG. 11) 72c that illuminates the measurement chart 72b with parallel light from behind in a frame-shaped casing 72a. The chart unit 72 is disposed so as to face the opening 65 of the pallet holding frame 64, and irradiates the camera module 2 with inspection light through the inspection opening 45 of the inspection pallet 31. Although not shown in detail, a chart image corresponding to the inspection content of the camera module 2 is displayed on the measurement chart 72b.

  The pallet moving mechanism 73 is a so-called XY robot, and includes a vertical robot 76 that holds the pallet holding frame 64 and moves it vertically, and a horizontal robot 77 that holds the vertical robot 76 and moves it horizontally. . The pallet moving mechanism 73 moves the inspection pallet 31 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis S, and arranges the camera module 2 in the inspection position K indicated by a broken line.

  The element connection mechanism 74 includes a contact unit 80 having a plurality of contacts 80a, an actuator 81 that moves the contact unit 80 in the optical axis S direction, and the contact 80a faces the camera module 2 at the inspection position K. Thus, it comprises a support base 82 that supports the actuator 81.

  The contact 80a is, for example, a metal probe pin, and is connected to an element driver 85 and an AF driver 86 (both see FIG. 11) that control the imaging element 14 and the electromagnet 28 when the camera module 2 is inspected. When the contact 80 a is moved by the actuator 81, the contact 80 a comes into contact with the terminal 14 a of the image sensor 14 and the terminal of the electromagnet 28 (not shown) through the opening 58 of the pallet cover 36.

  When the inspection pallet 31 is set in the camera module inspection apparatus 71, the positions of the camera modules 2 are shifted in the storage portion 42 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the contact 80a is brought into contact with the terminal 14a, the camera module 2 moves in the housing portion 42 by the pressing force of the actuator 81 via the contact 80a, and the positioning surface 8 10 are pressed against the contact pin 50, and the insertion pins 50a and 52a are inserted into the positioning holes 8a and 10a. Thereby, the camera module 2 is appropriately positioned when the camera module 2 is inspected.

  As shown in FIG. 11, each part of the camera module inspection apparatus 71 is connected to a control unit 89 that controls the entire system. The control unit 89 is, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls each unit based on a control program stored in the ROM. The control unit 89 is connected to an input device 90 such as a keyboard and a mouse for performing various settings, and a monitor 91 for displaying setting contents, work contents, work results, and the like.

  The element driver 85 is a drive circuit that drives the image sensor 14, and inputs a control signal to the image sensor 14 via the contact unit 80. The AF driver 86 is a drive circuit that drives the electromagnet 28, and supplies current to the electromagnet 28 via the contact unit 80. The contact unit 80 inputs the image signal output from the image sensor 14 to the control unit 89.

  The controller 89 inspects the camera module 2 based on the input imaging signal. The inspection contents include, for example, resolution inspection, color characteristic inspection, autofocus inspection, and the like, and the control unit 89 can cope with various inspections by an inspection program stored in the ROM.

  FIG. 12 shows an inspection line 95 for performing various inspections of the camera module 2 using the camera module inspection device 71. The inspection line 95 includes, for example, a pallet changing device 96, first to third inspection devices 97 to 99, a marking device 100, and a sorting device 101. Further, the production information management computer 102 manages the entire production of the camera module 2 such as manufacturing and inspection. Hereinafter, the inspection of the camera module 2 by the inspection line 95 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The pallet transfer device 96 uses, for example, a robot hand or a suction hand to take out the camera modules 2 one by one from a tray on which a large number of camera modules 2 are placed, and stores them in each storage unit 42 of the pallet main body 32. The front side 3a is stored facing downward. When the camera module 2 is stored in all the storage units 42, the pallet cover 36 is attached on the pallet body 32.

  The pallet transfer device 96 stores the ID number of each camera module 2 stored in the inspection pallet 31 in association with the position of the storage unit 42 in the IC tag 61. The camera module 2 may be stored in the inspection pallet 31 manually.

  The inspection pallet 31 storing the camera module 2 is conveyed to the first inspection device 97 by hand or an automatic machine. The first to third inspection devices 97 to 99 each use the camera module inspection device 71 of the present invention, and the inspection program of the control unit 89 is changed in accordance with the inspection contents. For example, an inspection program for inspecting the resolving power of the camera module 2 is incorporated in the control unit 89 of the first inspection device 97.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the inspection pallet 31 is attached to the pallet holding frame 64 of the first inspection device 97. Each camera module 2 has a standard operation posture with the optical axis S substantially horizontal. The control unit 89 turns on the light source 72c of the chart unit 72. Further, the pallet moving mechanism 73 is driven to move the inspection pallet 31 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis S, and the camera module 2 to be inspected first is moved to the inspection position K.

  The control unit 89 drives the actuator 81 to move the contact unit 80 to the inspection position K. The contact 80 a contacts the terminal 14 a of the image sensor 14 through the opening 58 of the pallet cover 36. Further, the actuator 81 presses the camera module 2 via the contact 80 a and moves it within the storage portion 42. As a result, the contact pins 50 to 52 come into contact with the positioning surfaces 8 to 10 respectively, the insertion pins 50a and 52a are inserted into the positioning holes 8a and 10a, respectively, and the camera module 2 is appropriately positioned in the storage portion 42. .

  After the positioning of the camera module 2 is completed, a resolution inspection is performed. The controller 89 drives the electromagnet 28 with the AF driver 86 to move the lens barrel 23 in the direction of the optical axis S, and causes the measurement chart 72b to capture an image. An imaging signal generated by the imaging element 14 is input from the contact unit 80 to the control unit 89. The control unit 89 analyzes the imaging signal according to the inspection program, inspects the resolving power of the camera module 2, and creates inspection data.

  The tag reader / writer 68 writes the inspection data in the IC tag 61 in association with the ID number of the camera module 2 subjected to the resolution inspection and the position of the storage unit 42. Thereafter, the above steps are repeated, and the resolution inspection is performed on all the camera modules 2 in the inspection pallet 31.

  The camera module 2 for which the resolution inspection has been completed is conveyed to the next second inspection apparatus 98 while being stored in the inspection pallet 31. For example, an inspection program for inspecting the color characteristics of the camera module 2 is incorporated in the control unit 89 of the second inspection apparatus 98.

  Thereafter, similarly to the first inspection device 97, the inspection pallet 31 is attached to the second inspection device 98, and the color characteristics of each camera module 2 are inspected. The inspection data representing the inspection result is written to the resolution IC tag 61 by the tag reader / writer 68 in association with the ID number of the camera module 2 subjected to the color characteristic inspection and the position of the storage unit 42. If the inspection data for the resolution test is necessary for the color characteristic test, the test data for the resolution test may be read from the IC tag 61 by the tag reader / writer 68 before the color characteristic test is performed.

  The camera module 2 that has undergone the color characteristic inspection is transported to the next third inspection apparatus 99 while being stored in the inspection pallet 31. In the control unit 89 of the third inspection apparatus 99, for example, an inspection program for inspecting the autofocus (AF) function of the camera module 2 is incorporated. Thereafter, similarly to the first inspection device 97 and the second inspection device 98, the AF inspection of the camera module 2 is performed, and the inspection data is written in the IC tag 61.

  The camera module 2 that has undergone the AF inspection is conveyed to the next marking device 100 while being stored in the inspection pallet 31. The marking device 100 removes the pallet cover 36 from the pallet main body 32. Further, the marking device 100 takes out the camera module 2 in order from each storage section 42 and marks the ID number with a laser or ink on the side surface thereof, for example. The marked camera module 2 is returned to the original storage unit 42.

  When marking of all the camera modules 2 is completed, the inspection pallet 31 is conveyed to the sorting device 101. The sorting apparatus 101 analyzes the inspection data read from the IC tag 61 and classifies each camera module 2 into an OK product, an NG product, and a repair product, and an OK product tray, an NG product tray, and a repair product that are prepared in advance. Change the camera module 2 corresponding to the tray. The OK product is a product that has passed the inspection, and the NG product is a rejected product. The repair product represents a product that can be made into an OK product by minor repair and adjustment. OK products are packed and shipped. NG products are discarded or recycled. The repaired product is transported to the production line or the repair line of the camera module 2.

  The sorting apparatus 101 transmits the inspection data read from the IC tag 61 and the sorting data representing the sorting result to the production information management computer 102. The production information management computer 102 stores the inspection data and the classification data in association with each other. When a defect is found in the shipped camera module 2, the inspection data can be called from the marked ID number, so that a quick response can be made.

  The number of positioning surfaces and positioning holes, position, shape, and items of inspection data stored in the IC tag are not limited to the contents of the above embodiment.

It is a front side external perspective view of the camera module of the present invention. It is a back side external appearance perspective view of a camera module. It is sectional drawing of a camera module. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of an inspection pallet. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a storage part. It is sectional drawing of an inspection pallet. It is a table | surface which shows the item written in an IC tag. It is a perspective view which shows the state which attaches an inspection pallet to a pallet holding frame. It is an external appearance perspective view of a camera module inspection apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the state of the camera module in the test | inspection pallet at the time of a test | inspection. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a camera module inspection apparatus. It is the schematic of the inspection line of a camera module. It is a flowchart which shows the inspection process of a camera module. It is a flowchart which shows the test | inspection procedure of the camera module in a 1st test | inspection apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

2 Camera module 3 Housing 5 Shooting lens 8-10 Positioning surface 8a, 10a Positioning hole 14 Image sensor 14a Terminal 31 Inspection palette 32 Pallet body 36 Pallet cover 42 Storage section 45 Inspection opening 48 Positioning member 50-52 Contact pin 50a, 52a Insertion Pin 61 IC Tag 64 Pallet Holding Frame 68 Tag Reader / Writer 71 Camera Module Inspection Device 72 Chart Unit 73 Pallet Movement Mechanism 74 Element Connection Mechanism 80a Contact 89 Control Unit

Claims (18)

In the camera module in which a lens opening for exposing the photographing lens is provided on the front surface of the housing containing the photographing lens and the imaging element.
A camera module comprising a front surface of the casing provided with a positioning surface orthogonal to the optical axis of the photographing lens and a positioning hole orthogonal to the positioning surface.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein at least three positioning surfaces are provided.   3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein at least two positioning holes are provided.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the positioning hole is provided in the positioning surface.   The front surface of the housing is rectangular, the positioning surfaces are provided one by one in the vicinity of the three corners of the front surface, and the positioning holes are respectively formed in the two positioning surfaces arranged on the diagonal line of the front surface. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: A photographic lens and an image sensor are incorporated in the housing, and a lens opening for exposing the photographic lens to the front surface of the housing, a positioning surface orthogonal to the optical axis, and a positioning hole orthogonal to the positioning surface are provided. In the inspection pallet used to inspect the camera module
A plate-like pallet body in which a plurality of concave storage portions into which the camera module is inserted from the front side are provided on one surface;
An inspection opening that is provided in each of the storage portions and passes through the pallet body and faces the lens opening; a contact pin that contacts the positioning surface; and an insertion pin that is inserted into the positioning hole. Inspection pallet for camera module.   7. The inspection pallet for a camera module according to claim 6, wherein the abutment pin and the insertion pin are integrally formed as separate parts and incorporated in the storage portion.   8. The camera module inspection pallet according to claim 6, further comprising an IC tag for storing the inspection result of each camera module.   9. The inspection pallet for a camera module according to claim 6, further comprising a pallet cover that is attached to one surface of the pallet body and covers each of the storage units.   10. The inspection pallet for a camera module according to claim 9, wherein the pallet cover is provided with a plurality of openings for exposing terminals provided on a back surface of each camera module. In a camera module inspection apparatus provided with a lens opening that exposes the photographing lens on the front surface of a housing containing a photographing lens and an imaging element.
Pallet holding means for holding a plate-like inspection pallet in which the camera module is housed in a plurality of concave housing portions from the front side thereof, so that the optical axis of the camera module is substantially horizontal;
Pallet moving means for moving the pallet holding means in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and placing one of the camera modules stored in the inspection pallet at an inspection position where the inspection of the camera module is performed;
A camera module inspection apparatus comprising inspection light irradiating means for injecting inspection light into the camera module arranged at the inspection position through an inspection opening provided so as to penetrate the inspection pallet.   A plurality of contacts that contact a terminal provided on the back surface of the camera module at the inspection position; and a contact moving mechanism that moves the contact between a position that contacts the terminal and a position that moves away from the terminal; The camera module inspection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the camera module is pressed and positioned in the storage portion by a pressing force when the contactor contacts the terminal.   A positioning surface orthogonal to the optical axis and a positioning hole orthogonal to the positioning surface are provided on the front surface of the housing, and the positioning unit is in contact with and inserted into the positioning surface and the positioning hole. The camera module inspection device according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a contact pin and an insertion pin for positioning the camera module.   14. The camera module inspection apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a writing unit that writes an inspection result of each camera module on an IC tag provided on the inspection pallet. In the inspection method of the camera module in which a lens opening for exposing the photographing lens is provided on the front surface of a housing having a photographing lens and an imaging element built-in,
Storing the camera module from a front side in a plurality of concave storage portions provided on a plate-shaped inspection pallet; holding the inspection pallet so that the optical axis of the camera module is substantially horizontal; and Moving the inspection pallet in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and placing one of the camera modules stored in the inspection pallet at an inspection position where the inspection of the camera module is performed;
A method for inspecting a camera module, comprising the step of inspecting the camera module by causing inspection light to enter the camera module disposed at the inspection position through an inspection opening provided so as to penetrate the inspection pallet.   A step of bringing a plurality of contacts into contact with a terminal provided on the back surface of the camera module at the inspection position is provided, and the camera module is pressed into the storage portion by a pressing force when the contact contacts the terminal. The camera module inspection method according to claim 15, wherein positioning is performed.   17. The camera module inspection method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a step of writing an inspection result of each camera module on an IC tag provided on the inspection pallet.   The camera module inspection according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the camera module stored in the inspection pallet is transported to an inspection apparatus in which a next inspection is performed while being stored in the inspection pallet. Method.

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