KR20210107962A - Apparatus and method for Inspection of display panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display panel inspection device and a display panel inspection method, capable of simply and efficiently performing loading, unloading, and reversing of a display panel and selectively inspecting both surfaces of a display panel using a unified facility so as to efficiently and reliably perform inspection. The display panel inspection device comprises: a transfer unit which transfers a display panel in a first direction; a reversing unit partially surrounding the transfer unit and configured to reverse the introduced display panel; a control unit configured to determine whether to drive the reversing unit; and an inspection unit disposed on one side of the transfer unit and configured to inspect the appearance of the display panel. The reversing unit includes: a reversing frame; an adsorption unit disposed on the reversing frame and configured to adsorb the display panel; and a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the reversing frame with respect to a rotary shaft line extending in a second direction crossing the first direction.

Description

Apparatus and method for Inspection of display panel}

The present invention relates to a display panel inspection apparatus and inspection method, and more particularly, to an inspection apparatus and inspection method for inspecting the appearance of one surface of a display panel.

Electronic devices based on mobility are widely used. In addition to small electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs have recently been widely used as mobile electronic devices.

Such a mobile electronic device includes a display panel to provide visual information such as an image or video to a user in order to support various functions. Recently, as other components for driving the display panel are miniaturized, the proportion of the display device in electronic devices is gradually increasing, and a structure that can be bent to have a predetermined angle in a flat state is being developed.

After the manufacturing of the display panel or after the manufacturing is completed, an inspection for determining whether the display panel is satisfactory or not may be performed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display panel inspection apparatus and inspection method capable of simply and efficiently performing loading and unloading of a display panel as well as inversion. Another object of the present invention is to provide a display panel inspection apparatus and an inspection method that can perform an efficient and reliable inspection by selectively inspecting both surfaces of a display panel using a unified facility. However, these problems are exemplary, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a transfer unit for transferring a display panel along a first direction, an inversion unit partially surrounding the transfer unit and inverting the input display panel, a control unit determining whether the inversion unit is driven, and the transfer unit and an inspection unit disposed on one side and inspecting an external appearance of the display panel, wherein the inversion unit includes an inversion frame, an adsorption unit disposed on the inversion frame and adsorbing the display panel, and a first direction crossing the first direction. A display panel inspection apparatus is provided, including a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the inversion frame about a rotation axis extending in two directions.

According to this embodiment, the adsorption unit may include a suction pad directly contacting the display panel and a suction rod supporting the suction pad.

According to this embodiment, the adsorption rod of the adsorption unit may be coupled to be movable up and down with respect to the inversion frame.

According to this embodiment, the control unit, a position sensing unit for detecting the position of the inversion unit; It may include an input detection unit having a sensor that detects whether the display panel is inserted into the inversion unit, and a determination unit configured to receive identification information of the display panel and determine whether the inversion unit is driven.

According to this embodiment, the rotation driving unit of the inversion portion, the rotation shaft connected to the inversion frame; and a driving unit for applying a rotational force to the inversion frame through the rotation shaft.

According to the present embodiment, the inspection unit may include an inspection stage on which a display panel to be inspected is placed, and an optical device disposed on the inspection stage and facing the display panel.

According to this embodiment, the inversion frame may be provided with a reinforcing rib (rib) at the opposite end of the one end where the rotation axis is placed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a transfer reversing unit for transferring a display panel or inverting the display panel along a first direction, a control unit for determining a driving method of the transfer reversing unit, and one side of the transfer reversing unit are disposed, an inspection unit for inspecting an external appearance of the display panel, wherein the transfer reversing unit includes a center frame extending in a first direction, an arm extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and passing through the center frame an arm; and an adsorption unit disposed on the arm in the second direction and adsorbing the display panel, wherein the arm is rotated about the central frame as a rotation axis or slid in the second direction. , a display panel inspection device.

According to the present embodiment, the adsorption unit may include a suction pad directly in contact with the display panel, and a suction rod supporting the suction pad and movably attached to the arm in a vertical movement.

According to the present embodiment, the transfer inversion unit may further include a linear driving unit for sliding the arm in the second direction and a rotational driving unit for providing a rotational force to the central frame.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit may include a position detecting unit for detecting a position of the transfer reversing unit, an input detecting unit having a sensor detecting whether the display panel is put on the transfer reversing unit, and the display panel and a determination unit for receiving identification information of and determining a driving method of the transfer reversing unit.

According to the present embodiment, the inspection unit may include an inspection stage on which a display panel to be inspected is placed, and an optical device disposed on the inspection stage and irradiating light downward toward the display panel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the steps of putting a display panel to be inspected on the inverting unit at the first position, determining whether to drive the inverting unit, and determining whether to drive the inverting unit, include an inversion frame of the inverting unit adsorbing the display panel by an adsorption unit disposed on A display panel inspection method comprising: placing a display panel on a transfer unit; transferring the display panel to an inspection stage by the transfer unit; and inspecting an appearance of one surface of the display panel placed on the inspection stage. is provided

According to the present embodiment, when the driving of the inversion unit is not determined, the transfer unit transfers the display panel to the inspection stage without rotating the inversion unit, and an appearance of one surface of the display panel placed on the inspection stage It may include;

According to the present embodiment, the method may further include returning the inverting unit from the second position to the first position after the display panel is transferred to the inspection stage.

According to the present embodiment, the determining of whether to drive the inversion unit includes identification information including location information of the inversion unit, input information of the display panel onto the inversion unit, and information on whether the display panel is inspected. can be determined based on

According to another aspect of the present invention, the steps of putting a display panel to be inspected on the transfer reversing unit at an initial position, determining a driving method of the transfer reversing unit, and an adsorption unit disposed on the arm of the transfer reversing unit, are adsorbing the display panel; rotating the arm using the central frame of the transfer reversing unit as a rotation axis; disengaging the adsorption unit to seat the display panel on the inspection stage; A display panel inspection method is provided, including inspecting an appearance of one surface of the display panel.

According to the present embodiment, the method may further include sliding the adsorption unit in a direction opposite to the inspection stage with respect to the arm, and sliding the arm to return to the initial position.

According to the present embodiment, the determining of the driving method of the transfer inversion unit includes information on the position of the transfer inversion unit, input information of the display panel onto the transfer inversion unit, and information on whether the display panel is inspected. It may be determined based on the identification information included.

Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following detailed description, claims and drawings for carrying out the invention.

These general and specific aspects may be practiced using systems, methods, computer programs, or any combination of systems, methods, and computer programs.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention made as described above, it is possible to implement a display panel inspection apparatus and an inspection method capable of performing a simple, efficient, and reliable inspection. Specifically, the transfer and inversion of the display panel are selectively carried out as needed based on the input display panel information and the state information of the inspection device, and efficient and reliable inspection results can be obtained using unified inspection equipment. . Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects.

1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an arrangement of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B are side views schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7A to 7D are side views schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention can apply various transformations and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. Effects and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them, will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and when described with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and the overlapping description thereof will be omitted. .

In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, not in a limiting sense.

In the following examples, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have means that the features or components described in the specification are present, and the possibility of adding one or more other features or components is not excluded in advance.

In the following embodiments, when it is said that a part such as a film, region, or component is on or on another part, it is not only when it is directly on the other part, but also another film, region, component, etc. is interposed therebetween. Including cases where there is

In the drawings, the size of the components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of description. For example, since the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of description, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated bar.

Where certain embodiments are otherwise feasible, a specific process sequence may be performed different from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in an order opposite to the order described.

As used herein, "A and/or B" refers to A, B, or A and B. And, "at least one of A and B" represents the case of A, B, or A and B.

In the following embodiments, when a film, region, or component is connected, when the film, region, or component is directly connected, or/and in the middle of another film, region, or component Including cases where they are interposed and indirectly connected. For example, in the present specification, when it is said that a film, region, component, etc. are electrically connected, when the film, region, component, etc. are directly electrically connected, and/or another film, region, component, etc. is interposed therebetween. to indicate an indirect electrical connection.

The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes on a Cartesian coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broad sense including them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but may refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an arrangement of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the inspection apparatus 1 of the display panel P may include a transfer line TL, a transfer unit 10 , an inversion unit 20 , a control unit 30 , and an inspection unit 40 .

The transfer line TL may transfer the display panel P from the previous process to the next process. The transfer line TL may be implemented as a transfer means such as, for example, a roller conveyor.

The transfer unit 10 may be disposed on one side of the transfer line TL. The transfer unit 10 may be disposed between the transfer line TL and the inspection unit 40 , and may transfer the display panel P between the transfer line TL and the inspection unit 40 . In one embodiment, at least one transfer unit 10 may be provided. In another embodiment, the transfer unit 10 includes the first transfer unit 10a and the inspection unit 40 for loading the display panel P from the transfer line TL to the inspection unit 40 in the first direction DR1 . ) may include a second transfer unit 10b for unloading from the transfer line TL.

The inversion unit 20 may be disposed adjacent to the transfer unit 10 . The inverting unit 20 may invert the input display panel P. In one embodiment, at least one inversion unit 20 may be provided. In another embodiment, the inversion part 20 may include a first inversion part 20a adjacent to the first transfer part 10a and a second inversion part 20b adjacent to the second transfer part 10b. Hereinafter, a case in which two transfer units 10 and an inversion unit 20 are provided will be described, respectively. The structure and driving method of the transfer unit 10 and the inversion unit 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 .

The control unit 30 may be disposed adjacent to the transfer unit 10 and the inversion unit 20 . The control unit 30 may determine whether to drive the inversion unit 20 by acquiring state information of the inspection apparatus 1 and information on the display panel P. In one embodiment, the control unit 30 includes a position detecting unit 310 for detecting the position of the inverting unit 20 and a sensor for detecting whether the display panel P is inserted into the inverting unit 20 . The input detection unit 320 and the determination unit 330 for receiving identification information of the display panel P and determining whether to drive the inversion unit 20 may be provided.

The inspection unit 40 is disposed on one side of the transfer unit 10 and may inspect the appearance of the display panel P loaded from the first transfer unit 10a. The inspection unit 40 may unload the display panel P on which the inspection has been completed to the second transfer unit 10b. The display panel P unloaded from the inspection unit 40 may be inverted by the second inversion unit 20b or may be transferred to the transfer line TL by the second transfer unit 10b without inversion.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the transport direction of the display panel P is indicated by arrows. When the external inspection of the display panel P transferred through the transfer line TL is not required, the display panel P may be transferred to the next process along the transfer line TL without input to the first inverting part 20a. On the other hand, when it is necessary to inspect the appearance of the display panel P, the display panel P may be selectively fed into the first inverting part 20a. The input of the display panel P from the transfer line TL to the first inverting part 20a may be implemented using a pneumatic cylinder or the like.

Identification information including information on whether an appearance inspection is necessary may be provided to the display panel P. The controller 30 may receive identification information of the display panel P being transported along the transport line TL through the receiver. Based on the received identification information, the control unit 30 may control the display panel P, which needs to be inspected, to be put into the first inverting unit 20a.

Whether the display panel P input to the first inversion unit 20a needs to be inverted may be determined by the control unit 30 . That is, whether the first inverting unit 20a is driven may be determined by the control unit 30 . For example, when the first surface of the display panel P is to be inspected, the display panel P may be loaded into the inspection unit 40 by the first transfer unit 10a adjacent to the first inversion unit 20a without inversion. have. On the other hand, when the second surface of the display panel P is to be inspected, the control unit 30 determines the driving of the first inverting unit 20a, and accordingly, the first inverting unit 20a operates the display panel P. can be reversed. The inverted display panel P may be loaded into the inspection unit 40 by the first transfer unit 10a.

The inspection unit 40 may inspect the appearance of one surface of the loaded display panel P. Here, the appearance inspection may include determining whether the display panel P is defective by checking whether cracks, scratches, or the like exist on one surface of the display panel P.

The display panel P on which the inspection is completed may be unloaded to the second inverting unit 20b. Previously, depending on whether or not the first inverting part 20a is driven, the display panel P is inverted again by the second inverting part 20b or put into the transfer line TL by the second transfer part 10b without inversion. can be

Also, as an example, when both sides of the display panel P are to be inspected, the first inverting unit 20a is loaded into the inspection unit 40 without inversion of the display panel P to perform an inspection of one side, and then The loaded display panel P may be inverted in the second inverting unit 20b and then loaded back into the inspection unit 40 to perform an inspection of the other surface.

In FIG. 1, the transfer line TL, the transfer unit 10, the inversion unit 20, and the inspection unit 40 are shown to form a closed curve as a whole, but in another embodiment, they are a straight line, a line bent at least once, etc. and can be placed. In this case, the inspection device 1 having one transfer unit 10 and one inversion unit 20 may be provided. One transfer unit 10 may be driven in both directions along the first direction DR1 to load and unload the display panel P to and from the inspection unit 40 . When both the first and second surfaces of the display panel P are inspected, the inspection may be performed by combining the inversion of the inversion unit 20 and the bidirectional driving of the transfer unit 10 .

Although it has been described in FIG. 1 that the inspection object of the inspection apparatus 1 is the display panel P, the inspection object of the present invention is not limited thereto. As another embodiment, the inspection target of the inspection apparatus 1 may include a sub-layer (eg, a substrate) of the display panel P, an electronic device having the display panel P, and the like, which have vertical and horizontal lengths. may be a plate larger than its thickness.

2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 schematically shows the transfer unit 10 and the inversion unit 20 of the inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the transfer unit 10 may include a linear transfer means. For example, the transfer unit 10 includes a conveyor frame (not shown), a roller 110 rotatably attached to the conveyor frame, a roller driving unit (not shown) for driving the roller 110, and a display panel P on which the display panel P is placed. A conveyor belt 120 may be included. The conveyor belt 120 may extend in the first direction DR1 . The length of the conveyor belt 120 may be changed according to the environment in which the inspection device 1 is installed. The width of the conveyor belt 120 may be smaller than the width of the display panel P. The roller 110 driving the conveyor belt 120 may be rotatable in both directions. Accordingly, the conveyor belt 120 may move in both directions along the first direction DR1 , and the display panel P may be transported in both directions along the first direction DR1 by the conveyor belt 120 .

The reversing unit 20 may include a reversing frame 210 , an adsorption unit 220 , and a rotation driving unit 230 . The inversion frame 210 may have a shape that partially surrounds the transfer unit 10 . In one embodiment, the inversion frame 210, the two side portions (210a, 210b) extending along the first direction (DR1) from both sides of the transfer unit 10, respectively, and the two side portions (210a, 210b) are connected to each other It may be provided with a connection portion 210c. The transfer unit 10 may be partially surrounded by the two side portions 210a and 210b and the connection portion 210c of the inversion frame 210 .

The adsorption unit 220 may be disposed on the sides (210a, 210b) of the inversion frame (210). At least one or more adsorption units 220 may be disposed on the two sides 210a and 210b of the inversion frame 210, respectively, and the adsorption units 220 may be arranged along the first direction DR1.

The adsorption unit 220 may include a suction pad 221 in direct contact with the display panel P and a suction rod 222 supporting the suction pad 221 . The suction pad 221 may have various shapes, such as a circle, an ellipse, a square, and a rhombus. The suction pad 221 may include a flexible and soft material such as rubber to minimize physical damage to the display panel P when it is in direct contact with the display panel P.

The suction rod 222 may be a hollow pipe. A suction pad 221 may be attached to one end of the suction rod 222 , and the other end of the suction rod 222 may be connected to the side portions 210a and 210b of the inversion frame 210 . The suction rod 222 may be connected to the upper and lower sides with respect to the side portions 210a and 210b of the inversion frame 210, that is, movably along the third direction DR3. The suction rod 222 may be connected to an external suction unit that generates a negative pressure. When the external suction unit generates negative pressure, the negative pressure may be transmitted to the suction pad 221 through the suction rod 222 . Through this, the display panel P may be adsorbed to the adsorption pad 221 .

The rotation driving unit 230 may include a rotation shaft 231 and a driving unit 232 . The rotation shaft 231 of the rotation driving unit 230 may be connected to the inversion frame 210 at the opposite end of the connection part 210c of the inversion frame 210 . The two side portions 210a and 210b of the inversion frame 210 may have a curved shape to be connected to the rotation shaft 231 . The driving unit 232 may apply a rotational force to the inversion frame 210 through the rotation shaft 231 . That is, the driving unit 232 may rotate the inversion frame 210 by using the rotation shaft 231 connected to one end of the inversion frame 210 as the rotation axis RA. The driving unit 232 may be an electrically driven motor, or a pneumatic motor, a rotating cylinder, or the like.

The control unit 30 is disposed adjacent to the inversion unit 20 and may include a position detection unit 310 for detecting the position of the inversion unit 20 . The position sensing unit 310 may include a photoelectric sensor or the like. The position detection unit 310 may detect a case in which the inversion frame 210 of the inversion unit 20 is at a predetermined position and a case in which it is not. In addition, the control unit 30 is disposed adjacent to the inversion unit 20, and may include an input detection unit 320 capable of detecting whether the display panel P is inserted onto the inversion unit 20. . The input detection unit 320 may include a photoelectric sensor or the like. These detection results, as will be described later, may be a basis for the control unit 30 to determine whether to drive the inversion unit 20 .

3A and 3B are side views schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3A and 3B illustrate a step in which the display panel is inverted by the inverting unit.

First, referring to FIG. 3A , the inversion frame 210 of the inversion unit 20 is located at a first position PO1. The display panel P may be fed from the transfer line TL ( FIG. 1 ) onto the inversion unit 20 at the first position PO1 .

Whether the inversion unit 20 is driven may be determined by the control unit 30 ( FIG. 1 ). The control unit 30 is based on the identification information including the position information of the inversion unit 20, the input information of the display panel P onto the inversion unit 20, and information on whether the display panel P is inspected. Whether the inversion unit 20 is driven may be determined.

Specifically, the position sensing unit 310 ( FIG. 2 ) of the control unit 30 may detect whether the inversion frame 210 of the inversion unit 20 is at the first position PO1 . When the inversion frame 210 is not located at the first position PO1 , the determination unit 330 ( FIG. 2 ) of the control unit 30 may not determine the driving of the inversion unit 20 . In addition, the input detection unit 320 ( FIG. 2 ) of the control unit 30 is disposed adjacent to the transfer line TL and the inversion unit 20 , and whether the display panel P is inserted into the inversion unit 20 . It may include a sensor to detect. The input detection unit 320 may detect whether the display panel P is inserted. When the display panel P is not put onto the inversion unit 20 , the determination unit 330 may not determine the driving of the inversion unit 20 . In addition, the determination unit 330 of the control unit 30 may receive identification information of the inputted display panel P, and the identification information includes an inspection on any of the first side and the second side of the display panel P. Information on what is required may be included. When the inspection of the first surface is required, the determination unit 330 may not determine the driving of the inversion unit 20 .

When the control unit 30 does not determine to drive the inversion unit 20 , the transfer unit 10 transfers the display panel P to the inspection stage 410 of the inspection unit 40 without rotation of the inversion unit 20 . can be loaded.

Conversely, when the inversion frame 210 is located at the first position PO1 and the display panel P is put onto the inversion unit 20 and an inspection of the second surface is required, the controller 30 controls the inversion unit 20 . (20) can be determined to drive. When the control unit 30 determines to drive the inversion unit 20 , the adsorption unit 220 disposed on the inversion frame 210 of the inversion unit 20 may adsorb the display panel P.

Referring to FIG. 3b , when the adsorption of the adsorption unit 220 is completed, the driving unit 232 of the inversion unit 20 applies a rotational force through the rotation shaft 231 to move the inversion frame 210 to the second position (PO2). rotate to The rotation angle may be substantially 180 degrees, or it may be an angle greater than or less than 180 degrees depending on the type and arrangement of the linear transfer means of the transfer unit 10 . The display panel P may be inverted through the rotation of the inversion unit 20 .

After the inversion is completed, the adsorption unit 220 may release the adsorption and seat the display panel P on the transfer unit 10 . Thereafter, the driving unit 232 may apply a rotational force in the opposite direction to return the inversion frame 210 of the second position PO2 back to the first position PO1 to perform the next inversion step. Then, the transfer unit 10 may transfer the inverted display panel P to the inspection stage 410 of the inspection unit 40 and load it.

The inspection unit 40 may include an inspection stage 410 and an optical device 420 . A display panel P, which is an inspection target, may be loaded on the inspection stage 410 . The optical device 420 may be disposed on the inspection stage 410 , and may be disposed in a direction toward the display panel P placed on the inspection stage 410 , that is, downward. The optical device 420 may include an imaging element or an image sensor, and may inspect the appearance of one surface of the display panel P.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, since one surface of the display panel P to be inspected is disposed to face upward and the optical device 420 is disposed to face the display panel P downward, the optical device It is possible to minimize the deterioration of inspection quality due to the accumulation of foreign substances on the imaging element or the sensor.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel P is selectively transferred and inverted as needed based on the input information of the display panel P and the state information of the inspection device 1 . Since the external inspection of (P) is selectively performed, an efficient inspection is possible.

As a comparative example, when two or more inspection units for inspecting each of the first and second surfaces of the display panel are used, additional equipment and cost are required, and results of the two or more inspection units are correlated and calibrated ) may be additionally required, complicating the inspection step. However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, both the first surface and the second surface of the display panel P may be inspected by the unified inspection unit 40 . Through this, unnecessary steps can be reduced, and a simple, efficient, and more reliable inspection can be performed.

4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The same contents as those described with reference to FIG. 2 will be omitted, and will be mainly described below with differences.

In one embodiment, the transfer unit 10 may be implemented as a linear transfer means such as a linear stage. The transfer unit 10 may include a base 111 and a slider 112 that linearly reciprocates along the base 111 . The base 111 may extend in the first direction DR1 . A display panel P to be inspected may be seated on the slider 112 .

When inversion of the display panel P is not required, the inversion unit 20 is not driven and only the transfer unit 10 on which the display panel P is seated is driven to transport the display panel P along the extension direction of the base. can do it When inversion of the display panel P is required, the inversion unit 20 may be driven. After the adsorption unit 220 of the inversion unit 20 adsorbs the display panel P, the slider 112 may move from an initial position to a position where the inverted display panel P is to be seated. Thereafter, the inverting unit 20 is driven to rotate about the rotation axis RA to invert the display panel P. The adsorption of the adsorption unit 220 is released, and the inverted display panel P may be seated on the slider 112 . Then, the slider 112 may transfer the display panel P to the inspection unit 40 ( FIG. 2 ).

5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the inversion frame 210 of the inversion unit 20 may include a reinforcing rib 210R at an end opposite to the end where the rotation axis RA ( FIG. 2 ) is placed. That is, the reinforcing rib 210R may be positioned at a corner where the two side portions 210a and 210b and the connecting portion 210c of the inversion frame 210 meet. The material of the reinforcing rib 210R may be different from that of the inversion frame 210, and may include a metal material or the like.

The reinforcing rib 210R may reinforce the durability of the inversion frame 210 and maintain sufficient strength and support. When the inversion frame 210 is repeatedly driven, deformation or distortion of the inversion frame 210 may occur due to internal stress caused by the rotational force. By forming a reinforcing rib 210R at the end of the inversion frame 210 to enhance durability and strength, it is possible to prevent or minimize such deformation and distortion.

6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Configurations identical to those described above with reference to FIG. 2 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described below.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the inspection apparatus 1 may include a transfer reversing unit 50 capable of both transferring and reversing the display panel P. Referring to FIG. The transfer reversing unit 50 may transfer the display panel P along the first direction DR1 or reverse the display panel P.

The transfer reversing unit 50 may include a central frame 510 , an arm 520 , and an adsorption unit 530 . The central frame 510 may extend along the first direction DR1 and may lie on the same line as the rotation axis RA. The arm 520 may extend in the second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1 and may be disposed to pass through the center frame 510 . The adsorption unit 530 is disposed along the second direction DR2 on the arm 520 and may adsorb the display panel P. The adsorption unit 530 may include a suction pad 531 in direct contact with the display panel P and a suction rod 532 supporting the suction pad 531 . The suction pad 531 may be disposed at both ends of the suction rod 532 . The suction rod 532 may be attached to the arm 520 so as to move up and down.

The arm 520 may be rotated using the central frame 510 as the rotation axis RA or may be slid along the second direction DR2. The transfer reversing unit 50 may further include a linear driving unit 540 for sliding the arm 520 in the second direction DR2 and a rotational driving unit 550 for providing a rotational force to the center frame 510 . can

In one embodiment, the linear driving unit 540 may be a rack-and-pinion motor, a linear motor, or the like. When the linear driving unit 540 is a rack-and-pinion motor, it may be disposed adjacent to the arm 520 inside or below the center frame 510 . When the linear driving unit 540 is a linear motor, the scale of the linear motor is disposed adjacent to the arm 520 inside or below the center frame 510 , and the mover of the linear motor may be disposed on the arm 520 . have. As an example in FIG. 6 , the position of the linear driving unit 540 is shown by a dotted line in the case where the linear driving unit 540 is disposed inside the central frame 510 .

In an embodiment, the rotation driving unit 550 is disposed on one side of the central frame 510 and may include a rotation shaft 551 and a driving unit 552 . The rotating shaft 551 connects one end of the central frame 510 and the driving unit 552 , and the driving unit 552 may transmit a rotational force to the central frame 510 through the rotating shaft 551 .

7A to 7D are side views schematically illustrating a part of an inspection apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a step in which the substrate is inverted by the transfer reversing unit of FIG. 6 .

First, referring to FIG. 7A , the center frame 510 of the transfer reversing unit 50 is located at a first position PO1 . The display panel P may be fed from the transfer line TL ( FIG. 1 ) onto the transfer reversing unit 50 at the first position PO1 .

The control unit 30 (FIG. 1) includes information on the position of the transfer reversing unit 50, input information of the display panel P onto the transfer reversing unit 50, and information on whether the display panel P is inspected. Based on the identification information, it is possible to determine the driving method of the transfer reversing unit (50).

When the control unit 30 determines the transfer of the transfer reversing unit 50 , the adsorption unit 530 disposed on the arm 520 of the transfer reversing unit 50 absorbs the display panel P and then the arm 520 . ) slides with respect to the center frame 510 to transport the display panel P. The inspection unit 40 may perform an appearance inspection on the transferred display panel P.

On the other hand, when the center frame 510 is located at the first position PO1 and the display panel P is put on the transfer reversing unit 50 and an inspection of the second surface is required, the control unit 30 It is possible to determine the inversion of the transfer reversing unit (50). When the control unit 30 determines the inversion of the transfer reversing unit 50 , the adsorption unit 530 disposed on the arm 520 of the transfer reversing unit 50 may adsorb the display panel P .

7B, when the adsorption of the adsorption unit 530 is completed, the rotation driving unit 550 of the transfer reversing unit 50 applies a rotational force through the rotating shaft 231 to move the arm 520 to the second position ( PO2). The angle of rotation may be substantially 180 degrees, and may be greater or less than 180 degrees. The display panel P may be inverted through the rotation of the transfer reversing unit 50 .

Referring to FIG. 7C , after the inversion is completed, the adsorption unit 530 may release the adsorption and seat the display panel P on the inspection stage 410 . Thereafter, the suction rod 532 may be slid with respect to the arm 520 to move upward.

Referring to FIG. 7D , the rotation driving unit 550 applies a rotational force in the opposite direction to move the arm 520 of the second position PO2 back to the first position PO1 to perform the next reversal step. can return Then, an external inspection of the display panel P on the inspection stage 410 may be performed.

The display panel P can be simply and efficiently transferred and inverted through the transfer reversing unit 50 capable of performing both transfer and inversion. Since the external inspection of the display panel P is selectively performed by selectively transferring and reversing the display panel P as needed based on the input information of the display panel P and the state information of the inspection device 1 , , efficient inspection is possible. In addition, it is possible to inspect both the first and second surfaces of the display panel P with the unified inspection unit 40 , thereby reducing unnecessary steps and performing simple, efficient, and improved reliability inspection.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, which is merely exemplary, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

1 Inspection device
P display panel
TL transfer line
10 transport
20 Reversal
30 control
40 inspection department
50 transfer reversing part

Claims (19)

a transfer unit for transferring the display panel in a first direction;
an inverting unit partially surrounding the transfer unit and inverting the input display panel;
a control unit that determines whether the inversion unit is driven; and
an inspection unit disposed on one side of the transfer unit and inspecting an external appearance of the display panel; and
The inversion part,
reverse frame;
an adsorption unit disposed on the inverting frame and adsorbing the display panel; and
and a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the inversion frame about a rotation axis extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction. According to claim 1,
The adsorption unit is
a suction pad in direct contact with the display panel; and
A display panel inspection device comprising a; a suction rod supporting the suction pad. 3. The method of claim 2,
and the adsorption rod of the adsorption unit is coupled to be movable up and down with respect to the inversion frame. According to claim 1,
The control unit is
a position sensing unit for detecting the position of the inversion unit;
an input detection unit having a sensor for detecting whether the display panel is inserted into the inversion unit; and
and a determination unit configured to receive identification information of the display panel and determine whether to drive the inversion unit. According to claim 1,
The rotation driving unit of the inversion unit may include: a rotation shaft connected to the inversion frame; and a driving unit that applies a rotational force to the inversion frame through the rotation shaft. According to claim 1,
The inspection unit,
an inspection stage on which a display panel to be inspected is placed; and an optical device disposed on the inspection stage and facing the display panel. According to claim 1,
and the inversion frame has a reinforcing rib at an end opposite to one end on which the rotation axis is placed. a transfer reversing unit for transferring the display panel in a first direction or for inverting the display panel;
a control unit for determining a driving method of the transfer reversing unit; and
an inspection unit disposed on one side of the transfer reversing unit and configured to inspect an external appearance of the display panel; including,
The transfer inversion unit,
a central frame extending along the first direction;
an arm extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and disposed to pass through the central frame; and
and an adsorption unit disposed on the arm along the second direction and adsorbing the display panel;
and the arm is rotated about the central frame as a rotation axis or slid along the second direction. 9. The method of claim 8,
The adsorption unit is
a suction pad in direct contact with the display panel; and
and a suction rod supporting the suction pad and movably attached to the arm to move up and down. 9. The method of claim 8,
The transfer inversion unit,
a linear driving unit for sliding the arm along the second direction; and
The display panel inspection apparatus further comprising; a rotation driving unit for providing a rotational force to the central frame. 9. The method of claim 8,
The control unit is
a position sensing unit for detecting the position of the transfer reversing unit;
an input detection unit having a sensor for detecting whether the display panel is inserted onto the transfer reversing unit; and
and a determination unit configured to receive identification information of the display panel and determine a driving method of the transfer reversing unit. 10. The method of claim 9,
The inspection unit,
an inspection stage on which a display panel to be inspected is placed; and an optical device disposed on the inspection stage and irradiating light downward toward the display panel. putting the display panel to be inspected on the inverting unit at the first position;
determining whether to drive the inversion unit;
adsorbing the display panel by an adsorption unit disposed on an inversion frame of the inversion unit when it is determined to drive the inversion unit;
rotating the inversion unit around a rotation axis placed at one end of the inversion frame to move it to a second position;
disengaging the adsorption of the adsorption unit, and placing the display panel on a transfer unit;
transferring the display panel to an inspection stage by the transfer unit;
and inspecting the appearance of one surface of the display panel placed on the inspection stage. 14. The method of claim 13,
transferring the display panel to the inspection stage by the transfer unit without rotating the inversion unit when it is not determined to drive the inversion unit; and
and inspecting the appearance of one surface of the display panel placed on the inspection stage. 14. The method of claim 13,
and returning the inverting unit from the second position to the first position after the display panel is transferred to the inspection stage. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14,
The step of determining whether to drive the inversion unit,
The display panel inspection method is determined based on identification information including location information of the inverting part, information on putting the display panel onto the inverting part, and information on whether the display panel is inspected. putting the display panel to be inspected on the transfer reversing unit at the initial position;
determining a driving method of the transfer inversion unit;
adsorbing the display panel by an adsorption unit disposed on the arm of the transfer reversing unit;
rotating the arm using the central frame of the transfer reversing unit as a rotation axis;
releasing the adsorption of the adsorption unit to seat the display panel on an inspection stage;
and inspecting the appearance of one surface of the display panel placed on the inspection stage. 18. The method of claim 17,
sliding the adsorption unit in a direction opposite to the test stage with respect to the arm; and
The method of claim 1, further comprising: sliding the arm to return to the initial position. 18. The method of claim 17,
The step of determining the driving method of the transfer reversing unit,
The display panel inspection method is determined based on identification information including location information of the transfer reversing unit, input information of the display panel onto the transfer reversing unit, and information on whether the display panel is inspected.

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